2001 archives
There’s a "Diamond in the Rough" at Brownstown Speedway
For Immediate Release: Michael Despain-Media Contact
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
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WEST PLAINS MOTOR SPEEDWAY 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.
1) Johnny Saathoff, Beatrice NE-$10,000 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
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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
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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
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
Heat 2
Heat 3
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
Heat 2
Heat 3
Feature
Matt Taylor wins
CarQuest Special at Farmer City
By Darin Stewart
(5/15/01 Farmer City IL) Despite Winston Cup Star Ken Schrader being the focus of the evening, Matt Taylor of Springfield Illinois was the star, as he led all 25 laps for the feature win. After dueling fellow front row starter Ed Dixon, Taylor steadily pulled away a few car lengths, to take the win on the CarQuest Ken Schrader Night.
At the drop of the green Matt Taylor and Ed Dixon led the field to the green. Utilizing the top-side of the track, Taylor showed many of the traits of his father, Dick , and proved to be too much for Dixon aboard the Althoff/ Sieve/ Casey’s General Stores/ C.J. Rayburn, as he could get no closer than Taylor’s back bumper. Taylor, aboard the Bill West Enterprises/ Hixson Racing Engine/ CJ Rayburn took his first win of the season at the Farmer City Raceway. Behind Dixon, Joe Ross Jr., Terry English, and Steve Hillard rounded out the top five. Hillard finished in the top five, despite an early race spin to avoid two spinning cars, and was sent to the tail, and made a strong run to finish 5th. Corey Turner, Ken Schrader, Bryan Clendenan, Roger Long and Mark Faust rounded out the top ten.
Schrader, aboard the Federated Auto Parts/ GRT put on quite a show for his fans as well, charging from his 14th starting position to running in the top 5 part of the race, before slipping a bit to finish 7th. Schrader, who had raced here previously in a midget and modified, was making his debut in the late models, after testing the two previous days in Dover Delaware in the M&M’s Winston Cup Car.
Joe Ross Jr. took fast time honors with a time of 12.972. A special note on qualifying, featured Justin Allgaier, a 14 year old sensation turning in 2nd fast time of the field.
Matt Taylor took the Trophy Dash win over Rodney Melvin, Joe Ross Jr., Corey Turner, Ed Dixon, and Justin Allgaier
Heat Winners were Roger Brickler, Marvin Burton, and Kirby Damery
The Semi feature win was taken by Joe Harlan over Jamie Wilson, and Marvin Burton
Summary:
Fast Qualifier: Joe Ross Jr. 12.972
Trophy Dash: Matt Taylor, Rodney Melvin, Joe Ross Jr., Corey Turner, Ed Dixon,
Justin Allgaier
1st Heat: Roger Brickler, John Kresser Jr., Butch Smith, Eric Kwasigroh, Reese
O’Connor
2nd Heat: Marvin Burton, Joe Harlan, Scott Duff, Ken Schrader, Roger Long
3rd Heat: Kirby Damery, Steve Hillard, Rodney Melvin, Mark Faust, Corey Turner
Semi-Feature: Joe Harlan, Jamie Wilson, Marvin Burton, Eric Kwasigroh, John
Kresser Jr., Bryan Clendenan
Feature: Matt Taylor, Ed Dixon, Joe Ross Jr., Terry English, Steve Hillard,
Corey Turner, Ken Schrader, Bryan Clendenan, Roger Long, Mark Faust, Ed
Bauman, Kirby Damery, John Kresser Jr., Rodney Melvin, Bobby Melvin, Joe
Harlan, Justin Allgaier, Marvin Burton, Jamie Wilson, Eric Kwasigroh
DANVILLE, Ill (May 13,
2001) “The Flatland Flash” Kevin Weaver of Gibson City, IL, took full advantage
of his pole starting spot and went on to cruise to an easy win Sunday night at
the Vermilion County Speedway in Danville. Weaver driving the Turner Bus
Service/Precision Plastic Products/McNutt Consulting Services/Rayburn/Custom
Racing Engines/Monte Carlo tussled for the lead with Sadorus’s (IL) Steve
Hillard for the first five circuits, before gaining the top spot for good, then
simply cruised to an unchallenged win.
The win completed a
successful weekend for Weaver, as he finished in the runner-up spot Saturday
night at Benton County Speedway in Indiana. “We’ve been trying a lot of new
setups on the car over the past few weeks,” Weaver stated, “and we think we’ve
hit on some good, and some that still needs some improvement.” Weaver was
fortunate not to have a mid pack starting spot, as there was not much movement
throughout the field over the course of the race. “I always like to start up
front, and get things rolling like we did. I knew Steve (Hillard) had been on a
tear of late, and that he would be tough. It wasn’t easy getting that top spot
from him, but he raced us really clean as I’d expect.”
Hillard, the current
Northern All Stars point’s leader, came into the event having won the previous
two nights, at Farmer City and Fairbury, respectively. When flagman Rick
Icaacson dropped the green flag, it looked as though it might be another trip to
victory lane for the “Sadorus Sensation”, but both Hillard and Weaver swapped
the lead over the first five laps, running side by side around the roundish 1/4
–mile facility. At the ten-lap mark, it was Weaver who now had command of the
race, as he began to open up a several car length advantage of his pursuants.
Hillard, John Gill, Rodney Melvin, and Jim Curry were all giving chase, but to
no avail.
Then on lap 12, the 45k
machine of John Kresser Jr., spun in turn four collecting one of the inner tire
barriers and bringing out the first caution of the race. The damage to Kresser
Jr’s machine was substantial, and the rookie from Bridgeview, IL, had no choice
but to call it a night. Fast qualifier and local hero Bob Pierce, who started
eleventh, had begun to make his move before the Kresser Jr. incident. Pierce
had his Murphy Trucking/Rayburn/Pro Power/Monte Carlo up to the fifth spot when
the yellow came out, but had to go back to the seventh position on the restart.
Pierce was not to be denied however, as he went to work on the high side of the
racing surface. He managed to work his way around Terry Eaglin and Rodney
Melvin on lap 16, and back into the fifth spot, but could advance no further.
On the other end of
that spectrum was Lawrenceburg’s (IN) Scott James. James, who started outside
row two, was steadily sliding towards the middle of the pack. On lap 10, James
was in the tenth position and clawing to maintain that, but by the time the
checkered flew James had relinquished another spot to finish eleventh. Curry
meanwhile, who started eighth, had worked his way up to the fourth spot by lap
12 and began his chase of “The Modern Day Cowboy” John Gill of Mitchell, IN.
On lap 16, Dan Walden of Crawfordsville, IN, spun in turn four bringing out the
final caution of the race
This would set the
stage for a single file restart with just 14 laps remaining. Weaver could not
have been happier to see a clear track in front of him, but it didn’t take him
long before he began to weave (pun intended) his way through slower lap traffic
once again. By lap 22, Weaver had a commanding 15-car length lead over Hillard,
with Gill, Curry, and Pierce giving chase. Doug McCammon had moved around the
Eaglin machine and into sixth place on lap 19, but Eaglin refused to back down,
claiming the spot again a few laps later.
Eaglin, may in fact,
have been the most impressive on this night. Piloting an out dated 1994
Mastersbilt chassis, and with little time to really work on the car, Eaglin
managed to use his experience and savvy to maintain pace with the newer and
faster machines ahead. Eaglin appeared very fast in his heat race and should
have won that race, but was gathered in by race leader Jim Partipilo, whose car
lost power and slowed quickly right in front of Eaglin. “This is an old chassis
that has just sat around for the last three years doing nothing. It’s the same
car John (Gill) used to win two Jackson 100 races. We just put a body on it and
decided to go racing with it. I’m in the fertilizer business, and this time of
year I don’t get a lot of time to work on the cars like I would like to,” Eaglin
said prior to the feature race.
When the checkers were
thrown Weaver would cross the stripe almost a half-lap ahead of Hillard, Gill,
Curry, and Pierce. Rounding out the top ten were Eaglin, McCammon, Steve
Barnett, Melvin, and Missouri’s Ed Dixon.
In preceding heat race
action, Weaver, Hillard, Gill and James all posted wins, while Cory Daughtery
and Roger Long, winner of Saturday night’s Hoosier Dirt Series race at Benton
County, won consolation races.
A near capacity crowd
filled the grandstands on what was a beautiful night for racing. “We don’t
bring the late models in very often, but when we do they put on a heck of a
show, and people come to see that,” said promoter Bill Marietta, “I think having
the late models here about once a month is the perfect combination for us
here.” Marietta, who is in his third season at the helm of Vermilion County
Speedway, has seen a resurgence of racing in the area over the past three
years. “We think VCS is host to some of the finest UMP modified racing action
there is in the Midwest, and I aim to keep it that way.”
Racing resumes next
Sunday night at Vermilion County Speedway. A full program of modifieds, super
streets, bombers, and hornets is slated. Gates open at 4pm, hot laps at 6pm,
with racing scheduled for 7:30pm. Vermilion County Speedway is located just off
I-74 at exit 210, then 0.7 miles north on US 150 (Martin Luther King Dr.) to the
fairgrounds entrance. For more information, please call (217) 433-6588.
1. Kevin Weaver 2. Rodney Melvin 3. Bob Pierce 4. Shawn Negangard 5. Cory Daughtery
6. Marvin Burton 7. Jim Laws 8. Ron Bohm 9. Roy
Mitchell
1. Steve Hillard 2. Terry Eaglin 3. John Kresser Jr. 4. B.J. McCammon 5. Dan Walden
6. Juan Grino 7. Brad Shelly 8. Ed Woodard 9. Jim
Partipilo
Heat 3 results (Top 4 advance)
1. John Gill 2. Doug McCammon 3. Ed Dixon 4. Bryan Clendenen 5. Roger Long 6. Jeff Martin
7. Eddie Leviner 8. (21br Unknown Driver)
Heat 4 results (Top 4 advance)
1. Scott James 2. Jim Curry 3. Steve Barnett 4. Jammie Wilson 5. Mike Bechelli
6. Bobby Melvin 7. Don Hasse
Semi-feature 1 results (Top 3 advance)
1. Cory Daughtery 2. Dan Walden 3. Marvin Burton 4. Brad Shelly 5. Jim Laws 6. Juan Grino
7. Roy Mitchell 8. Ed Woodard 9. Ron Bohm
Semi-feature 2 results (Top advance)
1. Roger Long 2. Mike Bechelli 3. Jeff Martin 4.
Bobby Melvin 5. Don Haase 6. Chuck Haga 7. Eddie Leviner
Feature results (30 laps)
1. Kevin Weaver 2. Steve Hillard 3. John Gill 4. Jim Curry 5. Bob Pierce 6. Terry Eaglin
7. Doug McCammon 8. Steve Barnett 9. Rodney Melvin 10. Ed Dixon 11. Scott James
12. Shawn Negangard 13. B.J. McCammon 14. Roger Long 15. Jammie Wilson 16. Mike Bechelli
17. Jeff Martin 18. Cory Daughtery 19. Dan Walden 20. John Kresser Jr. 21. Marvin Burton
22. Bryan Clendenen
Fast Qualifier (36 cars)
Bob Pierce 14.146
Kevin
Weaver takes UMP Hoosier Series Win
By Darin Stewart and Jack Taylor
(5/13/01 Danville IL) Kevin Weaver, of Gibson City Illinois, took the Turner Bus Service/McNutt Consulting Services/ Precision Plastic Products/Custom Racing Engines/ CJ Rayburn Race Car to victory lane and picked up the $2,000 check waiting for him at the Vermilion County Speedway in Danville Illinois on Sunday Night. Following Weaver to the line were, Steve Hillard, John Gill, Jim Curry and Bob Pierce.
Weaver, jumped to the lead from his pole position, after spending several laps battling with outside front row starter, Steve Hillard. After pulling a slight distance ahead of Hillard, Weaver slowly pulled out to about 8 car lengths, and comfortably rode to the win. “ We were pretty good on the bottom, and just got the start on Hillard” said Weaver after the 30 lap affair. Hillard gave chase, but also had to fight off John Gill, and Gill was hounded by Jim Curry and Bob Pierce the entire race, giving the fans quite the show.
With 36 cars in attendance, Bob Pierce of Oakwood Illinois, qualified the Murphy Trucking/ Da Bar/ Fineline Design/ Hoosier Racing Tire/ CJ Rayburn Race Car fastest in the field with a 14.146
Heat races were won by Kevin Weaver, Steve Hillard, John Gill, and Scott James. The Semi Features were won by Corey Daugherty, and Roger Long.
Summary
36 cars present
Fast Qualifier: Bob Pierce, 14.146
1st Heat: Kevin Weaver, Rodney Melvin, Bob Pierce, Shawn Negangard
2nd Heat: Steve Hillard, Terry Eaglin, John Kresser Jr., B.J. McCammon
3rd Heat: John Gill, Doug McCammon, Ed Dixon, Bryan Clendenan
4th Heat: Scott James, Jim Curry, Steve Barnett, Jamie Wilson
1st Semi Feature: Corey Daugherty, Juan Grino, Marvin Burton
2nd Semi Feature: Roger Long, Mike Bechelli, Jeff Martin
Feature: Kevin Weaver, Steve Hillard, John Gill, Jim Curry, Bob
Pierce, Terry Eaglin, Doug McCammon, Steve Barnett, Rodney Melvin, Ed Dixon,
Scott James, Shawn Negangard, B.J. McCammon, Roger Long, Jamie Wilson, Mike
Bechelli, Jeff Martin, Corey Daugherty.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In UMP Modified action, Tim O'Donnell of Champaign started on the front row of the feature and out-duelled all challenges to his position, leading flag to flag for an impressive victory over a strong field of cars. 41 rivers took qualifying runs on the VCS quarter-mile. Many were ther to prepare themselves for the $5,000 to win David Richardson Memorial Race on Memorial Day weekend.
Four heats and two semi's narrowed the 41 cars down to 22 for the feature run and there were some pretty good drivers who loaded up before feature time, including current point leader, Arby Burton, Michael Bradley, Steve Foust, J.R. Coyner, Terry Duncan, and Jason Lakey.
Two cautions were thrown during the feature, bringing the field back together, but O'Donnell fought off Dan Hamstra and a hard charging Don Kiger for the win. Kiger got around Hamstra in the closing laps for second and Roger Cary and Rob Fuqua were fourth and fifth.
The Super Streets and Bombers swelled the pits to a total of 133 cars for Sunday night racing. Brian Cook took honors in the Super Street feature and Steve Akins won the Bomber feature. Next Sunday will be a regular night of racing with the entertaining Hornets as an added event.
SUMMARY
UMP MODIFIED
Heat 1- Dan Hamstra, Bub Patrick, Tim Reynolds, Chuck Haga
Heat 2-Tim O'Donnell, Rob Fuqua, Rick Hufford, Wes Steidinger
Heat 3-John DeMoss, Dennis Hux, Sean Seavers, Chris DeMoss
Heat 4-Don Kiger, Roger Cary, Nick Gough, Tommy Burnside
Semi 1-Brandon Raef, Kyle Logue, Corey Rolfe
Semi 2-Jeff Houchins, Elvin Herschberger, Tony Roland
Feature- Tim O'Donnell, Don Kiger, Dan Hamstra, Roger Cary, Rob Fuqua, Tim
Reynolds, Dennis Hux, Bub Patrick, Rick Hufford, Chuck Haga
SUPER STREET
Heat 1-Randy Shuman, Chris Dick, Ed Lahey
Heat 2-Joe Weathers, Johnny Gibbs, Jeff Link
Feature-Brian Cook, Randy Shuman, Al Crawley, Jeff Link,
BOMBERS
Heat 1-Robbie Rife, Josh Troxtrell
Heat 2-Chris Wilkenson, Mike Hope
Heat 3-Gordon Parsons, Steve Akins
Feature- Akins, Jason Turner, Wilkenson, Jeff Barker
ROGER LONG HANDLES HOOSIER
DIRT SERIES AT BCS
By Jack Taylor
The UMP Hoosier Dirt Series stopped by Benton County Speedway Saturday night and a few drivers, not usually regulars at the BCS confines, also paid a visit. Ump officials, including President Bob Memmer, were on hand to witness the action. The evening also marked the return of UMP Modifieds to the track, which has raised considerable debate in the past weeks. Local modified drivers had been voicing opinions pro and con as to why the track had dismissed the modifieds from their weekly card and the officials returned the modified drivers to the program.
24 late models took qualifying laps, with Roger Long setting best time of 15:04. Three heats were on the agenda and Kevin Weaver won over Chuck Haga in the first. The second heat winner was Eddie Leviner over Juan Grino and the third heat went to Long over Jammie Wilson. The LM Semi was won by Marvin Burton.
The 30-lap, $2,000 to win feature line-up saw Weaver and Leviner in the front row with Long and Haga starting in the second row. A surprise element of this 30 lap event was the announcement at the drivers meeting that caution flag laps would count for the first 20 laps. The remaining 10 would only count green flag laps. As it could have been predicted, three caution flags came out during the first 20 laps and the third, involving Eddie Leviner and Juan Grino who were battling for a top five position, prompted a red flag to keep the laps from piling up.
Weaver had controlled the race early on, only to fall victim to a famous outside pass by Long after the second caution. From that point it was Long in command, with Weaver settling into the second spot. Shawn Toczak moved up from the middle of the pack to capture third at the checkered, and veteran Dick Potts and rookie Chuck Haga took fourth and fifth. The win was the second this year at BCS for Long and probably the 30th all-time win at BCS over his career, which stretches back to the seventies.
The UMP Modified action welcomed back a slim field of drivers, which will take some time build. 14 drivers turned out for racing, including three past champions in Rick Hufford, Bub Patrick and J.R. Coyner. Patrick set fast time and Chuck Haga took the dash. Hufford won the first heat, and Haga, doing double duty in his LM and Modified, won the second heat. At feature time, it was Haga and Coyner battling for most of the 20 laps, with several good skirmishes in the 3-6 group also. Haga prevailed at the checkered over Coyner, with Jack Taylor, Patrick, and Hufford rounding out the top five.
Super Street action saw Matt Reitz take the dash, Ryan Bowman win the heat, and A.J. Wright win the feature. Road Warrior winners were Chris Wilkerson in the dash, and Bill Lank, Andy Kosolowski, and Willy Kurst win heats. Joe Buyno took honors in the feature.
It's good to see the UMP Mods back and the car count should continue to grow. Time will heal and they are needed at BCS.
LM FEATURE:
#36 ROGER LONG #B12 KEVIN WEAVER #55 SHAWN TOCZEK
#92 DICK POTTS #1H CHUCK HAGA
#61 JAMMIE WILSON #25 DAN WALDEN #15 JIM LAWS #1E TERRY EAGLIN #27 BRIAN
RICKEY
#45 JOHN KRESSER #97 MIKE BECHELLI #51J JASON BEIER #35 DAN HAASE #72 ED
WOODARD
#11 MIKE RAYBURN #8 JIM MALLORY #21 EDDIE LEVINER #3L BILL LUSE #45 JUAN
GRINO
#B97 MARVIN BURTON #17 MARK STETLER
HEAT #1: B12 KEVIN WEAVER, HEAT #2: 21 EDDIE LEVINER HEAT#3; ROGER LONG CONSI. #B97 MARVIN BURTON
UMP MODS:
#1 CHUCK HAGA, #3 JR COYNER, #30 JACK TAYLOR, #25 BUB PATRICK, #27 RICK HUFFORD, #23 STEVE FERGUSON, #22 SCOTT WANG, #7 TRAVIS KOHLER, #6 BILLY FOX, W3 BRAD WRIGHT, #19X MICKEY PARKER, #1 RICH ISAACSON #92 CARL KRUGER, #71 JASON VINEY.
DASH: #1CHUCK HAGA, HEAT#1 RICK HUFFORD, HEAT#2 #1 CHUCK HAGA
#22 AJ. WRIGHT, #99 MATT REITZ, #17B RYAN BOWMAN, #90 LEE J HALL #81 KENNY SWEAT, #23 GREG CAMPBELL, #01 MATT DAVIS, DASH #99 MATT REITZ
HEAT #17B RYAN BOWMAN
#20 JOE BYNO, #65 WALLY KERST, #76 CHRIS WILKENSON, #99 JERRAD KRICK, #K65 WILLE KERST, #77 RICHARD CLAIRE, #J5 STEVE ZIEGLER, #14 SCOTT VESSELS, #15 EUGENE ELDRIDGE, #J6 JOHN VANPELT, #84 LEROY???, #2 BRIAN LINBACK, #09 BRANDON RAYBURN, #3 BILL LANK, #243 CHUCK MINNICUS, #58 STEVE MARTIN, #30 ANDY KAWLEWSKI, #40 DERRICK HOLLMAN, #2 BRANDON
ROUNDTREE, #1X DARREL COPAS. DASH #76 CHRIS WILKENSON,HEAT #3 BILL
LANK, HEAT#2 #30 ANDY
KAWLEWSKI, HEAT#3 #K65 WILLIE KERST
FLATLAND FLASH TAKES DESERT
STORM
By Jack Taylor
(5/5/01)White-outs on the Interstates in the winter time are nothing compared to
what 24 Late Model drivers endured at Benton County Speedway Saturday night as
the feature race was run. Fans at the track, even though a gusty East wind was
blowing, were not as exposed to the dust as they normally would be. They were in
their seats and ready for an exciting feature, only to witness a breakdown of
the track surface, 30-40 mile an hour wind gusts, and drivers attempting to
thread their way through traffic at 90 miles an hour.
Up until feature time for the LM's, the program had moved
along smoothly, with officials hoping to beat the threat of rain which had begun
to move into the area. The track was setting up for a dry-slick run by some
pretty good late model jockeys in attendance. With the Super Street and Road
Warrior features completed, officials took one last turn around the track with
the water truck, producing a shiny dry-slick surface just waiting for action. It
was 9:20 PM and we all knew we would be heading home at a very decent hour.
With rookie driver Jaamie Wilson and Shawn Toczak pacing the field, the flag was
thrown and in a matter of seconds the 24-car field had all but disappeared from
view as every loose particle on the racing surface became air-borne. By lap two,
the first caution produced a clear view of the track as the strong wind blew the
track clear of dust and fans and drivers caught their breath. On the restart,
Tocsin, Wilson, and Kevin Weaver led the field into the unknown once again. By
the fourth lap, officials threw the red flag and the cars were brought into the
infield to permit an attempt by the crew to water the track down..
When the race was restarted again, Weaver must have thought
the only way he could see was to lead and he moved into first around Toczak,
never to be threatened. Two more cautions for mishaps and some very puzzled
officials, drivers, and fans led to the starter throwing the white and checker
on laps 14 and 15, thus halting a race where there could have been serious
complications had it continued. It was not a race to enjoy. It was one that
under better conditions could have been a shoot-out. The field of drivers was a
strong one, but the elements were stronger. At 10:00 PM, Kevin Weaver was the
winner and probably would have been, had there been a regular feature.
Who could we blame for this? This writer isn't quite sure. After watching BCS
officials struggle with track conditions for several years, the 2001 season has
been a vast improvement. There were no big ruts in the track, and the surface
was very smooth. There was two and three wide racing all night, with no follow
the leader format. The track surface would have made a visiting UMP
Summernational show or UDTRA show happy to be there. Possibly it could have been
the new 300 tons of clay that track officials say were added earlier in the
week. Me, I guess I'll blame the weather elements and wait until next week.
25 LM's took qualification runs, with local driver, Mark Stetler, posting fast
time. The dash saw another local, rookie driver Jaamie Wilson, win from his
outside, first row position. LM heat winners were 2000 track champion, Dan
Walden over Tom Peltonen in Heat one. Heat two went to Bob Pohlman over Randy
Woodling.. The third Heat was won by Juan Grino, holding off Kevin Weaver. The
top five in the shortened feature were Weaver, Shawn Toczak, Wilson, Walden, and
Pohlman.
The Road Warrior Dash was won by Chris Wilkerson and Heat winners were Steve
Martin, Jerrod Krick, and Wilkerson.
Krick won the battle for the feature over Martin and Wilkerson.
Super Street action saw Matt Reitz win the Dash and Ed Martin and Matt Davis win
heats. The Feature win went to Davis over Kenny Sweat, Reitz, Matillo, and
Campbell
DASH: #61 JAMMIE WILSON, HEAT 1 #25 DAN WALDEN HEAT 2 #27 BOB POHLMAN, HEAT 3 #45 JUAN GRINO
SUPER STREET FEATURE:
1. #01 MATT DAVIS 2. #81 KENNY SWEAT 3. #99 MATT REITZ 4. #16 LARRY MATILLO
5. #23 GREG CAMPBELL 6. #90 LEE J HALL 7. #25 RUSSELL STONEBRAKER 8. #3 (NO ID )
9. #58 ED MARTIN
10.#2 MIKE ROUNDTREE
DASH: #99 MATT REITZ, HEAT 1 #01 MATT DAVIS, HEAT 2 #58 ED
MARTIN
ROAD WARRIORS FEATURE:
1. #99 JERRAD KRICK 2. #58 STEVE MARTIN 3. #76 CHRIS WILKENSON 4. #65 WILLIE KERST
5. #J6 JOHN VANPELT 6. #77 RICHARD CLAIR 7. #40 DERRICK HOLLIMAN 8. #777 CHRIS M
9. #14 DAVID NEAL 10#5 MIKE OBERLY
DASH: #76 CHRIS WILKENSON, HEAT 1 #58 STEVE MARTIN HEAT 2 #99 JARRAD KRICK HEAT 3 CHRIS WILKENSON
BENTON COUNTY WIN GOES TO
POHLMAN
By Jack Taylor
(4/28/01) Boswell, IN. Twenty-four UMP Late Models gathered at Benton County Speedway Saturday night to vie for $1,000 payoff to the winner of the feature. Qualifications set the tone of what was to come later as four drivers flirted with times in the mid-14 seconds, which is only a few one hundreds off the track record. Roger Long of Fithian, IL set fast time as he made his second appearance of the year at the track he previously mastered 25 years ago. Long won the first race of 2001, taking home a $5,000 paycheck that night.
Long was not the only racing farmer to make an appearance at BCS tonight, as another farmer from the state of Ohio made a surprise visit for the first time. Racing veteran, Hillard Miller, of Defiance, Ohio stopped by the speedway to try his skills on the fast circle of BCS. If you remember, Miller suffered serious injuries about two years ago in a farming accident and went through a long rehabilitation before climbing into a race car again. "I was strapped to a wheelchair for six months and I feel very fortunate to be actively racing again," Miller said. When asked why he was so far from home, he replied," We were looking for a place to go racing and our home track hasn't opened yet, so we decided to try Benton County." Miller has been actively racing again for about a year and races at several Western Ohio tracks including Eldora. "This is a pretty neat track, You keep your foot into it all the way around," he added.
2000 track champion, Juan Grino of Crawfordsville, IN won the trophy dash, beating Ryan Dauber of Tonica, IL and Long to the finish line. The first heat went to Richie Hedrick of Urbana, IL over Mark Stetler of Independence, IN and Jammie Wilson of Hoopeston, IL. It was only Wilson's second night out in a late model, after doing the modified circuit for a few years. Jim Laws of Williamsport, IN won the second heat followed by Chuck Haga of Bismarck, IL and Dan Walden of Crawfordsville, IN. Grino came back to win the third heat with Bob Pohlman of Oak Lawn, IL and Long trailing him to the checkered flag.
When the green dropped for the feature, Grino and Long were in the front row, followed by Pohlman and Hedrick, with Miller perched in the third row. Before the first lap was completed, two excellent young drivers were eliminated a they were involved in a turn two tangle. Stetler and Wilson, both former track champions, were relegated to the pits with damage. After a restart, Long jumped out to a small lead over Pohlman, Grino, Hedrick, and Miller. Long maintained the hold on first, surviving two more cautions for spins, but the fourth and final caution on lap 14 was for him. Bart Swartz of Holliday Hills, IL got sideways in turn two, and Long, preparing to lap him, could not avoid hitting him and suffered front end damage to his car.
On the restart, with Long unable to go, Pohlman took over the lead and went on to post the victory Hedrick placed second ahead of Grino, Miller, and Dauber.
Thus far Benton County Speedway's attempt at running a highly competitive late Model weekly show has been a success, according to Cecil Emory, track promoter. "There's been some awful good cars come here in the first three weeks and I think it will continue even when some other tracks open up," he said. "We're trying hard to bring good entertainment for the fans. People like late models and we are going to give them late models." Emory also said that when a few more late models show up and he has to have a semi-final, he will raise the feature purse to $1,200 nightly, But only if there are enough cars to run a semi.
Ryan Bowman made a clean sweep of the Super Street program
winning the dash, heat, and feature. Chris Wilkerson won the Road Warrior
feature. Racing started at 7:00 and was over at 10:15.
UMP LATE MODEL FEATURE
DASH:
HEAT 1 # 0 Rickey Hedrick, HEAT 2 #15 Jim Laws, HEAT 3 Juan Grino
23 late models in pits
ROAD WARRIORS FEATURE:
#76 Chris Wilkinson, #j23
Donnie Jernagin , #20 No drivers ID, #30 Andy K #j6 John VanPelt.
DASH: #47 Joe Balser, HEAT 1: #76 Chris Wilkinson, HEAT 2: #40 Derick Hollman, HEAT 3: #3 Bill Lank
|
O'REILLY
AUTO PARTS MID-AMERICA RACING SERIES By Larry Olson; Mountain Home, AR
CALVERT CITY KY. Bill Frye captured his second O'Reilly Mid-America
Racing Series win, Saturday at the Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway. Frye's
win was the Terry Egner Memorial, worth $4,000 to the Greenbriar,
Arkansas native. Frye took the lead from Duke Whiseant on the 14th Lap,
and held of several challengers over the last 36 laps of the event.
Duke Whiseant held the pole, with Frye to his outside. Whiseant broke
to the lead as the green appeared, with Frye, Donnie Barnhart, Tim
Brown, and Darren Miller falling in behind. Miller took the fourth spot
from Brown on lap four, while Whiseant was opening a comfortable lead by
lap five. Whiseant was moving into traffic by lap 10, and Frye was able
to reel him in, closing to his back bumper by lap 12. Frye made the pass
as the pair negotiated traffic in turn four on lap 13. Frye had opened a
10 carlength advantage by lap 15.
The caution flag flew on lap 18 as Billy James had stalled in turn
two. The restarts were unkind to Duke Whiseant, then Steve Casebolt, as
both were involved in spins on restart attempts, forcing both to restart
from the rear.
Frye held the lead as the field managed a successful restart, with
Miller, Tim Brown, Randy Sellars, and Barnhart falling in behind. Terry
Phillips shot to fifth by lap 18, and had moved to third by lap 20, when
he brought out the caution with a flat right rear. Frye maintained the
lead at the restart, this time with Darrell Lanigan making ground.
Lanigan moved to fourth as he dueled with Randy Sellars for the third
spot.
Frye was 10 carlengths out front when the caution flew again on lap
23 for Doug McCammon, who had spun in four. Frye motored out to a 10
carlength advantage by lap 25 on the restart, then held a half
straightaway advantage by lap 30. Randy Sellars started easing into
Frye's lead, as Sellars had overtaken Miller for the second spot.
Sellars was within 10 carlengths by lap 35, but the caution slowed
things again as Steve Casebolt had turned his car around in turn four.
Frye held the lead on the restart, but Miller bested Sellars for
second, with Lanigan and Shannon Babb falling in behind. Casebolt
brought out the caution again on lap 37 as he had tried to pull to the
infield, but was too close to the racing surface for flagman Duane
Johnson. Bill Frye was able to bolt to the lead again, and had Darrell Lanigan
on his tail this time. Frye had breathing room, with a five carlength
advantage on lap 41, then was pacing Lanigan by 10 carlenghts on lap 45.
Bill Frye came home with the win, with Darrell Lanigan, Randy Sellars,
Jeff Taylor, and Shannon Babb making up the top five. Tim Brown, Duke
Whiseant, Edwin Wells, Mike Bowers, and Terry Phillips rounded out the
top ten. A Feature (50 Laps)
1) Bill Frye, GRT/Kuntz/Mustang; $4,000 2nd Heat 1) Tim Brown, Calvert City KY 2) Duke Whiseant, Texarkana AR
3) Stacy Taylor, Jacksonville AR 4) Dale Nelson, Trezvant TN 5) Kevin
Weaver, Gibson City IL 6) Joey Mack, Benton MO 7) Kevin Claycomb,
Vincennes IN 8) Dewayne Kiefer, **** . Louis MO 9) Jeff Taylor,
Batesville AR
3rd Heat 1) Mike Bowers, North Little Rock AR 2) Bill Frye,
Greenbriar AR 3) Edwin Wells, Morrilton AR 4) Brad Looney, Republic MO
5) Todd Hall, Charleston MO 6) Shane Diamant, North Little Rock AR 7)
Dan Leatherman, Muskogee OK 8) Gordon Wade, Union City TN 9) Jerry
Walker, Southhaven MS
4th Heat 1) Randy Sellars, Mayfield KY 2) Billy James, Sikeston MO 3)
Terry Phillips, Springfield MO 4) John Anderson, Omaha NE 5) Raymond
Merrill, Sallisaw OK 6) Steve Casebolt, Richmond IN 7) Rod Reed,
Mayfield KY 8) Jerry Buck, Paragould AR 9) Jeremy Williams, Paducah KY
5th Heat 1) John Tindall, Fancy Farm KY 2) Shannon Babb, Decatur IL
3) Darrell Lanigan, Union KY 4) Rich Gardner, Marion KY 5) Gary Stolba,
Willow Springs MO 6) Leslie Essary, Crane MO 7) Brian Maynard, Benton KY
8) Kent Bailey, Sturdivant MO 9) Gary Keeling, Paducah KY
1st Last Chance Qualifer (15 Laps, two transfer) 1) Steve Casebolt 2)
Doug McCammon 3) Kevin Weaver 4) Brad Looney 5) Jeep VanWormer 6) John
Anderson 7) Raymond Merrill 8) Shane Diamant 9) Gary Stolba 10) Rod Reed
11) Jerry Walker 12) Gordon Wade 13) Gary Keeling 14) Brian Maynard
2nd Last Chance Qualifier 1) Jeff Taylor 2) Jeff Floyd 3) David
Gibson 4) Leslie Essary 5) Steve Rushin 6) Jerry Buck 7) Rich Gardner 8)
Todd Hall 9) Jeremy Williams 10) Joey Mack 11) Dan Leatherman 12) Kent
Bailey 13) Jason Snodgrass
1 75P TERRY PHILLIPS SPRINGFIELD, MO 564
|
| |
O'REILLY
AUTO PARTS MID-AMERICA RACING SERIES By Larry Olson; Mountain Home AR
CALVERT CITY KY. Terry Phillips continued his domination of the O'Reilly's
Auto Parts Mid-America Racing Series, picking up his 3rd win of the season,
expanding his point lead against one of the deepest fields in the brief history
of the M.A.R.S. series. Phillips took the lead from Steve Casebolt on the 14th
circuit, and lead the balance of the 30 Lap feature event, worth $2,000 to the
Springfield, Missouri native.
Steve Casebolt was on the pole, with Edwin Wells to his outside. The field
took the green, but got only one lap in the books when the caution flag flew for
Leslie Essary and Jerry Buck, who had tangled in turn two. Casebolt headed the
field on the restart, followed by Wells, Jeff Taylor, Bill Frye, and Phillips.
Phillips got by Frye immeadiatly, then bested Taylor for third in turn two of
lap three.
Doug McCammon, Shannon Babb, and Frye were three wide for 5th on lap four,
then Phillips improved past Wells for second in turn two on lap five. Jeff
Taylor was able to work past Wells, regaining third in turn two on lap six.
Shannon Babb secured the fifth spot on the same lap, then ducked under Wells for
fourth on the next circuit.
Up front, Phillips was closing fast on Casebolt, bringing Taylor with him.
The caution slowed Phillip's advance, as Kevin Claycomb was stalled in turn two,
showing the field the yellow flag on lap 11. Phillips pulled even with Casebolt
on the restart, while Babb gained 3rd. Darrell Lanigan moved to 5th , then went
side by side with Taylor for fourth.
Phillips used the extreme high side of the track to take the lead from
Casebolt in turn four on lap 14. Phillips quickly opened a 10 carlength
advantage. Shannon Babb moved past Casebolt for second in turn four on lap 16,
while Phillips was a half straightaway ahead by lap 18. Out front, Terry Phillips was facing heavy traffic by lap 23. Phillips was
able to maintain a 10 carlength advantage over Babb by lap 25, but Phillips was
facing four cars racing for position. Babb was able to draw close to Phillips as
the white flag appeared, and was within two carlengths as the checkered flag
flew. Terry Phillips claimed the win with Shannon Babb, Jeff Taylor, Darrell
Lanigan, and Steve Casebolt making up the top five. Bill Frye, John Tindall, Tim
Brown, Duke Whiseant, and Donnie Barnhart rounded out the top ten.
A Feature (30 Laps)
1) Terry Phillips, GRT/Hatfield/Monte Carlo; $2,000 Entries: 44
Kentucky Lake Motor
Speedway-Kentucky Klassic
Friday, April 27, 2001
Jeff Taylor, Steve Casebolt, and Darrell Lanigan were three wide for 3rd on lap
19. Then Taylor and Casebolt dueled side by side for 3rd on lap 20. Taylor
established 3rd on lap 21. Lanigan then took fourth from Casebolt on lap 22.
2) Shannon Babb, Rayburn/Dickens/Monte Carlo; $1,400
3) Jeff Taylor, Shaw-Rocket/Dickens/Grand Prix; $1,000
4) Darrell Lanigan, Rocket/Cornett/Mustang; $750
5) Steve Casebolt, Rayburn/Dargie/Mustang; $600
6) Bill Frye, GRT/Kuntz/Grand Prix; $550
7) John Tindall, Rayburn/AMS/Monte Carlo; $500
8) Tim Brown, Warrior/Custom/Mustang; $475
9) Duke Whiseant, Rocket/Dickens/Grand Prix; $450
10) Donnie Barnhart, GRT/Marks/Grand Prix; $425
11) Jeep VanWormer, Warrior/Custom/Monte Carlo; $400
12) David Gibson, GRT/Hatfield/Monte Carlo; $375
13) Leslie Essary, GRT/Mike's Motor/Grand Prix; $350
14) Jeff Floyd, GRT/Hatfield/Grand Prix; $325
15) Mike Bowers, GRT/Hatfield/Monte Carlo; $300
16) Kevin Weaver, Rayburn/Custom/Monte Carlo; $300
17) Edwin Wells, GRT/Custom/Grand Prix; $300
18) Stacy Taylor, GRT/Dickens/Monte Carlo; $300
19) Jerry Buck, GRT/Kuntz/Monte Carlo; $300
20) Steve Rushin, GRT/Custom/Grand Prix; $300
21) **** Phillips, Rayburn/Hixson/Grand Prix; $300
22) Doug McCammon, Rayburn/Hatfield/Monte Carlo; $300
23) Kevin Claycomb, GRT/K-Motion/Monte Carlo; $300
Top Qualifier: Steve Casebolt
RACING AT IT'S BEST ON NALMS
NIGHT
By Jack Taylor
(4/22/01)Over the past few years, Vermilion County Speedway race fans have struggled with a periodic appearance of the big beasts which fans at many tracks witness each weekend. On those special occasions at Danville, the stands are usually filled to near capacity and the racing entertainment reigns supreme. Sunday night was no exception as the Northern AllStar Late Models came to town.
The appearance by the Indiana-based Series capped a three-day visit to Illinois, starting with Kankakee on Friday, Fairbury on Saturday, and capping it off with VCS on Sunday. Rain ruined the Saturday show at Fairbury and it has been rescheduled for July 21st. Thirty-seven Late Models were at the track Sunday and the driver list included all of the local favorites, along with a host of top Midwestern drivers from three other states.
A scheduled late model event at VCS always seems to draw additional support group attention as the pits last night were packed with 138 cars. The usually top billing UMP Modified class turned out 46 entries and the Super Street and Bomber classes added 25 each. Plenty of heats, semi's, and feature action to go around and the Late Model feature ended at 10:00 PM, with the UMP Modifieds over shortly after. The VCS promise to get fans and drivers home early on Sunday nights stayed intact, even with the large car count.
In NALMS action, Steve Barnett was clocked with the fast time in qualifications with a near track record of 13.78 seconds. Throughout the four heat races which followed, fans witnessed very intense driving , as the top four finishers in each heat battled to escape the dreaded Semi-feature.
Barnett picked up the win in the first heat and Bob Pierce, local favorite, took the second heat. The third heat saw Steve Hillard hold off Bryan Clendenen for honors as the fans watched two former VCS Track Champions in the UMP Modified division, work their skills in the Late Models. The fourth heat was won by the three-wheeling Scott James. Sixteen cars were set for the Feature with twenty-one headed to the Semi-feature.
Jim Curry and Shawn Negangard earned spots in the feature thru the Semi, while Adam Stevens and Frank Reaber were awarded provisionals to fill out the 20-car field.
Feature action put Steve Hillard and Bob Pierce on the front row, with Barnett and James in the second row for the 30-lap event. The four-wide fan salute was all the fans needed to get the adrenaline flowing and as the green flag was waved Pierce flew to the lead, never to be headed for the entire race. Hillard maintained his position and mounted a few challenges, but it was the "Tall Cool One's" night at home for the home crowd. A caution free race showed 15 cars finishing on the lead lap and some good door to door racing behind the leader.
For Pierce, it was his second consecutive win this weekend, after capturing the checkered at Kankakee on Friday night, and kept his hold on the NALMS point lead intact. Barring the rainout at Fairbury, he would have been a good choice for the hat-trick, with Fairbury being one his favorite tracks.
The 46-car UMP Modified entry was a star-studded program, with drivers from several of the area tracks visiting the high-banks of VCS. There is a good possibility many will return regularly with the Sunday night program at Danville being the only one in the immediate area.
The four heat winners were Tony Roland, Shane Cottle, Ryan Young, and Brandon Raef. Semi winners were John DeMoss and Denny Schwartz. The feature was caution free until the 21st lap, when Charlie Sentman got turned around in turn four. To this point, Shane Cottle had easily led the field as most of the action was for the 2-5 spots.
As the field was tightened for the final four laps, Sean
Seavers, who had held second place for most of the race, stayed with
Cottle and with a great effort at the checkered, edged by Cottle for the
win.
Randy Shuman won the Super Street feature over Marcus Phelps and Rick
Baity won the Bomber event over Mike Hope. Lots of action, good racing, and a
fast track.
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
I-55 RACEWAY REPORT
By Jack Pugh
(4/21/01)The third night of racing at I-55 Raceway saw some very good racing as weather threaten the program and the lack of early cautions more the program along and was completed in two and 1/2 hours. The UMP Late Models saw a new winner as well as the UMP Modifieds.
In the UMP Late Model division, Ed Dixon took the win inthe first heat over Jason Allgaier, Kevin Gundaker, Steve Shive and Danny Haynes. The second heat went to Chuck Baird with Tim Rataczyk, Rick Bayer, Mike Hammerle and Marc McClintock following. The third heat had Jason Frankel take the win over Dave Jumper, Dean Mottsinger, Clay Bauman and Mark Oller. The dash went to Dixon over Frankel, Ratajczyk, Gundaker, and Jumper.
The 25 lap feature saw the broom come out as Ed Dixon would win his first feature of the year at I-55 Raceway and win all three of the races he entered. Dixon started on the pole and quickly took the lead and began running the top of the track. There were only two cautions during the race and that made for some good racing. Ratajczyk made it interesting early in the race as he tried several times to give Dixon a run for the win. However, Dixon was bound and determined to take the win and held off the challenges. Ratacjczyk took second for the second week in a row. Jumper had a good night and moved from fifth starting spot to third. The biggest move came from fourth finishing Danny Haynes, who started 13th, and used the bottom of the track to make his forward progress. The fifth place finisher, Mike Hammerle, also, started in the middle of the field and moved forward to finish in the top five.
In the UMP Modified class, there were 31 cars on hand to make the 24 car starting field. In heat action, the first heat went to Ray Wagner over Scott Weber, Dean Hoffman, Brent Mullins and Ray Walsh. The second heat saw Tom Ratajczyk take the win over Dennis Richards, Steve Maisel, Troy Medley, and Mike Barbeau. The third heat went to Brian Wolfmeier with Jim Shereck, Dan Schlup, and Shawn Rayfield trailing. The fourth heat was won by Brian Collins over Andy Anderson, Rich Whaley, Kevin Epperson and Kirk Murphy. The dash went to Wagner over Weber, Shereck, Ratajczyk and Anderson.
The 20 lap feature almost wiped out most of the field as on the very start there was an 11 car pileup on the front straight. Fortunately, no one was and none of the cars were hurt too badly. The next restart saw Weber jump to the lead and more to the top of the race track where he likes to run. Weber held the lead for much of the race, but Wagner, Shereck and Hoffman were right there battling for the lead. There were only three cautions during the event and one that almost was not wanted. Wagner took the lead on lap 17, but a lap 18 caution almost changed things as Wagner had the momentum going when he took the lead. On the final restart, Wagner took control and used his broom for the second sweep of the night. Following Wagner was Shereck, Weber, Hoffman, and Wolfmeier.
"Diamond" Dick Phillips First Repeat Late Model Winner at Brownstown Speedway
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michael Despain-Media Contact (Source)
Brownstown, Indiana-April 21, 2001- Dick Phillips of Scipio, IN became the first repeat winner in the Late Model division in 2001 by capturing the 25 lap main event Saturday night at Brownstown Speedway. Other winners during the evening included Matt Bex in Bombers, Brad Cummings in Super Stocks, and Adam Sasser in UMP Modifieds. A total of 152 cars were in action at Brownstown on Saturday night.
The Late Model feature would see defending track champion Steven Godsey take the lead with fast qualifier Brett Davis locked on his bumper, followed by Gary Burton, Tim Prince, and Mark Barber. Dick Phillips would shoot from his sixth starting spot to fourth on lap 2, while Godsey and Davis began a classic side-by-side duel for the lead that would see Davis nose out in front exiting turn two each lap, only to have Godsey nose back out in front exiting turn four each lap. Phillips was now beginning to mount his charge to the front as he disposed of Burton for third on lap 5, while Barber got back into the top five with a pass of Prince one circuit later. Godsey and Davis would continue their battle, only to be joined by Phillips by lap 7, with Phillips scooting by Davis for second off of turn four on lap 8, while Barber would take fourth from Burton on the same circuit. Barber was beginning to fire now and he would catch Davis and take third on lap 13, while Phillips began to put the heat on Godsey for the lead. Lap 14 would see "DDP" make what would be the winning pass on Godsey in turn three and hold off Godsey repeated bids to reclaim the top spot over the next three laps. By lap 18, Phillips was starting put some distance between himself and Godsey and would work lapped traffic masterfully over the final six rounds to score his second win of 2001 at Brownstown in his Columbus Bowling Center, Hixson Race Engines, C.J. Rayburn Race Cars, Caddies Pub and Eatery, Texas Roadhouse of Columbus, All Will County Auto Wreckers #11. Godsey would finish second, with Barber, Davis, and Burton completing the top five. Rounding out the top ten were Scott Smith, C.J. Rayburn, Mark Bechelli, Tory Collins, and Mike Jewell. Thirty-eight Late Models were on hand with heat wins going to Davis, Godsey, Prince, and Burton. B-main winners were Brad Barrow and Todd McKinney.
The Bomber feature would have Matt Bex of Avoca, IN taking the lead on lap 6 and never looking back to claim his third win of the season in his Bailey’s Flowers and Gifts, Tucker Transmissions, East Vending #31 Performer Chassis, Terry Cummings powered Monte Carlo. Robert Walters would take runner-up honors, with Charlie Stevens and Kevin Applegate third and fourth, while early race leader Ray Godsey, Jr. finishing fifth. Completing the top ten were Sam Chastain, Bubba Woods, Matt Cummings, Greg Benton, and first consy winner Jerry Maynard. Fifty-eight Bombers saw heats scored by Godsey, Jr., Stevens, Walters, Jim Ruddick, Bubba Woods, and Chastain. B-mains would be won by Maynard, Willie Sallee, and Glen Woods.
The Super Stock feature would see Brad Cummings of Bedford, IN take the lead from Tim Clark on lap 8 and drive away for his second win of 2001 at Brownstown in Super Stock action behind the wheel of his Cycle Shack, Tri-County Rental, Indiana Stone Works, Stone City Ironworks, Terry Cummings Race Engines #71 Hobbs Chassis. Greg O’Neill would claim second, with Clark hanging in to take third. Rick Hines and Greg Kendall completed the top five. Rounding out the top ten were Gary Green, Steve Hunt, Randy Moore, Jay Deckard, and Chris Deweese. Twenty-one Super Stockers were in attendance with heat wins going to Clark, Hunt, and Jeremy Hines.
The UMP Modified feature saw Adam Sasser of Bedford, IN hold off the charges of Earl Plessinger and Levi Godsey to take the 20 lap feature win aboard his Sasser Construction, Mullis Petroleum, Holt Auto Parts, Gould’s Body Shop, Holt’s General Store, Bedford Federal Savings Bank #79 Lightning Chassis, Terry Cummings powered mount. Plessinger and Godsey would come home second and third, with Rusty Smiley and Matt Boknecht taking fourth and fifth. Completing the top ten were John DeMoss, Richie Lex, Clint DeMoss, Ryan Thomas, and Vernon Soeder. Thirty-four open-wheelers signed in for action, with heats going to Thomas, Sasser, Boknecht, and Plessinger, while B-main top honors went to Murl Robinson and Soeder.
Racing continues at Brownstown this Saturday night with Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and Bombers in action, along with another visit from the Pro-Truck series, which will see double feature for the truckers, with no increase in general admission price for the four division program.
SUMMARY-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana-April 21, 2001
Late Models (38 entries)
Top Qualifier- Brett Davis 15.273
1st Heat- Davis, Mark Barber, Mike Jewell, Mike Bechelli
2nd Heat- Steven Godsey, Dick Phillips, C.J. Rayburn, Mark Bechelli
3rd Heat- Tim Prince, Frankie Coomer, Marty O’Neal, Dan Sturgeon
4th Heat- Gary Burton, Scott Smith, Ernie Barrow, Tory Collins
1st B-Main: Brad Barrow, Reece Riggle, Matt Tiller, Dennis Boknecht, Mark Schaefer
2nd B-Main: Todd McKinney, Justin Blackwell, Derek Ramp, Mike Darlage, A.J. Bingham
Feature- Phillips, Godsey, Barber, Davis, Burton, Smith, Rayburn, Mark Bechelli, Collins, Jewell, Ernie Barrow, Prince, McKinney, Sturgeon, O’Neal, Mike Bechelli, Brad Barrow, Riggle, Blackwell, Coomer
Bombers (58 entries)
1st Heat- Ray Godsey, Jr., Kevin Applegate, Darrell Burton, Jerry Maynard
2nd Heat- Charlie Stevens, Matt Jacobs, Tony Arthur, Chris Streeval
3rd Heat- Robert Walters, Matt Cummings, John Phelps, Roger Reichenbacker
4th Heat- Jim Ruddick, Robert Green, Mickey Hines, Josh Turner
5th Heat- Bubba Woods, Rick Applegate, Greg Benton, Glen Woods
6th Heat- Sam Chastain, Matt Bex, Bobby Davis, Mike Seal
1st B-Main: Maynard, Streeval, Jim Deckard, Tim Neal, Josh Hayes
2nd B-Main: Willie Sallee, Reichenbacker, Turner, Jamie Wilson, Jeff Helton
3rd B-Main: Glen Woods, Andrew Davis, Jackie Wheeler, Dave Robinson, Tim Reed
Feature- Bex, Walters, Stevens, Kevin Applegate, Godsey, Jr., Chastain, Bubba Woods, Cummings, Benton, Maynard, Sallee, Reichenbacker, HInes, Burton, Green, Streeval, Glen Woods, Jacobs, Davis, Arthur, Phelps, Davis, Rick Applegate
Super Stocks (21 entries)
1st Heat- Tim Clark, Greg O’Neill, Joe Johnson, Merrill Wilson
2nd Heat- Steve Hunt, Greg Kendall, Chris Deweese, Gary Green
3rd Heat- Jeremy Hines, Brad Cummings, Jay Deckard, Rick Hines
Feature- Cummings, O’Neill, Clark, Rick Hines, Kendall, Green, Hunt, Randy Moore, Deckard, Deweese, Darin George, David Brewer, Johnson, Jim Raymer, Brian Burton, Stan Brown, Lindsey Wade, Wilson, Jeremy Hines
UMP Modifieds (34 entries)
1st Heat- Ryan Thomas, Clint DeMoss, Mike Bowersox, Jay Scott
2nd Heat- Adam Sasser, Levi Godsey, Dale Ayers, Richie Lex
3rd Heat- Matt Boknecht, Rusty Smiley, John DeMoss, J.D. Roberts
4th Heat- Earl Plessinger, Roy Ritter, Josh Wells, Carl Collins
1st B-Main: Murl Robinson, Jay Miller, Dale Hobbs, Travis Shoulders, Andrew Davis
2nd B-Main: Vernon Soeder, Brandon Raef, Jesse Cramer, Jason Hehman, Brad Sturgeon
Feature- Sasser, Plessinger, Godsey, Smiley, Boknecht, John DeMoss, Lex, Clint DeMoss, Thomas, Soeder, Miller, Ayers, Robinson, Raef, Scott, Bowersox, Collins, Wells, Ritter, Roberts
BELLE
CLAIR SPEEDWAY RESULTS
By Jack Pugh
(4/20/01)The second night of racing at Belle Clair Speedway saw two new feature winners and a rainout of another.
In the UMP Late Model division, the first heat went to Mark Faust with Aaron Kleine, Jimmy Burwell, Don Kelin and Jim Morrison rounding out the top five. The second heat saw Marc McClintock take the win over Frank Martin, Ed Dixon, Bruce Unterbrink and Dan Dondero. The dash went to Faust, for his second win of the night, over Martin, Dixon, McClintock and Burwell.
The 25 lap feature saw a new winner and a sweep for the night by Mark Faust. This was Faust third feature win of the earlier season. Faust started on the outside front row and jumper to the lead over Frank Martin. Faust used the bottom of the track to pull to as much as a straight away lead. However, as the laps wore down, Burwell was catching Faust. But the laps ran out and Faust won the green flag feature. This was the first of the year and could lead to more as last year there were three green flag features. Following in third place was McClintock, Martin and Klein to round out the top five.
In the UMP Modified class, the first heat went to Kenny Helmick with Dean Hoffman, Bobby Bittle, Marty Smith Jr. and Jesse Carson following. The second heat saw Chris England take the win over Tom Ratajczyk, Marty Smith Sr., Darrell Hoffman and Paul Reinneck. The dash went to Helmick with Dean Hoffman, Bittle, England and Ratajczyk trailing.
In the 20 lap feature, Dean Hoffman became the second Hoffman brother to win a feature at Belle Clair. Hoffman started on the pole and lead every lap. England ran a good race to finish second. Bittle finished third while trying the whole track to make a forward movement, but could not get around England. To complete the top five were Ratajczyk and Helmick.
In the Allied Sportsmen class, the first heat went to Jim Gibson over David Seager, Stan Przybysz, Denny Tribout Jr. The second heat saw Mark Clary take the win with Steve Maisel, Jim Mettille, Tom Smallwood and Denny Tribout Sr. trailing. The dash went to Clary with Gibson, Maisel, Mettille and Seager following.
The feature saw mother nature pay a visit to the speedway and rain just enough to make the track unraceable despite efforts to keep the track in raceable condition.
ILLINI SPRING SHOOTOUT
By James Essex
The Northern Allstar Late Model Dirt Racing Series heads to the state of Illinois for three consecutive nights of racing April 20-22. The "Illini Spring Shootout" will feature some of the top dirt late model drivers in the midwest battling on three of Illinois' favorite venues. Each night of racing will offer a purse of $2000 to win with nearly $40,000 in prize money up for grabs for the three nights of action. The weekend begins on Friday Night, April 20 at the Kankakee Motor Speedway then travels on Saturday Night, April 21 to the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. The weekend concludes on Sunday Evening at the Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, IL. The weekend will mark the season debut for the Late Models at each race track.
It will be the fourth ever visit by the Northern Allstars to Kankakee with previous NALMS winners including Doug McCammon, Don O'Neal and Scott James. Fairbury will play host to its second ever appearance by the Indiana based organization with Steve Hillard scoring an exciting last lap win over Don O'Neal in last year's inaugural appearance. Danville will host its ninth appearance of the Northern Allstars and is sure to resume a trend of exciting wheel to wheel racing on Sunday Evening. In the the previous eight appearances at Danville hometown driver Bob Pierce leads the way with three wins with drivers such as John Gill, Steve Hillard, Mark Anderson, Don O'Neal and Mike Jewell also scoring NALMS wins at the fairgrounds 1/4 mile dirt oval.
For more information on each race please visit the Northern Allstars website at www.northernallstars.com.
BURTON BEST ON OPENING NIGHT
AT V.C.S.
By Jack Taylor
(4/15/01) One thing that race fans can be sure of in the early part of Spring is
to expect Mother Nature to hit you with a few curve balls, weatherwise. That was
the case Sunday evening as Vermilion County Speedway raised the 2001 curtain at
the "Fast Track". Saturday night rains and early Sunday morning
showers, with little drying during the day, left the track a spongy, tacky
surface at race time. With temperatures nearing 40 degrees as the evening
approached, only the hearty types of race fans were in high spirits, but the
crowd was decent for the conditions.
Qualifying got underway for 28 UMP Modified drivers on time and J.R. Coyner of Lafayette, IN set the best mark of the evening, with Dan Hamstra of Fair Oaks, IN (1999 track champion) clocking in second best. Three heats on the spongy surface were enough to convince officials that the track would need to be graded to remove the ruts that the cars were digging on the turns. During intermission, the grading proved to remove enough of the roughage, allowing fans and drivers to enjoy a very fast feature race, which was dotted with six cautions during the 25 laps.
Arby Burton, of Georgetown, IL had the best view through the running of the feature from his pole position. Although he received several challenges, Burton never gave up the position and led from flag to flag. Dan Hamstra, Tony Roland, Tim Reynolds, and Richard Wood all were in striking distance throughout, but Burton survived the cautions and the challenges to gain a well-deserved victory.
The Super Street feature win went to Chris Dick of Deland, IL and Jeff Barker of Charleston, IL took honors in the Bomber feature. Jim Smith was the victor in the new 4-cylinder Hornet class.
Returning to a Sunday agenda after a few years of Friday racing, officials at the track were pleased with the opening night of fan turnout and driver response. Efforts to start an early program to allow for an early departure from the track proved successful as the Modified feature was over @ 9:15 and all racing had ended by 10:00. Oh, and one other note to help us remember who really controls our activities. Rain began to fall again as the lights were turned out track-side.
Next Sunday night- The Northern AllStar Late Models will be at Danville for a big program of racing on the "Fast Track".
Race Summary-78 Cars
UMP Modified
Fast Qualifier- J.R. Coyner
First Heat-Arby Burton, J.R.Coyner, Rob Fuqua
Second Heat-Tim Reynolds, Dan Hamstra, Don Kiger
Third Heat-Mike Gritten, Tony Roland, Richard Wood
Feature- Burton, Hamstra, Roland, Reynolds, Wood
Hornets
Heat- Jason Brown
Feature-Jim Smith
Super Streets
First Heat- Marcus Phelps, Ed Lahey
Second Heat-Chris Dick, Randy Shuman
Feature-Chris Dick, Marcus Phelps, Randy Shuman
Bombers
First Heat- Dusty Lewsader
Second Heat-Jeff Barker
Third Heat- Mike Hope
Feature- Barker
Dixon, Hoffman win Belle Clair Opener
By Jack Pugh
(4/13/01) The 2001 racing season at Belle Clair Speedway got off the ground on a good note with good weather, a good crowd and good racing. The track, however, was not in good racing shape, but that did not stop the cars and driver from putting on a show.
In the UMP Late Model division, there were several new cars on hand for the first time Jim Moon from Indianapolis, IN and Kyle Monroe from Salem, IL. Jim Morrison moved up to a Late Model from the Sportsmen division. In the first heat race, Jimmy Burwell, in a new car and number, took the win with Frank Martin, sporting a new number and car color, Dan Dondero, Marc McClintock and Monroe following. The second heat saw Mark Faust take the win with Vince Grondzki, Don Klein, Morrison, and Len Garson trailing. In the dash, Burwell won his second race of the night with Faust, Grondzki, Klein and Martin finishing in that order.
The feature started with Burwell and Martin on the front row. Burwell, in the 24j car, took control and ran the low side of the track. Martin, Klein and Grondzki would keep the pressure on Burwell. The first of several yellows appeared on lap one in turn four for Moon and Aaron Kleine tangling. The run of the night would come from 13th starting Ed Dixon as he used the high line to pass on his way to the front. Dixon moved through the cars by hitting the hole in turn one and launching his car down the back straight. He made a consistent forward challenge moving past cars on the outside and taking most of them in turns three and four. The race got real interesting during the last five laps of the 25 lap race as Dixon caught Burwell going down the front straight. The two fought for the leader's position with Dixon trying to make an inside pass going into turn one, Burwell shut that door. Dixon tried several more insides moves to take the lead, but Burwell held him off in the corners. The move came with two laps to go as Dixon took an outside high line and shot to the lead going down the back straight.
Dixon got his first win of the 2001 season coming from the 13th starting position on Friday the 13th, which also happened to be Good Friday. Burwell held on for second place with Martin, Grondzki, McClintock and Faust rounding out the top five.
In the UMP Modified division, a good field of cars was in the pits for opening night. In the first heat Kenny Helmick took the win over Stu Springer, Tom Ratajczyk, Jesse Carson and Bob Johnson. The second heat saw Matt Mevert pickup the win with Brad Haas, Paul Reinneck, Roger Fohne and Ray Wagner following. The third heat went to Bobby Bittle with Darrell Hoffman, Dean Hoffman, Rich Whaley and Paul Miller finishing in that order. The dash went to Helmick over Bittle, Mevert, Springer and Haas.
The 20 lap feature saw Darrell Hoffman and Haas on the front row. Hoffman took the lead at the drop of the green flag and fought off challenges from several drivers. Haas tried and could not make the move, Mevert tried and could get by and Springer was the last to give it a try and he too could not get by. Hoffman, in the Jaenke modified, used the low side of the track and may it hard to get inside for a passing move and no one could use the outside line to move forward.
Hoffman took the win with Springer finishing in second followed by Helmick, Bittle and Mevert to complete the top five.
In the Allied Sportsmen class, heat one went to Jim Fuzzy Mettille over Todd McGraw and Denny Tribout Sr. The second heat was won by Chris Gray with Steve Maisel, and Jim Gibson trailing. The third heat saw Mark Clary take the win over Tom Smallwood and Chris Sales. The dash went to Maisel with Clary and Gray following.
The 15 lap feature had Gray and Clary on the front row. Gray took the lead at the start and never looked back take his first win of the year. Eighth starting Gibson took second with Smallwood holding his own to finish third. McGraw finished fourth with David Seager rounding out the top five.
There were no hard crashes, but a few found out what the new inside wall felt like. The Late Model feature was a good one as the performance by Dixon was worth the admission. Next Friday is kids' night at the races, so bring the family and enjoy the racing.
ROGER LONG HANDLES 5K WIN
AT BENTON COUNTY SPEEDWAY
By Jack Taylor
(4/7/01) Thirty-two Late Models were in the pits at Benton County Speedway
tonight for the opening round of the 2K1 season. The $5,000 to win purse helped
to strengthen the car count and a few heavy hitters were on hand. Except for
Brownstown's Hoosier Dirt Classic, there was no other tracks in the immediate
area running. Infrequent visitors such as Roger Long, Kevin Weaver, Joey Izzo,
Brett Seivert, and several others stopped by to challenge the sometimes
questionable track conditions at the speedy track.
As can happen early in the racing season, Mother Nature
stepped in to drop enough rain on a track that seemed to be in fairly good
racing conditions and cause a two-hour delay. Street and Road Warrior heats had
been run along with the first heat for the Late Models when a light rain settled
in for about 30 minutes. The next hour was consumed with ironing the track so
that racing could resume. Most of the Late Models were heading to Red Hill on
Sunday and would have a scheduling conflict if postponed.
When racing did get back underway @ 11:15PM, the officials decide to run the
feature races for the Street Stocks and Road Warriors in order to give the track
added ironing before the more powerful Late Models took over. This worked out
well for fans and drivers as the tacky track for the rest of the program offered
some very good racing in more than one groove.
Late Model Heat winners were Eddie Levinor, Joey Izzo, Brett Seivert, and Roger Long. Mike Bechelli won the Semi-feature. to round out the 20-car field for the 30-lap feature. With Levinor on the pole and Izzo on the outside, followed by Seivert and Long in the second row, the feature got underway @1:00 AM. The drivers put on a very good show for the weary fans and Roger Long, the "Racing Farmer" from Fithian, Illinois was $5,000 happier 25 minutes later.
ROGER LONG< FITHIAN< IL Photo courtesy of NALMS
Long, who has been racing longer than several of his fellow racers have been alive, shot to the lead in the first lap and though three cautions bunched the field again, never was challenged. The challenges were by the four cars behind him as Levinor, Seivert, Izzo, and Weaver battled hard for the runner-up spot. The finish was Long, Levinor, Seivert, Weaver, and Izzo.
One question that was put to rest on opening night was the one floating around as to the ownership of the Benton County Speedway for 2001. Jerry, Gill, and Cecil were all on hand to kick off their fourth season at the speedway. Although the weather was not co-operative, the racing was good.
I-55 OPENING NIGHT
By Jack Pugh
The I-55 Raceway 2001 season got off to a good start on Saturday. The weather was warm for the first weekend in April and the racing was good. If this is the sign of the racing in 2001, then look out.
In the UMP Late Model division, there were 17 cars on hand. In the heat action, heat one went to Mark Oller with Mike Hammerle, Ken Rumble, Jason Frankel and Bob Brown rounding out the top five. In the second heat, Dave Jumper won with Mark Gansmann, Steve Shive, Kevin Gundaker and Tim Ratajczyk completing the top five. The dash went to Oller with Jumper, Hammerle, Gundaker and Shive completing the feature starting order.
The feature was very good for opening night as the race went 25 laps of green racing on a slick track. St. Charles, Mo's Kevin Gundaker took the win in a drive that was picture perfect. He took the lead from Oller, after starting fourth on the second lap and ran off from the rest of the cars. Gundaker used the high side of the track for most of the 25 lap race and won by a half lap. Ed Dixon had to start in 12th, but move forward to finish in the third spot passing eight cars while also running on the high side of the track. Tenth starting Ratajczyk also moved to the front and finished fourth. Rounding out the top five was Ken Rumble. Also, taking the green flag and finishing 14th was Springfield, IL's 14 year old, Jason Allgaier.
In the UMP Modified division, there were 29 cars on hand. The first heat went to Leroy Haney with Brain Collins, Jeff Labaube, Ray Walsh advancing. The second heat saw Mike Barbeau take the win over John Seets, Dean Hoffman, Brent Mullins and Tom Ratajczyk. The third heat had Jim Shereck winning with Ray Wagner, Kyle Steffens, Jerry Grither and Matt Simpson trailing. The four heat saw 2000 track champ, Scott Weber get the win over Steve Miasel, Dennis Richards, Shawn Rayfield and Rusty Griffaw. The dash went to Weber with Haney, Collins, Wagner, Shereck and Seets making the top five. The semi went to Keith Grider.
The feature almost went the 20 laps green, but a yellow appeared early about lap four for Collins, who tangled with another car and dropped out. Weber took the lead early and used the top of the track to take the win and a sweep for the night. Not a bad way to start the season. Dean Hoffman made a good run, after starting eighth, to finish second. Hoffman won the feature on opening night with the World of Outlaws. Running out the top five was Shereck, Haney, and Wagner. This race was just as much fun to watch as the Late Model with about 16 laps of green flag racing to watch.
Next
Saturday night, NASCAR's and co-promoter, Ken Schrader will be on hand racing
his dirt Late Model and he will have his two-seater winged sprint car on hand to
give rides to the lucky winners of a drawing. If the weather is as nice as it
was this past Saturday, it should be another good night at the races.
RED HILL NALMS STORY ON DARIN STEWART'S PAGE
The "Real Deal" Makes
it Three in a Row
in Brownstown’s 18th Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic
Brownstown Speedway: For Immediate Release (Michael Despain-Media
Contact)
Brownstown, IN-April 7, 2001- It was the 2001 Northern All-Star Late Model Series season opener and Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN became the first four-time winner of the 18th Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic at Brownstown Speedway. The win for the "Real Deal" marked his 35th career Late Model win at Brownstown and his third consecutive triumph in the Hoosier Dirt Classic. A total of 69 Northern All-Star Late Models were in attendance for the 2001 NALMS opener representing seven states to vie for a starting spot in the 50 lap, $5,000 to win main event.
Mike Jewell would take the lead at the start, with O’Neal, Mark Barber, Dick Phillips, and Darrell Lanigan giving chase. The caution would wave on lap 2 as Jeff Martin got crossed up exiting turn two and John Gill would meet the concrete on the backchute in his attempt to avoid an accident. Gill would go pitside and make repairs and return, as did Timmy Yeager, who pitted with a flat left-rear tire, but would also return. The restart would see Bob Pierce get by Lanigan for fifth on lap 2 as Jewell continued to set the pace up front. After a caution for debris on the track in turn two on lap 7, O’Neal would go to the lead in turn three on the restart, but Jewell would dive right back under O’Neal to retake the lead on lap 8. The lead duo would dice side-by-side for the top spot on lap 9 before O’Neal would reclaim the top spot on the 10th circuit. Meanwhile, Kevin Claycomb was pressuring Pierce for fifth and would take that position on lap 13, then would secure the fourth spot from Barber on lap 16. A caution would slow the pace on lap 17 as Yeager slowed to a stop in turn three with a broken left-rear axle. The restart would be null and void as Scott James and Dan Schlieper spun their mounts in turn two. Another failed restart saw the leader check-up at the starting cone, causing a game of bumbertag to occur and fifth place Barber would see his night end with a busted radiator as a result. The next restart would be a go and Pierce would pass Claycomb for fourth, as the caution waved again on lap 19 for a James spin in turn two. On this restart, Shannon Babb put the heat on Pierce for fifth and claimed the position on lap 22 after a side-by-side battle. At the halfway mark, O’Neal was beginning to stretch his lead over Jewell and would start lapping slower traffic on lap 30. Lap 32 saw Phillips slip out of the groove allowing Claycomb, Babb, and Pierce to sneak by last week’s feature winner. Claycomb and Pierce renewed their battle again, this time for the fourth spot, with Pierce winning the battle on lap 36. The final caution waved with 43 circuits complete as Brad Barrow went into the spin cycle in turn one, setting up a seven lap sprint to the finish. O’Neal would again motor away on the restart, while Babb challenged Jewell for second and took the runner-up slot on lap 45. Phillips would recover from his earlier miscue and retook the fifth spot from Claycomb on lap 48, with Pierce would scoot by Jewell for third as the field received the white flag. At the duel checkered flags, it would be O’Neal in the Calvin Kenneda owned Holman Motors, Bilstein Shocks #71 C.J. Rayburn Race Cars entry the winner, with Illinois drivers Babb and Pierce rolling home second and third. Jewell and Phillips would complete the top five. Claycomb would head up the second five followed by Jimmy Mars, Lanigan, Steve Hillard, and Schlieper, who charged to tenth after coming from the back of the field twice. Heats were won by Lanigan, Phillips, Jewell, O’Neal, Pierce, and Barber. The two B-Mains were scored by Schlieper and Jimmy Owens, while NALMS provisionals went to Doug McCammon and Brad Barrow.
The 25 lap UMP Modified feature saw Matt Boknecht of Seymour, IN lead flag-to-flag to claim his second win of the year in the open-wheel division aboard his George’s of Seymour, HMF Steel Sales, Dewalt Tools #22 Fly-By-U Race Car. Levi Godsey would survive a three-way dance to claim the runner-up spot, with Michael Bradley taking third. Earl Plessinger would come home fourth, with 17th starting John DeMoss finishing fifth. Jimmy Owens would start 19th and finish sixth, while Adam Sasser, Rusty Smiley, Brady Short, and Clint DeMoss completed the top ten. Forty-one Modifieds were on hand with heat race wins going to Boknecht, J.D. Roberts, Sasser, and Clint DeMoss. John DeMoss and Richie Lex were B-Main winners.
The 15 lap Bomber feature saw Bubba Woods, Matt Cummings, Ray Godsey, Jr., and Robert Walters each take a turn leading the event, but it would be Walters holding off a hard charging Charlie Stevens at the finish to claim his first win of 2001 in his Prince Excavating, Cummings Race Shops, Terry Cummings Race Engines, Niflis Signs #71 Hobbs Chassis entry. Stevens would finish second, while Woods, Godsey, Jr., and Cummings rounded out the top five. Completing the top ten were Matt Bex, Jeff Helton, Greg Benton, 2nd B-Main winner Clifton Barron, and Kevin Applegate. Fifty-two Bombers saw heat race wins go to Godsey, Jr., Cummings, Woods, Helton, and Walters, with B-Mains going to Barron and Larry Harris.
Racing continues this Saturday night at Brownstown Speedway featuring a regular show for Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and Bombers.
Summary-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana-April 7, 2001
Northern All-Star Late Models (69 entries)
Top Qualifier- Darrell Lanigan 16.117
1st Heat- Lanigan, Kevin Claycomb, Scott James, Russ Scheffler
2nd Heat- Dick Phillips, Jimmy Mars, Steve Barnett, Dan Schlieper
3rd Heat- Mike Jewell, Shannon Babb, Steve Hillard, Ernie Barrow
4th Heat- Don O’Neal, Timmy Yeager, John Gill, Jimmy Owens
5th Heat- Bob Pierce, Jeff Martin, Dan Sturgeon, Doug McCammon
6th Heat- Mark Barber, Jim Curry, Thomas Ware, Steve Lance
1st B-Main: Schlieper, Richie Hedrick, Ernie Barrow, Doug Ault, Steven Godsey
2nd B-Main: Owens, Shawn Negangard, Doug McCammon, Gordie Seegart, James Huff
NALMS Provisionals: Doug McCammon and Brad Barrow
Hoosier Dirt Classic- O’Neal, Babb, Pierce, Jewell, Phillips, Claycomb, Mars, Lanigan, Hillard, Schlieper, Curry, Owens, Sturgeon, Brad Barrow, Hedrick, Negangard, Gill, James, Doug McCammon, Barber, Yeager, Ware, Barnett, Martin
UMP Modifieds (41 entries)
1st Heat- Matt Boknecht, Levi Godsey, Earl Plessinger, Dale Ayers
2nd Heat- J.D. Roberts, Rusty Smiley, John Gurley, Mike Bowersox
3rd Heat- Adam Sasser, Dan Hamstra, Brandon Raef, Brady Short
4th Heat- Clint DeMoss, Michael Bradley, Lee Hobbs, Murl Robinson
1st B-Main: John DeMoss, Jimmy Owens, Brent Londeree, Josh Lucas, Vernon Soeder
2nd B-Main: Richie Lex, Rodney Harris, Joe Godsey, Jay Scott, Tommy Welin
Feature- Boknecht, Levi Godsey, Bradley, Plessinger, John DeMoss, Owens, Sasser, Smiley, Short, Clint DeMoss, Roberts, Bowersox, Lex, Hamstra, Robinson, Hobbs, Gurley, Harris, Raef, Ayers
Bombers (52 entries)
1st Heat- Ray Godsey, Jr., Greg Benton, Roger Reichenbacker, Josh Hayes
2nd Heat- Matt Cummings, Matt Bex, Tony Arthur, Tim Neal
3rd Heat- Bubba Woods, Charlie Stevens, Chris Streeval, Rick Applegate
4th Heat- Jeff Helton, Kevin Applegate, Josh Turner, Robert Green
5th Heat- Robert Walters, Bobby Davis, Glen Woods, Larry Harris
1st B-Main: Harris, Jerry Maynard, Dave Robinson, Hayes, Paul Owens
2nd B-Main: Clifton Barron, Rick Applegate, Jackie Wheeler, Green, John Mayor
Feature- Walters, Stevens, Bubba Woods, Godsey, Jr., Cummings, Bex, Helton, Benton, Barron, Kevin Applegate, Rick Applegate, Harris, Turner, Davis, Maynard, Arthur, Robinson, Reichenbacker, Glen Woods, Streeval, Wheeler
HIT THE JACKPOT LATE MODEL SERIES READY TO
INVADE NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN----
EIGHT RACES, FOUR TRACKS, ONE CHAMPION FOR WISSOTA LATE MODEL DRIVERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 5, 2001
CARTER, WI - Dirt track late model racing in Northeastern Wisconsin received a
huge boost recently when the Forest County Potawatomi Nation announced their
involvement in the inaugural Hit The Jackpot Late Model Series.
To be contested at four WISSOTA sanctioned tracks over eight nights, the
Hit The Jackpot Late Model Series will see each feature winner collect a minimum
of $2,000 while all main event starters will be guaranteed $350. Any
driver failing to make a feature race will take home $100.
The tracks involved in the series - the Langlade County Speedway in
Antigo, Shawano Speedway, Seymour Tri-oval Raceway, and Sunnyview Speedzone in
Oshkosh - will each host a pair of races. All other classes that normally
compete at the listed tracks will also be in competition on the night of the
series races.
The opening weekend of action for the Hit The Jackpot series will be over
the Memorial Day holiday. The Langlade County Speedway will host round one
on Friday night, May 25th followed by Shawano on May 26th, Seymour on May 27th,
and, after a day off, the Sunnyview Speedzone on May 29th.
Langlade County opens the second half of the series on August 24th with
Shawano and Seymour following on August 25th and 26th, respectively.
Sunnyview will close out the championship on August 28th.
There will be no entry fee for series and all WISSOTA late model rules
will be followed. Line-ups for each event will be done via the draw-redraw
system as outlined in the sanctioning group's 2001 rulebook. Starting
times for each program will coincide with the track's regular times.
At the Langlade County Speedway IMCA modifieds, WISSOTA street stocks,
and ASCI trucks will be in action with the first green flag set for 7:30 pm.
The IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars, and sportsman will be part of the Shawano
Speedway card with the first race set for 6:30 pm.
Seymour Tri-oval Raceway will present IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars,
and street stocks in addition to the Hit The Jackpot late models with a 6:30 pm
start. IMCA modifieds, Odyssey street stocks, and slammers will take part
in the shows at Sunnyview with race time set for 6:30 pm.
All other classes that will take part in each program will receive
a substantial pay increase on that night. The added money is expected to
make each show carry one of the largest car counts that each track will see for
a single program all season long.
The Forest County Potawatomi Nation is home to Northern Lights Casino,
Potawatomi Bingo, and the Indian Springs Lodge, all in Carter, WI. Each
facility offers a unique experience for guests from gaming to lodging. For
several years the Potawatomi Nation has been an active sponsor in short track
racing throughout Northeastern Wisconsin as well being involved with several
off-road racing teams.
Forest County Potawatomi Nation officials will soon announce the series
point fund for WISSOTA late models. A large banquet is also planned to
crown the champion and other drivers in the top 10 in points along with track
promoters and series officials. The banquet is tentatively planned to take
place in Carter.
For more information on the series feel free to call (920)
788-1285.
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY
HIT THE JACKPOT LATE MODEL SERIES
2001 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MAY 25TH LANGLADE COUNTY SPEEDWAY ANTIGO, WI $2000 TO WIN
SATURDAY, MAY 26TH SHAWANO SPEEDWAY SHAWANO, WI $2000 TO WIN
SUNDAY, MAY 27TH SEYMOUR TRI-OVAL RACEWAY SEYMOUR, WI $2000 TO WIN
TUESDAY, MAY 29TH SUNNYVIEW SPEEDZONE RACEWAY OSHKOSH, WI $2000 TO WIN
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24TH LANGLADE COUNTY SPEEDWAY ANTIGO, WI $2000 TO WIN
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH SHAWANO SPEEDWAY SHAWANO, WI $2000 TO WIN
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH SEYMOUR TRI-OVAL RACEWAY SEYMOUR, WI $2000 TO WIN
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28TH SUNNYVIEW SPEEDZONE RACEWAY OSHKOSH, WI $2000 TO WIN
Brownstown Speedway
Hoosier Dirt Classic News and Notes
For Immediate Release: Michael Despain-Media Contact: 18th Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic on April 7
-The 2001 Hoosier Dirt Classic will see the Northern All-Star Late Model Series (NALMS) as the sanctioning group for the second consecutive year. Other groups such as PROS, STARS, and UMP have sanctioned the event in past seasons.
-The 2001 edition of the HDC marks the 18th renewal of this storied event, which will be 50 laps in distance and pay the winner $5,000 for their night’s work around the 1/4 mile semi-banked clay oval.
-This event will be the first points paying event of the 2001 Northern All-Star Late Model Series campaign. The group, based in Osgood, Indiana, will race at Red Hill Raceway in Sumner, Illinois on Sunday afternoon, April 8.
-The NALMS group begins its fourth season and has quickly become one of the most popular touring series in the Midwest. Their previous champions include Jeff Wilson of Butlerville, Indiana in 1998 and Steve Barnett of Franklin, Indiana in 1999 and 2000.
-Derek Ramp of Seymour, Indiana was the NALMS rookie of the year in 1998 and Shawn Negangard of Osgood, Indiana was the 1999 R-o-Y, while Jeff Martin of Kansas, Illinois captured the award in 2000.
-This will be the NALMS seventh visit to Brownstown in their history with previous NALMS- sanctioned events won by Tony Izzo, Jr., John Gill, Don O’Neal, and Kevin Claycomb, and Scott James.
-Thirteen different drivers representing eight states have graced victory lane at the conclusion of the previous 17 HDC’s. A total of 134 different drivers have made the event in the 17 year history of the Hoosier Dirt Classic.
-Only three drivers have won the Hoosier Dirt Classic more than once. John Gill leads the parade with 3 HDC victories (1989, 1992, 1996). Billy Moyer has two wins in the HDC (1985 and 1993), while Don O’Neal also has 3 HDC wins to his credit (1995, 1999 and 2000).
-Current NASCAR Busch Series regular Jeff Purvis of Clarksville, Tennessee won the inaugural HDC back in 1984. The "blue-eyed wonder" drove a #15 C.J. Rayburn entry sponsored by Imperial Motors and Wilkins Auto Sales.
-Seven Hoosier Dirt Classic winners have also been victorious in the premier event at Brownstown Speedway, the Jackson 100. Those six drivers are Jack Boggs, Billy Moyer, Jeff Purvis, Scott Bloomquist, Davey Johnson, John Gill, and Don O’Neal.
-Those drivers making their first Hoosier Dirt Classic event in 2000 were Mark Anderson, Richie Hedrick, Steve Hillard, and Thomas Ware.
-Multi-time NASCAR Winston Racing Series short-track national champion Larry Phillips of Springfield, Missouri was the Hoosier Dirt Classic winner in 1988, along with winning the Kenny Simpson Memorial that same season, Larry’s son, 1999 Show-Me 100 Terry Phillips, has made the Hoosier Dirt Classic on two occasions (1989 and 1991), but does not have a victory in the event.
-The late Jack Boggs of Grayson, KY drove his #B4 to the Hoosier Dirt Classic title in 1987, one year after "Black Jack" won his first Jackson 100.
-Three-time World 100 winner Larry Moore scored a HDC win back in 1986. Larry still operates a drving school in Ocala, FL after spending part of 1999 as a tutor to young Kentucky driver Brandon Kinzer.
-Steve Barnett and John Gill are currently tied for the most starts in the Hoosier Dirt Classic. Each of the veteran Hoosier drivers have started 13 HDC events.
-Bob Pierce of Oaklawn, Illinois garnered top honors in the Hoosier Dirt Classic in 1990. The "Tall Cool One" holds the record for most consecutive starts in the Hoosier Dirt Classic as the 1999 North/South 100 winner started in 11 consectutive HDC’s dating from 1985 through 1995.
-Three-time Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Racing Series champion Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tennessee made four consecutive HDC starts from 1989 to 1992. "Black Sunshine" was victorious in the 1991 edition of the Hoosier Dirt Classic.
-Imperial, Pennsylvania hotshoe Davey Johnson was the winner of the 1994 STARS sanctioned Hoosier Dirt Classic event. This victory by "The Daveynator" followed up his win in the 1993 Jackson 100 at Brownstown Speedway.
-Legendary chassis builder C.J. Rayburn has started 10 Hoosier Dirt Classic event and has one victory in the race, that coming in 1997. The ten race appearances has "Bud" currently sixth on the current HDC all-time starts list.
-When Shannon Babb of Decatur, Illinois won the Hoosier Dirt Classic in 1998, he won the race in his very first appearance in the event and helped to "establish" the young Land of Lincoln hotshoe as a player on the national Late Model scene, as it was the biggest win of his career up to that point.
-"The Real Deal" Don O’Neal established himself as a "player" on the national dirt Late Model racing scene by taking the 1995 win. The Martinsville, Indiana native is also the two-time defending champion of the race, winning the 1999 and 2000 installments of the HDC. O’Neal made the race every year of the 1990’s with the exception of 1990 and 1997.
-The two drivers with the most starts in the Hoosier Dirt Classic that have not seen the checkered flag first in the race are Kevin Claycomb and Jim Curry. Each driver has made the HDC on 12 occasions.
-The Northern All-Stars Late Model Series being in charge marks the four different governing body that has reigned over the Hoosier Dirt Classic. The race was STARS/UMP co-sanctioned from 1984 through 1986. It would then be PROS/UMP co-sanctioned from 1987 through 1989. From 1990 through 1992, UMP would rule over the race. STARS would have control of the 1993 and 1994 HDC events. The race would be unsanctioned in 1995, while UMP came back to power in 1996 through 1998. The 1999 version of the HDC would see it return as an unsanctioned race, with the NALMS gang sanctioning the race for the first time in 2000.
-Also appearing on the 18th Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic racing card with the Northern All-Star Late Models will be the UMP Modifieds, paying $500 to win and $65 to start, and Bombers, paying $250 to win and $50 to start.
-Gates will open at 3:00, with hot laps at 5:30. NALMS time trials are at 6:00, with racing set to begin at 7:00. General admission is $20 for adults (Kids 12 and under admitted FREE with a paid adult), with an extra $10 fee required to enter the pit area.
2K1 NORTHERN ALL STARS
BANQUET
By Terry Young
(11/24/01)The Northern All Stars banquet capped the season last night at the beautiful WESTIN Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Series director Ron Linville started the evening by dispelling rumors that the series would no longer be in existence after this season. Linville added that a number of tracks have been in contact with him concerning bookings for the 2k2 season, and it appears that the series may have more dates in the Bluegrass state than it did in 2k1.
With that out of the way the banquet got underway and a lot of hardware and cash and contingencies were handed out.
TTTOP THREE IN NALMS POINTS-JIM CURRY, STEVE BARNETT, STEVE HILLARD
Those drivers in attendance to accept their awards were:
Darrin Schwarber 20th, Jesse James Lay 16th, Teddy Loomis 12th, Doug Ault 10th, Kevin Claycomb 9th, Frank Reaber 8th, Scott James 7th, Shawn Negangard 6th, Doug McCammon 5th, Bob Pierce 4th, Jim Curry 3rd, Steve Hillard 2nd and Steve Barnett Champion.
Ted Loomis was honored with "Most Improved Driver" which garnered him a nice award and $500 in addition to his year end points money.
Frank Reaber earned the "Rookie of the Year" award and also claimed a nice embroidered HOOSIER jacket as well as an additional $500 to add to his year end points check.
Bob & Angie Pierce with a unique Stained Glass fixture
from chief inspector Gene Schultz
in appreciation of Bob's 10 wins. Ray Harroun also drove his car #32 to the
first
Indy 500 victory.
Steve Hillard who was the runner up in the quest for the 2k1 crown was voted the Lee Fleetwood Memorial Sportsmanship Award winner sponsored by True Speed Enterprises.
HILLARD AT PODIUM WITH AWARD SPONSOR, DARIN STEWART
K-Motion Racing Engines was named the Engine Builder of the Year.
C.J. Rayburn Race Cars was tabbed the Chasis Builder of the Year.
But, the evening belonged to Steve Barnett of Franklin, Indiana as he celebrated his 3rd consecutive championship in the Northern All Stars, Andy Huey, crew chief for Steve Barnett won the Crew Chief of the Year Award.
THREE-TIME NALMS CHAMPION WITH AWARDS
In winning the 2k1 crown, Barnett took home $10,000 from Northern All Stars, an
additional $1,000 from K-Motion Race Engines, a set of rods from DYERS Top Rods,
a WILLYS carburetor and a brand new chassis at 50% off from GRT Race Cars along
with many other contingencies.
STEVE AND STEVE
The Northern All Stars thanked their participating sponsors for their help during the 2k1 season. Those sponsors included: Intercomp, Lane Automotive, A.M.S. Racing Engines, Hoosier Racing Tire, GRT Race Cars, Schoenfeld Headers, Demon Carburetion, DYERS Top Rods, Duralite Racing Wheels, Champ Pans, Peterson Fluid Systems, Rocket Chassis, Precision Plastic Products, ATL Raqcing Fuel Cells, G.B. Graphics, Negangard Enterprises, Penske Racing Shocks, Rev Racing Valves, American Race Tires, Champ Racing Wheels, KCP - Kinser Custom Printing, K-MOTION Valve Springs, AFCO, Citgo Racing Gasoline, Fuel Safe Systems, Willys Carburetors and PETERSEN ALUMINUM who was the N.A.L.M.S. Illinois Speed Week sponsor.
Barnett Earns Third Consecutive Championship
By Paul D. Bayne
DANVILLE, Ill. (October
20, 2001) – Richie Hedrick of Urbana,
IL overtook early race leader John Gill of Mitchell, IN on the backstretch of
lap 15, and stormed his way to his first career Northern All Stars Late Model
series victory at the Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, Illinois. The
victory of relative ease netted Hedrick $5,000 for the 50-lap main event, the
largest check he’s ever earned in his young late model career. Steve Barnett of
Franklin, IN, finished third to claim his third consecutive series
championship.
Series points’ leader Steve
Hillard of Sadorus, IL came into the season ending event with a mere 35 point
advantage over defending series points’ champion Barnett. Hillard, a
35-year-old former national modified champion, would have his hands full of
Barnett throughout the night, as the two engaged in battle in their heat race as
well.
Gill, who started on the pole
by virtue of a ball draw of the six heat race winners, jumped out to claim the
early advantage over Doug McCammon, Hedrick, Dennis Erb Jr., and Billy Drake.
On lap six, fast qualifier Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN pulled his car to the
infield, apparently the victim of a broken right rear shock. One lap later,
Kevin Claycomb of Vincennes, IN also pulled into the infield grass with
mechanical woes. Front-runner McCammon brought out the event’s first caution
when he went in a little hot and looped his mount between turns 3-4. It was not
known if he had some assistance with the dare-devilish maneuver.
Hedrick, who moved up to
second when McCammon found trouble, stormed his way by the inside of Gill as the
two exited turn two on lap 15, and never looked back. Only starter Rick
Isaacson was able to slow Hedrick down the remainder of the race, and he did
just that on lap 17, when Junior Shickel spun down the front stretch into the
infield across from Isaacson. When Isaacson displayed the crossed flags
indicating the halfway mark, it was Hedrick well in command, with Gill, Erb Jr.,
Brad Barrow, and Barnett giving chase.
On lap 23, the #23 machine of
Ted Loomis spun in turn three bringing out the third caution of the race.
Loomis was able to continue the remainder of the race. With twenty laps to go,
it was still Hedrick checking out up front, with Gill now solidly in second, and
Erb Jr. and Barrow wrestling for the third spot. On lap 33, Barrow’s night
ended when he broke a right rear axle entering turn three, sending the wheel and
axle assembly high over the outer retaining fence into the parking lot. While
the wheel assembly did cause damage to several vehicles, no one was injured in
the mishap. A terrific run though cut short for Barrow.
With ten to go, Hedrick was
still way out front literally driving the wheels off the car, as post-race
examination of the right rear tire would attest. Gill, Erb Jr., Barnett, and
Drake now rounded out the top five. While Barnett ran in fourth, Hillard was
maintaining the eighth spot. Had Hillard held onto that position, that would
have been good enough to earn him the series crown by a mere 15 points.
However, on lap 47, Kevin Weaver nudged by Hillard to take over the eighth spot,
followed by Jim Curry squeezing by for ninth. With Hillard now struggling to
hold on to the tenth spot, his hopes surely were flattened when the right rear
tire went down one lap later. Hillard could do no more than limp home in
twelfth. Barnett meanwhile wasn’t finished, as he was able to slip by the
inside of Erb Jr., who got a little loose coming off turn four on the final lap,
to claim the third spot.
At the stripe Hedrick would
pick up his first career NALMS victory and largest payday of his career. Gill,
Barnett, Erb Jr., and Drake rounded out the top five. Doug Ault, Mike Jewell,
Kevin Weaver, Curry, and Loomis closed out the top ten. Twelve cars finished
the race, all on the lead lap.
In preliminary heat race
action, it was Brad Barrow taking heat one over Shawn Toczek, and Junior
Shickel.
Doug McCammon would win heat
two over Doug Ault, and Dick Potts.
Dennis Erb Jr. scored an easy
win in heat three over Jammie Wilson, and Shawn Negangard.
“The Modern Day Cowboy” John
Gill edged Billy Drake, and Ted Loomis in heat race four.
Richie Hedrick breezed to an
easy win over Mike Jewell, and Kevin Weaver in heat five.
Steve Barnett held off Steve
Hillard, and Brian Richey in heat six.
There were two consolation
races contested with the winner advancing to the feature lineup. In the first
consi, it was Gary May holding off Jayme Zidar, and Todd Rehg for the win, while
Kevin Claycomb out dueled Bob Pohlman Jr., and Clay Bauman in the second consi.
Scott James and Jim Curry
both took series point’s provisionals to make the field. James was also fast
qualifier for the event, posting a time of 14.486 on his second lap after
spinning and collecting the water barricade in turn two on his first lap
attempt.
In UMP modified action,
forty-nine cars chimed in to do battle for the $1,000 top prize at stake. When
all was said and done, it was Earl Plessinger of Seymour, IN going the distance
in his Lokey Timber/Pierce Race Car to claim his second consecutive win at the
VCS speed plant. His last coming over the Labor Day weekend that garnered him a
nifty $4,000. Plessinger led from the outset though being chased by veteran
Terry Messenger. By lap 16, Plessinger was now dealing with some back markers,
and Messenger was able to move up on the inside and challenge for the lead.
Just then, Terry Duncan would get turned around between turns one and two
bringing out the event’s second caution, after an opening lap restart.
When the race resumed,
Plessinger again showed his muscle over Messenger, though Messenger would not go
away. On lap 20, Tim O’Donnell and Jim Farris got together in turn one,
relegating both to the rear of the field. Neither driver seemed to be content
with the ruling, and O’Donnell decided to call it a night. When the checkered
flag was waved it was Plessinger over Messenger, followed by Dave Wheatley, Sean
Seavers, and John Hollifield Jr. 2001 Vermilion County track champion Denny
Schwartz cam home a disappointing sixth, while Dennis Hux, Michael Bradley, Mark
Moore, and Matt Bex rounded out the top ten.
Heat race winners included
Plessinger over Seavers, and Ed Kuhn. Farris over Hux, and Moore. Messenger
over Mark Anderson, and Bex. Wheatley over Bradley, and Schwartz. And finally,
O’Donnell over Hollifield Jr., and Daren Friedman.
Two consolation races were
run with the top four transferring to the 35-lap feature event. In the first
consi, it was Arby Burton besting Roger Cary, Matt Bachman, and Roger Cavness,
while in the second it was Rick Thomas holding off Terry Duncan, Aaron Ricketts,
and Bobby White, driving a car formerly driven by UMP modified national point’s
runner-up Chad Kinder.
Summary of results
Brad Barrow, Shawn Toczek,
Junior Shickel, Gary May
Doug McCammon, Doug Ault, Dick
Potts, Jayme Zidar
Dennis Erb Jr., Jammie Wilson,
Shawn Negangard, John Kresser Jr.
John Gill, Billy Drake, Ted
Loomis, Clay Bauman
Richie Hedrick, Mike Jewell,
Kevin Weaver, Kevin Claycomb
Steve Barnett, Steve Hillard,
Brian Richey, Bret Sievert
Consi #1
(Winner transfers)
Gary May, Jayme Zidar, Todd
Rehg, Todd Chitwood
Consi #2
(Winner transfers)
Kevin Claycomb, Bob Pohlman
Jr., Clay Bauman, Mike Metzger
Feature
$5,000-to-win, 50-laps
1.Richie Hedrick 2.John Gill
3.Steve Barnett 4.Dennis Erb Jr. 5.Billy Drake 6.Doug Ault 7.Mike Jewell 8.Kevin
Weaver 9.Jim Curry 10.Ted Loomis 11.Shawn Negangard 12.Steve Hillard 13.Shawn
Toczek 14.Gary May 15.Brad Barrow 16.Jammie Wilson 17.Doug McCammon 18.Junior
Shickel 19.Brian Richey 20.Dick Potts 21.Kevin Claycomb 22.Scott James
Scott James – 14.486
Earl Plessinger, Sean Seavers,
Ed Kuhn
Heat 2
Jim Farris, Dennis Hux, Mark
Moore
Heat 3
Terry Messenger, Mark
Anderson, Matt Bex
Heat 4
Dave Wheatley, Michael
Bradley, Denny Schwartz
Heat 5
Tim O’Donnell, John Hollifield
Jr., Daren Friedman
Consi #1 (Top 4 transfer)
Arby Burton, Roger Cary, Matt
Bachman, Roger Cavness
Consi #2 (Top 4 transfer)
Rick Thomas, Terry Duncan,
Aaron Ricketts, Bobby White
Feature $1,000-to-win, 35-laps
1.Earl Plessinger 2.Terry
Messenger 3.Dave Wheatley 4.Sean Seavers 5.John Hollifield Jr. 6.Denny Schwartz
7.Dennis Hux 8. Michael Bradley 9.Mark Moore 10.Matt Bex 11.Arby Burton 12.Daren
Friedman 13.Matt Bachman 14. Roger Cary 15.Rick Thomas 16. Jim Farris 17.Terry
Duncan 18.Ed Kuhn 19.Aaron Ricketts 20.Josh Ferguson 21.Mark
Anderson 22.Bobby White 23.Tim O’Donnell 24.Roger Cavness
Fast Qualifier
(49 cars)
Don Kiger (time unknown)
KING OF
THE HILL
By Jack Taylor
(9/5/01)A few
years ago, a rather non-descript open trailer pulled by a more non-descript
pick-up truck would pull into a weekend racetrack in the mid-America regions,
and no more than a passing glance would be made by the local drivers as three or
four young men alighted and went about preparing for the evening events of
Modified racing. 
Now, when this
same group of friends from a small community passes through the pit gates at any
racetrack within a 500-mile radius of Newport, Tennessee, every head turns in
that direction. Before the hauler (now an enclosed style) pulled by a much
better looking 4-wheel drive machine comes to a stop, the rush is on as fans,
reporters, photographers, and his fellow drivers converge on the territory that
Jimmy Owens has staked out for the night.
For all of the
crowd that systematically close in on his arrival, it isn’t as much that they
are awe-stricken, as it is that they are genuinely anxious to shake his hand or
wave and say “Hi, Jimmy, glad to see you”. He has gained the respect of the
Modified world. Probably no other driver in dirt modified racing can add an
extra few hundred fans to a promoter’s gate receipts as Jimmy Owens can.
The crew of the
number 20 car is about the same group that he has been with through his career
and not one them wished their names to be put into this story, but we have all
seen them and spoken with them enough to know their strong commitment to the
success of their friend and driver.
Owens, 29,
started driving at his local tracks in street stocks when he was 18, learning
the ropes and watching his local heroes, including his older brother, Kurt, who
can hold his own with the best in Modified racing. These local tracks were Bulls
Gap and Kingsport, where a lot of racing history has been written over the
years. He moved into a modified seat in 1995 and has written his own history
since that time.
Amassing 225
feature wins at some of the most challenging tracks throughout the Midwest in a
short span of years has put Owens at the top of his class. The coveted UMP
National Championship which includes over 3,000 drivers each year vying for
championship points has been captured by Jimmy in 1998 and again in 2000. His
third place finish as a rookie in 1995, and thirds in 1996 and 1997, along with
a second in 1999 has put him on the podium at the UMP Banquet in Louisville
every year he has raced Modifieds. The 2001 season, with only a few weeks
remaining in point competition shows him again battling for the title with Denny
Schwartz and Chad Kinder. The UMP National championship may be decided at Eldora
in October at the Fall Nationals. His win total is 25 features thus far for
2001.
If you look at
the UMP listing by states, Owens cannot be found in the top five even in his
home State of Tennessee. This is because he travels and that is an
understatement. “I think the last count was 13 different States we’ve been to
for races”, he said, “We like to travel around and try to make the shows”. He
told us his favorite track is Batesville, Arkansas and of course his local track
at Bulls Gap. And his most memorable race was in 1996 at Atomic Speedway in
Tennessee. “My brother Kurt and me were door to door for most of the feature
until I blew an engine and he won,” he said.
Now that’s about
all the words that you’ll get out of the quiet spoken Owens, except that he
wanted to thank his crew, and his sponsors, and “I want you to say I wish Kurt
Hofsess a speedy recovery, a racing buddy of mine.” He also wanted to thank all
of the fans who support him wherever he goes.
The Lightning
Chassis, Enforcer Racing Engine number 20 is sponsored by Southwest Speed,
Bilstein Shocks, S & S Fire Equipment, English Mountain Spring water, Alwee
Trucking, H-1 Auto Parts, Jeff Datzman Photos, Red Line Oil, West Haven Speed
Equipment, Willy’s Carb and Dyno Shop, and Bassett Wheels.
Oh, and one more
item of interest. When a Modified driver starts doing well in that class, fans
start to picture him in a Late Model. This year Jimmy has pulled double duty in
a Late Model sponsored by Jerry Weisgarber and made every show he has been to
except one. And there have been four feature wins to his credit in Late Models
in 2001.
(POSTMARK) This interview occurred at Vermillion County Speedway on Labor Day Weekend and Jimmy collected two feature wins, a second and a third in four nights of racing at area tracks. Since returning home, two more feature wins were recorded and they are included in his total above. The UMP point’s race remains very tight. The events of September 11 that affected our great country delayed the release of this profile of a fine young man in our sport of dirt track racing until this time
*BLOOMQUIST RULES THE WORLD
By Mike Sullivan
(9/7/01)After a late and adventurous night of action, the PAL-U Crew has made our way to the official host motel. After playing the role of a fan in the heats with the pen down, the notes of the main event were in abundance. So for those of you who didn’t get to go or missed a few things, here’s a recap of the 31st Annual World 100…
Terry Phillips and Jim Curry made the MARS and NALMS loyal stand a little taller when the regulars of the “small” series occupied the front row. As the golden voice of Bret Emrick spoke the word of the World under the traditional four abreast salute, the disco like effect of the flash bulbs set the tone of the main event.
START Lap 1: Phillips and Curry rolled into one door to door before Curry took the lead off two on the top. 8th starting Donnie Moran jumped to sixth when he got to the top before Claycomb and Delmas Conley.
Lap 2: Bloomquist is up to 7th after starting 9th. Delmas and Schlieper battled. Bloomer, Moran and R.J. Conley ran 3 wide off for 5th.
Lap 3: Fast time provisional Billy Moyer rolled by Babb’s new Rayburn off two.
Lap 4: Curry is out to a 5 car length lead as Delmas, Schlieper, Moran and Yang run in a pack from 3rd to 6th.
Lap 5: Bloomquist dips to the hub and looks under Moran. Moyer is up to 10th.
Lap 6: Bloomer and Moran slug it out for 5th. Moran on the rim, Bloomer hugs the bottom.
Lap 7: Moyer is now 9th and 24th starting Don O’Neal is 17th.
CAUTION: Chub Frank stops between 3 and 4 with a flat left rear.
RESTART: Curry brings the field to the green after firing in 3. The start is called back and St. Nick is given a warning by the track officials.
RESTART Lap 8: Phillips takes a look under Curry in two while Black Sunshine moves to fourth when he rolled under Moran then Schlieper in one and two in the basement.
Lap 9: Yang takes 3rd from Delmas in one.
Lap 10: Bloomquist pulls up behind Phillips for second while Francis and Schlieper battle for 4th.
Lap 11: Moran fires Schlieper a slider in three to grab 6th.
Lap 12: Moyer rolls by Schlieper in four on the bottom for 7th.
Lap 13: Schlieper regroups and pulls back up to challenge Moyer.
Lap 14: Phillips pressures Curry for the lead. Curry counters by driving in deeper. Prior to this, Curry was rolling out of the gas just past the flag stand.
Lap 15: Curry, Phillips and Bloomquist separate themselves from the field. Moran takes a look under Francis for 4th. Behind them, Delmas Conley, Schlieper and Moyer go 3 wide for 6th.
Lap 16: Francis drops from the rim to the bottom and pulls away from Moran.
Lap 17: Bloomquist jumps to the outside and looks around Phillips. Moran drives around Francis on the top.
Lap 18: Bloomquist goes to the bottom of 2 and takes a peek under Phillips for 2nd.
Lap 19: Yang moves to 2nd off four.
Lap 20: Curry now holds a 5 car length lead over an ever lurking Bloomquist. Schlieper and Moyer continue to race for 6th.
Lap 21: Bloomquist takes a look under Curry in two. Curry’s momentum pulls him away down the back stretch where the veteran rolls through 3 and 4 on the hub.
Lap 22: Moran challenges Phillips for 3rd while Bloomquist takes a peek under Curry off four.
Lap 23: Francis runs alone in 5th. Bloomer looks low again in 3 before Curry gets away off four.
Lap 24: Curry moves in on lapped traffic. With each lap he pushes Bloomquist lower and lower in the mud off two.
Lap 25: Wendell Wallace and Kevin Claycomb battle while Curry holds off Bloomquist. Moran fires a slider at the lapped traffic.
Lap 26: Phillips and Francis race for 4th. Bloomquist draws alongside Curry off four and is score the leader at the line.
Lap 27: Curry slips a little off two allowing Bloomquist to wrestle the lead away and pull out by 3 car length in turn 3. The Yang loyal go crazy.
Lap 28: Moran rolls along the rim and runs while Bloomer’s lead is now 7 car lengths.
Lap 29: Bloomquist negotiates traffic while Curry’s hands are full with Moran.
Lap 30: Moran goes by Curry for second when Big D’s momentum off two carries him by.
Lap 31: Bloomquist is still in traffic. Moyer is now 7th while Wallace and R.J. Conley race for 9th.
Lap 32: Moran throws a slider at Justin Paxton to lap him in four in hopes to catch Bloomer.
Lap 33: Moran squeezes by Matt Miller to lap him as Bloomquist is now a half straightaway ahead.
Lap 34: Wallace runs 9th and Curry pulls out running 3rd.
Lap 35: Francis, Schlieper and Moyer race 4th through 6th.
Lap 36: Moran is still a half chute behind as a slider on Terry English doesn’t help matters.
Lap 37: Moyer is on Francis for 5th.
Lap 38: Bloomquist puts a lap on World first timer Ted Loomis while Moyer and Francis continue to battle.
Lap 39: Moyer goes by Francis in turn 4 for 4th.
Lap 40: Delmas Conley’s motor begins to quietly puff smoke.
CAUTION: Matt Miller stops on the front stretch with a flat left rear. Under the yellow, Moran goes high to the loose stuff to cool his tires. Bloomquist keeps his car in the black ice and patiently weaves. The lapped cars of Booper Bare and Jerry Rice separate first and second.
RESTART Lap 41: Yang brings the field to the green in a crawl. Moyer goes by Phillips for third on the bottom of turn 3.
Lap 42: Jimmy Mars gets into the wall in turn one. Moran has clear sailing between himself and Bloomer when Booper Bare is shelved.
Lap 43: Bloomer and Moran are checked out on the field. Wallace goes by R.J. Conely.
Lap 44: Schlieper and Francis go at it.
Lap 45: Bloomquist’s lead is now a full straightaway.
Lap 46: Francis, Schlieper and Wallace run nose to tail. Rick Aukland slows and retires for the night.
Lap 47: Moyer is bottled behind the lapped cars of Terry English and Jerry Rice.
Lap 48: Moyer slips off two and scares the wall. Phillips pulls alongside and tries to capitalize before Moyer pulls out again.
Lap 49: Moran chases Yang. Moran runs the top while Bloomer runs the hub.
Lap 50: Schlieper fights off a low runing Francis.
Lap 51: Bloomquist gets into lapped traffic.
Lap 52: Francis goes by Kevin Claycomb to put him a lap down.
Lap 53: O’Neal and Babb make contact off four while racing together.
Lap 54: Bloomquist is on cruise while Moran chases him on the top side.
Lap 55: Bloomquist deals with 3 lapped cars. Meanwhile, Moran fires sliders at his lapped cars.
Lap 56: Moran cuts a traffic plagued Bloomqusit’s lead down to a half straightaway.
Lap 57: Delmas Conley receives a slider from Bloomquist and Kevin Claycomb slows and pulls out.
Lap 58: Moran tries the bottom while lapping cars.
Lap 59: Moran is back on the top to deal with traffic.
Lap 60: Bloomer holds a half straightaway lead. Moran cuts low in three and high off four.
Lap 61: Moyer battles with the lapped care of Terry English.
Lap 62: Bloomquist has trouble getting off two and Moran runs harder.
Lap 63: Bloomer faces the lapped cars of Babb and R.J. Conley.
Lap 64: Bloomquist has trouble with Babb and is forced to race with him.
Lap 65: Moran closes in Bloomer’s troubles with Babb. Nine cars are now on the lead lap.
Lap 66: Bloomquist clears the traffic in one and two.
Lap 67: Moran deals with the traffic that held up Bloomquist and fires Babb a slide job.
Lap 68: Bloomquist deals with Jerry Rice.
Lap 69: Babb drops a spot. Bloomquist rolls quietly through the black.
Lap 70: Yang is on cruise and leads by a half straightaway.
Lap 71: Bloomquist laps the 8th place car of Don O’Neal.
Lap 72: O’Neal won’t go away easy and holds his line on the hub.
Lap 73: The bottom of turn 2 is kind to Black Sunshine when he goes under O’Neal.
Lap 74: Yang is busied with Booper Bare.
Lap 75: Moran brushes the wall in two.
Lap 76: People begin to slowly leave when Bloomquist moves in on Wendell Wallace to put the 7th place man a lap behind.
Lap 77: Bare gets a nice slider from Moran who is tryin gto catch the leader.
Lap 78: Moran now faces the traffic of O’Neal and Jerry Bowersock.
Lap 79: Delmas Conley’s engine smokes a lot more.
Lap 80: Bloomquist follows Wallace along the bottom.
Lap 81: Black Sunshine goes by Wallace.
Lap 82: Bloomquist puts Wallace a lap down. Delmas Coley slows.
Lap 83: Moyer is still fighting with Terry English. Moran and Conley make contact when Moran goes by.
Lap 84: Bloomquist enjoys a full straightaway ahead of Big D.
Lap 85: Bloomquist puts Justin Paxton another lap down.
Lap 86: Bloomquist tries to put 5th running Schlieper a lap down.
Lap 87: Bloomquist looks under Schlieper to put him a lap down again.
Lap 88: Bloomer and Schlieper nearly had a close call and almost making contact with each other.
Lap 89: After the near miss, Yang backs to give the slower cars a chance to string out.
Lap 90: Schlieper and Bloomer are in a killer battle a full straightaway of Moran.
Lap 91: First through fifth are the lonely cars on the lead lap.
Lap 92: Phillips runs alone in 4th. Justin Paxton gets into the wall and delivered soon.
Lap 93: Francis laps Steve Francis leaving only the the first four on the lead also.
Lap 94: Bloomquist moves in on fourth place running Terry Phillips. Moran runs the wall and holds down second.
Lap 95: Yang cruises on the hub. Moyer is still following English.
Lap 96: Moyer follows English patiently
Lap 97: Bloomquist is in on traffic that includes R.J. Conley, Terry Phillips and Jerry Bowersock.
Lap 98: Yang rolls under R.J. Conley with ease and follows Phillips.
Lap 99: Bloomquist, Moran, Moyer and Phillips are the only cars who would run the entire 50 miles.
Lap 100: The Bloomqsuist loyal go crazy as their man takes the checkered.
Following the race, Bloomer took a very long cool off lap and waited in line to get to the scales. While Bret Emrick reminded the crowd of his problems at the scales in the past as the crowd held their breath.
When the crew gets to the stage, Yang crew chief Danny Meyers hugs announcer Rick Eschelman on the stage. When Bob Memmer gave him the thumbs up the crowd erupted.
OFFICIAL FINISH:
1 Scott Bloomquist
2 Donnie Moran
3 Billy Moyer
4 Terry Phillips
5 Steve Francis
6 Dan Schlieper
7 Wendell Wallace
8 Don O’Neal
9 Shannon Babb
10 Terry English
11 R.J. Conley
12 Booper Bare
13 Matt Miller
14 Jerry Rice
15 Justin Paxton
16 Jerry Bowersock
17 Delmas Conley
18 Kevin Claycomb
19 Rick Aukland
20 Greg Johnson
21 Jimmy Mars
22 Ted Loomis
23 Jim Curry
24 Chub Frank
OTHER ODDS AND ENDS…
After a rain delay, the heats were somewhat demo derbys and exhibits in how to crash.
Timmy Yeager’s night ended against the wall.
Mike Head crashed hard in his heat along with Marty O’Neal.
Jack Hewitt spun twice before the green flew. The second spin collected about 8 cars and ended when Freddy Smith with his back hurting. Tim Hitt, Dustin Neat, Duke Whiseant and Eddie Rickman to name a few.
Heat 6 leader and 3rd running Shawn Toczek crashed and collected himslef along with Steve Shaver.
In the consi, Darrell Lanigan destroyed his car all to pieces and collected Kris Patterson, Curtin Roberts, Mitch Johnson, Joey Izzo, and Dan Sturgeon. Lanigan’s car is a throw away.
All in all a good night of racing. Although the main event was a bit of a yawner at times, it was still a good night of racing. This was probably the most crash plagued race at Eldora of my 13 year experience here. Lots of parts will be on order come Monday morning.
Off to Barren County next week for the Kentucky Klassic and the first visit by the PAL-U crew since last year’s Klassic.
So until next time, we’ll be sprinkling a little Gold Bond and handing out duct tape to keep everyone dry, and rollin em around!
COMPLETE RESULTS
Heat 1: R.J. Conley, Booper Bare, Justin Paxton, Terry English, Billy Moyer,
Kris Patterson, Bob Pierce, Mike McWilliams, Ray Cook, A. Joe Johnson, Terry
Neal, Tyrel Todd, Randy Woodling, Jeff Houser, John Povenzano, Rick Corbin,
Johnny Johnson, Eddie Leviner, Jack Pencil, Audie McWilliams
Heat 2: Kevin Claycomb, Donnie Moran, Wendell Wallace, Chub Frank, Darrell
Lanigan, Curtis Roberts, Shane Yoder, John Mason, Brian Ruhlman, Brian Stinson,
Skip Arp, Shawn Negangaard, Adam Stevens, Billy Drake, Steve Landrum, Steve
Smith, Tim Tungate, Samuel Epling, C.J. Rayburn
Heat 3: Delmas Conley, Scott Bloomqist, Matt Miller, Jimmy Mars, Rick Eckert,
Dale McDowell, Greg Johnson, Steve Barnett, Brian Birkhofer, John Gill, Tom
Beam, Gary Stuhler, Jesse Lay, Dwayne Hommel, Paul Harris, Bill Bocook, Scott
James, **** Phillips, Shane Cottle, Todd Nuding
Heat 4: Dan Schlieper, Steve Francis, Rick Aukland, Randle Chupp, Mike Jewell,
Barry Bragdon, Rod Conley, Steve Casebolt Jr., Rick DeLong, James Huff, Jim
Partipilo, Brandon Kinzer, Mark Barber, Duane Chamberlain, Josh Williams, Timmy
Yeager, Mike Head, Marty O'Neal, Rody Schroyer, Eddie Carrier Jr.
Heat 5: Jim Curry, Jerry Rice, Ted Loomis, Darren Miller, Steve Lance, Dan
Sturgeon, Jayme Zidar, Barry Doss, Todd Schroyer, Richie Hedrick, Mike Martar,
Jack Hewitt, Freddy Smith, Tim Hitt, Jay Johson, Eddie Rickman, Doug McCammon,
Keith Berner, Duke Whiseant, Dustin Neat
Heat 6: Terry Phillips, Shannon Babb, Jerry Bowersock, Don O'Neal, Mitch
Johnson, Joe Izzo, Jeff Kohn, Ronnie Johnson, Tommy Boggs, Bubby Jaynes, Jeep
VanWormer, Steve Russell, Kevin Weaver, Bob Pohlman, Shawn Toczek, Steve Shaver,
Rodney Franklin, Kenny Christy, Jeff Wildung, Scott Knepley
B-Main: Chub Frank, Jimmy Mars, Terry English, Don O'Neal, Randle Chupp, Bob
Pierce, Rick Eckert, Dale McDowell, Mike McWilliams, Shane Yoder, Steve Barnett,
Dustin Neat, Barry Bragdon, Jayme Zidar, Darrell Lanigan, Kris Patterson, Curtis
Roberts, Mitch Johnson, Joey Izzo, Dan Sturgeon, Rod Conley, Darren Miller,
Steve Lance
WORLD 100
1)Scott Bloomquist 2)Donnie Moran 3)Billy Moyer 4)Terry Phillips 5)Steve Francis
6)Dan Schlieper 7)Wendell Wallace 8)Don O'Neal 9)Shannon Babb 10)Terry English
11)R.J. Conley 12)Booper Bare 13)Matt Miller 14)Jerry Rice 15)Justin Paxton
16)Jerry Bowersock 17)Delmas Conley 18)Kevin Claycomb 19)Rick Aukland 20)Greg
Johnson 21)Jimmy Mars 22)Ted Loomis 23)Jim Curry 24)Chub Frank
2001 WORLD 100
HEAT LINEUPS FOR SATURDAY
(QUALIFYING POSITION AFTER NAME)
|
Heat 1
1. Terry Neal-31 |
Heat 2
1. Donnie Moran-32 |
Heat 3
1. Delmas Conley-33 |
|
Heat 4
1. Dan Schleiper-34 |
Heat 5
1. Jack Hewitt-35 |
Heat 6
1. Steve Shaver-36 |
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE WORLD
100
By Mike Sullivan
Coming to you live from the official host motel of the PAL-U Crew, here’s the odds and ends of the Friday night goings on from the Big E. Although Mother Nature’s 10-100 on the end of the first round of qualifying looked to the be making of a very long night, Earl’s decision to call one lap per driver enough to set the line ups. So without further ado, here’s the notes from Friday night.
HOT LAPS…
-Session 1: Kris Patterson was the first car on the track for the 2001 World 100 as he lead Skeet Reckner, Steve Russell, Tommy Boggs, Randle Sweeney, Eddie Rickman, Brandon Green, John Gill, Terry Phillips and Dale McDowell out. In the first session that saw the track blow dust in the wind, Gill ran the hub while running with McDowell. Jeff Wildung in Lance Matthees’ 71m grazed the wall in one.
-Session 2: Mike Head in Christian Rayburn’s ride, Jeff Mounce , Richey Hedrick, Rick Aukland, Duane Chamberlain in Bill Watson’s #4, Mark Barber, Tim Hitt, Jim Curry, James Huff, Adam Stevens, Wendell Wallace, Gary Stuhler in Sammy Halcomb’s ride and Terry Neal in a Billy Moyer, Sr. Rocket.
Hedrick and Wallace each marched around Earl’s cliffs while Head went low. Aukland was bottled in traffic, and took an extra trip along with Hitt as the rest pulled out.
-Session 3: Jeep Van Wormer, Dan Schlieper in a Rayburn, Mike Jewell, Freddy Smith, Bob Pohlman, Jack Pencil, Dennis Erb, Jimmy Mars, Canada’s Brad Avier, Chub Frank, Doug McCammon in a new Warrior, and Shane Cottle were on the track.
Freddy looked quick along with Jewell. Mars smoked while Chub and Cottle were each quick. Jeep and Schliep were in a traffic jam with no room to move.
-Session 4: Timmy Yeager and Ronnie Johnson entered from the back gate and pulled to turn 1 and lead Mike Marlar, Marty O’Neal, Booper Bare, Scott James, Kenny Christy’s snazzy ride, Rick Eckert and Brian Ruhlman were out.
Ted Loomis slapped the turn 4. Yeager ran the hub before slowing when he threw a rod and headed in for an engine swap. Scrub’s fast laps ended when he slowed with a flat left rear.
-Session 5: Duke Whiseant, Birkhofer, Skip Arp, Shawn Toczek, Nebraska’s John Anderson, Bub McCool, Jesse James Lay, Billy Drake and John Provenzano took flight.
Anderson’s run along the hub billowed dust even more. Drake rolled along the rim with Arp on the hub. Lay was quick early along with Birky.
-Session 6: Greg Johnson, Don O’Neal, Sandy Goddard, Gusty Christenberry, Benny Feltner, Rodney Franklin, Rick Rickman, Steve Shaver and Steve Landrum took to the track.
Christenberry’s ride blew smoke while the Real Deal marched around the rim. Shaver was also along the wall as Rickman slowed early.
-Session 7: Jerry Rice, Kevin Weaver, Billy Moyer, Josh Williams, Kevin Claycomb in a tight looking new MasterSbilt, Shane Yoder, Jay Johnson, Austrailia’s Peter Worthy, John Whitney, Tyrel Todd and Joey Izzo pulled out.
This session was stopped on the back chute while paramedics attended to earlier hot lapper Chad Hobbs who suffered a leg injury when the drive shaft broke and got in the car with him. One report was a compound fracture of the right leg. Hobbs was taken out and to the hospital before any action resumed. Meanwhile, Bloomquist’s crew made a final adjustment to Yang’s car while they waited to go out in the next group.
When the green fell Rice lead the field around the top that saw the high line get even closer to the wall. The fastest hands down was Moyer who sailed around Earl’s joint pulling up behind cars and low to pass at will.
-Session 8: Black Sunshine lead the pack out that included Tim Tungate, Steve Francis, John Mason, Jackie Boggs, Matt Miller, Shawn Negangard, Bob Pierce, Johnny Johnson and Keith Berner.
Yang went high and low while Pierce and Francis each rode the rim. As the checkered fell on the session, Bloomquist had a very close call when Jimmy Watson set sideways in turn four. When the field slowed, Bloomer went high and barely missed the car by inches as he squeezed by.
-Session 9: Casebolt lead Barnett’s new Rayburn, Ed Behn, Steve Smith, Randle Chupp, Brad Neat, Dck Phillips, Steve Smith, Eddie Carrier, Jr. and Mike McWilliams to the track.
Casebolt and Smith were quick all over. Casebolt suffered right rear body damage after a brush with the cement. Smith proceeded while Chupp, Barnett and Neat each ran nose to tail.
-Session 10: Darrell Lanigan, Terry English lead Dewayne Hommel, Barry Bragdon, Dustin Neat, Dennis Selby, Rod Conley, Shannon Babb, Rick (remember, not Ricky) Corbin and Billy Dever to the dusty late session.
Lanigan looked impressive before Weasel Rhodes barrel rolled his car in three and four ending his weekend. Neat, Selby, Bragdon, Steve Lance took immediate evasive action.
When the green flew again Lanigan was where ever he needed to by. Neat and Babb were equally fast. Hommel fired a slider to a slower car before English went by both the slow car and Hommel.
-Session 11: Frank Reaber lead the final group out that included Brandon Kinzer, Dan Sturgeon, Audie McWilliams, Delmas Conley, IRL racers Tracy Grimes and Brian Tyler, Greg Lucas, Ernie Corder, Ray Cook, Donnie Moran, Earl Pearson Jr. and Darren Miller
Pearson was quick on the top while Moran handed out sliders in traffic. Cook fell in line when the Thriller when by on the crowded track.
QUALIFYING… (any positions mentioned are where the drivers fell at that exact
time, not the final rundown)
In a very classy move, a moment of silence was observed for the fallen racers, Gene Petro, Jack Boggs and Chris Francis. Upon the end of that, Apple Valley, Minnesota’s 12 year old Ashley Alby wailed out the Star Spangled Banner to a tee.
-Skeet Reckner was the first car to attempt to qualify for the 2001 World 100.
-Early qualifiers John Gill, Brandon Green, Tom Behn (who set quick time at the moment), and Robert Hensley each hit the wall between three and foru one after another. After four in a row, Butch Wilermuth broke the string of cement biters.
-Terry Phillips’ smooth lap just below the marbles was quick time of 17.263.
-Mike Head’s 17.9 was done while running mostly sideways.
-Jim Curry’s 17.432 was thanks to a lap without a bobble.
-Duane Chamberlain clicked off a 17.6 with a nibble of the cement.
-Wendell Wallace was the first car under the 17 second barrier with a 16.939 to make him the fastest so far.
-Rick Aukland was right after Wendell in line and in position when his 17.104 was good enough for second place at the present time.
-Mike Jewell swatted the wall in 3 & 4 before taking the green then cranked out a 17.241 for 3rd quick. This weekend Jewell is in “Judge Wapner” complete with a little 358.
-Jimmy Mars was then third fastest for one lap until…
-Chub Frank bumped Mars to 4th the very next lap.
-Dennis Erb got the wall in four then got on the gas just past the green and jarred the wall in one.
-Timmy Yeager made it in line following an engine swap when a nice sized hole was found in his 415. The Chosen One now sports a 358.
-Skip Arp only mustered a 18.091 when his goat shut off just shy of the flag stand.
-Greg Johnson proved a lot of laps at Eldora mean a lot when he chimed in with a 17.102, good enough for second quick.
-Don O’Neal was more smooth than fast and garnered a 17.203.
-Jay Johnson turned a ton of heads when Johnny’s boy rolled to a 17.119 to a current 4th quick. Mr. Moyer is on deck.
-Billy Moyer billowed dust down the back chute when he put the right side tires in the loose dirt then rolled along the black ice of three and four with a 16.853 to set fast time and throw the gauntlet out for the fans of Black Sunshine.
-While Canada’s Brad Avier qualifed and Tim Tungate put down a 18.215, the crowded that surrounded Moyer’s car was denied a peek when Steve Norris and company covered Mr. Moyer’s Rayburn.
-Steve Francis took a trip down the back side similar to Moyer but was only able to muster a 17.295.
-Scott Bloomquist and enterage awaited patiently before Black Sunshine made his attempt. When he rolled out, a long breath in one and two and a lift just shy of the flag stand was only good enough for a 17.3.
-The next slew of cars were sprinkled with lots of 17.3’s, 4.’s and 5’s.
-Shannon Babb brushed the wall and slowed himself to a 18.2 second lap.
-With the sprinkles falling, Donnie Moran’s very impressive lap that saw him stay on the wood through one and two showed how slow and even the track really was with the Million Dollar Man only timed in with a 17.456.
As the rains fell, the back doors did as well and cars were loaded.
Following a delay, qualifying was deemed official and the non qualifiers were called.
NON-QUALIFIER NOTES…
Race 1: Nebraska’s John Anderson won in a runaway over Dennis Potridge. The most impressive run of all 3 races was made by Greg Lucas who started 22nd and in 15 trips around the half mile rose to 4th.
Race 2: This one looked like a feature race in Eastern Kentucky when Chuckie May won over a fast closing Paul Harris. Jackie Boggs was sent to the tail to start when he was late to the line. Jackie picked off cars and climbed to the top ten.
Race 3: Billy Trueblood, Jr. held off a charging Rick Rickman. The most action in this one was between Dennis Selby and Skeet Reckner who swapped spots in the back. Scott Bowersock passed a few cars and moved up to 4th.
A nice evening that ended well before midnight allowed for the fans and crews to
slow down eariler and get ready for Saturday. And while some fussed that the
track didn’t give the speed of a tacky surface and did blow a bit of dust, this
may be the most even stage qualifying has seen in my Eldora experience.
Hopefully Saturday night will provide a similar stage of black ice.
Notable no shows include, Davey Johnson, Bart Hartman and Steve Boley. Apparently the Million will be the biggest draw of the year.
Back to the track Saturday for more World 100 fun. Keep your fingers crossed that Ma Bell will stay on our side and we can get on again and provide results.
Until then, we’ll be anxiously awaiting lawn chairs and a place to sit, and
rollin’ em around!
21 Moyer, Billy Batesville AK 16.853
6M Wallace, Wendell Greenbrier AK 16.939
23j Johnson, Greg Edinburgh IN 17.102
1 Aukland, Rick Zanesville OH 17.104
5 Johnson, Jay W. Burlington IA 17.119
71 O'Neal, Don Martinsville IN 17.203
32 Pierce, Bob Oakwood IL 17.209
1* Frank, Chub Bear Lake PA 17.218
28 Mars, Jimmy Elk Mound WI 17.234
9 Jewell, Mike Scottsburg IN 17.241
28 Hitt, Tim Weston WV 17.245
75 Phillips, Terry Springfield MO 17.263
00 Bare, Booper Rockbridge Baths VA 17.272
3cj Smith, Steve Powell TN 17.283
24 Eckert, Rick York PA 17.292
15 Francis, Steve Ashland KY 17.295
1b Rice, Jerry Verona KY 17.325
B12 Weaver, Kevin Gibson City IL 17.327
71c Conley, R.J. Wheelersburg OH 17.335
29 Lanigan, Darrell Union KY 17.346
0 Bloomquist, Scott Mooresburg TN 17.348
114 Chupp, Randle Mooresville NC 17.353
00 Smith, Freddy Knoxville TN 17.386
55 VanWormer, Jeep Pinconning MI 17.39
34 Paxton, Justin Lambertville MI 17.4
28 Claycomb, Kevin Vincennes IN 17.405
7 Miller, Matt Waterville OH 17.414
77 Bragdon, Barry Wheelersburg OH 17.431
7c Curry, Jim Norman IN 17.432
55 Toczek, Shawn Hebron IN 17.435
21 Neal, Terry Marion IA 17.442
99 Moran, Donnie Dresden OH 17.456
71 Conley, Delmas Wheelersburg OH 17.459
S9 Schlieper, Dan Franklin WI 17.469
21 Hewitt, Jack Troy OH 17.478
30 Shaver, Steve Parkersburg WV 17.48
96 English, Terry Benton KY 17.4801
8 Yoder, Shane Maumee OH 17.482
26b Beam, Tom Woodville OH 17.483
71r Conley, Rod Wheelersburg OH 17.504
23 Loomis, Ted Kingston IL 17.506
5 Johnson, Ronnie Chattanooga TN 17.513
10a McWilliams, Audie Union KY 17.5131
49 Ruhlman, Brian Maumee OH 17.517
17m McDowell, Dale Rossville GA 17.519
C9 Casebolt, Steve Jr. Richmond IN 17.5191
68 Rickman, Eddie Columbus MS 17.541
27 Pohlman, Bob Oaklawn IL 17.546
53 Cook, Ray Brasstown NC 17.553
9 Drake, Billy Bloomington IL 17.556
83 James, Scott Lawrenceburg IN 17.562
19 Yeager, Timmy Harrodsburg KY 17.567
32d Miller, Darren Chadwick IL 17.598
00 Johnson, Mitch Hickson ND 17.604
0 Patterson, Kris St. Johns MI 17.606
9r Roberts, Curtis Coleman MI 17.616
89 Barnett, Steve Franklin IN 17.624
4 Chamberlain, Duane Richmond IN 17.649
92 McCammon, Doug Palestine IL 17.674
01 Franklin, Rodney White Post VA 17.683
99 Johnson, Johnny W. Burlington IA 17.684
72 Mason, John Millersburg OH 17.702
15b Birkhofer, Brian Muscatine IA 17.721
2 Williams, Josh Cleves OH 17.74
0 Hedrick, Richie Urbana IL 17.747
11 Bowersock, Jerry Wapakoneta OH 17.7471
14 Pencil, Jack Bedford PA 17.775
31a Stevens, Adam Portsmouth OH 17.783
1 Stuhler, Gary Greencastle PA 17.803
00 Barber, Mark North Vernon IN 17.804
18 Berner, Keith Millersburg OH 17.808
18 Christy, Kenny Vanceburg KY 17.81
21 Leviner, Eddie Merrillville IN 17.823
16 Negangard, Shawn Osgood IN 17.85
75 Gill, John Mitchell IN 17.863
14 Partipilo, Jim Elmhurst IL 17.866
A1 Whiseant, Duke Texarkana AK 17.88
TB4 Boggs, Tommy Grayson KY 17.89
114 Johnson, A. Joe Gaylord MI 17.895
12 Stinson, Brian Lewisburg OH 17.906
07 Nuding, Todd Holland OH 17.919
1 Head, Mike Ellenwood GA 17.9191
9z Zidar, Jayme Greenfield WI 17.941
25 Kohn, Jeff Sheridan MI 17.948
28m McWilliams, Mike Union KY 17.955
28 Epling, Samuel Bensenville IL 17.956
11 Phillips, **** Scipio IN 17.975
2 O'Neal, Marty Spencer IN 17.981
15 Schroyer, Todd Ottawa Lake MI 17.984
166 Izzo, Joe LaSalle IL 17.985
7 Povenzano, John Marseilles IL 17.99
18 Landrum, Steve Erlanger KY 17.999
3c Cottle, Shane Kokomo IN 18.008
18 Kinzer, Brandon Prestonsburg KY 18.016
25 Lance, Steve Cuba IL 18.019
72 Russell, Steve Pontotoc MS 18.029
99 Houser, Jeff Chillicothe OH 18.031
1 Pearson, Earl Jr. Jacksonville FL 18.032
B1 Bocook, Bill Wheelersburg OH 18.034
3 DeLong, Rick Whitehouse OH 18.043
25 Neat, Dustin Dunnville KY 18.055
23 James, Bubby Lawrenceburg IN 18.068
9 Corbin, Rick Independence KY 18.079
31 Arp, Skip Georgetown TN 18.091
H2 Hommel, Dwayne Parattville TN 18.103
28 Schroyer, Rody Toledo OH 18.109
157 Marlar, Mike Winfield TN 18.111
30k Knepley, Scott Greensboro IN 18.122
14 Todd, Tyrel Eubank KY 18.18
1cj Rayburn, C.J. Whiteland IN 18.186
04 Grimes, Tracy Defiance OH 18.193
5 Huff, James Milton KY 18.197
26 Sturgeon, Dan Bedford IN 18.201
18 Babb, Shannon Decatur IL 18.206
3w Woodling, Randy Warsaw IN 18.207
77 Tungate, Tim Campbellsville KY 18.215
33 Lay, Jesse Walton KY 18.218
1 Carrier, Eddie Jr. Leburn KY 18.253
13 Doss, Barry Sardinia OH 18.263
71 Jeff Wildung Nassau MN 18.275
3 Christenberry, Gusty Seymore TN 18.281
10 Harris, Paul Prestonsburg KY 18.32
40 Tyler, Brian Fortville IN 18.321
00 Korte, Randy Highland IL 18.347
81 Mounce, Jeff Mitchell IN 18.355
61 Wilson, Jammie Hoopeston IL 18.357
22 Potridge, Dennis Montpelier VA 18.367
32t Throop, Tim Vestaburg MI 18.368
W1 Watson, Jim Big Bend WI 18.405
RAW1 Wildermuth, Butch Defiance OH 18.433
53 Miller, Hillard Defiance OH 18.436
86 Rickman, Rick Columbus MS 18.469
1k Anderson, John Omaha NE 18.482
4b Boggs, Jackie Grayson KY 18.484
35 Trueblood, Billy Jr. Ionia MI 18.492
41 Neat, Brad Dunnville KY 18.5
82 Schilling, Marvin Pleasant Hill OH 18.5
7 Reaber, Frank Bensenville IL 18.514
23 Gorey, Ryan Delta OH 18.537
28 May, Chuckie Allen KY 18.543
27 Hahn, Bill Gibsonburg OH 18.587
58 Eckrich, Dave Oxford IA 18.606
101 Feltner, Benny Bulan KY 18.621
7 Green, Brandon Walton KY 18.65
71f Freeburg, Bob Metamora IL 18.655
1b Bennett, Thomas Sr. Delta OH 18.6551
TEN Bowersock, Scott Wapakoneta OH 18.666
64 Dauber, Ryan Tonica IL 18.682
21 Goddard, Sandy Knoxville TN 18.703
25w Walden, Dan Crawfordsville IN 18.714
32b Barney, Patrick Sylvania OH 18.726
28 Reed, Bill Knoxville TN 18.74
42 Rowe, Steve Toledo OH 18.781
8 Williams, Jeremy Paducah KY 18.798
25 Roberson, Dennis Lexington KY 18.809
99b Hobling, Butch Swanton OH 18.812
87 Stough, Max Delta OH 18.837
79 Stuart, Bruce Adrian MI 18.849
23t Thomas, Rick Dwight IL 18.851
1a Authier, Brad Chatham ONT 18.87
50e Echrich, Denny Tiffin GA 18.885
18 Seaver, Rusty Stanton MI 18.918
23 Stafford, Tom Ravenna MI 18.9181
5u Hoard, Dan Union KY 19.003
6 Montague, Joe W. Unity OH 19.011
45 Grino, Juan Crawfordsville IN 19.013
B97 Burton, Marvin Georgetown IL 19.0131
30 Reckner, Skeet Wauseon OH 19.028
B4U Eitniear, Bradley Defiance OH 19.08
98 Sabin, Bill Broomfield CO 19.1
23s Shickel, Flip Bloomington IL 19.102
S-10 Shickel, Junior Bloomington IL 19.103
C12 Carlson, Chris Greenfield WI 19.109
46 Selby, Dennis Russell Springs KY 19.136
22 McNinch, Jon Belding MI 19.152
01 Davis, Zac Adrian MI 19.182
57j McCool, Bub Vicksburg MS 19.202
02 Flinn, Bob Ionia MI 19.225
15g Gamber, John Delta OH 19.23
18c Cremeens, Jerry Pontiac IL 19.261
17 McCoy, Jeff Tiffin OH 19.279
00 Noonan, Casey Sylvania OH 19.289
93 Dever, Billy Hodgenville KY 19.298
29j Overmyer, Joe Morenci MI 19.301
26 Turner, Joe David Richmond KY 19.323
34 LeFevers, Vern Maysville KY 19.336
4u Elling, Chris Napoleon OH 19.337
26 Spires, Paul Cincinnati OH 19.348
10 Scheffler, George Waukesha WI 19.447
32 Lucas, Greg Whitesburg KY 19.462
64 Emmons, Jack Greenville MI 19.54
17 Freed, Kevin Elwell MI 19.568
182 Sweeney, Randle Clifty KY 19.607
44 Lease, J.D. Kenton OH 19.71
9m Hansen, Kevin Long Mount CO 19.724
5 Hendrix, Bryan Knoxville TN 19.787
9b Berry, Nick Winchester OH 19.828
1w Wahl, Frederick Genoa OH 20.026
5 Hunt, Gary Franklin Grove IL 20.146
56 Shelly, Brad Decatur IL 20.147
00 Melvin, Matthew Cornell IL 20.309
4c Cordier, Ernie Brodhead KY 20.362
111 Reiniche, Bill Chebanse IL 20.402
J1 Jackson, Roger Gary IN 20.516
16b Abbott, Bill Monticello IN 20.678
91 Oxley, Chad Hartford City IN 20.707
16t Abbott, Travis Monticello IN 20.749
93 Mitchell, Roy Rensselaer IN 21.491
79 Ferguson, Pat Pierceton IN 22.017
10 Wahl, Kelly Genoa OH 40.885
1H Holt, John Independence KY 99.991
XIII Johnston, J.D. Ravenna OH 99.992
28 Erb, Dennis Jr. Carpentersville IL 99.993
X Winters, Chris DuQuion IL 99.994
08 Stokes, Greg Freesoil MI 99.995
19 Behn, Ed Salvisa KY 99.996
99 Whitney, John Blanchester OH 99.996
38 Lewis, Bill Lima OH 99.997
21 Hilliker, David Midland MI 99.999
21H Hensely, Robert Richwood KY 99.999
22 Engle, Gary Cincinnati OH 99.999
59 Rhoades, Weasel Sardinia OH 99.999
oz1 Warby, Peter Newcastle AUS 99.999
24 Hobbs, Chad Connersville IN 99.9999
*ERB AND SCHWARTZ VCS
WINNERS
By Jack Taylor
(8/19/01) Danville, IL. The wind switched to a northerly direction Sunday night at Vermilion County Speedway, bringing in cooler temps near the 55 degree mark, but the drivers camped in the pits brought out heat for all of the preliminary races and the features. A total of 135 cars in four divisions filled the pits, including 30 UMP Late Models and a 45 car count for the UMP Modified. 30 Super Streets and 30 Bombers were also on hand. A swift moving program allowed the LM drivers to head for home around 9:45 and the Mod feature ended at 10:15. All racing was over shortly after 11:00.
Late Model action saw rookie driver Jammie Wilson come within a hair of breaking Steve Barnett's track record in qualifying. Wilson's time was a fast 13.819 and very close to Barnett's 2000 time of 13.6. The track stayed multi-groove and tacky most of the night, only beginning to harden in the features.
Heats were won by Dennis Erb over Rich Hedrick, Steve Barnett over Marvin Burton, and Joey Izzo topping Dick Potts. Wilson, who encountered problems in his heat charged to the front in the Semi-feature to ensure a spot in the main. Jason Beier followed Wilson across the line in the semi.
The feature line-up with Erb and Barnett in front witnessed 5 cautions, but Erb was never headed as first Barnett and then Izzo made challenges which fell short. Steve Hillard, from a mid-pack starting position battled with Barnett and Hedrick for several laps before shooting past both drivers for the third spot. Erb and Izzo worked through traffic brilliantly and as the checkered flag dropped, Erb was about two car lengths ahead of Izzo, with Hillard trailing by six to eight. Barnett and Hedrick were four and five.
The strong field of UMP Modifieds saw Terry Duncan set fast time before they squared off for four heats and two semi's. Heat winners were Dan Hamstra over Tommy Burnside, Roger Cary over Chuck Haga, Don Kiger topping Rick Hufford, and Denny Schwartz beating J. R. Coyner. Semi winners were Arby Burton and Tim O'Donnell.
As the cars rolled out for the feature with Hamstra and Cary leading the field, Cary developed problems and was unable to start the race, moving Schwartz up to the front row for the start. And after racing with Hamstra for about two laps, the hottest shoe at VCS was gone. About midway in the race, Tommy Burnside zeroed in on the top groove and began to pick off positions progressively, until with four laps remaining he was up with the second running, Hamstra.
Schwartz watched this battle from his leading half-straight advantage, and probably breathed a sigh of relief as the race was completed and he took the flag with Burnside taking sight on him. Hamstra held third and Don Kiger finished fourth ahead of Rob Fuqua. Kiger and Schwartz are now tied for the VCS point lead with two nights remaining.
In Super street action, heats were won by point leader Marcus Phelps, Ed Lahey, and Randy Shuman. Tim McEwen won the Semi. Lahey battled with Phelps for half the feature before Phelps started going backwards with a low tire and Lahey drove on to the checkered, winning over Shuman and Mike Roundtree.
Point leader, Jeff Barker, won the Bomber feature over Larry White and Troy Campbell.
SUMMARY
UMP LATE MODEL
Fast time-Jammie Wilson
Heat 1-Dennis Erb, Rich Hedrick, Eddie Leviner, Shannon Reed
Heat 2-Steve Barnett, Marvin Burton, Tim Prince, John Kresser
Heat 3-Joey Izzo, Dick Potts, Steve Hillard, Don Hammer
Semi-Jammie Wilson, Jason Beier, Tom Thoennes, Jihn Yearsley
Feature-Erb, Izzo, Hillard, Barnett, Hedrick, Burton, Kresser, Wilson, Reed,
Hammer,
Dan Walden, Mark Stetler, Jim Laws, Corey Daugherty, Thoennes, Overstreet,
Potts,
Scott Duvall, Brian Rickey, Leviner, Prince, Yearsley
UMP MODIFIED
Fast time- Terry Duncan
Heat 1-Dan Hamstra, Tommy Burnside, Terry Duncan, Phil Line
Heat 2-Roger Cary, Chuck Haga, Kyle Logue, Jason Lakey
Heat 3-Don Kiger, Rick Hufford, Rob Fuqua, Larry Raines
Heat 4-Denny Schwartz, J.R.Coyner, Tim Reynolds, Bryan Bowman
Semi 1-Arby Burton, Randy Hoffman, Jesse Simmons, Phil VanSant
Semi 2-Tim O'Donnell, Sean Seavers, Jerry Danford, Jim Moore
Feature-Schwartz, Burnside, Hamstra, Kiger, Fuqua, Haga, Seavers, Bowman,
Burton, Danford, Hoffman, Logue, O'Donnell, Simmons, Lakey, Line
SUPER STREET
Heat 1-Marcus Phelps, Mike Roundtree, Kyle Vogel
Heat 2-Ed Lahey, Gene Bowling, Chris Dick
Heat 3-Randy Shuman, Butch Meeker, Ed Roley
Semi-Tim McEwen, Matt Davis, Bob Webb
Feature-Lahey, Shuman, Roundtree, Meeker, Dick
BOMBER
Heat 1-Chris Wilkenson, Troy Campbell, Jason Turner
Heat 2-Brandon Roundtree, John VanPelt, Chad Johnson
Heat 3-Jeff Barker, Jerrad Krick, Larry White
Semi-Larry Pruitt, Joe Buyno, Gorden Parsons
Feature-Barker, White, Wilkenson, Buyno, Johnson
By
Jack Taylor Well
folks, Tader and Keith came to town. Who?? I said Tader and Keith
Masters of MasterSbilt Race Cars. They just happen to be one of the
premier dirt late model race car builders in the country. Well, what
are they doing in Danville at VCS on a Tuesday night? It
seems they wanted to do some testing of a new house car and three of
their drivers who chauffeur MasterSbilt Late Models on the weekends at
various tracks live close enough to Danville to merit a meeting place
convenient for all. The MasterSbilt facility is located in
Crothersville, IN and the three drivers are located in Decatur,
Bloomington, and Sadorus, IL. VCS is about mid-point for all
concerned. More
notes were taken, information was passed around between the drivers,
Hillard got his turn in the house car, including a fresh set of
American Race Tires, which he uses on his #47 car in his weekly NALMS
competition, where he is the National points leader. Drake gave
Hillard’s #47 a test drive also. Knowing
the guys who were testing, Dan Schlieper just had to stop in and say
hello to his friends and even though he pilots a Rayburn on the
weekends, he also wanted to have some fun. The
MasterSbilt house car looked awesome with these four behind the wheel
and unofficial lap times were clocking near the 14 second mark, close
to the track record for one lap and this was on dryslick, as compared
to a qualifying run usually on a tacky track before a track turns
black. It
took three people to persuade Steve Hillard to get out of the house
car after his turn on the track, but he has a new one ordered, which
should be ready soon. Vermilion County Speedway and promoter Bill Marietta extends a thank you to Tader and Keith Masters of MasterSbilt for the testing visit and to the four great drivers who tested.
*WEAVER AND BRADLEY
RULE KID'S NIGHT (8/12/01)Danville, IL. Sunday night at Vermilion
County Speedway was a night designed for quoting numbers, when as many
as 300 plus kids were in attendance for VCS Kids night. Promoter Bill
Marietta and a large group of contributors made sure there were a lot
of smiling faces during the evening events. At 9:30 the UMP Modifieds rolled out for their
feature with Terry Duncan and Don Kiger leading 20 others to the
green. It took three tries to get the show under way as the dry slick
track produced two grooves and the drivers were attempting to make a
third with spinning results. Why do drivers feel the race must be won
on the first lap? Point leader, Denny Schwartz, from his 12th starting
position developed problems and needed the hook during the second
restart. When things finally settled in, Michael Bradley went to the
top groove from his 10th starting spot and proceeded to pick off cars
ahead of him. Duncan, and then Jason Lakey, led the early part of the
feature, but on lap 17 Bradley took over for the remainder of the
race. Behind Bradley at the checkered were Lakey, Don Kiger, Duncan,
and Roger Cary. Weaver and Izzo led the Lates onto the track at
10:05 and Weaver took the checkered at 10:20. Leading from start to
finish, Weaver held off challenges by Izzo and Melvin throughout, but
as lapped traffic became a problem from midway in the race until the
finish, Weaver threaded through the field much better than his
pursuers. At the finish, it was Weaver, Melvin, Izzo, Rich Hedrick,
and Ryan Dauber. 131 cars, 5 classes, kid's night, and racing
completed by 11:15. Long night, but well-organized by the VCS staff.
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NORTHERN
ALLSTAR
LATE
MODEL
SERIES
JACK AND CAROLYN TAYLOR
PIERCE EXTENDS
BANNER SEASON The 49 year old veteran admitted that this has been one his best years in racing. "I've had some really good years when I was driving for someone, but this is nice to be able to drive for myself and not have to split the winnings," he said. In a racing career spanning four decades, and a lot of victories, his many loyal fans are still hoping to see him in victory lane at Earl's place in September for the running of the World 100, a prize that has eluded him for many years. 34 late models took qualifying on the VCS high-banks and Steve Casebolt took top honors with a 14.055 time. In heat action, Weaver topped Jim Curry and Casebolt in the first heat. The second was won by Pierce over Doug McCammon and Dennis Erb. The third heat went to NALMS point leader Steve Hillard over Shane Cottle and Junior Shickel. Winner of the fourth heat was Steve Barnett over Bryan Clendenen and Marvin Burton. In the 17-car semi, it was Frank Reaber topping Roger Long and Flip Shickel. The feature remained caution-free until the 24 th
lap of the 30 lap affair. After Pierce got around Hillard and Weaver
early on, most of the racing for position was from third on back, as
Barnett and Jim Curry also edged by Hillard in the late stages. Duke
Whiseant, Clendenen, Scott James, Long, and McCammon rounded out the
top ten. The track remained tacky and multi-grooved for good racing
all night. The Ump Modified feature was won by Denny Schwartz over Jason Lakey, Dan Hamstra, Roger Cary, and Tim Reynolds. Track point leader, Don Kiger, failed to make the feature from the semi, leaving a very tight bunch at the top of the point chart at VCS. Jeff Watts won the Super Street feature and Larry Pruitt took the Bomber win. 118 cars were in the pits at VCS Sunday night and the fans enjoyed the racing and the fireworks display prior to the NALMS feature. Promoter Bill Marietta announced that VCS would have UMP Late Models on the card for the month of August and this met with a great response from the fans. The LM Features will be $1,000 to win. RACE SUMMARY
NORTHERN
ALLSTAR
LATE MODEL
SERIES JACK AND CAROLYN TAYLOR
*PIERCE WINS
ANOTHER ONE BOB PIERCE kept his hot streak alive winning the $7500 main event at the Bluegrass Speedway. FINISH: Race Notes... -BOB PIERCE quietly ran third in the dash before jumping to second at the start of the feature. After tracking Jewell early, the Tall Cool One pulled alongside the leader where the two ran side by side for a couple of laps before Jewell slipped in two allowing Bob to drive ahead and to the win. -JESSE JAMES LAY was very impressive all night finishing second. After slipping to third at the start, the Last Outlaw followed Jewell for several laps before cabbaging on Jewell's push and riding by. Late in the race, Pierce's fading car and Lay's progressively faster spacecraft allowed him to close on Pierce but never put together a serious challenge. -DON O'NEAL returned to Bluegrass in the same Rocket that carried him to victory a few months ago. Racing with Lay early, Donnie O settled into fourth. When Lay opened the door to get by Jewell, the Real Deal was there and moved to third where he finished. -MIKE JEWELL was impressive in the dash that put him on the pole of the finale. After taking the lead early, Jewell lead the first six and a half miles before a tad slip in turn two let Pierce go by. Several trips later Lay slipped by, then O'Neal. Corbin drew close but was never able to pull off the pass. -RICK CORBIN marched to the heat win then started sixth when dash entry JOEY DANIEL started on the tail after crashing hard in the dash. Corbin was good early chasing down Jewell. A combination of rubber and Jewell's use of the big Mo, Corbin was forced to settle for fifth. -JIM CURRY quietly ran seventh all night before getting by TIMMY YEAGER on the lone restart on lap 43. -DARRELL LANIGAN chased SCOTT JAMES in the heat then picked up the battle again in the main event. The pair lead the huge pack of cars until Lanigan took sixth off turn two in the last ten laps. -JOHN GILL also quietly rode his imaginary horse to ninth following James and Lanigan through the rubber. After the caution on lap 43 for JEFF COULTER, the Modern Day Cowboy held off the challenges of BRAD NEAT who ran down Gill and the rest of the pack prior to the caution. -TIMMY YEAGER spun the sundial faster than all others in time trials only to lose the coin toss. After running sixth for most of the race, Curry snuck by on the restart. After holding down seventh, Yeager dropped to eleventh on the final lap when he and the lapped car of TIM TUNGATE got together sending Yeager spinning. After the race both drivers and crews argued which track was the bigger gluttance for punishment, Ponderosa or Barren Co. No decision was officially reached. -JOHNNY WHEELER, who missed the show in his heat, loaded up and headed to Barren Co. hoping to make it in time to run the feature. -Those who proudly flew their sponsor's colors by came up short were: James Huff (who was in Shawn Bryan's former Brad Malcuit #79), Jerry Denson (who crashed hard in his heat), Jerry Rucker, Larry Wicker, Terry Wilson, Bobby Wolter, Robert Hensley, Leo Brady, Bobby Cordier, Jason Bingham, Whitney McQueary (in the Clark's #C1), Billy Merideth, Louis Brady, Marty O'Neal and Bryan Barber (who was taken out in a consi pileup). Not a bad night of racing for the droves in attendance. Unfortuneatly the warm weatehr and summer racing blues bit the track when it rubbered up to make staying in the paint the number one priority. And finally, I need to retract something I wrote about a caution. A few weeks ago at the Pond, I wrote that Bobby Wolter got into Larry Gray ending Gray's night. As a matter of fact, Wolter thought he did too. But as things turn out the two didn't touch Wolter was not at fault. The rookie did get a few frequent flier miles Friday night though when he took a jump in turn two. Happily back on the road next week when we do a two state and series swing as the SAS gang rolls into Scenic next Friday night then Brownstown Saturday for the Jackson 100. So until then, we'll be figuring out the difference in the black and white sheep of the family... and rollin' em around!
*CLENDENEN WINS HOOSIER SERIES AT VCS At
VCS on Sunday, Clendenen used his track knowledge of Danville to the
ultimate as he followed veteran Bob Pierce across the line for second
in his heat and then parlayed his better starting position in the
feature for a chance to run up front with the big boys. He
waited as front row starters, Pierce and Jeff Martin set the first lap
pace and again watched as John Gill moved up to challenge Pierce as
Martin dropped back slightly. Throw in another hard charger named
Rodney Melvin who was battling all three of the front-runners during
the first five laps of the 30-lap affair. Gill
finally got around Pierce for the lead and Clendenen kept up his
pursuit on the bottom rail to gain third position after ten laps.
Actually, the lead five cars were going two and three wide at times,
as they all wanted the lead spot.
Lapped traffic came into play at the 15-lap mark and Clendenen took
advantage of the moment by getting around Pierce and then Gill for the
lead. The only caution flew soon after for Jim Ransom in the second
turn and for the first time the cars were nose to tail instead of two
and three wide. Now
there was an open track ahead of Clendenen and except for his wife and
a few really loyal fans, everyone in (a packed stand) attendance
wondered if the newcomer could maintain the top spot over Gill,
Pierce, and Melvin, not to forget guys like Martin, Weaver, Long, and
Hedrick.
Pierce again got past Gill on the restart as the cars began their two
and three wide battles behind Clendenen. With five laps to go, lapped
traffic again came into the fold as Melvin now sat in second with
Gill, Pierce, and Long in the hunt. At
the finish line, Gill made one last attempt as he swept by Melvin on
the top and missed by a nose to Clendenden on the bottom. The top ten
at the finish were Clendenen, Gill, Melvin, Pierce, Long, Hedrick,
Weaver, Shawn Toczak, Terry Eaglin, and Greg Johnson. VCS
uses a slogan in their advertising, “We will sell you a whole seat,
but you will only need the edge” and last night it could not have been
truer. Only 22 late models for the show, but you would not have seen a
more exciting race anywhere, not even at the Big E.
Modified action for the evening was entertaining as well; with Denny
Schwartz claiming the feature win over Jerry Hathaway, Rick Hufford,
Chuck Haga, and Don Kiger. In fact, this feature was run prior to the
late model feature and more than a few fans wondered if they were
seeing the best racing of the night at that time.
Marcus Phelps captured the Super Street feature and Larry White won
the Bomber feature as 105 cars were on hand for Sunday night racing at
VCS.
SUMMARY UMP LATE MODELSFast time- Kevin Weaver Heat 2-Bob Pierce, Bryan Clendenen, Marvin
Burton, Richie Hedrick Heat 3-Rodney Melvin, Roger Long, Greg
Johnson, Juan Grino Feature-Clendenen, Gill, Melvin, Pierce, Long,
Hedrick, Weaver, Toczak Heat 1-Tim Reynolds, Chuck Haga, Don Kiger,
Denny Schwartz Heat 2-Jerry Hathaway, Cory Rolfe, Roger Cary,
Dale Hayes Heat 3-Tommy Burnside, Rick Hufford, Rob
Fuqua, John Hudson Semi- Jason Lakey, Arby Burton, Rick Rife Feature-Schwartz, Hathaway, Hufford, Haga,
Kiger SUPER STREET Heat 1- Johnny Gibbs, Lee Hall, Jeff Link Heat 2-Mike Roundtree, Ed Lahey, Butch Meeker Feature- Marcus Phelps, Meeker, Lahey,
Roundtree, Link BOMBERS Feature- Larry White, Jason Turner, Josh Troxtell, Joe Buyno, Brandon Roundtree
*PIERCE WINS TERRE
HAUTE 10K (6/10/01)Terre Haute, IN. This writer can only suppose that it is possible to conduct a successful dirt track race on a warm summer day, but I have yet to witness a dirt track daytime event that was ever pulled off to the liking of the track officials, fans, and drivers. The highly touted race at Terre Haute falls into the category of I told you so from most drivers and fans opinions. Dust and single groove racing was the format, along with questionable flagman decisions, and fans left the track with the impression of bewilderment and disgust at what they had witnessed. Many had arrived during the morning hours from the home of the exalted king of dirt tracks (the Earl of Eldora) and were just trying to top off their weekend shot of racing adrenaline with an afternoon of NALMS battle. The hype that had been given this event was not overdone, since most fans had the feeling that one of their favorites heading back West from Eldora's Million might stop in Terre Haute for the afternoon. And a dozen or so did just that, with the likes of Ed Dixon, Donnie Barnhart, Bill Frye, Terry Phillips, Steve Boley, Brian Birkhofer, and a few others. But it wasn't exactly what most had thought was possible with names such as Moyer, Babb, English and others who could have swelled the pits to a surmised 60-80 car count over the actual 42 which were there, two of which arrived after qualifying had ended. Well, it only takes a couple dozen to run a feature and the caliber of drivers on hand left nothing to be desired as to their abilities to battle it out for the $10,000 prize at days end. Track conditions took over and ruled the day as hot sun and a light South wind denied the track officials and everyone present from producing an ultimate high note capper on the weekend. Water was not used sparingly as several hearty attempts to reduce the dust and extend the racing groove proved unsuccessful throughout the day. Four heats were run freight-train style, followed by two semi's, and the 50 lap feature for the big bucks.. If your qualifying time put you close to the front in the heats, then your chance of a good starting spot in the feature was greatly helped. Terry Phillips and Steve Barnett finished 1-2 in heat one as they had lined up. Bob Pierce and Steve Hillard took 1-2 in the second heat after starting 2-3.Donnie Barnhart started on the pole, but took third. Bill Frye and Jeff Martin finished 1-2 in the third heat, but this happened mainly because front row sitters, Jim Partipillo and Steve Boley blew tires, due to racing too close to the inside guardrail where the only groove existed. The fourth and final heat went to none other than Kevin Claycomb and Dennis Erb after starting the race in the 1-2 position. Nothing wrong with the top two in any heat, but the following cars had little chance to advance, unless they put their car in a bad situation. After more watering of the track, two semi's were run for the final four feature positions. Bryan Clendenen and Ed Dixon took 1-2 in the first semi and Jeep VanWarmer and Steve Casebolt crossed first in the second semi.. Several cars did not come out for the semi's including Boley and O'Neal. With provisionals awarded to Doug McCammon and Shawn Negangard, the field was set for the 50 lap feature. Through a ball draw of the heat winners for the pole, Bob Pierce was entered on the pole with Kevin Claycomb on the outside and Bill Frye and Terry Phillips in row two. Before a full lap was completed, with the dust flying, Clendenen collected three more cars in the front straight (McCammon, Negangard, Dixon) and Clendenen and Negangard were finished for the day. Two other cautions in the early stage were thrown for VanWormer and Scott James in separate incidents, as Pierce from the green on the first lap dominated the race. For the first 30 laps, it was Pierce, with a comfortable margin over Frye and Claycomb. The track had surprisingly widened to a full groove and a small quarter of a groove during the feature, allowing for some racing to be done behind the leader. On lap 32, while attempting to pass a lapped car, Frye caught metal and amidst the dust on the front straight, connected with the inside guardrail, receiving front and rear severe damage to his familiar #66. This put Claycomb on the Pierce chase for the remainder of the race, with Pierce still looking strong.. As the race wound down, Pierce again caught lapped traffic, the tenth place car of Jeff Martin and the last place car remaining on the track(12 had retired). It took almost three laps for Pierce to get around Martin, receiving no help from the flag stand as to a move over flag for Martin. This maneuver cost Pierce a very healthy lead over Claycomb, with only a few laps remaining. Claycomb had caught the two and watched Pierce finally get past Martin in an heroic move to the outside in uncharted territory. On the next lap around Claycomb attempted the same move on Martin, but again metal rubbed, and Martin went into a spin, causing the final caution on lap 46. Martin retired to the pits, the field of nine remaining cars bunched up for the final four laps and Pierce held off Claycomb, Barnett, Hillard, and Dennis Erb to win. The remaining cars on the track were Donnie Barnhart, Dan Sturgeon, Sam Epling, and Doug McCammon. Hillard maintained his point lead in the NALMS series, but lost some ground to Pierce and Barnett. In the words of a veteran writer near me at the track "You don't race on dirt in the daytime when it is hot.", I think I have to agree. The Terre Haute track has hosted some very fine racing for many years, Bob Sargent has promoted some very fine races for many years, and the NALMS organization has organized some very fine race cards over the last four years. None of that happened at Terre Haute on Sunday. Good cars, good fans, bad racing luck. Summary 42 cars Heat 1-Terry Phillips, Steve Barnett, Scott James, Dan Sturgeon, Craig Scott Heat 2-Bob Pierce, Steve Hillard, Donnie Barnhart, Mitch Johnson, Ed Dixon Heat 3- Bill Frye, Jeff Martin, Sam Epling, Jamie Zidar, Marty O'Neal Heat 4- Kevin Claycomb, Dennis Erb, Brian Birkhofer, Shane Cottle, Steve Casebolt Semi 1- Bryan Clendenen, Ed Dixon, Dick Phillips, John Kresser, B. J. McCammon Semi 2- Jeep VanWormer, Steve Casebolt, Timmy Yeager, Marty O'Neal, Doug McCammon Feature- Bob Pierce, Kevin Claycomb, Steve Barnett, Steve Hillard, Dennis Erb, Donnie Barnhart, Dan Sturgeon, Sam Epling, Doug McCammon (9 cars running) |
