2003 News archives
scroll down for the
articles....they are in the same order as you see them here
*12/30/03- NARA
Open Wheel Modified Series Announces Rules Meeting
*12/25/03-
Rocket Chassis Press Release
*12/23/03- Bluegrass Bash II Press
Release
*12/17/03- NALMS Returns in Grand Style
*12/04/03- NARA Announces new title sponsor for BoB
Series
*12/01/03-
North American Racing Association (NARA) Set to
Debut
in 2004
*12/01/03-
NARA
Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series Set to Debut in 2004
*11/10/03-
17-year-old
Allgaier speaks at Nation's Pentagon
*11/10/03- CHASE AUSTIN -TORA’s Most Improved Driver of the Year
*10/23/03-
UMP Announces new hire
*10/19/03-
Allgaier's
Race Against Drugs heads to Pentagon
*09/14/03- DARRELL
LANIGAN WINS THE TURBO BLUE ILLINOIS FALL NATIONALS
*09/08/03- Notes from
the 53rd Horn Memorial at DuQuoin
*09/03/03- Tony
Stewart wins DuQuoin ARCA race
*08/23/03- BOB PIERCE HEADED TO DIRT LATE MODEL HALL OF FAME
*08/19/03- FRANK KIMMEL WINS FOURTH IN
A ROW - ARCA - AT SPRINGFIELD, IL
*06/01/03- SHANNON BABB POCKETS
$40,000 IN TRI-STATE SHOOTOUT
*03/16/03- 2003
BoB SERIES PREVIEW
*02/10/03- FLORIDA
SPEEDWEEKS REPORTS BY SMASH
*11/24/02- THERE ARE GOING TO BE SOME CHANGES MADE on this website
*12/01/02- OPEN LETTER FROM BOB MEMMER
NARAmodrulesmeeting12-30-03
NARA Open Wheel Modified Series Announces Rules Meeting Date and Frankland Racing Products as Series Sponsor
NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified officials has announced that there will be an organizational rules meeting at 2pm Sunday January 4th, at Wayne Bowen Racing Supply in Harrodsburg, Ky. During this meeting officials, drivers and car owners will have the opportunity to discuss the new series for Open Wheel Modifieds set to debut in 2004. Topics of discussion will be general rules, tire rule, schedule, procedural rules as well as other topics of interest.
Wayne Bowen Racing Supply is located at 574 Paradise Camp Road in Harrodsburg, KY. For directions, please call 859-748-9408. Any driver that has an interest in running the series is urged to attend.
NARA officials would also like to announce that Frankland Racing Products recently became a sponsor of the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series. Frankland Racing Products is one of the nations leading manufacturers of Quick Change Rear Ends. Steel-Tube Quick Change rear ends will be legal in the newly formed series as an option for competitors. Driver members will also be eligible for points accumulation, contingencies and bonus, as well as being covered in the NARA Insurance Benefit Package.
Frankland Racing Supply has agreed to give a free Steel-Tube Quick Change rear end to one of the first 50 member drivers that join the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series. Once the 50th membership application is received, a drawing will be held among those drivers and the lucky member will receive a free steel-tube quick change rear end courtesy of Frankland Racing Products. Membership Applications are being accepted now and will be available at the meeting on January 4th or are available for download from the series website at www.naradirtcar.com/indexmod.html.
Additional information can be obtained by calling NARA office at 859-271-4501 or email at [email protected] or [email protected].
12-25-03Rocket
Rocket Chassis
PO Box 69
Shinnston, WV 26431
Mark Richards & Steve Baker - Owners
Phone: 304-592-3200
Fax: 1-888-ROCKET-5
Website: www.RocketChassis.com
December 24, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ROCKET CHASSIS TO REEMPHASIZE CUSTOMER & TECH SERVICE
Shinnston, WV --- Rocket Chassis and Mark Richards Racing will usher in the 2004 racing season with a renewed commitment to customer and technical service with a greater emphasis on customer relations, testing and innovative approaches to technology and manufacturing. These moves by one of the premier dirt Late Model chassis builders comes after realigning the Rocket Chassis House Car program according to Rocket Chassis President Mark Richards who also stated that Rocket Chassis, as in years past, will continue to support all of the Rocket Chassis customers regardless of what tracks or sanctioning bodies they compete with.
“Our customers can take comfort in knowing that this year there will be a renewed commitment and emphasis on customer service and testing that comes with a reevaluation of our house car program,” stated Richards. “We have changed the Rocket Chassis house car program along with the operations at Interstate 79 Speedway to allow for additional testing time and to provide a controlled testing facility.”
“This year the technical support should be enhanced greatly with the limited schedule we are planning to run and that will allow us more time to advance our product.”
During the past two racing seasons the Rocket Chassis house car was driven by Steve Francis and sponsored by Valvoline and Mopar on the UDTRA/Xtreme Dirt Car Series. In 2004 the Seubert Calf Ranches / Imler’s Poultry / Cornett Racing Engines / MCB Motorsports Rocket House Car will be driven by Bart Hartman and the team will be running an independent schedule that will see them competing with a variety of series and sanctioning bodies across the United States.
“When we were on the road following a series it took too much time away from the development and technical aspects of our program,” explained Richards. “But with our scheduling this year we will be more available than we have been in the past couple of years and that will allow us more time to interact with our customers at the track and throughout the week.”
Richards also took the opportunity to squelch some rumors and make a clarification regarding Rocket Chassis’ commitment to the various sanctioning bodies that are now operating throughout the country.
“Rocket Chassis understands some drivers will elect to go with certain series and we have no problem with that,” stated Richards emphatically. “We will work hard to test with all the different tire brands to be able to supply important information to our customers.”
“Contrary to rumor that Rocket Chassis is against a particular tire brand we will support our customers no matter what series or tire they run and we will continue to support racers with technical support and service.”
“I will however state that the Rocket Chassis house car will be running Hoosier Racing Tires due to a number of factors, the most important of which is loyalty. Back around 1979 myself and then-partner Rodney Combs went to Hoosier and picked up some of the first tires they manufactured in Lakeville, IN to use at a race in Iowa. We were one of the first teams to use Hoosier Dirt Late Model tires and we have used Hoosier brand exclusively since that time.”
“Loyalty is important to us and we cannot turn our back on a company that has supported us all these years. However, that has no bearing on what particular brand our customers choose to use. That is their prerogative and we support all of our customers in their decisions. Our first priority is to our customers and what works for them.”
Rocket Chassis and Mark Richards Racing support all Rocket Chassis customers and their decisions pertaining to track and/or series selection. During the 2003 racing season series championship titles were won by racers using Rocket Chassis across the country, including Chub Frank (Renegade), Kyle Berck (Polydome/WDRL), Alan Vaughn (MLRA) and John Duty (Pacific Coast). Rocket Chassis also won manufacturers titles with the Renegade Dirt Car Series, Xtreme Dirt Car Series and the Polydome Super Series/WDRL. In addition, Rocket Chassis cars found victory lane in numerous high profile national events, including Darrel Lanigan’s THE DREAM victory at Eldora Speedway and the DIRT TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, among many others, including over 40 track championships.
“I cannot emphasize enough our commitment in the new year to improve, develop and provide our customers with a superior product,” said Richards. “And we will continue to support any Rocket racers and their choices in tracks or series to run. Our only goal is to get them into victory lane.”
For more information on Rocket Chassis and Mark Richards racing visit their website at: www.rocketchassis.com
2004BluegrassBashII12-23-03
The time is drawing near for the first big Modified event in the Midwest, as
the Second Annual "Bluegrass Bash" takes place on March 12th and 13th of 2004.
The Bash will take place at the Windy Hollow Speedway, located in Owensboro,
Kentucky. Owensboro is located right past the Indiana state line, on the Ohio
River. This event will be a UMP Sanctioned Event paying $5,000 to the winner,
and will be run 40 laps.
The First running of the Bash looked like a whos who of Modifieds around the
country. 65 Modifieds on hand, a couple from as far away as California made the
trip to compete at the Soggy Bottoms Speedway, the location for the 2002 Bash.
Coming out on top of the heap was the 2002 UMP National Modified Champion, Jimmy
Owens, That was one of the early victories for the Newport, TN native en route
to his 2002 National Title. His victory was no cakewalk, however, as the top
five included: Mike Marlar, Chad Ogle, Everett Bradham, and Earl Plessinger.
Other finishers included Jeff Leka of Illinois, Bob Pohlman Jr(2002 East Bay
Champion), Ricky Arms(2003 UMP National Champion), Josh Lucas(2003 Bluegrass
Speedway Champion), Denny Schwartz(2003 National Runner-Up), and Jason Lakey of
Illinois.
The 2004 format will consist of an open practice on Friday, March 12th from
6-10PM. There will be a $10 admission for the pits, and a $2 admission for the
grandstands. However, if the driver is pre-entered, there will be no charge to
practice. On Saturday, March 13th, gates will open at 8:00 AM, with tech
inspection starting at 8:30AM. Qualifying will begin at 11:00AM with the "EZ Buy
Auto Sales Quick Six Dash" immediately following. This dash will pay at least
$250 to the winner. The seventh fastest qualifier will recieve $100 from Soggy
Bottom Speedway Inc. Heats will follow shortly there after. The 2004 Bluegrass
Bash field will consist of 24 cars, 26 if the car count is high enough.
If you are looking for lodging and accomodations, the host hotel of the
Bluegrass Bash is the Owensboro Holiday Inn Express, which you can make
reservations by calling 270-685-2433.
As always, an event of this magnitude could not be possible without the
sponsors. The 2004 Bluegrass Bash sponsors are: Texas Roadhouse(Official
Steakhouse), Pepsi(Official Soft Drink), DNJ Auto Parts, EZ Buy Auto Sales,
Martin Custom Building, JD's, Steve Hagan Painting, 4D Enviromental, Booker's
Citgo, Yellow Banks Lawn and Landscape, Miles Racing, Soggy Bottom Speedway,
Taylors Bar and Grill, The SpeedZeum, Affordable Auto Sales, Holiday Inn
Express, Windy Hollow Speedway, Power Rock 93.9 WKTG and more to come!
If you want to arrive to the Pre Bash Bash in style on Friday, Taylors Bar &
Grill will be giving free Limo rides from your hotel to the bar for the
festivities. There will be a live band performing for your listening pleasure.
On Saturday morning, the Owensboro SpeedZeum will hold a racers breakfast at the
SpeedZeum in downtown Owensboro. Cost of breakfast will include a trip through
the SpeedZeum which is a 8,000 sq. ft. exhibit of Owensboro's motorsports
heritage with cars, bikes and hydroplanes inside.
If you want to purchase an Bluegrass Bash T-Shirt by Duck Graphics of North
Carolina, they will be available at the cost of $15. Speaking of costs, General
Admission for this $5,000 to win event is ONLY $10 for adults, and children 6-12
will be admitted for $5. Anyone under the age of six, will be admitted free with
a paying adult. Pit admission is $30
Remember the time is coming fast for the first BIG EVENT of the Midwestern
Modified season, and it is the Second Annual Bluegrass Bash at the Windy Hollow
Speedway. Drivers should get their pre-entries through promotor Billy Egeler at
[email protected] or by calling 270-302-8882. Pre entry is $85 for driver and
car.
Prepared by Chris Nunn for use by Bluegrass Bash
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We are
back in the Midwest Come race with us! Thank you, for the opportunity to provide you with information regarding the Northern AllStars Late Model Series. NALMS is now under new ownership, which includes Kenny Schrader as President, Bob Sargent as Vice President, and Bill Nelson as the Executive Director. For 2004 we will move the series to where the greatest racing competition is based, The Midwest. Our commitment towards the weekend racer continues, and we believe that you will find our purses to have the best pay-downs offered in late model racing. More than twenty-four thousand dollars has already been committed to our point’s fund, and we continue working with sponsors to provide contingency prizes, which will be awarded throughout the year and at the season ending banquet. What does the Northern All Stars Late Model Series do for their members: Press coverage with national publications, Local Newspapers, and the Internet The ability to place information about your race team and your sponsors on our Website Discounts on entry fees ($30.00 for non-members, $20.00 for members) More than twenty-four thousand dollars in our points fund Contingency awards from our sponsors Coverage of your major sponsors by our announcer at the race track Monthly news letters from NALMS Consistent rule enforcement $1000 for the Rookie of the Year UMP Points at UMP sanctioned race tracks NALMS STAFF The Northern AllStars Staff will be at every event to assist the race teams and the local promoter to put on not only a good show for the fans but also a smooth and safe show for our drivers. We realized your commitments not only financially, but also the hard work that it takes for you to race with us and we respect and appreciate your commitment to the sport. We feel that with the help of Gary Herbert our Race Director, Steve Hillard, Jeff Herbert our Technical Directors, and the rest of our experienced staff we will make you proud to be part of our series. Our goal this year is to be known for putting on a good show, but most importantly being Fan and Race Team Friendly. Scheduling We are currently finalizing our schedule for 2004, which we will be publishing and forwarding to all of our members as soon as it is completed. We hope that you will find that we structured this series with the thought of keeping long tows to a minimum for our teams. If we do have a show located on a border we will do our best to make it a two-day show. I hope that this information has helped you make the decision to come and race with us. We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 217-493-7863 or [email protected]. Merry Christmas, Richard A. Fitzgerald Public Relations Director 217-493-7863 Bill Nelson Executive Director 217-446-2002 Gary Herbert Race Director 812-663-6970 |
NARA-12-04-03
December 4, 2003
For Immediate Release
LEXINGTON, KY— The Lexington, Kentucky based North American Racing Association (NARA) announced today that O’Reilly Auto Parts based in Springfield, MO has been named the title sponsor for the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts as well as the Official Auto Parts Store of the NARA DirtCar Series for the 2004 racing season.
The O'Reilly Auto Parts NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series sanctions dirt late model racing in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee and will be entering its third year of operation in 2004. In 2003 the series enjoyed great success with 25 events held at 14 different race tracks with 246 drivers participating in the series events this year.
NARA is a new sanctioning body that will be holding its inaugural season in 2004.The NARA DirtCar Series will focus on premier racing facilities in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
"We are pleased to be associated NARA and the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass" said Kevin Greven, a spokesman for O'Reilly Auto Parts. "We are looking for continued growth in the area they will be racing in and we certainly hope to raise the awareness of the O'Reilly name to the race fans and participants that follow the series."
Founded in 1957 by the O'Reilly family, O’Reilly Auto Parts is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Earlier this year O'Reilly Auto Parts opened their 1,000th store and are now located in 17 contiguous states. In the Bluegrass State of Kentucky there are currently 19 O'Reilly Auto Parts locations.
For more information regarding O'Reilly Auto Parts please log on to their website at www.oreillyauto.com and for continued updates on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sports Shirts visit their new website at www.naradirtcar.com.
12/01/2003
December 1, 2003
North American Racing Association (NARA) Set to Debut in 2004
LEXINGTON, KY-- The North American Racing Association (NARA) will make its debut on the stock car scene in 2004. NARA is a new racing sanctioning body designed to promote Dirt Track Stock Car racing. Spearheaded by Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series founder Spencer Wilson along with other influential members within the sport of Dirt Late Model racing world, NARA is designed with the premise of enforcing fair, consistent, and equal rules among competitors. Wilson, along with James Essex, will steer NARA with similar direction and values that have proven successful with the Battle of the Bluegrass Series.
To handle the marketing duties of NARA, Cornerstone Multi-Media has been appointed to handle the day to day marketing activities. This union has already proven successful, as the NARA and Cornerstone have secured commitments to bring NARA DirtCar Racing broadcasts to ESPN2. Additionally, Lucas Oil Products has signed as a major sponsor, as well as being the Official Oil of the NARA. Cornerstone Multi-Media’s client list includes the American Tractor Pullers Association (ATPA), General Motors, Jasper Engines and Transmissions and many others.
Initially, NARA will be offering to drivers, fans and promoters the NARA DirtCar Series, a premier DirtCar touring series giving the best quality competition and racing to everyone. The NARA DirtCar Series will focus on premier racing facilities in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
"We feel the atmosphere and timing is right for the North American Racing Association and we’ve already been in contact with several promoters, drivers and sponsors that have the same feelings about the new series." stated Wilson. While seeing the need for a more broad-reaching touring sanctioning body, Wilson also confirms the Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series is a strong as ever and their 2004 schedule will be announced soon.
NARA will also provide sanctioning for regional touring series bringing them under similar rules and formats to promote competition and uniformity in the sport of Dirt Late Model racing. The first regional series under this banner will be the Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar and Open Wheel Modified Series. To be known as the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series and the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series, two Kentucky based touring series that have chosen to adhere to NARA’s mission of enforcing fair, consistent, and equal rules, which provides an exciting brand of entertainment for the spectators.
Positioning itself as a price conscious sanctioning body, NARA understands the needs of the fans, racers, promoters and the sanctioning body should all to be taken into account. NARA will offer packages that allow the tracks and promoters to be successful, pay reasonable purses to its drivers without straining the race fans’ pocketbook.
"The Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series was formed and has been successful with the idea that local drivers can travel a relatively short distance to race in their region for a good purse. NARA is being formed with the nationally traveling racers in mind to give them an opportunity to race for some good money at some of the best tracks." said Essex who has more than 25 years of experience as a promoter, announcer and PR director.
The tire rule for the NARA DirtCar Series will follow the same standards Wilson has set with the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series and allow tires from the three major dirt tire manufacturers to compete. The schedule, rules and point fund are currently being put together and will be released in the near future. The series already has a new website up and running at www.naradirtcar.com for more series information and updates.
We’ve been in contact with several tracks and sponsors and we’re hoping to make what is shaping up to be a really good thing a really great thing.” said Wilson. “We’ve already got the backing from Lucas Oil and we’re working with several other really good companies to try to make the even more solid.
For more information regarding the NARA, contact Spencer Wilson at 859-271-4501 or log onto www.naradirtacar.com for regular updates and press releases.
For marketing opportunities within NARA please contact Cornerstone Multi-Media at 812-752-7323.
Copyright 2003 NARA, all rights reserved.
NARA-modified12-01-03
December 1, 2003
NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series Set to Debut in 2004
LEXINGTON, KY--The 2004 racing season will see the debut of the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series. “We have been planning and anticipating this addition since the Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series was formed 2 years ago, there are a lot of quality drivers in the Open Wheel Modified class and they deserve a touring series that mirrors what has been accomplished with the DirtCars, “ states NARA and Battle of the Bluegrass Series’ Director Spencer Wilson.
The touring series featuring the popular open wheel stock cars will have approximately 12-15 events scheduled for the 2004 season in Kentucky and surrounding areas.
The NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified series will closely follow the race format and procedure of the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Model series. Each event will pay a minimum of $1500 to win and $125 to start.
Rules will be released soon and will mirror other sanctioning bodies in most general areas. However, NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified competitors will be given the option to utilize a steel tube quick change rear end and an 8” spoiler. The tire rule featuring specific compounds will be announced shortly and all three major tire companies including American Race Tires, Hoosier Racing Tires and Goodyear Race Tires will be utilized in the series.
Wilson has also announced that Tim Sharp has been named the race director for the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series. “For a couple years now James Essex and I have searched for the right person to handle this position with the Open Wheel Modifieds, we think Tim will do an outstanding job and he will have the full support of the current staff at his disposal to produce a well-ran event.”
Schedules, rules and purse information will be announced in the next few weeks. As more information becomes available, it will be post on the Series new website which can be found on the NARA official website at www.naradirtcar.com, there you will be able to find information on NARA DirtCars, NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCars, and well as the official site of the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modifieds.
Additional information can be attained by calling the NARA Series office at 859-271-4501.
11-10-03AllgaierPentagon
Direct from
www.ARCARacing.com
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17-year-old Allgaier speaks at Nation's Pentagon |
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WASHINGTON DC - In celebration of National Red Ribbon Week, 17-year-old
ARCA RE/MAX Series driver
Justin Allgaier
spoke recently at our nation's Pentagon in Washington DC.
Allgaier, on behalf of Race Against Drugs (RAD), participated in the RAD exhibit, one of several recognizing and celebrating drug prevention programs and initiatives throughout the United States. |
| In addition to signing autographs and his speaking engagement, Allgaier's beautiful 2003 Hoosier Tire Midwest-Law Automotive-RAD Pontiac Grand Prix was on display in the inner courtyard of the Pentagon. |
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The attendees included
23,000-plus Government employees, soldiers and civilians.
In addition to Allgaier's big day, he was also treated to a private tour of the Pentagon, a rare occurrence by most peoples standards. |
| "This is truly an honor to be selected for this very worthwhile celebration," said Allgaier. "And it's for all the right reasons - first and foremost - to keep kids away from drugs. If I can help do that, I want to be first in line to deliver. It's also a very unique opportunity to be part of a celebration at the Pentagon. I feel really fortunate to have been selected for this. It's all really exciting to me." |
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Allgaier, whose been turning a good deal many heads within the ARCA RE/MAX Series ranks, recently finished a career-best 3rd at Salem Speedway (9th career start) behind only Shelby Howard and Jason Jarrett. At right, Allgaier shakes hands with one of the many dignitaries on hand for the huge celebration at the Pentagon. |
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Allgaier's car preparation for this event was immaculate and second to none. The hood held logos for Hoosier Tire Midwest and, of course, Race Against Drugs while the quarter panels carried Law Automotive and MAC Tool decals and more. Note Allgaier's patriotic paint scheme on his helmet (left) resting near the windshield. Talk about making all the right moves! |
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While Hoosier Tire Midwest, Law Automotive and RAD decals were dominant on the car, Trashman picked up the rear section. |
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This great side shot shows off Law Automotive and MAC Tools. |
11/10/03Chase Austin TORA
PRESS RELEASE
Austin Racing Enterprises, Inc.
Motorsports Division
[email protected]
Marci McDaniels, Public Relations
316-250-3967
CHASE AUSTIN
TORA’s Most Improved Driver of the Year
Fourteen year old Chase Austin was awarded the Pro Motorsports “Most Improved Driver” award at the recent TORA banquet in Wichita Kansas. The banquet was held Saturday, November 8th at the residence of three-time TORA points champion, Larry McDaniels. Mr. McDaniels presented the award on behalf of TORA and Pro Motorsports. The young racer also received an award for his eleventh place points finish in the overall point standings.
“It was a honor to get the most improved award,” Chase said, with a smile during the festivities after the awards ceremony. “Not just the award, but it meant a lot to me that Larry presented it, because he and Lonnie Smith, (TORA promoter) have helped me so much,” stated Chase. “Larry won the points championship, and he should have been talking about that, but instead he started talking about my career and he presented me with that award.”
Although he has received several offers to run in some South-Eastern series, Chase has elected to run the TORA series full time in 2004. “We will probably hit some MARS and quite a few Xtreme races on our off weeks, but we felt like it was important to make a commitment to TORA this year. We want to try to pay back Lonnie and Larry for giving us an opportunity last year. No one thought a 13 year old kid could run a late model, but Lonnie and Larry believed in me and gave me that chance,” said Chase.
Chase plans to run two more years in dirt late models before moving up to Hoosier Pro Cup or possibly ARCA. “We will have to wait and see,” stated Chase. “We are trying to find some sponsors that kind of want to grow with me. I don’t know if that will happen, but I know that we need to get involved with some larger companies to reach our goals. I think we have a lot to offer because we will be running several different regional series and some national stuff, even some TV,” said Chase.
Chase was also recently presented with plaques for "Rookie of the Year” and “Favorite Late Model Driver” by "Inthepits.net" web site. “Those In The Pits guys have kind of watched me from the beginning. It was neat to have them give me the Rookie award,” said Chase.
With numerous feature wins in Karts and Micro Sprints, Chase has a room in
the race shop devoted to trophies and plaques. “It was great to be able to add
quite a few Late Model wins to the trophy room this year,” said Chase.
“Especially the big trophy I won at the Future DIRT TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.
When asked if he had run out of wall space for awards Chase commented, “No, I'm
only fourteen, I just started, I think we are going to have to get a bigger
room.”
October 23, 2003
UMP Announces New Hire
United Midwestern Promoters, the premier weekly dirt sanctioning body here in the Midwest is proud to announce the addition of Craig Cowan to its management team. UMP is looking forward to a very exciting and successful 2004 season with the best tracks and drivers in the nation.
Mr. Cowan formerly worked for Hoosier Tire for the last 20 years and brings a wealth of experience to the sanctioning body. Craig Cowan will take over the reigns effective immediately and will work closely with Bob Memmer and the new owners of the 20 year old organization. “Craig has many fresh ideas and a lot of energy, I think with his enthusiasm and industry knowledge UMP will be in excellent hands”says Bob Sargent. “With Craig’s knowledge, Bob Memmers support and the new ownerships broad background UMP will continue to grow and be very healthy”says Ken Schrader.
UMP sanctions weekly racing in the super Dirt Late Model division and the Modified division. The 2003 champions were Rodney Melvin in the Late Model division and Ricky Arms in the Modified division.
For more information regarding rules, sanctions, dates or general information please contact Craig Cowan at the UMP office at 812-479-8760 or visit our website at www.umpracing.com.
10-19-03AllgaierPentagon
Direct from www.arcaracing.com
| Allgaier's Race Against Drugs heads to Pentagon |
|
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TOLEDO OH (10-16-03)
Riverton (IL) Senior High School student and ARCA RE/MAX Series driver
Justin Allgaier
is headed to the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
On behalf of Race Against Drugs (RAD) Allgaier, 17, has been invited to participate in the Pentagon's Inner Courtyard National Red Ribbon Week Celebration October 27-29. The RAD exhibit will be one of several recognizing and celebrating drug prevention programs and initiatives throughout the United States. |
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The attendees include
23,000-plus Government employees and civilians.
Allgaier, who will have his '03 Hoosier Tire Midwest Pontiac Grand Prix on display, is scheduled to sign autographs in the inner courtyard from 11 am - noon on Tuesday, October 28th. In addition to Allgaier's big day, he will also be treated to a private tour of the Pentagon, a rare occurrence by most peoples standards. "This is truly an honor to be selected for this very worthwhile celebration," said Allgaier. "And it's for all the right reasons - first and foremost - to keep kids away from drugs. If I can help do that, I want to be first in line to deliver. It's also a very unique opportunity to be part of a celebration at the Pentagon. I feel really fortunate to have been selected for this. It's all really exciting to me." |
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Allgaier, whose been turning a good deal many heads within the ARCA RE/MAX Series ranks, recently finished a career-best 3rd at Salem Speedway (9th career start) behind only Shelby Howard and Jason Jarrett. |
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But even prior to his ARCA track record, the young up & comer is already an accomplished veteran with race wins and championships under his belt in quarter midgets, midgets, late models (right) and modifieds. |
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And when
your first championship comes at the tender age of six, you get mentioned in the
same conversation with another guy who began winning at a very early age - Jeff
Gordon. Allgaier also made the starting field in a midget at the 2001 Chili Bowl
in Tulsa, Oklahoma at age fourteen - another task high on difficulty factor
considering the renowned, prestigious event annually draws well over 100 midgets
with names like Steve Kinser and Tony Stewart in the line-up.
Outside of racing, the articulate Allgaier is focused and realistic. "After high
school I would like to go on to college and study some form of engineering. I'm
committed to being a successful race car driver. Education is important. If I
can't always be in the drivers seat, I can surely be around race cars by having
other skills," added Allgaier before driver introductions at Salem.
There is no lack of commitment with this the 12th grade student. After attending
classes from eight o'clock in the morning until mid afternoon, it's off to the
race shop just a few miles down the road. The proximity of race shop and
classroom works in Justin's favor. "I have to squeeze the homework in also,"
Allgaier reminded. He must be doing more than just squeezing it in. During his
high school career, Justin has maintained a 4.2 grade point average (out of a
possible five). Not bad for a kid who also shows up at the race shop everyday to
work on the car.
Outside the classroom, the year 2004 graduate gets inspiration from veteran
NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Ken Schrader. "I admire Ken Schrader for many
things. Mostly because he has not forgotten where he started in the sport and
those who helped him get where he is today. He's always willing to talk to
people. He's just as friendly with those he's just meeting as those he's known
for a long time. It seems to me that a lot of big time drivers have forgotten
their roots. I met him a couple of years ago and we talked about what I was
doing. Just before my first ARCA race a box arrived at my home with a new helmet
and a note wishing me good luck. I'll never forget that. I also admire how he'll
get into just about any kind of car in any series to race. He loves to race and
being around people."
DARRELL LANIGAN WINS THE TURBO BLUE ILLINOIS FALL NATIONALS
---------------------------------
Posted Monday, September 15, 2003 (from track enterprises)
Darrell Lanigan from Union, Kentucky was the winner of the $12,000 top prize for
the Late Model division in the 12th Annual Turbo Blue Illinois Fall Nationals.
Behind him in the feature race was Kevin Gundaker from St.Charles, MO, John
Provenzano from Marseilles, IL, Jaymas Zidar from Greenfield, WI and Tim Hamburg
from Dixon, IL round out the top five.
Jim Shereck from St. Charles, MO took home the $2000.00 Modified win on Sunday.
Behind him was Mark Voight from Marine, IL, Hank DeLonjay from Quincy, IL, Brian
Shirley from Springfield, IL and Dan Schlup Jr. from Wentzville, MO round out
the top five for the Modified Division.
Shawn Crose
Photos
--------------Darrell
Lanigan---------------------------------------------------------------------Jim
Shereck--------------------------------
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TURBO BLUE ILLINOIS FALL NATIONALS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 14, 2003
---------------------------------
Direct from www.trackenterprises.com
The 12th Annual Turbo Blue Illinois Fall Nationals UMP Late Model and UMP
Modified event is scheduled for September 14, 2003 and tickets are on sale
now. This will be the 12th year of the annual event on the famous one-mile
dirt oval at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL.
Sunday, September 14th the grandstand ticket office will open at 8:30 a.m.; pit
gates will open at 7:00 a.m., practice will begin at 10:00 a.m., Late Model
qualifying will be at 11:00 a.m., and the racing action will begin at 1:00 p.m.
This years event will pay $12,000.00 to the UMP Late Model winner and $2000.00
to the UMP Modified winner. Last years winners were Late Model driver Brian
Birkhofer from Muscatine, IA and Jim Shereck from St.Charles, MO for the
Modified division.
Reserved grandstand adult ticket prices are $25.00, children 11 and under are
$10.00. Infield passes are available on race day only, they are $15.00 for
adults, children 11 & under are $5.00.
For more information or advance tickets please call Track Enterprises, Inc. at
217-764-3200. The State Fair ticket office will be open starting on Thursday,
September 11th - Saturday, September 13th from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., the
ticket office will open on Sunday at 8:30 a.m.
Racing Returns to Springfield with
12th Annual Illinois Fall Nationals
Macon, IL September 9, 2003—The last auto race of the season on the Illinois fairground mile dirt tracks promises to be one of blazing speed and close competition as the United Midwestern Promoters Late Model and Modified Series invade the “World’s Fastest Mile Dirt Track” at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Sunday, September 14 for the 12th annual Turbo Blue Illinois Fall Nationals. Track Enterprises CEO and race promoter Bob Sargent has posted a total purse that exceeds $50,000, with $12,000 awarded to the winner of the 40-lap late model feature, and $2000 going to the winner of the 20-mile modified event.
Well over 100 race cars are expected to make the tow to Springfield, Illinois for the 12th annual Fall Nationals, an event that keeps growing since it’s inception in 1992. Many of the biggest stars and best drivers from the UMP Late Model series and the Modified series are expected to be in Springfield, as well as many drivers from local and area race tracks. Five different states are represented on the late model and modified preliminary entry list, with several more expected by race time.
The defending winner of the Fall Nationals late model event is expected to compete Sunday. Two-time Fall nationals late model winner Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa is the driver of the Seubert Calf Ranches-McDonald’s sponsored late model and won the 2002 World 100 at Eldora. Birkhofer is a fan favorite across the upper Midwest and really looks forward to competing on the large, high speed race tracks.
Batesville, Arkansas Billy Moyer has been an annual attendee of the Illinois Fall Nationals, becoming the only driver to claim four late model wins in the event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Moyer, a five time winner of the World 100 at Eldora, is the current one-lap track late model track record holder at Springfield, the DuQuoin and Indiana State Fairgrounds and the only driver in late model racing history to post feature wins on all three of those historic facilities.
Moyer’s Car City-Hawkeye Truck Sales teammate is local favorite Shannon Babb of Decatur, Illinois. Babb, nicknamed the “Decatur Invader”, is a member of the Babb racing family of central Illinois, and became the first central Illinois driver to post a major win on the Illinois State Fair mile when he captured his first Illinois Fall Nationals late model win in 2001.
Birkhofer had a lot of competition during last year’s UMP Late Model Fall Nationals event, which was rained out on it’s original date and run September 29. With 46 late models in attendance, Gary Webb set fast time with a lap of 28.822, 124.905 miles an hour in qualifications. Birkhofer won the second heat, setting an 8 lap track record of over 121 miles an hour in the process. That record was short-lived, however, as Don O’Neal smashed the 8 lap record in the third heat, with a time of 3:52.60, a speed of 123.818 miles an hour. O’Neal also set a new 4 lap record for the late models in the dash, over 120 miles an hour for the 4 miles.
In the feature it was all Birkhofer, who led the 40 mile distance from start to finish. Moyer took the second slot, with Webb third, O’Neal fourth and Springfield’s own Joe Ross in the fifth position.
Other stars of the UMP Late Model series expected to compete at Springfield include Dennis Erb of Carpentersville, Illinois, a former LaSalle and Kankakee track champion, Al Atkinson of Wisconsin and Rob Kirchner of Iowa.
Illinois late model drivers who may compete at Springfield on Sunday include Steve Sheppard (presently 6th in the UMP National Points) and Ed Bauman of New Berlin, Jeff Leka of Buffalo, Tim Lance of Mapleton, Mike Fannin of Leroy, Jason Frankel of Quincy, Dave Smith of Monticello, Matt Taylor, Joe Ross Jr., Roger Brickler, and Brian Shirley (currently 11th in the UMP standings) of Springfield.
Area drivers who may be on the late model entry list include three time UMP National Late Model champion Ed Dixon of Washington, Missouri, Denny Ekrich of Tiffin, Iowa, former NASCAR weekly champ and two time UMP champ Gary Webb of Blue Grass, Iowa, second generation driver Chris Smyser of Lancaster, Missouri and young sensation Kyle Steffens of St. Charles, Missouri.
The UMP Modified event traditionally draws a large number of machines and drivers to Springfield, and Sunday should be no exception.
Jim Shereck of St. Charles, Missouri is the defending winner of the Fall Nationals modified feature, and is expected to return to defend his title in the Dairy Queen-Imo’s Pizza Special. Shereck excels on the big mile dirt tracks, he is the only three time winner of modified events at the DuQuoin State Fair "Magic Mile".
Over seventy modifieds pulled onto the Illinois State Fairgrounds last September in search of the $2000 first prize. The large field made six heats necessary for the modifieds, plus two semi features. While no new track records were set in the modified class, five of the six heat races were run without a yellow flag. Steve Adams, Denny Schwartz, Curt Rhoades, Shereck, Greg Hughes and Hank Delonjay won the heat races, with Jim Leka and former ARCA stock car driver Mark Voight taking the semi-features.
The feature was extremely competitive, with Denny Schwartz leading the first thirteen laps, before being overtaken by Shereck on the fourteenth go around. Shereck then cruised to a $2000 payday, and his third mile track win, having won twice at DuQuoin.
Competing against Shereck in the modified division will be former two-time Fall Nationals winner and three-time winner of the Wynn’s Sportsman event in August, Jeff Leka of Buffalo, Illinois. Leka won the modified track championship this season at the Farmer City Raceway, is a former NASCAR weekly racing series national champion and runs very well on the mile tracks. Currently Leka sits 8th in the UMP Modified National points chase.
Other drivers of note expected in the modified class include Kyle Steffens of St. Charles, Missouri, Brandon Maxwell of Milan, Tennessee and Tony Roland of Valparaiso, Indiana.
Illinois drivers who have entered the modified division include Donnie Lehmann of Springfield, Kyle Logue of Oreana, Denny Schwartz of Ashmore (the current point leader at Charleston and 2nd in the UMP National standings), Al Crawley of Decatur, Hank Delonjay of Quincy and Mark Voight, winner of the Oldani Memorial at DuQuoin, of Marine. Curt Rhodes of Taylorville, the current UMP Modified point leader at the Terre Haute Action Track is also entered, as is last year’s Oldani Memorial winner at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, Brian Shaw of Robinson.
Gates for the competitors open at 7 a.m. Sunday, with the Illinois State Fairgrounds grandstand open at 9. Practice begins at 10, with qualifications for the late models at 11. Late model drivers will be taking aim at Billy Moyer’s one lap track record of 28.175, 127.773 miles an hour set in September of 1996.
Racing action for the 12th annual Turbo Blue Illinois Fall Nationals is set for 1 p.m. with heat races, semi features and the feature events for both divisions. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children and may be obtained by calling Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200, at the Illinois State Fair Box Office or at Ticketmaster locations.
Additional information may be obtained by calling Track Enterprises, or on their web site at www.trackenterprises.com.
9-3-03ArcaDuQuoin
For Immediate Release:
by James Essex
(see pictures below)
On Saturday Night, August 23
just before the running of the 21st annual North/South 100 at the Florence
Speedway in Union, Kentucky, Bob Pierce will become the first driver from the
Land of Lincoln to be inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame
during ceremonies preceding the $50,000 to win event. The Oakwood, Illinois
racing veteran who started his late model career in 1969 will join several
other drivers and contributors in being enshrined into the class of 2003. The
third ever Hall of Fame activities will see Bob Pierce, Leon Archer, Delmas
Conley, Jim Curry, John Mason, Russ Petro, Johnny Johnson, Ray Godsey, Bud
Lundsford, Rick Gross, J.W. Hunt and Carl Short go into dirt late model lore
as all will enter the Hall of Fame on August 23.
Not only will Bob be enshrined into the Hall of Fame on Saturday but he will
also be racing his familiar #32 dirt late model at Florence where he captured
the North/South 100 in 1999. Below is a listing of some of Bob's
accomplishments during his 34 year racing career. Congratulations, Bob, your
honor is so well deserved!
Some of Bob Pierce's Career Accomplishments
-5x Prairie Dirt Classic Winner @Fairbury American Legion (IL) Speedway-most wins of any other driver
The ONLY 4x winner of the Macon Herald and Review 100
-13x participant in the World 100@ Eldora (OH) Speedway-most of any Illinois driver all time
-17x participant in the Jackson 100 @ Brownstown (IN) Speedway-second all time to Steve Barnett-most of any Illinois driver all time
-17 Career Northern Allstars Late Model Racing Series Wins-second all time to Don O'Neal
-1988 Winner Ralph Latham Memorial@Florence (KY) Speedway
-1988 PROS Dirt Late Model Series Points Champion
-1988-1989-1990-Kenny Simpson Memorial Sportsmanship Award from UMP
-1990-UMP National Late Model Champion
-1990-Hoosier Dirt Classic winner@Brownstown (IN) Speedway
-1990-Florida Winternationals Champion
-1997 Winner Bluegrass Classic $15,000@Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY
-1999-North/South 100 Winner@Florence (KY) Speedway
-2001-Kenny Simpson Memorial Winner@Brownstown (IN) Speedway
-2001-2002-Bluegrass Classic winner@Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY
-2003 Inducted in the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame
*******************************************
North/South 100 Weekend and Hall of Fame Ceremony Information:
Thursday, August 21
Open Practice Session for Late Models
Friday, August 22
Late Model Time Trials
Saturday, August 23
7 pm Late Model Hot Laps
Heat Races
Consy Events
100 Lap 21st Annual North/South 100 $50,000 to win
National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Ceremonies
Saturday, August 23
6 pm (EST)
Admission Prices:
Grandstand Only:
Thursday-No Charge
Friday-$15
Saturday-$35
Gates open Saturday at 3pm
For ticket information please
visit the following websites or call
www.bobpierceracecars.com
or
www.florencespeedway.com
Ticket Office (859) 493-0034
VISA or MASTERCARD accepted
Dennis Craig photo....Circa
1983......................................................Family and crew at
Kankakee a few years ago
Bob
at Terre Haute, $10,000 to win in 2001
News and Notes-41st Allen Crowe Memorial at Illinois State Fair
Springfield, IL August 18, 2003-Well, it took quite an effort, but Frank Kimmel finally made stock car history at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Sunday during the running of the 41st Allen Crowe Memorial 100 for the ARCA RE/MAX Stock Car Series. Kimmel became the first stock car driver ever to win four straight stock car events at Springfield, and the first to win four straight Crowe Memorials. In fact, a check of the records for every recorded race dating back to 1910, the only other driver to take four straight auto races at the Illinois State Fairgrounds was IMCA/CSRA star Jimmy Wilburn, who won four straight sprint car races during the 1940’s!
By taking his fourth Crowe Memorial win, Kimmel joined former ARCA champ Bob Keselowski and the late, great Dean Roper as the only four-time winners of the long standing stock car event in Springfield.
Kimmel did not dominate this year’s event like he has the last two in the state capitol. While he won the pole position with a superb 34.441 lap (104.527 mph), his fourth Crowe win wasn’t that easy.
First, he spun coming to the green and nearly stuffed the front end of the Advance Auto/Pork Ford Taurus into the turn four concrete. Then, St. Joseph, Missouri driver Doug Keller took the lead from Kimmel on a lap 11 restart and continued in the lead as Kimmel pitted under caution a few laps later.
Kimmel worked his way back to the front before halfway, but by that time popular veteran Bob Strait had the lead, and would not be easy to pass. Several times Kimmel tried high and low, but wasn’t able to wrestle the lead from the Mokena driver. Kimmel tried a high pass on lap 60 and was able to make it to the line first, but Strait nosed ahead going into the first corner and kept the lead! Meanwhile, Keller got around Kimmel, and when Strait’s car broke and axle on a lap 73 restart, sailed into the lead. It took Kimmel five laps to track down Keller, and once he did he sailed into the lead on lap 78 and pulled away. Not even a late race caution provided much in the way of drama, and the Jeffersonville, Indiana native had his fourth in a row.
By leading 34 laps Sunday, Kimmel moves to the top of the lap leader board for ARCA sanctioned races at Springfield with 286. Those 286 laps are good for second on the Allen Crowe Memorial lap leader board, just nine behind stock car racing legend Don White. And, Kimmel sits third on the all-time stock car lap leader board at Springfield, forty-seven circuits behind the late Dean Roper.
Other accomplishments by Kimmel Sunday were: tied for the most pole positions won at Springfield, with 3, tied for the most ARCA race pole positions at Springfield with 3, and tied for the most Allen Crowe Memorial race pole positions with 3. Kimmel gave a car numbered 46 it’s fifth win, which ties that number with Dean Roper’s 99 for the most Springfield wins at 5. Kimmel gave owner Larry Clement his sixth Allen Crowe Memorial win as a car owner, and Advance Auto Part’s their fourth win as a sponsor. In addition, Kimmel gave Ford Motor Company their tenth Springfield win, and their seventh pole position at the Illinois State Fair.
Missouri native Doug Keller backed up his strong runs on the dirt last year with a strong showing at Springfield. Dabbling in the NASCAR truck series has helped the St. Joseph driver, and his improvement really shows up on the dirt tracks.
The local flavor brought by the Illinois and area drivers really adds to the spectacle of the Allen Crowe Memorial, and adds to the grandstand attendance as well. That was quite obvious twhen looking at the Bill Hendren team out of Normal, Illinois. Hendren has fielded stock cars for well over 25 years, running in the USAC days with popular Ken Rowley, who retired just a few seasons ago. Hendren kept the team intact, upgraded the equipment with some financial help, and this team has had some great runs in the ARCA series the last few years. Bob Strait proved to be a good and popular replacement for Rowley as well.
Speaking of Rowley, he has 25 starts on the Springfield Mile, and was in attendance again Sunday with lovely wife Gail as a part of the Hendren crew. Kenny was in good spirits, and in good health.
While Strait ran exceptionally well until his axle broke and looked like a potential winner, the best finish of the Hendren team was brought home by a 22 year old rookie out of El Paso, Ryan Unzicker. Unzicker had very little experience on the “World’s Fastest One Mile Dirt Track” prior to Sunday, he had competed in the Wynn’s Sportsman Nationals event last year, and had virtually no experience in one of the heavy ARCA cars other than a recent test at Chicagoland Speedway. He was assigned to the team’s older Chevy Monte Carlo, qualified in the top twenty, and ran all day to post and impressive sixth place finish, on the lead lap. After the race, a happy Ryan said that he looked forward to DuQuoin and the opportunity to do more of the ARCA dirt events.
Two ARCA regulars who really look forward to the dirt are Tennessee’s Ron Cox and Georgia’s Mark Gibson. Cox ran strong all day and ended fourth, while Gibson, making a return full time to the RE/MAX series, got around Cox toward the end for third.
Defending UMP National Late Model Driving champion Terry English had a pretty good day in the Murtco Chevrolet, and probably got an education in the process. In his first ever ARCA start, English qualified third and ran with the leaders for a time. He did, however, get “rubbed” on the racetrack, resulting in minor damage to the right rear of the car. A lengthy pit stop put him a lap down, exiting the pits just in front of the leaders. While Terry was able to run with the lead group, he never did gain the lap back, placing tenth. With the car in tact the Murtco crew heads for DuQuoin on Labor Day, and a huge crowd from Kentucky is expected in support of Terry’s DuQuoin attempt.
Wall contact claimed a few machines on Sunday, including that of Pennsylvania’s Tom Eriksen, whose cars are among the brightest colored on the track. Eriksen’s Chevy blew an engine going into the first turn on lap 69, sending the car into the wall and causing quite a bit of damage. A regular on the ARCA dirt trail, the car is questionable for DuQuoin. Jamie Passmore had a couple of spins in turn four, and finally collected the turn four wall.
Shelby Howard’s title hopes took a big hit Sunday, when on lap 5 his Dodge grenaded an engine and left a stream of oil a half mile long.
Hometown favorite, seventeen year old Justin Allgaier got one of the biggest hands from the crowd in pre-race introductions, and ran strong early on in the Law-Hoosier Pontiac. However, a failing alternator caused an ignition problem, and the car dropped out just past lap 60.
The third woman to ever qualify for a stock car race at the Illinois State Fairgrounds suffered through a long day. Christi has sprint car experience on dirt, but had never run on a mile dirt track before, and had not run one of the big ARCA cars on dirt. She timed in 29th, and ended her day 20th after several pit stops.
East Peoria’s Todd Coon had another strong dirt run going, challenging in the top ten when Dan Shaver spun in turn one, collecting Coon and breaking what appeared to be the radiator on Coon’s Chevrolet.
The companion Wynn’s Sportsman event was extremely entertaining, with close racing and a repeat winner. Two and three wide racing was the order of the day for the short track sportsman cars, who consider this race their version of the Daytona 500. There was only one caution in the 20-mile main event, which featured three lead changes. Jeff Leka won for the third consecutive year, and needs two more to tie five-time champ Wes O’Dell.
Track Enterprises chief and Illinois State Fair Motorsports Director Bob Sargent hit the jackpot as far as racetrack preparation goes all weekend. Saturday’s track was lighting fast, and when it came to Sunday, at least three guys were over a tenth under the existing track record. The track was so good that the sportsman races featured a low, middle and high groove, while a second groove opened up for the ARCA guys as well.
Sunday’s crowd was estimated at 8,000, which seems a little on the light side considering the grandstand can accommodate 13,000, and was easily three-quarters full. A large crowd also camped on the infield as well, making the weekend very successful attendance wise considering the temperature was into the 90’s, and the humidity fairly high.
As the ARCA series looks toward the dirt at the improved DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, the Illinois State Fair is talking about improvements as well to the mile racetrack, which could include lights. A report in the local paper Monday indicated that the drawing power of auto racing and horse racing far exceeded some of the grandstand acts as well. Lights would definitely allow the schedule of auto racing at the Fairgrounds to be expanded beyond it’s present three events per year.
Springfield, IL August 13, 2003-Frank Kimmel may not be known for his prowess on the dirt tracks across America, but he is a strong favorite to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Allen Crowe Memorial 100 when the RE/MAX Stock Car Series of the Automobile Racing Club of America comes to the Illinois State Fairgrounds Sunday, August 17th. The 41st running of the Crowe Memorial is a unique contest that is only one of two in the United States featuring full bodied stock cars, decked out in dirt track livery racing on the mile fairground dirt tracks. A large crowd is expected to see a full field of nearly forty cars and drivers, featuring the traveling stars of the ARCA RE/MAX Series doing battle against a large contingent of Illinois drivers. Also on tap is the popular Wynn’s Sportsman Nationals 20-mile main event for local short track drivers. This year marks the tenth year of promotion of the Allen Crowe Memorial 100 and the Wynn’s Sportsman event by Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises.
Kimmel dominated last year’s 100-mile event, delayed slightly by rain. Kimmel captured the Old Milwaukee/Dean Roper Memorial Pole Award by default as qualifications were washed out due to the rain. Kimmel then led 84 of the 100 miles, taking record first place money of $18,575 from a record $125,614 purse. Should Kimmel be able to win the 41st running of the Crowe Memorial, he would join Bob Keselowski and the late Dean Roper as the only four-time winners of the event. A win in the 41st Crowe Memorial would mean a large leap toward a fifth ARCA RE/MAX crown for the current ARCA point leader and the driver of the Advance Auto Parts/Pork Ford.
Kimmel began racing in the ARCA RE/Max Series over a decade ago under the tutelage of former ARCA driver Jack Wallace, who has wheeled the pace car for many ARCA events. At the time, Kimmel didn’t display a great affection for the dirt. “I never used to look forward to the dirt tracks”, Kimmel said in a recent interview with ARCA public relations director Don Radebaugh. “I wasn’t very good at them, I still don’t think that I am, but I guess winning makes all the difference.” “We started preparing our dirt car early this year, and I’m really looking forward to getting back to Springfield and DuQuoin this year.” “Those two tracks are some of my favorite places, the fans are great, the crowds are huge, and with the state fair atmosphere it’s a great place to take the family”.
Winning apparently opened Kimmel’s eyes to a new way to earn recognition, as well as points toward the ARCA national championship. Kimmel has won the last three ARCA RE/MAX crowns, and the points earned on the dirt tracks have gone a long way toward those championships, not to mention giving Kimmel a lot of notoriety as well as some personal satisfaction.
“The win over Tony Stewart, who was driving for Andy Petree, last year at DuQuoin has to be one of the highlights of my career”, said Kimmel. A strong statement considering the Jeffersonville, Indiana driver has won four ARCA titles, races at Charlotte, Pocono, Michigan, Kansas and Nashville, as well as a couple of stints as a substitute driver in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.
Kimmel’s exploits on dirt have earned him a page in the auto racing history books as well. By winning his first Allen Crowe Memorial in 2000, Kimmel became one of the few drivers to post a win on one of the historic one mile fairground dirt tracks, only four of which are still in operation today. When Kimmel swept the races at Springfield and DuQuoin in 2001, he became just the ninth driver since 1950 to take both Illinois fair races. That list includes such stock car legends as Norm Nelson, Don White and former ARCA champ Bob Brevak. If Kimmel can sweep both events this year, he would become only the second driver in racing history to sweep both events three times, joining the late Dean Roper, and the first driver to sweep both events three consecutive years.
Gaining his fourth Allen Crowe Memorial 100 may not be an easy task, even though Kimmel has won nearly half the races on the ARCA schedule this year and holds a commanding lead in the points. Most of the top ten in the ARCA points are entered at Springfield, including second place point man Jason Jarrett. Jarrett, son of 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup champ Dale Jarrett, and grandson of two-time NASCAR champ Ned Jarrett, is in search of his first ARCA dirt track win. Never having seen one of the facilities before, Jarrett qualified on the front row for the 2001 Allen Crowe Memorial 100 and led a portion of the event. The driver of the Gladiator-Damon RV Pontiac is expected to give some strong competition to Kimmel.
Third in the ARCA points, 750 markers out of first, is a second generation driver with a familiar name to fans at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Billy Venturini drives Chevrolet products fielded by his father, Chicago native Bill Venturini, a frequent Springfield competitor with ARCA and the now defunct USAC Stock Car series.
Sitting fourth in the points is one of several Illinois drivers in the field, Brent Sherman of North Barrington. The northern Illinois driver is somewhat of a surprise in the ARCA series, making his debut just a couple of seasons ago and never breaking into the top ten until this year. Fifth in the points, back full time after securing a sponsor, is Georgia’s Mark Gibson, a frequent visitor to both dirt races.
Sixth in points is one of the youngest drivers to ever appear on the Illinois State Fair mile, seventeen-yearl old Shelby Howard of Indiana is one of the up and coming drivers on the RE/MAX tour, having won on the Kansas Superspeedway in June.
Seventh is Ron Cox of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. Cox, driving Pontiacs desperately wants to win one of the dirt races and ran as high as second in last year’s Crowe Memorial before a late race accident put him out of contention.
Eighth in the RE/MAX standing is another second generation driver, Todd Bowsher of Springfield, Ohio. Young Todd drives Ford products owned by his father, former ARCA champion Jack Bowsher. Jack is a two-time (1971 & 1973) winner of the Allen Crowe Memorial 100 at Springfield, and at one time was the factory Ford effort in the USAC Stock Car series, winning a crown with none other than A.J. Foyt.
Ninth in the points is a driver from Oklahoma that could become the third woman to drive in the Allen Crowe Memorial 100 at Springfield. Christi Passmore has quite a bit of experience on short dirt ovals in the Oklahoma and Texas area, but no experience on one of the large dirt tracks. She is competing for Rookie of the Year and at this time is the leading contender.
Other ARCA veterans on the entry list include Indiana’s Darrell Basham, Pennsylvania’s Andy Belmont (10th in points), and Texan Chuck Weber, Pennsylvania's Norm Benning and Ohio's Randy VanZant.
The touring stars and the veterans will have to combat a large contingent of Illinois drivers seeking a home state win, no Central Illinois driver has ever won the Crowe Memorial but at least six from the home state will try again this year, including one talented hometown youngster.
Mokena, Illinois native Bob Strait is perhaps the favorite of the Illinois drivers to take home the Crowe Memorial trophy, and his race team has many central Illinois ties. Strait started 28th in last years race, moved to second and a transmission problem late in the event dropped him to third. Strait drives for perhaps the most popular team that comes to Springfield, the Normal based Bill Hendren team brings a large contingent of fans, and for many years fielded cars for the driver with the most stock car starts at Springfield, El Paso’s Ken Rowley.
At sixteen years and seventy-three days, Justin Allgaier of nearby Riverton, just 5 miles from Springfield, became the youngest starter ever in the Allen Crowe Memorial 100 (and ARCA history) when he suited up to drive for NASCAR star and local favorite Ken Schrader. Justin finished 17th that day, and continues to gain experience in late models on the local tracks while racing toward his 18th birthday.
Bloomington’s Eric Smith is considered a dark horse favorite for a win on the “World’s Fastest One Mile Dirt Track”, the veteran driver continues a part-time ARCA schedule while driving locally in late models and sportsman cars. Smith, who came from 35th ti 13th in last year’s Crowe Memorial, is a second generation driver and past ARCA race winner. Eric pilots the Fords owned by his father, former USAC and ARCA driver Cleve Smith.
East Peoria’s Todd Coon came from 37th to third last year before being involved in an accident, and has had several good runs at both dirt tracks, while Centralia’s favorite son Joe Cooksey won the pole position three years ago at DuQuoin and came from 31st to 4th in last year’s Crowe Memorial. Young Ryan Unzicker of El Paso, Illinois ran in the Wynn's Sportsman event last year, and moves up to the bigger cars as a teammate to Bob Strait. Carlyle’s Charlie Schaefer, a late model regular, is also a frequent entrant on the dirt miles.
One entry sure to drum up significant interest is that of 2002 UMP National Late Model champion Terry English of Benton, Kentucky. English has run several races with the UMP series in Central Illinois, and looks to make his ARCA RE/MAX debut with owner Keith Murt.
One St. Louis area driver is entered, Doug Keller of St. Charles, Missouri runs very well on the dirt, as evidenced by his second place finish in last year’s Crowe Memorial and front row start at the DuQuoin event.
The 41st annual Allen Crowe Memorial continues a celebration of the automobile and automobile racing during the Illinois State Fair that pre-dates World War I. It also remains a moving tribute to a local racer who was on the verge of stardom, when his career was cut tragically short by an accident.
Auto exhibitions were common in the early 1900’s, and the first recorded actual competition was held during the 1910 fair. Open wheel, open cockpit cars, many from the International Motor Contest Association, were the fare of the early races. Many of the drivers such as Sig Haugdahl and Fred Horey were as famous as any Indianapolis 500 winner. One and sometimes two days of racing were held through 1929 when a spectator fatality brought a halt to the events. Promoter Ralph Hankinson brought auto racing back to the fair in the form of AAA National Championship racing in 1934, and later sprint car races and motorcycle races were added as well.
The popularity of “stock car” racing boomed after World War II, and the fledgling NASCAR organization came to be in 1947. AAA, the leading motorsports governing body at the time, saw the benefit of stock car racing and in 1950 organized a small five race schedule for the hard top machines. Three of the races were at Milwaukee, with one each at DuQuoin and Springfield. Jay Frank of Los Angeles, in an Olds Rocket 88 took that first Springfield 100-miler, but the stock cars would not return for another eleven years!.
By 1961, AAA was completely out of racing, replaced by the United States Auto Club who was a formidable rival in the battle for stock car supremacy with NASCAR. Many of USAC’s established stars crossed over to the hardtops, meaning that promoters often got the benefit of an Indy 500 winner or two in the field. At the same time, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana were churning local talent into the USAC fields and helping fill grandstands.
In 1961, the Springfield Seratoma Club decided to promote a stock car event at Springfield as a fund raiser, one week after the fair. Indy drivers Rodger Ward and Len Sutton participated, with Sutton taking the 100-mile event. Ward took the next year’s race, unfortunately for 1963, the race would receive a somber designation.
Allen Crowe was a Springfield resident and a local racing hero who had cut his teeth on the central Illinois short tracks of Springfield, Lincoln and Macon racing stock cars and midgets. By 1962, he had moved to national championship machines and did Springfield proud by making the field at the Indianapolis 500. Allen survived a nasty flip in the 1962 Hoosier Hundred to come back and make the “500” again in 1963 and he appeared on the verge of becoming a regular star in the USAC ranks. Sadly, it wasn’t to be.
On June 21, 1963 Allen crashed during a USAC Sprint Car race in New Bremen, Ohio. Unfortunately, he did not survive the accident. The Springfield racing community, shocked and saddened at the loss of the local star, moved quickly to honor the fallen driver. Working with the Illinois State Fair board and promoter Jim Kidd, the annual stock car event was named in Allen’s honor just in time for the 1963 running. NASCAR star Curtis Turner won the first ever Allen Crowe Memorial at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, held August 26, 1963.
In 1965 the Crowe Memorial moved to the last Friday of the Illinois State Fair, and by 1969, had moved to the last Sunday of the fair. Except for a few years during the 1970’s. the annual stock car tribute to the late Allen Crowe has been the last motor sport event during the running of the Illinois State Fair.
Over the years the Allen Crowe Memorial has seen racing legends such as Bobby Marshman, Bobby Isaac, and Paul Goldsmith pull into victory lane. Hall of Fame drivers such as Norm Nelson, Don White, Butch Hartman and Ramo Stott all won on the Springfield clay. When ARCA took over as sanctioning body in 1985, the late Dean Roper had already established himself as the king of the Illinois State Fair mile track, taking the last of his seven wins in 1986. ARCA stars such as Bobby Bowsher, Tim Steele and Bill Baird won the Crowe Memorial, while Ken Schrader culminated an eighteen year quest by taking a 100-mile event on the dirt at Springfield in 1998. Even legendary NASCAR figures such as Dick Trickle, Benny Parsons, Alan Kulwicki, Joe Ruttman, Davey Allison and Rusty Wallace all appeared on a Springfield entry list.
The Automobile Racing Club of America celebrates the 20th anniversary of sanctioning stock car racing at Springfield by opening the track for ARCA practice at 9 a.m., with Old Milwakee/Roper Pole qualifying set for 11:00. Drivers will be trying to break Bob Hill’s one-lap track record of 33.546, set in 1996. Approximately forty of the finest full bodied dirt track stock car drivers in the nation are slated to be given the command to fire engines at 1:00 p.m., with the flying start of the 41st Allen Crowe Memorial 100 a few minutes later.
The popular Wynn’s Sportsman Nationals, an event for area stock cars and drivers, is the support event for the Allen Crowe Memorial 100. Now in it’s tenth running, the 20-mile main event features many local and area drivers competing for a large first place prize. Several drivers have pre-qualified for the event by running at local tracks through the year. The remainder of the field will be filled by a semi feature, and the feature race will be run just prior to the 41st Allen Crowe Memorial 100. Jeff Leka is the defending champion.
Tickets are available at the Illinois State Fair Box Office or by calling Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200. More information on the ARCA RE/MAX series is available at www.arcaracing.com
SHANNON BABB
continues domination of TRI-STATE Challenge Series with TERRE HAUTE Win
By Smash
(6/01/03)Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Illinois continued his total domination of the TRI-STATE Challenge Series tonight at Terre Haute after pocketing the $10,000 Bonus the previous evening at I-55 Raceway by virtue of winning the first two of the three events.
THAT'S A $40,000 SMILE ON THE BABBSTER
Photo by Shawn's Motorsport Photography
Babb started his run for the
trifecta after fuel pump problems plagued him in qualifying. Starting at the
tail of the heat, he moved to the front and finished the heat a straightaway
ahead of Terry English, Bill Frye, Jeff Taylor, Steve Hillard, Michael Bradley
and Kevin Claycomb.
The first heat was won by Kevin Weaver over Dennis Erb, John Gill, Steve
Barnett, Tim Lance, Garrett Durrett, Kevin Gundaker, Tim Lex and Russ Adams.
The dash to determine the first three starting rows of the A-Main was topped by
Steve Francis in the Larry Moring ride formerly occupied by Gary Webb. Francis
beat Wendell Wallace, Don O'Neal, Bob Pierce, Roger Long and Billy Moyer to the
stripe for the win.
The feature started off with Francis movijng to the point from his pole starting
berth and it appeared it would be an all Francis show with Babb quickly on the
move from his 8th starting position.
While Francis took the high rode utilizing the cushion to its full effect, Babb
chose to ride on the bottom moving to 4th on lap 1 and 3rd on the second lap.
After Babb passed Bob Pierce it was full pursuit for Francis, but the green flag
racing looked as though it would keep Babb from maximizing on his pursuit.
In the late stages of the race, Francis washed a bit too high in the turn and
smacked his rear quarter into the outer wall damaging the spoiler on his car and
ultimately affecting his handling.
With 1 to go Babb was all over Francis but it looked as though Francis may be
able to hold on for the win.
With his momentum from the past two days and the adrenaline pumping full force
Babb rolled into 4 on the low side with a lapped car in his way going for the
checkered flag. Babb had to stall his momentum in his effort to go high around
the lapped car, but managed to beat Francis at the stripe by mere inches.
In victory lane Babb thanked all of his sponsors and gave special kudo's to Bill
Moyer, Sr car owner and Billy Moyer car owner and teammate for their support and
to the host tracks for all three of the events for the great race tracks they
provided for the series.
Promoter Bob Sargent stated that when the idea of the bonus was discussed, those
involved though it unlikely that one driver could capture 2 of the 3 events let
alone dominate the series by winning all three.
Babb was followed at the stripe by Francis, Bob Pierce, Don O'Neal and Billy
Moyer. The remainder of the finish was unavailable when i left the track.
Babb started 6th on Friday night, 7th on Saturday night and 8th tonight in his
new Mastersbilt sponsored by CAR CITY, WATTERS Autoland, PLATINUM Motors,
HOOSIER Racing Tire by Smash, J&J Steel and powered by JAY DICKENS Racing
Engines.
The momentum Babb has gained over the weekend should bode well for him as the
team heads for the DREAM event at Eldora Speedway later in the week.
SUMMARY
1.Shannon """Masters BABB Bilt """
2.steve francis
3.Bob pierce
4.Don oneal
5.Billy moyer
6.Wendell wallace
7.Bill frye
8.Jeff taylor
9.Terry english
10.Dennis erb
11.Kevin weaver
12.Steve barnett
13.John gill
14.Roger long
15.Steve hillard
16.Michael bradley
17.Garrett durrett
18.Russ adams
19.Tim lance
20.Rusty coffman
21.Clint bex
22.Kevin gundaker
23.Kevin claycomb
Green Flag ready
to fall on STARS Battle of the Bluegrass 2nd Season
LEXINGTON, KY- The
STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts
will open it's second season on Friday Night, April 25 at the McCoy Motor
Speedway in Glasgow, KY. This will kick off a double header of racing action
that weekend with the series heading to the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY
on Saturday Night, April 26 for a complete show. The 2003 STARS Battle of the
Bluegrass Tour will take the series to 12 different venues, as the 25-race
schedule will see total purses in excess of $400,000 up for grabs. The 2003
STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Points Champion will get $10,000 this year and the
top 15 in points will be a part of the estimated over $30,000 point fund. The
2003 R&P Industrial Chimney Rookie of the Year will pocket $3500 for their
efforts.
In just its second season of sanctioning dirt late model racing the STARS Battle
of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series has become Kentucky's premier organization.
Several of the regions top drivers will be campaigning with the series this
season and it has attracted the attention of drivers from outside the state to
try their hand at the ultra tough competition the series provides. In 2002
there were 12 different event winners in the 20 races held as Eddie Carrier Jr
of Leburn, KY became the first ever champion of the Bluegrass. Bobby Wolter Jr
captured top honors in the Rookie of the Year chase last season.
The first points race of the new season will see the STARS Battle of the
Bluegrass head to the McCoy Motor Speedway in Glasgow, KY for the first of three
visits this year. Glasgow businessman, Billy McCoy, purchased the track
formerly known as Barren County Speedway last year. The STARS Battle of the
Bluegrass will also sanction the USA 50 and the Kentucky Klassic this year at
Glasgow. The Kentucky Klassic is the longest continuous running dirt late model
event in the Bluegrass state. On Friday April 25 the Spring 40 will roll into
Glasgow as the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass will host a complete show of
exciting late model racing around the 3/8ths mile high banked oval. A
considerable amount of work has been done on the racetrack at the popular South
Central Kentucky speedplant. In 2002 McCoy Motor Speedway hosted four STARS
Battle of the Bluegrass events with the result being four different feature
winners. Timmy Yeager has the distinction of being the first driver to ever win
a STARS Battle of the Bluegrass sanctioned event as he opened the inaugural
season with a thrilling win over John Gill last May. Other event winners last
year at Glasgow were Steve Hillard, Scott James and Kentucky Klassic champion,
Mike Hawley. Pit gates at Glasgow will open at 2 pm (CDT) with Racing Optics
Time trials scheduled for 6:30 (CDT). The track is located 3 miles west of
Glasgow, KY on Highway 68. For race day information you can call the track
phone number at (270) 678-1100 or visit their website at
www.mccoymotorspeedway.com.
The very next night the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass head up the road to the
home of the 2003 Dirt Track World Championship, the David and Anita Ferrell's
Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY. The "Spring Sizzler" will see the fourth
ever appearance for the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass at the 1/2-mile
high-banked dirt oval. In 2002 with three appearances there were three
different event winners with Rick Corbin, 2002 STARS BoB Champion, Eddie Carrier
Jr and Mike Jewell capturing feature event wins. There should be excitement in
the air as the April 26th event will be the first big race since last October's
DTWC at Bardstown. Pit gates will open at 3 pm (EST). Bluegrass Speedway is
located just off of Exit 21 of the Bluegrass Parkway on Highway 31E. The track
phone number on race day for more information is (502) 349-1241. The website
address is http://www.bluegrass-speedway.com
The Spring 40 at Glasgow will host a payoff of $3000 to win and $250 to start
and will 40 laps in length. The Spring Sizzler at Bardstown will carry the same
payoff at $3000 to win and $250 to start for the 30 lap main event. The total
purse for the two nights of racing is $30,000.
For more information on the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass please visit their
newly redesigned website at www.battleofthebluegrass.com or call the office at
(859) 271-4501. Thanks to DJ Designs for their assistance with the website.
STARS Battle of the Bluegrass
April Schedule
Friday Night, April 25
Spring 40
McCoy Motor Speedway
Glasgow, KY
Track: (270) 678-1100
$3000 to win/$250 to start
Saturday Night, April 26
Spring Sizzler
Bluegrass Speedway
Bardstown, KY
Track: (502) 349-1241
$3000 to win/$250 to start
Feature Payoff Each Night:
1. $3000.00
2. 1500.00
3. 1000.00
4. 800.00
5. 750.00
6. 700.00
7. 650.00
8. 600.00
9. 550.00
10. 500.00
11. 450.00
12. 400.00
13. 350.00
14. 300.00
15. 300.00
16. 275.00
17. 275.00
18. 250.00
19. 250.00
20. 250.00
Tire Rule: Hoosier LM20, D20, D21, LM40, D55
American Racer SD44 and MD56
Goodyear C375
Area Hotels/Motels
Cave City, KY
Ramada Inn 270-773-3121
Glasgow, KY
Happy Valley Inn 270-651-5177
Towne Motel 270-651-2169
Hampton Inn 270-651-5191
Days Inn 270-651-1757
Comfort Inn 270-651-9099
Elizabethtown, Ky
Best Western 270-765-6139
Comfort Inn Atrium 270-765-2111
Commonwealth Lodge 270-765-2185
Bardstown, KY Area
Hampton Inn 502-349-0776
Red Carpet Inn 502-348-3364
Days Inn 502-348-9253
Best Western 502-348-3977
Comfort Inn 502-349-9400
Ramada Inn 502-349-0363
FLORIDA SPEEDWEEKS REPORTS
By Terry Young
NIGHT 1-Steve Francis claims Opening Night at East Bay
Raceway Speedweeks 2003
The Kentucky Colonel wheeled the MOPAR Performance, VALVOLINE sponsored #15
Rocket Chassis to victory lane tonight besting a field of over 85 competitors.
Amid beautiful weather, and a long awaited season opener, Francis took his
beautiful new design #15 from his pole starting position and won in convincing
fashion leading the Rocket contingent to the season opening win.
Following Francis at the stripe were Eckert, Mars, Birkhoffer, Babb, Davey J.,
Billy Moyer, Jackie Boggs, Mike Balzano and last years owner of victory lane Don
O'Neal.
Rick Eckert began the evenings event by turning the fastest qualifying lap among
the 87 entires on hand. During qualifying, the 2003 rendition of speedweeks got
off to a bad start for both Dan Schlieper and C.J. Rayburn as both of their
rides suffered severe damage after contact with the outside wall on their
respective laps.
The first heat was won by Shannon Babb over Eckert and Keith Nosbich.
The second heat was topped by Brian Birkhoffer over Donnie Moran and Dale
McDowell.
The third heat honors went to Davey Johnson over Jimmy Mars and Don O'Neal.
The fourth heat was topped by Anthony Rushing over Francis and Kelly Boen.
The fifth heat seen R.J. Conley top the heap ahead of Tery English and Jackie
Boggs.
The sixth and final heat went to Mike Balzano over Billy Moyer and Matt Miller.
There were 3 consi's which transferred 2 from each to the main event. Transfers
from the first consi were Kenny Pettyjohn and Jeremy Miller. The second consi
transferred Randall Chupp and Billy Ogle while thir consi transfers went to
Scott James and NASCAR star Ken Schrader.
The dash was captured by Francis over Mars, McDowell, Babb, Eckert and Boen.
As usual for East Bay during speedweeks there were a number of stars sitting on
the sidelines watching the A-Main for various reasons. Always a tough place to
step out of intact, East Bay had its share of body damage tonight as a number of
cars made contact with the outside retaining wall entering turn 1.
Tomorrow night Speedweeks "03 will continue with the debut of the Xtreme Dirt
Car Series with Renegade Dirt Cars taking back over the helm on Wednesday.
***************
NIGHT 2- ECKERT Claims Season Opener for Xtreme Dirt Car
Series at EAST BAY
After the domination last year by Don O'Neal and his C.J. Rayburn Chassis, the
Mark Richards ROCKET Race Cars camp has come on full force for the 2003 FLORIDA
Speedweeks after extensive testing in previous weeks here at the East Bay
Raceway. And by all accounts, the testing has thus far payed off as ROCKET
rallied to their second consecutive win in the "03 rendition of Speedweeks.
Rick Eckert, defending UDTRA Champion started his new season off in the Xtreme
Dirt Car Series by taking his RAYE VEST #24 to the checkered flag from his
outside front row starting position and outdueling Earl Pearson, Jr. in a hard
fought battle. Following the duo at the stripe amid foggy and misting conditions
were Rob Blair, Jimmy Mars, Brian Birkhoffer, R.J. Conley, Donnie Moran, Davey
Johnson, Tim Dohm and Don O'Neal.
The first heat was won by O'Neal over Birkhoffer and Delmas Conley.
The second heat was won by R.J. Conley over a basically unknown Jeff Choquette
from West Palm Beach and Jimmy Mars. The young and very impressive Choquette
fought a hard battle to earn the transfer spot to the A-Main and impressed all
on hand, assuring that those on hand won't forget his name anytime soon,
however, after the heat the team became aware that they had lost their motor in
the heat race and was forced to scratch from the A-Main, relegating fourth place
finisher Ray Cook into the A-Main.
The third heat was won by Eckert over Steve Francis and Dan Schlieper.
The fourth heat was topped by Pearson, Jr. over Donnie Moran and Chub Frank.
The fifth heat was topped by yet another new face to the Florida Speedweeks
scene in the form of Jeremy Miller in impressive fashion over Tim Dohm and Mike
Balzano.
The sixth and final heat was captured by Rob Blair over Rick Aukland and open
wheel standout Jimmy Owens.
There were three consi races with the top 2 from each transferring to the
A-Main. The first consi would transfer Davey Johnson and Matt Miller with Steve
Shaver, Jackie Boggs, Wendel Wallace, Billy Moyer and Scott Bloomquist among
those not earning transfer positions.
The second consi was topped by Randall Chupp in impressive fashion over local
hotshoe Keith Nosbich. Non transfer finalists were Thomas Ware, Kelly Boen,
Shannon Babb, Scott James and Steve Smith.
The third and final consi would see Steve Lucas take the checkered flag ahead of
Terry English. Notable non transfers were John Mason, Bart Hartman, Freddie
Smith and Vic Coffey.
Earl Pearson topped the dash followed by Eckert, Blair, Conley, O'Neal and
Miller.
The final race of the evening was the Strawberry Dash and it was claimed by
Kelly Boen.
More action will be sure to follow as the late models will once again invade the
East Bay Raceway tomorrow night under the direction of the Renegade Dirt Car
Series for a 50 lap $7,000.00 to win event.
Heat 1: 1. Don O'Neal, 2.Brian Birkhoffer, 3.Delmas Conley, 4. Jackie Boggs, 5.
Steve Shaver
Heat 2: 1.R.J. Conley, 2.Jeff Choquette, 3.Jimmy Mars, 4.Ray Cook, 5.Matt Miller
Heat 3: 1.Rick Eckert, 2.Steve Francis, 3.Dan Schlieper, 4.Thomas Ware, 5.Dale
McDowell
Heat 4: 1.Earl Pearson, Jr., 2.Donnie Moran, 3.Chub Frank, 4.Scott James,
5.Randall Chupp
Heat 5: 1.Jeremy Miller, 2.Tim Dohm, 3.Mike Balzano, 4.Terry English, 5.John
Mason
Heat 6: 1.Rob Blair, 2.Rick Aukland, 3.Jimmy Owens, 4.Steve Lucas, 5.Dennis Erb
Dash: 1.Pearson, 2.Eckert, 3.Blair, 4.Conley, 5.O'Neal, 6.Miller
Feature:
1. Eckert
2. Pearson
3. Blair
4. Mars
5. Birkhoffer
6. R.J. Conley
7. Moran
8. Johnson
9. Dohm
10. O'Neal
11. Balzano
12. Schlieper
13. Cook
14. Frank
15. Chupp
***********************
NIGHT 3-CHUB FRANK picks BIRKY'S Pocket in Round 3 at EAST
BAY Speedweeks
87 cars took to the track in Round 3 of the 2003 EAST BAY Raceway Speedweeks
under the direction of the RENEGADE Dirt Car Series with a $7,000.00 payday as
the reward! Recording the fastest qualifying lap among the 87 entries was 2002
Speedweeks Dictator The Real Deal Don O'Neal turning the track with a lap of
14.296.
The first heat was won by Jackie Boggs over Terry English and O'Neal.
The second heat was topped by Earl Pearson over Rob Blair and Davey Johnson.
The third heat would see Steve Francis get the job done over NASCAR Winston
Cup's elder statesman Ken Schrader and Chub Frank.
The fourth heat was captured by Billy Ogle over Steve Shaver and Shannon Babb.
The fifth heat checkers flew over Dale McDowell ahead of Randall Chupp and Mike
Balzano.
The sixth and final heat honors went to Rick Eckert over Donnie Moran and Tim
Dohm.
The dash to determine the first three rows of the A-Main event was won by
Pearson over Chupp, O'Neal, Eckert, Blair and English.
There were once again three consi races with the top two from each transferring
to the A. The first consi was won by Ray Cook over Rod Conley, the second consi
went to Brian Birkhofer over Scott Bloomquist with the third consi going to Dan
Schlieper over Delmas Conley.
As the feature cars rolled out to the start of the main it appeared that Brian
Birkhofer was the fastest car in the state of Florida as he chose to go with a
harder tire choice, a decision that was made by only several other cars in the
main event. As the cautions flew there was a dash to the pit area by a number of
the competitors who realized their bad choice in compound selection, opting to
take their mounts to the pits and change tires in order to have a chance to
complete the race in a decent finishing position.
It also appeared that Birkhofer would be unchallenged as he built a decent lead
with only several laps to go. Thats the point where CHUBZILLA began to really
close the gap and work the 2002 World 100 winner in a serious fashion, applying
pressure and finally overcoming Birky in the closing laps to take the point from
Birkhofer and relegate him to the second position.
When the checkered flag fell, it was Chub Frank in the Corry Rubber Corporation,
Nystroms Auto Sales, Hoosier Racing Tire, Ringers Gloves, Carerra Shocks, Weld
Wheels, OUTLAW Disc Brakes, Rocket Race Cars #1
to victory lane to collect the $7,000.00 paycheck for his efforts in the 50 lap
RENEGADE Dirt Car Series main event. In winning tonight Chub also completed a
trifecta for ROCKET Race Cars as they have won the first three events of the "03
Speedweeks. Following Chub at the stripe were Birkhofer, O'Neal, Cook,
McCreadie, Eckert, Pearson, Babb, Chupp and Rod Conley.
Tomorrow night the action continues with the second XTREME Dirt Car Series event
of the year as the XTREME bunch take to the track for what is sure to be yet
another exciting night of action.
Feature finish:
1. Chub Frank
2. Brian Birkhofer
3. Don O'Neal
4. Ray Cook
5. Timmy McCreadie
6. Rick Eckert
7. Earl Pearson
8. Shannon Babb
9. Randall Chupp
10. Rod Conley
11. Terry English
12. Jackie Boggs
13. Ken Schrader
14. Steve Shaver
15. Tim Dohm
16. Rob Blair
17. Dale McDowell
18. Rick Aukland
19. Steve Francis
20. Billy Ogle
21. John Mason
22. Keith Nosbich
23. Scott Bloomquist
24. Dan Schlieper
25. Davey Johnson
26. Donnie Moran
27. Delmas Conley
28. Mike Balzano
NIGHT 4-Jimmy "The Iceman" Mars takes Xtreme
Round 2 at EAST BAY
In another night of guessing games on tires, Jimmy Mars chose the correct
compound and moved his Pro Powered, Hoosier tire shod, T.J. Sinz #28 Mastersbilt
chassis from the 17th starting position to take the lead on the 32nd lap and
stayed out front to collect the $7,000.00 paycheck and a moment in the spotlight
in front of TV crews from the Speed Channel in a taped moment that will be aired
on February 27th at 9:00 ET.
80 cars took to the track for qualifying attempts with Million DOllar Man Donnie
Moran recording the fastest lap with a time of 14.766.
Terry English jumped out to an early lead and appeared the class of the field,
but as his tires went away the cars in the back of the pack who chose harder
compounds were on the move to the front, working their cars through the pack
like a needle. Among those making big strides from starting spots at the rear of
the field were Billy Moyer who started 22nd and moved to 6th and Randy Korte who
started 15th and finished 4th after running at one point battling for second,
but all were overshadowed by the youngster from West Palm Beach, Florida; Jeff
Choquette who was added to the field as the track promoters option and started
27th in the field and drove his backup ride to an impressive 7th place finish.
Following Mars at the stripe were Steve Francis, Donnie Moran, Korte, Rick
Aukland, Moyer, Choquette, Earl Pearson, English and Xtreme 2003 Rookie of the
Year contender Matt Miller rounding out the top 10.
Heat race action seen English claim the first heat ahead of Moran and Scott
Bloomquist.
The second heat went to the patriarch of the Conley Clan, Delmas Conley over
Rick Eckert and Aukland.
The third heat was topped in convincing fashion by open wheel standout and
multiple time titleist Jimmy Owens over Miller and Korte.
The fourth heat went to Colorado hotshoe Kelly Boen who has been consistently
competitive throughout the 2003 speedweeks competition as he went to the stripe
ahead of Francis and Chub Frank.
The fifth heat was won by Dale McDowell over Don O'Neal and Mars.
The sixth and final heat was topped by Earl Pearson over Rob Blair and Brian
Birkhofer.
There were three consis which added two transfers from each to the A-Main event.
The first consi would transfer Randall Chupp and Mr. Smooth, Billy Moyer. The
second consi transferred Steve Shaver and Davey Johnson. Greg Johnson finished
second in the second consi but was determined to be light at the scale after the
event and was therefore disqualified. The third and final consi would transfer
Jackie Boggs and Anthony Rushing.
The dash was all Earl Pearson as he went to the checkered ahead of Conley,
McDowell, English, Boen and Owens.
Mike Balzano added $300 and a flat of strawberries from Goodson Farms to his
gelt by claiming the strawberry dash.
RENEGADE Dirt Car Series will play host to the late model contingent tomorrow
night as Speedweeks "03 continues and the group conducts their Speedweeks finale
with a $12,000 to win 75 lap main event.:
OFFICIAL FINISH Starting position in parenthesis
1. Jimmy Mars (17)
2. Steve Francis (10)
3. Donnie Moran (7)
4. Randy Korte (15)
5. Rick Aukland (14)
6. Billy Moyer (22)
7. Jeff Choquette (27 Track Promoters Option)
8. Earl Pearson (1)
9. Terry English (4)
10. Matt Miller (9)
11. Scott Bloomquist (13)
12. Brian Birkhofer (18)
13. Jackie Boggs (21)
14. Rick Eckert (8)
15. Billy Ogle (25 Provisional)
16. Anthony Rushing last car on lead lap ((24)
17. Chub Frank (16)
18. Steve Shaver (20)
19. Jimmy Owens (6)
20. Dale McDowell (3)
21. Kelly Boen (5)
22. Delmas Conley (2)
23. Don O'Neal (11)
24. Shane Tankersly (26 Provisional)
25. Randall Chupp (19)
26. Rob Blair (12)
27. Davey Johnson (23)
FLORIDA
Speedweeks 2003 "Smashin the Loud Pedal" Standings
Going into tonights action under the sanction of the RENEGADE Dirt Car Series at
East Bay Raceway for the group's grand finale 75 lap $12,000.00 to win main
event, the "Smashin the Loud Pedal" Points look as follows:
1. Rick Eckert 102 points 1 Win
2. Brian Birkhofer 92 points
3. Steve Francis 84 points 1 Win
4. Jimmy Mars 87 points
5. Chub Frank 80 points 1 Win
6. Don O'Neal 69 points
7. Earl Pearson 68 points
8. Rick Aukland 59 points
9. Donnie Moran 58 points
10. Jackie Boggs 54 points
11. Davey Johnson 49 points
12. Rob Blair 41 points
13. Randall Chupp 40 points
14. Terry English 42 points
15. Mike Balzano 38 points
So far during the "03 edition of Speedweeks there has only been 11 drivers who
have made every race, those are listed below with their average finish:
Driver Average Finish
Rick Eckert 5th
Brian Birkhofer 5th
Steve Francis 10th
Chub Frank 11th
Don O'Neal 11th
Rick Aukland 14th
Donnie Moran 14th
Davey Johnson 16th
Randall Chupp 18th
Terry English 18th
Dale McDowell 20th
Drivers making three of the four events thus far are:
Driver Average Finish
Jimmy Mars 3rd
Earl Pearson 6th
Jackie Boggs 11th
Rob Blair 15th
Mike Balzano 16th
Don O'Neal of Martinsville, Indiana made his way back to some all too familiar
real estate which had evaded him thus far during the 2003 FLORIDA Speedweeks by
visiting victory lane. O'Neal driving his Petroff Towing, Pro Power Racing
Engines, O'Neal Wood Products, AFCO Racing, Hoosier by Smash, Ringers Gloves, B
Auto Parts #71 C.J. Rayburn Chassis made his way from the 14th starting position
to the front of the pack in convincing fashion to claim the RENEGADE Dirt Car
Series finale and pocketed $12,000.00 in the process.
O'Neal fought a hard battle against first R.J. Conley, then Earl Pearson and in
the second half of the 75 lap event fought off a determined Steve Francis who
had previously slipped back as far as 11th and regrouped to charge to the front
and earn the runner up position at the checkered flag. Following O'Neal at the
checkers were Francis, Jackie Boggs, Kelly Boen, Earl Pearson, Terry English,
Shannon Babb, Jimmy Mars, Steve Shaver and Mike Balzano.
The evening began with 78 cars tripping the clock for time trials with the
impressive young Tim McCreadie recording fast time with a lap of 14.246.
The first heat was won by Randall Chupp in yet another nights impressive run
over Shannon Babb and Roy Deese, Jr.
The second heat was topped by Jimmy Mars over Terry English and Dale McDowell.
Third heat honors were accorded to R.J. Conley over Anthony Rushing and Dennis
Erb.
The fourth heat went to Kelly Boen over the 16 year old sensation who has turned
heads throughout the speedweeks events Jeff Choquette and Earl Pearson, Jr.
The fifth heat was won by Rick Eckert ahead of Dan Schlieper and Mike Balzano.
Sixth heat honors went to Brian Birkhofer over O'Neal and Davey Johnson.
The first of three consi's was won by Jeremy Miller over Jackie Boggs.
The second consi was won by Troy Kuyoth over Jimmie Owens. Owens was determined
light at the scales in post race inspection and was disqualified which would see
Rob Blair making the transfer to the main event.
The third consi was topped by Steve Francis over Wendell Wallace.
The dash to determine the first three rows of the main was topped by R.J. Conley
over McDowell, Boen, Pearson, Eckert and Babb.
The strawberry dash held for non-qualifiers was won by Billy Ogle over John
Mason.
Speedweeks 2003 for the dirt late models will come to a close tomorrow night as
the Xtreme Dirt Car Series takes to the track with their grand finale event with
a $15,000.00 prize awaiting the winner!
Feature Results:
Starting Position in Parenthesis
1. Don O'Neal (14)
2. Steve Francis (21)
3. Jackie Boggs (22)
4. Kelly Boen (3)
5. Earl Pearson (4)
6. Terry English (10)
7. Shannon Babb (6)
8. Jimmy Mars (8)
9. Steve Shaver (27 Provisional)
10. Mike Balzano (17)
11. Dan Schlieper (13)
12. Rob Blair (23)
13. R.J. Conley (1)
14. Donnie Moran (28 Track Promoters Provisional)
15. Anthony Rushing (11)
16. Chub Frank (26 Provisional)
17. Dennis Erb (16)
18. Dale McDowell (2)
19. Brian Birkhofer (9)
20. Davey Johnson (18)
21. Timmy McCreadie(25 Fast Time Provisional)
22. Wendell Wallace (24)
23. Jeff Choquette (12)
24. Troy Kuyoth (20)
25. Jeremy Miller (19)
26. Roy Deese, Jr. (15)
27. Rick Eckert (5)
28. Randall Chupp (7)
Heat 1: 1.Chupp, 2. Babb, 3.Deese, Jr., 4.Mike Hawley, 5.Billy Ogle, 6. Moran
Heat 2: 1. Mars, 2. English, 3.McDowell, 4.Jeremy Miller, 5. Boggs, 6. Mason
Heat 3: 1. Conley, 2. Rushing, 3. Erb, 4. Rob Blair, 5. Owens, 6. Audie Swartz
Heat 4: 1.Boen, 2.Choquette, 3.Pearson, Jr., 4. Steve Lucas, 5. Nosbich
Heat 5: 1.Eckert, 2.Schlieper, 3.Balzano, 4. Wallace, 5.Steve Shaver, 6.Vic
Coffey
Heat 6: 1.Birkhofer, 2.O'Neal, 3.Johnson, 4.Steve Francis, 5.Matt Miller, 6.
Scott Bloomquist
Dash: 1.R.J. Conley, 2.McDowell, 3.Boen, 4.Pearson, 5.Eckert, 6. Babb
THERE’LL BE SOME CHANGES MADE
By Jack Taylor
Early on, in the infancy of MidwestDirtTrackFacts.com, a senior citizen and his
understanding spouse made the decision to embark upon a journey to the world of
cyberspace and the dotcom age with a website consisting of dirt track racing
news dedicated to the thousands of Midwest drivers and fans, many of whom we
have had the ultimate pleasure of meeting and calling them friends over the
years.
The adventure, although the road has been rocky, similar to a bad asphalt
racetrack in need of some patching occasionally, has been a rewarding ride. 1999
was the year of birth when, after returning home following an evening of racing
at Benton County Speedway in Central Indiana, the clock began to register some
bad signals and surgery was needed to put the ticker back into some kind of
sequence pointed towards the future.
The days of covering racing for the print media were replaced with a gift from our daughter, Kathy, and our grandson, Adam. Those two, with Adam holding the expertise in computers, guided me into an unknown area of racing news by setting up a website and allowing me to continue with my race reporting.
Countless hours devoted by my family allowed me to
build the website into an established and respected site to visit as fans helped
to project it to the acknowledged place it holds to this day.
About a year ago, I asked a friend to join me and help get the site into the new
ages, knowing his racing expertise would add stimulation to a fluttering time
clock. His help, through many hours, has prompted me to turn over the reins and
allow him to become the sole proprietor of Midwest Dirt Track Facts.
Dan Stewart, aka 1Racenut on 4M, will officially be the man in charge as of
December 1,2002, and I truly know that the quality of the website will continue
in the racing for years to come. If we were to thank any of our friends in the
racing community, we would surely leave out many important deserving people, so
the message is we salute you and are better to have known you all.
Midwestdirttrackfacts.com has a reputation for providing race fans with
information and Dan will continue spend endless hours at the electronic keyboard
serving you.
Carolyn and I will continue our support of our local tracks and maintain the
website for Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, IL. And Dan says he may let
me write a story once in a while.
Thank you all and please keep
MidwestDirtTrackFacts.com on your favorites list.
Jack and Carolyn Taylor
*****************
A note from the new webmaster in town:
Thank You, Jack and Carolyn for
your trust in me. My son, Darin will be helping me in this new venture. And if
anyone thinks that Jack will disappear, THAT will not happen. I plan to find
something for the kindly curmudgeon with the friendly smile to keep busy with.
There are areas of this site that will change. And other areas that will not
change. Jack will still be very much involved in many areas, all that he chooses
to help with.
Look for some streamlining to happen over the winter, some visible, some not so
visible. All changes that will be made will be for the benefit of the great race
fans of the midwest. Hopefully, most of the coming changes will allow this
webmaster to keep this site updated on a regular basis, with a minimum of extra
work on my part. As anyone knows, a website not updated regularly has lost it's
appeal for those who visit. It is my goal to keep up the high standards for
which this site has become known.
The new contact point for this website is:[email protected]
Please contact me with ANY concerns.
Thank You....Dan Stewart
An Open Letter from Bob
Memmer (as quoted from 4m)
November 27, 2002
By Bob Memmer
Editor's Note: United Midwestern Promoters Founder and President Bob Memmer
wrote the following letter explaining his relationship with promoters Ken
Schrader and Bob Sargent, whom are part of a group, which is helping the
organization financially.
I love dirt auto racing very much. Nineteen years ago, I got a dozen race tracks
together and came up with a set of rules to downsize the wedge and make the
super late-model more affordable for the working man. Those are the only two
reasons for the United Midwestern Promoter's existence. Race tracks working
together, and affordable dirt racing for the working man at your weekly race
track.
I'm very fortunate to have been able to do what I love for the past 19 years,
and wish to see UMP continue for another 19 years, to continue the policy of
making decisions for the good of auto racing, not for profit motive.
In Feb. 2001, a CT scan at Deaconess Hospital disclosed that my aorta had split.
When your aorta splits, you die. My cardiac surgeon said I'd probably never see
March 2001. By the grace of God, I am still here, but if my aorta ever moves, I
am dead.
I had contacted several people in auto racing that I have always admired; that I
felt loved the sport of auto racing as much as I do (one of those being Ken
Schrader), that I felt would continue the philosophy of UMP.
I have always dreamed of "The Million Dollar Point Fund" for my drivers. Bob
Sargent said he felt he and Ken Schrader had enough sponsorship contacts to
guarantee $300,000 of the "Million Dollar Point Fund."
I want UMP to continue and grow after I die, so we wrote an agreement that if I
should die in 2002, UMP was theirs and the point fund would be paid. If I did
not die, the $300,000 would go to my drivers, and hopefully, the sponsor would
be happy with our performance and continue their sponsorship in future years.
There were no sponsors, and Bob Sargent wrote the UMP Point Fund a check for
$300,000. We didn't quite total a Million Dollar Point Fund, but we came close.
Terry English, Scott Bloomquist and Jimmy Owens will each receive $100,000, and
almost 400 race drivers will share in the UMP "Million Dollar Point Fund."
Aaron Butcher, an Oakland city graduate student, will become a full-time
employee and UMP's competition director in 2003. He will learn everything that I
do and why I do it. Nothing will change in 2003. UMP will still be located in my
home, at 5010 Winding Way in Evansville, Ind. I will still be at my desk
computing the weekly newsletter and communicating and coordinating daily UMP
activities. The UMP Summer Nationals will continue to grow and continue to be
America's No. 1 Racing Series. All race tracks will continue to be treated
equally. No race track will ever be given preferential treatment, ever!
What is more enjoyable than dirt auto racing? Why would I ever want to do
anything else in life? However, I am 68 years old. Twice in 2002, I visited the
emergency room, the first time with serious pneumonia and the second for blood
clots. If that aorta moves, I'm dead.
Why would I ever sell UMP? Auto racing is my entire life. I did not and would
not sell UMP to any group of investors basing decisions on profit motives. I
asked Ken Schrader, Bob Sargent, Robert Lawton and Howie Commander to bring my
drivers sponsorship and I would GIVE them UMP. May UMP continue to grow and
prosper.
Bob Memmer
President, UMP
