2006belle

2006belle.htm

2006 archives

10-06-06
The final night of racing at Belle Clair Speedway was fan appreciation
night and what a night of racing. There were lots of cars in two classes
and not so many in one class, but there were a lot of fans in the stands.
In the UMP Late Model division, there were 26 cars on hand to race. In the
first heat race, Michael Kloos took the win over Frankie Martin, Don Klein,
Aaron Kleine, Rick Salter, Mark Voigt, Bob Geaschel, Bob Brown and Joe
Garson. In the second heat, Jim Gibson took the victory followed by Ed
Dixon, Dave Thornton, Bruce Unterbrink, Dan Jacober, Tyler Diebert, Len
Garson and Mike Jacober. The third heat saw Mike Hammerle with the win with
Mike Schulte, Andy Pryor, Clay Baumann, Danny Haynes, Ron Jarrell, Tracy
Wampler and Dan Dondero in tow. The dash went to Dixon followed by Kloos,
Gibson, Schulte, Hammerle and Martin. The semi sent Voigt, Diebert and
Jarrell to the feature.
   The 25 lpa feature started with Dixon and Kloos on the front row. With
the dropping of the green flag, Kloos jumped to the lead with Dixon,
Schulte, Gibson and Hammerle trailing. The race did not last long for the
first caution to occur as Jarrell spun in turn one. The running order was
Kloos, Dixon, Schulte, Gibson, and Hammerle in the top five.
The green light was turned back on and Kloos continued with the lead and
Dixon trying everything he could to overcome the leader.
Kloos and Dixon went to the top of the track and proceeded to put on a
show. Kloos was fast as was Dixon, but Kloos was driving a nice smooth line
and held off all of Dixon's tries for a pass.
The final caution came on lap 6 when Martin slowed on the track with
problems. The top five stayed the same.
With the green flag waving again, the racing got hot again. The track was
getting black, but the racing was still hot up front as Kloos and Dixon put
on a show. Kloos and Dixon were fast and Dixon was giving it everything he
had, but could not get passed the leader.
   The race went to Kloos over Dixon, Schulte, Gibson and Hammerle. There
was some passing going on as Voigt came from 15th starting spot to finish
sixth and Salter started 13th and finished eighth.
   The end of the race was a little exciting as Dixon hit the outside wall
and spun on the front straight to add a little confusion to the cars behind
him. No one got caught up in the spin and escaped in one piece, but it could
have been a big mess.
   In the UMP Modified class, there were 17 cars on hand. In the first heat,
Marty Smith Jr. took the win over Paul Reinneck, Aaron Kleine, Chris Gray,
Matt Verbeck, Bobby Johnson, Ricky Horton, Brad McKinnon and Mark Pflueger.
In the second heat, David Seger took the victory followed by Brett Korves,
Brian Bielong, Marty Smith Sr., Dave Sandage, Matt Koesterer, Tom Ratajczyk
and Corey Carriker. The dash went to Bielong followed by Smith Jr., Korves,
Kleine, Reinneck and Seger.
   The 20 lap feature started with Bielong and Smith Jr. on the front row.
With the dropping of the green flag to start the race, Bielong jumped in
front.
   After the first lap, the caution flew for Carriker's spin in turn four.
The top five were Bielong, Smith Jr., Korves, Kleine and Reinneck.
   The race was being run one lap at a time as Smith Sr. had problems on the
back straight away and stopped. The top five remained the same.
With the green flag back out, Bielong went to the top and Smith Jr. gave
chase. Smith Jr. went low and grabbed the lead. The battle up front was
intense and gave the cold crowd something to get heated up about. Bielong
and Smith were putting on a show.
   The race got two more laps in before Johnson spun in turn one. The
running order was now Smith Jr., Bielong, Korves, Kleine and Reinneck.
   Another lap in and another problem as Gray, Ratajczyk and Seger tangled
in turn four. All the cars were able to continue at the back of the pack.
The running order now was Smith Jr., Bielong, Korves, Kleine and Reinneck.
On the restart, Sandage slowed and was done for the night.
On the next restart, some racing got going. Bielong retook the lead on lap
10 and held on to the end and fought off the challenges of Smith Jr.
Bielong took the win over Smith Jr. with Korves, Kleine and Reinneck
completing the top five.
In the UMP Sportsman class, there were 10 cars eventually able to take the
track. In the heat race, Bobby Teutraine took the win over Lonnie Casey,
Nate Schmitt, Mike Jones, Matt Tettaton, Chris Smith, Zac Parks, Lewis Hayes
and Lawrence Schaefer. The dash went to Schmitt with Casey, Smith, Tettaton,
Teutraine and Parks in tow.
    The feature started with Schmitt and Casey on the front. The green flag
came out and Schmitt jumped to the lead. However, the lead was not the place
to be.
   Schmitt developed a rear flat tire on lap eight and dropped out giving
the lead to Casey. Casey held the lead though several cautions until he spun
on the back straight while leading.
   Teutraine inherited the lead and went on to win the race over Davinroy,
Tettaton, Smith and Schaefer.
   This was the last race for Belle Clair Speedway for the 2006 season. See
you in 2007.

							A.A.R.A.
						POINT STANDINGS AT
						BELLE-CLAIR SPEEDWAY
							2006 FINAL

		LATE MODELS				MODIFIEDS				SPORTSMAN				PURESTOCK

1	60	ED DIXON(6)	1418	1	89	BOBBY BITTLE(11)	1530	1	24	PAUL BAUMAN(10)	1555	1	36	DANNY EMS	1423
2	13	BRENT KREKE(4)	1304	2	70	BRIAN BIELONG(6)	1500	2	143	DENNY TRIBOUT JR.(4)	1486	2	11	CASEY SCHAEFER	1406
3	28	DON KLEIN	1199	3	55	MARTY SMITH JR.(3)	1233	3	55	JOE VOLLUZ(4)	1377	3	60	RANDY TYSON JR	1373
4	27	MIKE SCHULTE(3)	1157	4	57	CHRIS GRAY(3)	1199	4	43	MIKE HARRIS(2)	1236	4	73	CHARLES MORRIS	1310
5	16	MIKE HAMMERLE	1122	5	13	JESSE CARSON	1103	5	31	BRIAN SHUBIRG	1218	5	24	DENNIS HORNBOSTEL	1002
6	12	RICK STANDRIDGE(2)	1064	6	25	BRETT KORVES	1078	6	54	SHAWN SEYMOUR(1)	954	6	27	CASEY CRANE	928
7	66	JIM GIBSON	962	7	12	TOM RATAJCZYK(1)	1051	7	19	JIMMY CUMMINS(1)	941	7	53	MIKE REAGAN	899
8	9	AARON KLEINE(1)	722	8	5	MARTY SMITH SR.	1039	8	17	MIKE JONES	868	8	88	JOHN SCHRAND	890
9	22	DAN JACOBER	669	9	4	WAYNE DOWNING(1)	950	9	112	JASON DAVINROY	860	9	37	ROD HAFFER	676
10	8	BOB GEASCHEL	633	10	155	CHRIS SMITH	849	10	28	TOM SMALLWOOD	825	10	40	GREG SARGENT	560
11	30	MARK VOIGT(1)	767	11	51	PAUL REINNECK	847	11	82	JIM CLARK(1)	747
12	32	VINCE GRONDZKI	614	12	56	DAVE THORNTON	452	12	10	DUSTIN HOMAN	624	11	7	DENNIS PONDER	687
13	12t	DAVE THORNTON(1)	508	13	22	JIM MORRISON	402	13	45	MIKE SEYMOUR	609	12	8	SCOTT PONDER	682
14	87	KEN RUMBLE	423	14	22	DAVID SEGER	343	14	14	MIKE KURTZ JR.	475	13	92	DEAN BRANSON	650
15	2	DAN DONDERO	369	15	78	LENNY BRYANT	308	15	44	BRIAN EAVES(1)	350	14	95	RANDY DIETZEL	590
16	25	FRANKIE MARTIN(2)	338	16	94	MARK CLARY	300	16	72	DAVE GRZYWACZ	279	15	39	BOBBY HOOKER	550
17	78	CHAD ZOBRIST(1)	333	17	19	MARK PFLUEGER	242	17	OO	DON PHILLIPS	267	16	23	RICH BREAKFIELD	506
18	28	JOHN BECK	324	18	16	TOMMIE SEETS JR	229	18	155	JASON KELLER	253	17	63	BOB CASEY JR	410
19	1s	RICK SALTER	315	19	20m	BRAD MCKINNON	227	19	52	MARK BENEDICK	227	18	74	ERIC RENSING	361
20	37	BRIAN WOLFMEIER(1)	313	20	15	JASON PRITZ	168	20	53	LAW. SCHAEFER	196	19	59	RON HOUSER	330
21	11	DON GRIMM	307	21	23	RANDY RIDGE	165	21	27	ADAM HAAS	172	20	501	ADAM KRAKOSKY	291
22	78	RON JARRELL	304	22	50	BOBBY JOHNSON	155	22	29	RON WEIDLER	170	54	211	MIKE SEYMOUR	287
23	77	CLAY BAUMANN	283	23	2d	RYAN DRIEMEIER	147	23	44	TED ZOBRIST	155	21	17	JOSH LAPEAN	287
24	22	JOHN PAULE	257	24	7d	DUSTIN MCCLINTOCK	144	24	t2	MATT TETTATON	140	22	703	SHAWN REESE	268
25	14u	BRUCE UNTERBRINK	256	25	OO	STEVE ELLISON	141	25	69	BOBBY TEUTRAINE	134	23	151	ERIC TRENTMAN	251
26	16	RUSTY GRIFFAW	244	26	10	TODD MCGRAW	127	26	2	BOB LINK	114	24	20	SHANE WILSON	236
27	b1	BOB BROWN	235	27	15	KENNY COLLIER	124	27	25	SCOTT Blavesciunas	112	25	18	CURT PAULE	235
28	6k	MICHEAL KLOOS(1)	202	28	74	CHAD Fraunenfelder	120	28	25	LEWIS HAYES	104	26	64	BRIAN CRAWFORD	228
29	4e	SCOTT GEASCHEL	153	29	18	JAKE SEETS	114	29	12	TROY NAEGER	104	27	454	SHAWN SEYMOUR	192
30	20	MARK GANSMANN(1)	152	30	19	JIMMY CUMMINS	111	30	358	LONNIE CASEY	98	28	35	CHRIS SALE	177
31	24	DICK TAYLOR	147	31	7d	MARK MCCLINTOCK	93	31	52	RANDY TYSON JR	95	29	28	BRYAN SLESINZSKI	141
32	13	DEWAYNE KIEFER	137	32	4j	SCOTT WEBER	84	32	21	ANDY BEAVERS	93	30	6	JAKE HEWITT	137
33	84	TYLER DIEBERT	133	33	27	MATT KOESTERER	84	33	32	JERRY FLEMING	86	31	29	CHRIS TETTATON	119
34	5	MICHEAL JACOBER	116	34	20	MATT ACCORD	66	34	63	BOB CASEY	86	32	454	GLEN BEVELOT	109
35	44	DAVE EAVES	115	35	18	BRENT THOMPSON	66	35	41m	STEVE MAISEL	81	33	26	TIM FOHNE	102
36	81	CRAIG SMITH	113	36	88	JOE PURICELLI	65	36	00	MARK SCHAEFER	79	34	15	SCOTT GOODMAN	98
37	92	BRAD LODDEKE	104	37	99	DAVID CANN	63	37	9e	JARED EMIG	56	35	355	JOHN STRIBLING	86
38	10	JAMES BURRELL	97	38	51	TIMMY HILL	61	38	69	BARRY BETZ	44	36	121	DUSTIN MCCLINTOCK	74
39	10	ANDY PRYOR	94	39	87	GARY HAYNES	57	39	23	LOUIS TAYLOR	38	37	441	DEWAYNE BATEMAN	70
40	441	JOHN LANSFORD	77	40	4	BOBBY MALEHUS	57	40	147	KYLE STOLZER	34	38	81	SHARON WAGNER	66
41	27	RODNEY MELVIN(1)	74	41	23	LOU PRITZ	56	41	97	JOHN GOODSON	28	39	111	JIM METTILLE	61
42	81c	KEVIN COLE	73	42	28	MIKE HAAS	56	42	25	REED STOKES	28	40	155	RICK EDWARDS	58
43	0O	RANDY KORTE	67	43	X1	DAVE SANDAGE	56	43	14	MIKE KURTZ SR.	28	41	21	MATT PAULE	56
44	5s	STEVE SHEPPARD	65	44	4W	DAVID SHEPPARD	51	44	26	JOHN SCHRUM	28	42	69	SAM KIZER	52
45	18	MATT WEIDNER	60	45	18	BOBBY DAUDERMAN	47	45	44	BOB HOOKER	28	43	200	MIKE SHOEMAKER	51
46	12	RICHIE STANDRIDGE	58	46	17	DEAN HOFFMAN	43	46	77	NATE EGGEMEYER	28	44	7	TJ WILBURN	45
47	91	RUSTY SCHLENK	50	47	31	RICKY HORTON	40	47	18	JIMMY MILLER	28	45	21	MARK PAULE	38
48	82	BILLY LAYCOCK	41	48	TO	TIM HANCOCK	36	48	811	WADE SUTTER	11	46	59	KEVIN DIETZEL	38
49	3d	JIM DURBIN	39	49	1W	RAY WALSH	34	49	19	NATHAN SCHMITT	10	47	221	RON WEIDLER	38
50	95	JEFF JOHNS	39	50	23	BRIAN EAVES	33					48	599	JEREMY DIETZEL	38
51	14	BRAD LOONEY	38	51	11	KELLY DEVAULL	33					49	37	RANDY HAFFER	36
52	99	KEN SCHRADER	37	52	59	RICH WHALEY	30					50	85	DARRELL BECKMAN	28
53	113	JASON DAVINROY	33	53	01	SHAWN BOHM	30					51	111	DEVIN HARVICK	28
54	113	RODNEY Standerfer	33	54	9	DOUG WOOD	29					52	141	BEN GARCIA	28
55	r52	RYLAN DAGG	32	55	360	JOHN SEETS	29					53	350	LOU ANN MORRIS	14
56	10	DALLAS BENNETT	29	56	3	CHAD SELLERS	29					55	117	DEWEY KOCH	14
57	99	FRANK HECKENAST	29	57	D1	LANCE DEHM	28					56	21	BOBBY TEUTRAINE	10
58	f16	SCOTT FORD	29	58	10x	ROB PENDERGRASS	28					57	91	DAVE FETSCH	10
59	X	CHRIS WINTERS	28	59	21	RANDY DICKMAN	28					58	121	BRIAN SEITZ	10
60	5	RILEY WARREN	28	60	27x	JOE PENDERGRASS	28					59	64	PAUL DART	10
61	10	KIRBY DAMENY	28	61	7	PARKER WILLIAMS	28					60	128	CHAD WELCH	10
62	33	TIM MANVILLE	28	62	21s	KENNY SHAW	28					61	22	TOMMY GEGG	0
63	28	JARED HASELHORST	23	63	47	TOM VOGT	28
64	25	LEN GARSON	23	64	7	RODNEY STANDERFER	28
65	113	DUSTIN SELLERS	14	65	99	ROBBIE HELMS	28
66	28	ERIC RUDD	14	66	255	JOHNNY PRIOR	28
67	16	CHRIS SHELTON	14	67	76	ERIC GOETTER	28
68	19	BARRY QUADE	13	68	42	STEVE LACK	28
69	88	TERRY BABB	13	69	29	ROGER FOHNE	28
70	1s	CHUCK SMITH	11	70	3	MARK LUECK	28
71	7	RICH LAWSON	10	71	3	MARK HEIZER	28
72	113	CASEY SCHAEFER	10	72	10	KEN RUMBLE	28
73	b10	BRAD WHITE	10	73	90	ROGER ATER	28
74	74	RUSS ADAMS	10	74	99	MIKE LINSKY	10
75	40	GREG KIMMONS	10	75	OO	BOB MILLER	10

		Cars with more points did not qualify for the higher standing as they did not fulfill the 75% of races run to qualify for the AARA point fund.

Sept 28, 2006
Well, the 2006 points season has come to a close at Belle Clair Speedway
on Friday night. The champions were crowned and the races were run on the
same night due the Mother Nature's canceling last week's program. There were
still new cars in the pits and a long distance haul for one.
In the UMP Late Model division, there were 23 cars ready to race. Four new
cars were on hand, Rylan Dagg, Rodney Standerfer, Chris Shelton and
Republic, MO's Brad Looney. In the first heat, Rylan Dagg took the checkered
flag over Ron Jarrell, Jim Gibson, Bob Brown, Rodney Standerfer, Don Klein,
Lenny Garson and Vince Grondzki. In the second heat, Clay Baumann took the
win followed by Mike Jacober, Brad Looney, Dan Dondero, Mike Schulte, Bob
Geaschel, and Rick Standridge. In the third heat, the victory went to Tyler
Diebert over Dan Jacober, Dave Thornton, Mike Hammerle, Bruce Unterbrink,
Chris Shelton and Ed Dixon. The dash was run with the six top point leaders
in inverted order. Standridge took the win followed by Kreke, Dixon,
Hammerle, Klein and Schulte. The semi had 11 cars in the race to add six
cars to the field. The cars that went to the feature were Baumann, Looney,
Dagg, Standerfer, Diebert, Unterbrink and Jarrell.
The 25 lap feature started with Dixon and Kreke on the front row.With the
dropping of the green flag the lead went to Dixon with Schulte, Kreke,
Standridge and Klein in pursuit. Schulte would grab the lead on lap two
while running in the middle of the track.
The first slowdown came on lap 3 as Geaschel spun on the front straight
away. The running order was Schulte, Dixon, Kreke, Standridge and Klein in
the top five.
With the green flag back out, Schulte continued to lead with Dixon
trailing. The next caution came on lap later as Kreke, Standridge and
Dondero got together going down the back straight. This is where things got
ugly. Kreke and Standridge then had a few words on the track and the two
drivers were given the black flag and sent to the pits and to cool off. This
changed the to five as Schulte, Dixon, Klein, Jacober and Hammerle now were
the top five.
   With that mess cleared up, the race went back to green flag racing.
Schulte continued to have command of the race with Dixon still trying to
catch Schulte. Schulte would pull away from Dixon by as much as a half
straight away.
The next slowdown occurred when Geaschel spun again in turn two and was
done after the two spin rule was used to eliminated Geaschel. The running
order was Schulte, Dixon, Klein, Jacober and Hammerle running in the top
five.
   With the green light on, Schulte went to work again to hold the lead.
With green light racing going on, Schulte used the middle of the track to do
his racing and it was working for him as again he would pull ahead and make
Dixon try harder to catch him. The car on the move was 13th starting Baumann
as he was using the outside line and moving forward car after car.
As the laps click off, Schulte continued to lead easily with Dixon and
Klein having battle for second, but it was Baumann that was the car to watch
as he made it into the top five before the end of the race.
With the checkered flag waving, Schulte took his third feature of the year
and finish in the top five in points. Ed Dixon would get his second
consecutive track championship and finish the race in second place. Rounding
out the top five were Klein, Baumann and Hammerle.
   In the UMP Modified class, there were 19 cars on hand. In the first heat
race, Marty Smith took the win followed by Paul Reinneck, David Seger, Chad
Sellers, Brett Korves and Dave Sandage. In the second heat, Tom Ratajczyk
took the checkered flag over Brian Bielong, Mark Pflueger, Dave Thornton,
Jesse Carson and Matt Koesterer. The third heat produced Jimmy Cummins as
the winner with Chris Smith, Marty Smith Sr., Bobby Bittle, Chris Gray and
Lenny Bryant trailing. The dash was set up the same way as the Late Model
dash. Korves took that victory followed by Carson, Gray, Smith Jr., Bittle
and Bielong in pursuit.
The 20 lap feature lined up with Bittle and Bielong on the front row. With
the dropping of the green flag, it was Bittle to the early lead with
Bielong, Carson, Gray and Smith Jr. in tow. Bittle and Bielong ran side by
side for the first few laps, but Bielong would nose ahead before the first
caution of the race.
   The first slow down occurred on lap three when Smith Sr. had problems
going down the back straight and was out for the night. The running order
was Bielong, Bittle, Carson, Gray and Smith Jr. in the top five.
   With the green light back on, Bielong and Bittle continued their race up
front with Bielong holding off Bittle while running the low side of the
track. The next caution came on lap five when Pflueger spun in turn four.
The running order was Bielong, Bittle, Carson, Gray and Korves in the top
five.
   Back to racing, the race up front continued to remain the same, but the
racing further back was changing. There was movement from the cars that
started in the middle of the pack. Drivers like Ratajczyk and C. Smith moved
up a few spots.
The top five did not change though the remaining laps and Bielong went on
to win his sixth feature of the year. Bittle finished second and won the
track championship. It was Bittle's first track championship since 2003.
Rounding out the top five were Carson, Gray and Korves.
In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 15 cars ready to race. In the first
heat, Troy Neager beat Jason Davinroy, Denny Tribout Jr., Kyle Stolzer, Adam
Haas, Mike Harris, Shawn Seymour and Bob Casey. In the second heat, Brian
Shubirg took the checkered flag first followed by Mike Jones, Joe Volluz,
Paul Bauman, Lonnie Casey, Mike Kurtz and Scott Blaveschunas. The dash was
the same order as the previous classes. Shubirg took the win over S.
Seymour, Volluz, Tribout, Harris and Bauman.
The 15 lap feature lined up by points and had Bauman and Tribout Jr. on
the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Bauman jumped to the
lead that was about the end of that. Bauman had leads of ½ the track at
periods during the race. He was fast during the feature and could not be
touched by anyone.
   The racing was coming on behind Bauman and some of it was not good. The
racing was going on between second to fifth. Volluz and Tribout had a
battle going on for second While Shubirg had fourth most of the race.
   The race ended with Bauman winning his 10th feature of the year and also
his second consecutive track championship. Volluz, Tribout Jr., Shubirg and
Haas rounded out the top five. Haas started tenth and avoided the spins in
front of him to finish in the top five.
   Next week is the last night of racing at Belle Clair Speedway and it is
fan appreciate night. Admission will be $7.00 and you can vote for your
favorite driver and that driver will receive $1.00 of your admission.

September 15, 2006

Well, the last regular night of racing at Belle Clair Speedway took place on Friday night. For the next two weeks there will be season ending championship races being held. There were a lot of cars on hand for the races with a good crowd in the stands.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 22 cars in the pits. In the first heat race, Dan Jacober took the win followed by Don Klein, Ed Dixon, Clay Baumann, Tyler Diebert, Vince Grondzki, Bob Brown and Rick Standridge. In the second heat, Dave Thornton took the checkers over Brian Wolfmeier, Billy Laycock, Dan Dondero, Mike Hammerle, Mike Jacober and Dewayne Kiefer. The third heat race saw the win go to Jim Gibson with John Beck, Brent Kreke, Aaron Kleine Mike Schulte, Bob Geaschel and Ron Jarrell in tow. The dash went to Jacober with Thornton, Klein, Gibson, Wolfmeier and Beck trailing. The semi sent Standridge, Grondzki and Geaschel to the feature.

The 25 lap feature started with Klein and Wolfmeier on the front row. When the green flag appeared, Wolfmeier took the early lead with Klein, Thornton, Beck and Gibson in tow.

Wolfmeier looked good in the early laps as he used the middle of the track to race on. Thornton got by Klein for second with seventh starting Dixon moving into the top five early.

The first caution came after lap seven when Laycock, Baumann, Hammerle and Schulte got tangled in turn three. The running order was Wolfmeier, Thornton, Beck, Dixon and Kreke in the top five.

The restart did not go well as Thornton, Kreke and Jacober got tangled up in turn two after the green light came back on. The running order on the next restart was Wolfmeier, Dixon, Kreke Gibson and Jacober in the top five.

With the green flag waving again, a good restart took place and all cars running went back to racing. Wolfmeier continued to lead, but the pressure was coming from Dixon. Dixon would take over the lead on lap nine and never looked back. However he did get a challenge from Wolfmeier and Kreke during the next few laps as Dixon was on the outside, Wolfmeier in the middle and Kreke on the bottom.

This got the attention of the crowd, but the race slowed on lap ten before that race up front got to interesting. On lap 10, Baumann and Grondzki tangled on the back straight with the nose of Baumann’s car being ripped off and debris being thrown on the track. Baumann continued despite having no nose piece. The running order now was Dixon, Wolfmeier, Kreke, Gibson and Jacober in the top five.

With the green flag back out, Dixon continued to lead with Kreke and Wolfmeier trying to catch him, but that did not happen. He car on the move was Standridge, who started 16^th. Standridge moved passed car after car in the later stages of the race to get into the top five.

At the checkered flag it was Dixon with his sixth feature win of the year and first since early July. Following Dixon were Kreke, Wolfmeier, Standridge and Gibson in the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 17 cars ready to race. In the first heat, Chris Gray took the victory followed by Wayne Downing, Brett Korves, David Seger, Marty Smith Sr., Jesse Carson, Paul Reinneck and Marc McClintock. In the second heat, Brian Bielong won over Bobby Bittle, Marty Smith Jr., Tom Ratajczyk, Chris Smith, Dustin McClintock, Bobby Johnson, Mark Pflueger and Tommy Seets Jr. The dash went to Gray followed by Bielong, Bittle, Korves, Smith Jr. and Downing.

The front row of the 20 lap race lined up with Smith Jr. and Gray. With the green flag waving to start the race, Gray jumped in front with Bielong, Smith Jr., Bittle and Korves in tow.

Gray was using the bottom of the track for his line. Smith Jr. went to the top to try a different line around the track while everyone else stayed low.

Bielong was challenging on the bottom of the track and overtook Gray on lap four or the lead. Bielong stayed on the bottom of the track and never went to the top, which is not normal. Smith moved into second place and tried to overtake Bielong for the lead, but could not accomplished that move.

The race’s only caution came on lap 12 when Johnson spun in turn two. The running order was Bielong, Gray, Bittle, Smith Jr. and Korves in the top five.

With the race back to green, Bielong continued to race on the bottom with Smith Jr. back to the top and moving forward. With everyone else on the bottom to middle of the track, Smith Jr.’s line was unrestricted and he found traction to move forward.

Bielong was able to hold off the challenge of Smith Jr. to win his fourth feature of the year. Smith Jr. finished second followed by Bittle, Gray and Korves to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 14 cars ready to race. In the first heat, Denny Tribout Jr. took the win followed by Jimmy Cummins, Brian Shubirg, Mike Jones, Jim Clark, Mike Kurtz, and Lewis Haynes. The second heat went to Shawn Seymour over Mike Harris, Paul Bauman, Joe Voluz, Jason Davinroy, Bobby Teutraine and Jimmy Miller. The dash went to Tribout Jr. with Harris, S. Seymour, Bauman, Cummins, and Shubirg trailing.

The 15 lap feature started with Cummins and Shubirg on the front row. Shubirg jumped to the lead with the dropping of the green flag to start the race with Cummins, Bauman, Tribout Jr. and Harris in tow.

The first caution occurred on lap two as Hayes spun in turn four. The top five were Shubirg, Cummins, Bauman, Tribout Jr. and Harris.

With the green light back on, Shubirg continued to lead, but Bauman found a line around the track that was faster for him and he move past Cummins and then into the lead on lap five.

After several more laps were run, Hayes again spun by himself and was done for the night.

Bauman, the point leader, went on to win his ninth feature of the year. He was followed by Shubirg, Tribout Jr., Harris and Volluz to complete the top five.

Next week is the season championship races for the UMP Sportsmen and Allied Pure Stocks.

Also announced was the addition of October 6 as being fan appreciation night with admission being $7.00.

September 8, 2006
Another interesting night at Belle Clair Speedway was experienced on Friday night. There was a new winner, a repeat winner but it took a few months for it to happen and points races in every class. The weather was good and the fans keeping coming out.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 21 cars on hand for the races. In the first heat race, Mike Hammerle took the win over Steve Sheppard, Dave Thornton, Dewayne Kiefer, James Burrell, Bob Brown and Ron Jarrell. In the second heat race, Mike Schulte took the checkered flag followed by Chad Zobrist, Jim Gibson, Vince Grondzki, Dan Dondero, Rickie Standridge and Gary Kimmons. The third heat saw Ed Dixon with the win with Brent Kreke, Don Klein, John Beck, Bob Geaschel, Clay Baumann and Mike Jacober in tow. The dash went to Sheppard followed by Dixon, Zobrist, Hammerle, Kreke and Gibson.

The 25 lap feature started with Hammerle and Zobrist on the front row. At the dropping of the green flag, Zobrist jumped to the lead with Hammerle, Gibson, Dixon and Sheppard in tow. The leader jumper to the top of the track and the race was on.

As the laps clicked off, Dixon moved into second with Sheppard following and moving into third. The first caution came on lap seven as Gibson slowed in turns one and two and stopped on the back straight. The running order was Zobrist, Dixon, Sheppard, Hammerle and Kreke.

The race went back to green but only last one lap as debris was on the track. There was no change in the top five at this point in the race.

Once again the green light came on and back to racing. Zobrist held the lead with Dixon and Sheppard trying to get close enough to make a pass. The trio ran on the top and used the burm to their advantage.

The next stoppage came on lap 10 when Standridge spun in turn three. The order was still Zobrist, Dixon, Sheppard, Hammerle and Kreke in the top five.

Now when the green light came on the real race took place. Zobrist again when to the top with Dixon and Sheppard also pursuing the leader on the top. Zobrist used a smoother line around the top of the track while Dixon and Sheppard would lose some ground by jumping the burm in turns one and two.

As the laps clicked off, the fans were watching the lead trio to see who would lose control of the cars while running the top of the track. Zobrist continued to hold the lead while the other two cars tried not to lose too much ground to the leader.

While the leader continued to turn fast laps, last week’s winner moved into the top five while running the bottom. Thornton was collecting the cars in front of him and moved passed Hammerle and then Kreke to fourth place.

The final caution came on last 22 when Geaschel spun in turn two. The top five were now Zobrist, Dixon, Sheppard, Thornton and Kreke.

With three laps to go, the green light came back on and the battle to the checkered flag was on. Zobrist held his own and went on to become the 13 different feature winner at Belle Clair Speedway in the UMP Late Model class. It also was his first ever feature win at Belle Clair Speedway.

Following Zobrist to the checkered flag was point leader, Dixon followed by Sheppard, Thornton and Schulte to complete the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 19 cars ready to race. In the first heat race, Brian Bielong took the win over Bobby Johnson, Jesse Carson, Dean Hoffman, Bobby Bittle, Marty Smith Sr. and David Seger. In the second heat, Marty Smith Jr. took the checkered flag ahead of Dustin McClintock, Lenny Bryant, Chris Smith, Mark Pflueger and Brad McKinnon. In the third heat race, Mark Clary took the win over Chris Gray, Brett Korves, Tom Ratajczyk, Paul Reinneck and Wayne Downing. The dash went to Smith Jr. followed by Bielong, Johnson, Gray, Clary and McClintock.

The 20 lap feature started with Smith Jr. and McClintock on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Smith Jr. jumped to the lead with Gray, McClintock, Clary and Bielong in tow.

The first caution came on lap two as Korves, Ratajczyk and Pflueger tangled in turn two. Korves was the only car to retire. The top five was Smith Jr., Gray, McClintock, Clary and Johnson in the top five.

With the green light back on, Smith Jr. went to the top and continued his lead, but it was short lived as Gray was running on the bottom and overtook Smith Jr. on lap four.

The next caution came on lap five when Pflueger spun in turn two. The running order was now Gray, Smith Jr., Bielong, Clary and McClintock.

With the green flag waving again, Gray continued to run the bottom of the track with Smith Jr. chasing him on the top. During this green period, Carson moved into the top five as McClintock started to fade.

The next and final caution occurred on lap 11 when Seger, C. Smith and Smith Sr. tangled in turn three. Smith Sr. was eliminated at this point. The running of was now Gray, Smith Jr., Bielong, Carson and Clary in the top five.

With nine laps remaining, Gray continued to lead, but the pressure was coming strong from Smith Jr. on the top. On lap 14, Smith Jr. retook the lead from Gray. Smith Jr. would hold on for win number three for the year and a sweep for the night. Trailing Smith Jr. to the checkered flag were Gray, Bielong, Carson and 13^th stating Bittle to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 15 cars ready to race. In the first heat, Brian Shubirg took the checkered flag ahead of Shawn Seymour, Joe Volluz, Jason Davinroy, Matt Tettaton, Mike Seymour, Scott Blavesciunas and Nate Eggemeyer. In the second heat race, Jimmy Cummins took the win over Paul Bauman, Mike Harris, Jim Clark, Mike Jones, Mike Kurtz, and Denny Tribour Jr. The dash went to Shubirg followed by S. Seymour, Bauman, Volluz, Harris and Cummins.

The 15 lap feature started with Volluz and Shubirg on the front row. On the start of the race, Shubirg took the early lead with Volluz, Harris and Cummins in tow.

The first caution came on lap two when Blavesciunas spun in turn four. The running order was Shubirg, Volluz, Harris, Cummins and Bauman in the top five.

With race back to green, Shubirg continued to lead, but Harris was on the move in the middle of the track. On lap six, Harris took command of the race and never looked back.

The final caution came on lap 12 when Shubirg spun on the back straight. The running order was Harris, Volluz, Cummins, Bauman, and S. Seymour. Seymour was sent to the pits with and over heating cars.

Harris went on to win his second feature of the year followed by Volluz, Bauman, Cummins and Jones to complete the top five.

September 1, 2006
The last month of the racing season for 2006 started on Friday night and did it ever for one driver. The pits were full of cars and a good crowd was in the stands. The competition on the track was as good as it has been all year.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 20 cars available to race. In the first heat race, Dave Thornton took the checkered flag over Mike Hammerle, Mike Jacober, Brent Kreke, Bob Geaschel, and Dan Dondero. In the second heat, Don Klein took the win followed by Ron Jarrell, Rick Standridge, John Paule, Mike Schulte, James Burrell and Vince Grondzki. The third heat went to John Beck with Ed Dixon, Rick Salter, Aaron Kleine, Dan Jacober and Bob Brown trailing. The dash went to Klein followed by Thornton, Jarrell, Dixon, Beck and Hammerle. The semi sent Dandero, Jim Gibson and Burrell to the feature.

The 25 lap feature started with Thornton and Hammerle on the front row. With the green flag waving, Hammerle took the early lead with Thornton, Klein, Dixon and Standridge in pursuit.

The first slowdown occurred on lap 3 with the spin in turn two by Burrell. The running order was Hammerle, Thornton, Klein, Dixon and Jarrell in the top five.

With the racing back under the green, Hammerle continued to lead while running on the bottom to middle of the track, Thornton was putting the pressure on Hammerle, while Dixon went to the top. Thornton took over the lead on the bottom from Hammerle on lap seven.

On lap nine, Burrell spun in turn one and was out due to the two spin rule. The running order was Thornton, Hammerle, Dixon, Klein and Standridge.

With the green light back on, Thornton continued to lead with Dixon now on the top and moving forward.

The race went green the rest of the way with the action up front some of the best racing this year. Dixon would take the lead on lap 15 and continue to run on the top, while Thornton was chasing him on the bottom. Meanwhile, Standridge was moving up the field and was running third and making his own challenge for the win.

On lap 19, Thornton retook the lead as the bottom was clear and Dixon got caught up in lapped traffic. With the race winding down, the action in front was picking up. Three cars for the lead was getting exciting with Thornton on the bottom, Standridge using different lines and Dixon on the top.

Coming out of turn four on the last lap, Thornton for take the win and it was his first win at Belle Clair Speedway in a Late Model. Not only was it his first win at Belle Clair, but his first win ever in a Late Model. Dave Thornton used to drive a Modified and has since moved to Late Model this year.

Following Thornton to the line were Standridge, Dixon, Hammerle and Kleine to complete the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 22 cars ready to race. In the first heat, Brett Korves took the win over Bobby Bittle, Shawn Bohm, Jimmy Cummins, Roger Ater, Brad McKinnon and Mark Plfueger. In the second heat, Wayne Downing took the checkered flag first followed by Marty Smith Sr., Chis Smith, Jason Pritz, Lenny Byrant, Kenny Collier and Jesse Carson. The third heat was won by Brian Bielong with Chris Gray, Marty Smith Jr., Paul Reinneck, Tim Hancock, Tom Ratajczyk and David Seger in tow. The dash went to Korves over Bittle, Downing, Bielong, Gray and Smith Sr. The semi sent Ratajczyk, McKinnon, and Collier to the feature.

The 20 lap feature started with Bielong and Gray on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag to start the race, Bielong jumped to the lead, which he never gave up. He was followed by Gray, Downing, Korves and Smith Sr. in the early laps.

The first caution came on lap five as C. Smith and Reinneck tangled in turn two. The running order was Bielong, Downing, Gray, Korves, and Smith Sr. in the top five.

With the green light back on, Bielong went to the top and was on a rail. Korves was on the move as he would use the bottom to move into second place around Gray.

The final caution came on lap 8 when Collier spun in turn two. The running order was Bielong, Korves, Downing, Gray and Smith Sr.

Bittle dropped out on lap three after having rear end problem.

With the green light back on, Bielong continued to lead and start to stretch his lead. Korves was running a solid second with the third on back positions being challenged. The car on the move was 14^th starting Ratajczyk. Ratajczyk was in the middle and moving by cars.

At the end, it was Bielong with his fourth feature win and second in a row. Korves finished second with Gray, Downing and Ratajczyk completing the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 15 cars available to compete. In the first heat, Brian Shubirg took the win followed by Joe Volluz, Denny Tribout Jr., Mark Schaefer, Tom Smallwood, Mike Jones, Bobby Hooker and Randy Tyson. In the second heat, Paul Bauman took the checkered flag over Mike Harris, Jason Davinroy, Shawn Seymour, Jim Clark, Mike Seymour and Lewis Hayes. The dash went to Bauman with Volluz, Shubirg, Tribout Jr., Harris and Davinroy trailing.

The 15 lap feature started with Volluz and Tribout Jr. on the front row. With the green waving to start the race, Volluz jumped into the lead with Tribout Jr., Harris, Bauman and Davinroy in pursuit.

Volluz lead much of the racing with Tribout and Harris chasing him.

The winner of the race came to be the driver that found the lane that came him the power to take the checkered flag first. Bauman mored to the middle of the track coming out of turn four and moved passed Tribout and then Volluz to take his eighth feature of the year in an exciting finish. Volluz, Tribout, Harris and Schaefer rounded out the top five.

August 25
The racing continued at Belle Clair Speedway with new drivers and a new winner. There were plenty of cars in the pits as well as fans in the stands despite the threat of weather during the day.

In the UMP Late Model pits, there were 24 cars ready to race. In the first heat race, Matt Weidner took the win over Mike Hammerle, Jim Gibson, Brent Kreke, Rick Salter, Dan Jacober and Dan Dondero. In the second heat, Mike Schulte took the checkered flag followed by Michael Kloos, James Burrell, Tyler Diebert, Rusty Griffaw and Rick Standridge. The third heat went to Dave Thornton with Don Klein, Aaron Klein, Ed Dixon, Bruce Unterbrink, Ron Jarrell, Jared Haselhorst and Bob Brown in tow. The dash went to Schulte followed by Weidner, Kloos, Klein, Thornton and Hammerle. The semi sent Jacober, Dondero and Griffaw to the back of the feature.

The 25 lap feature started with Klein and Weidner on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag to start the race, the field took a lap or two to get sorted out. Michael Kloos to command of the race and looked like a good winner, but things will change. He was followed early by Weidner, Klein, Schulte and Hammerle.

The race was slowed on lap three as the fuel cap was not tight on Dixon’s car and he was throwing fuel on the track. The running order in the early laps was Kloos, Weidner, Klein, Hammerle and Schulte in the top five.

With the fuel cap secured and the cars lined up, the race continued. Schulte jumped into second place on lap seven with a move on the top that no one else was using. Kloos was checking out from the rest of the field with the rest of the field jockeying for position.

The race was slowed on lap nine when Kleine spun in turn two after contacting another car. Kleine was done for the night and pulled off the track. The running order was Kloos, Schulte, Weidner, Hammerle and Klein in the top five.

With the green light on again, Kloos was on the bottom and moving away from the field. Schulte was in front of the rest of the field trying to catch Kloos. The rest of the field was trying to fight for a position.

Kloos got as much as a straight away lead over Schulte and looked like an easy winner. Schulte was trying to catch up, but did not seen to have much move to give the car. Meanwhile, Thornton was on the bottom and moving forward and into the top five.

The race changed on lap 16 as Kloos clipped the tire in turn two and broke his steering while passing a lapped car. Kloos continued to manhandle the car for another lap before the car got away from him going done the back straight. He hit the inside was in turn three and was done for the night. Kloos looked to be on his way to his second feature win of the year at Belle Clair Speedway, but other things happened to take that away.

Schulte inherited the lead and was strong in front. Following Schulte in the top five were Weidner, Hammerle, Thornton and Klein.

With the green back out, Schulte pulled away from the field. The race was behind him as Thornton used the bottom of the track to move into second place.

Schulte took his second win of the year at Belle Clair Speedway with Thornton coming home second followed by Hammerle, Weidner and Klein. It was Weidner first race in a Late Model at Belle Clair.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 20 car ready to race. In the first heat race, Brian Bielong took the win over Marc McClintock, Marty Smith Jr., Dustin McClintock, Brad McKinnon and Kenny Collier. In the second heat, Chris Gray won followed by Tom Ratajczyk, Brett Korves, Bobby Bittle, Timmy Hill, Wayne Downing and Chris Smith. The third heat saw the checkers fall for Marty Smith Sr. followed by Jesse Carson, David Seger, Mark Pflueger and Bobby Johnson. Randy Redge and Paul Reinneck did not make the call for their races. The dash went to Gray over Bielong, Ratajczyk, McClintock, Carson and Smith Sr.

Smith Jr. was making an engine change while the other races were going on.

The feature started with Smith Sr. and Gray on the front row. With the starting of the 20 lap race, Gray jumped to the front with Smith Sr., Ratajczyk, Carson and Bielong in pursuit. As the laps worn on, Ratajczyk was the car to watch. He took over the lead on lap 5.

The first caution came on lap 8 as Pflueger and D. McClintock tangled in turn one. The top five was Ratajczyk, Gray , Bielong, Smith Sr. and Carson.

With the green light back on, Ratajczyk took command again and looked strong and could be on his way to his second feature win of the year.

Only one lap got in the books before the next and final caution came out for Collier spin in turn two. The running order did not change from the last caution.

With the laps clicking off, Ratajczyk continued to lead with Bielong moving into the second spot, but running high and having problem with the turn four wall.

With the checkered flag in sight, Ratajczyk was about to win his second feature when a lapped car slowed him up a bit and Bielong was able to get a good run off turn four to get the win. It was Bielong’s third feature win of the year. Trailing Bielong were Ratajczyk, Gray, Carson and Bittle to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were only 13 cars in the pits. In the first heat race, Jim Clark took the win over Denny Tribout Jr., Tommy Smallwood, Jason Davinroy, Mike Jones, Randy Tyson and Scott Blavesciunas. In the second heat, Paul Bauman took the victory followed by Jimmy Cumins, Brian Shubirg, Mike Harris, Try Neager and Joe Volluz. The dash went to Bauman with Cummins, Clark, Tribout Jr., Shubirg and Smallwood trailing.

The front row for the 15 lap feature race started with Clark and Smallwood on the front row. At the dropping of the green flag, Clark jumped to the lead with Smallwood, Shubirg, Tribout Jr. and Bauman giving chase.

Clark stayed in front the whole race and would go on to win his first ever feature race. Smallwood finished second with Tribout Jr., Bauman and Cummins rounding out the top five.

August 18
The weekly racing continued at Belle Clair Speedway on a hot night with lots of cars in the stands and the stand full of fans. There were some of the best racing of the year in the features races.

In the UMP Late Model class, there were 20 cars in the pits for the night of racing. The first heat went to Rick Standridge with Don Klein, John Beck, Vince Grondzki, Chad Zobrist, Mike Jacober, and James Burrell trailing. In the second heat race, Brent Kreke to the checkers followed by Rick Salter, Mark Gansmann, Scott Ford, Dan Dondero, Dan Jacober and Scott Geaschel. The third heat saw Mike Schulte win with Ed Dixon, Jim Gibson, Mike Hammerle, Ron Jarrell and Dave Thornton in tow. The dash went to Standridge with Klein, Kreke, Dixon, Schulte and Salter in tow. The semi sent D. Jacober, Thornton, and M. Jacober to the feature.

The feature started with Standridge and Klein on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag to start the race, Standridge jumped to the lead. Klein, Dixon, Schulte and Kreke were in pursuit doing the early laps.

The race lasted one lap before the caution came out as Jarrell slowed on the track with problems and retired. The running order was Standridge, Klein, Dixon, Schulte and Kreke in the top five.

With the green back on, Standridge continued to lead and moved to the top of the track. Klein was on the bottom with Dixon in pursuit on the top. The race was heating up as the track was black and the up front battle was on.

On lap four, Dixon got by Standridge for the lead, but Standridge was right there waiting for the chance to retake the lead. All the action was taking place on the top and middle of the track, but Kreke was finding he way to the front on the bottom.

On lap 11, Standridge retook the lead back from Dixon. As had been the case with Standridge, Dixon stayed right on the bumper of Standridge waiting for his chance to retake the lead.

On lap 14, the next and final caution came out for Thornton’s spin in turn three. The running order was Standridge, Dixon, Kreke, Klein and Gansmann in the top five.

With the green light back on, the show was about to get real hot. The final 11 laps were run green and the best racing of the year took place.

With Standridge in the lead, it was Dixon or Kreke’s to take away. Dixon got under Standridge but could not pass him at first. Both cars raced side by side around the track and gave the crowd some of the most exiting racing they have seen in some time. Standridge was on the outside and Dixon was in the middle. Kreke came from the low side and created three wide racing for a while.

On lap 21, Dixon took the lead, but the next lap by, Standridge retook the lead. As the three cars circled the track door-handle to door-handle, it was anybody’s race. Standridge and Dixon made it exciting as the continued to turn laps side by side without touching and it was what racing is all about.

At the line, it was Standridge by a bumper with Dixon just inside and Kreke on the rear bumper of Dixon. To complete the top five were Klein and Schulte. What a race this was. That also was a sweep for Standridge.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 21 cars in the pits. In heat one, Mark Clary took the win over Marty Smith Jr., Jesse Carson, Chris Smith, Ken Rumble, Paul Reinneck and David Seger. In the second heat, Brian Bielong took the victory followed by Scott Weber, Bobby Bittle, Ray Walsh, Brett Korves, Brent Thompson and Marty Smith Sr.(who rolled his car). The third heat saw Chris Gray take the win followed by Tom Ratajczyk, Kenny Collier, Lenny Bryant, Mark Hiezer and Wayne Downing. The dash went to Bielong followed by Clary, Gray, Smith Jr, Weber and Ratajczyk.

The 20 lap feature started with Bielong and Gray on the front row. With the green light on, Bielong took the lead and jumped to the high side of the track. Following Bielong in the early laps were Gray, Weber and Smith Jr.

Bielong held the lead despite the challenges from Gray and then Weber. The first caution came on lap 12 when Seger spun in turn three. The running order was Bielong, Gray, Weber, Smith Jr. and Bittle.

The next caution came on the next lap as Weber got hit by Smith Jr. in turns one and two while running in third place. Both Weber and Smith Jr. were moved to the rear of the field. The running order was now Bielong, Gray, Bittle, Ratajczyk and C. Smith.

With the green light back on, Bielong continued to lead and run on the high side of the track. However, he was losing ground to Gray as he would go into turns one and two and hit the outside several time. Gray could not get the lead as Bielong recovered in time to maintain the lead.

The final caution came on lap 16 as Weber slowed and exited the track. The running order was now Bielong, Gray, Bittle, C. Smith and Ratajczyk.

With four laps to go the green flag was waving again and Bielong continued to lead, but Gray was right there waiting for the chance to take over the lead. Gray’s chance came on lap 18 as Bielong got into the outside wall in turns one and two to hard and Gray shot by into the lead.

At the checkered flag it was Gray with the win over Bielong, C. Smith, Bittle and Ratajczyk.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 18 car ready to race. In the first heat race, Jason Davinroy took the checkered with Steve Maisels, Tommy Smallwood, Jimmy Cummins, Shawn Seymour, Randy Tyson, Mike Jones, Jason Keller, and Ted Zobrist trailing. In the second heat, Paul Bauman took the win over Mike Harris, Brian Shubirg, Denny Tribout Jr., Jim Clark, Joe Volluz, Mike Seymour, Mike Kuntz and Mrk Schaefer. The dash went to Bauman with Davinroy, Harris, Shubirg, Maisel and Smallwood following.

The 15 lap feature started with Smallwood and Maisel on the front row. Maisel took the early lead, but only held it for one lap as Davinroy took over the lead on the next lap. It took two more before Bauman took control of the race and never looked back.

On lap 5, Zobrist spun in turn two to bring out the first caution. The running order was Bauman, Davinroy, Harris, Maisel and Cummins in the top five.

With the green light back on, Bauman continued to lead with movement going on behind him. Harris moved pass Davinroy for second while Cummins moved to fourth ahead of Maisel.

The race slowed again on lap 9 when M. Seymour spun in turn four. The running order was now Bauman, Harris, Davinroy, Cummins and Maisel in the top five.

Things were not quite done as the top five changed when third running Davinroy spun in turn two and retired. The running order moved Cummins, Maisel and Shubirg up a spot.

Bauman would go on to sweep the night and win his seventh feature of the year and get closer to the top spot in the points. Rounding out the top five were Harris, Cummins, Schubirg and Maisel.

August 4
This past Friday night, the Northern All Stars Late Model(NALMS) series came to Belle Clair Speedway for a Late Model special and a regular night of racing for the other classes of cars. The pits were full and overflowing and there were plenty of fans in the stands.

In the NALMS pits, there were thirty cars ready to race. Time trails were held and Randy Korte set fast time overall at 11.789 seconds around the 1/5 mile track. With the group qualifying and racing, Korte had fast time in the first group, Don Klein was fastest in the second group, Ed Dixon fastest in the third group and Frankie Martin the quickest in the fourth group.

With the four groups of cars set up for their heat races, the races were started. There was no dash and the four heat winners drew for their starting positions in the feature. Heat winners were Korte, Clay Baumann, Ed Dixon and Rodney Melvin.

The 30 lap feature started with Dixon and Baumann on the front row. With the green light on, Baumann jumped to a slight lead, but Dixon, Korte and Rick Standridge were right there contending.

With the track turning black, the race would change on lap three as Rodney Melvin took over the lead and would stretch his lead once in front. The race was then for the rest of the top five.

The race went green for much of the race and at the lap 10 mark it was Melvin, Dixon, Baumann, Korte and Standridge in the top five.

Melvin would get as much as a half a straight away lead on the rest of the field. The rest of the field were fighting for position while Melvin was on cruise control.

Korte was determined to make a run for Melvin, but that did not happen. Korte moved into second place before the first caution. Ninth starting Zobrist used the low side of the track to move into the top five.

The only caution happened on lap 18 as Aaron Kleine and Standridge tangled on the front straight away. Standridge was spun going into turn one, while Kleine had a flat tire. Both were able to restart are the back of the pack, but Standridge retired soon after the restart.

With the green flag flying again, Melvin continued to head the field of cars with Korte, Dixon, Baumann and Zobrist in the hunt. Most of the cars were running middle to top of the slick track except Zobrist, who was on the bottom.

At the checkered flag it was Melvin with the win and the second in three night of NALMS races. Following Melvin to the line were Korte, Dixon, Zobrist and Baumann to complete the top five.

Rounding out the top ten were 15^th starting Brent Kreke, Martin, Don Klein, Vince Grondzki and Mark Gansmann.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 21 cars ready to race. In the first heat race, Tom Ratajczyk took the win over Chris Gray, Wayne Downing, Lenny Bryant, Jake Seets, Mark Pflueger, and Brad McKinnon. In the second heat, Brett Korves won followed by Jesse Carson, Bobby Bittle, Marty Smith Sr. Steve Ellison, Chris Smith and Matt Acord. The third heat saw Brian Bielong take the checkered with Marty Smith Jr., Bobby Dauderman, Joe Puricelli, Paul Reinneck, Mark Lueck and Randy Ridge in tow. The dash went Ratajczyk followed by Korves, Gray, Smith Jr., Bielong and Carson. The semi sent C. Smith, Lueck and McKinnon to the back of the feature.

The 20 lap feature started with Korves and Carson on the front row. With the turning on of the green light it was anybody’s race as Korves, Carson and Smith Jr. all were at the front. Smith Jr. took the lead after a few laps.

The race did not take long to have it’s only caution that changed the impact of the race. Carson got sideways in turn two on lap four and collected Bittle, Ratajczyk and Korves. Bittle was able to continued, but it was the end of night for Ratajczyk. Carson was also sidelined. The running order was now Smith Jr., Bielong, Bittle, Downing and Gray in the top five.

With the track cleared, the race continued with Smith Jr. continuing to lead and running on the top of the track. Bielong was using several lines including the bottom and not getting too close to Smith Jr. Bittle could not do too much with Bielong to get to second place.

The race went green after the caution and Smith Jr. went on to win his second feature of the year. Bielong finished second followed by Bittle, Downing and Gray to round out the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 19 car ready to take the green flag. In the first heat, Jason Keller took the win over Tom Smallwood, Dustin Homan, Mike Harris, Jimmy Cummins, Shawn Seymour, and Ted Zobrist. In the second heat race, Denny Tribout Jr. took the checkered flag followed by Jim Clark, Jason Davinroy, Mike Seymour, Mike Kurtz and Bob Casey. The third heat wet to Paul Bauman with Mike Jones, Joe Volluz, Brian Shubirg, Steve Maisel, and Louie Hayes in tow. The dash went to Tribout Jr followed by Keller, Smallwood, Clark, Bauman and Jones.

The 15 lap feature started with Bauman and Keller on the front row. With the green flag waving to start the race, Bauman jumped to the lead and never looked back. Keller, Jones, Smallwood and Clark chased Bauman in the early laps.

This feature seemed like it was going to last all night as one caution after another took place.

Bauman went on to win his fifth feature with 10^th starting Harris moving though the field to take second followed by Tribout Jr., 13^th starting Cummins and ninth starting Volluz to complete the top fifth. There was some passing, but the caution made this race a litte long to complete.

Next week is the St. Clair County Fair and there is plenty of racing all week. Friday will be the 100 lap race for the UMP Late Models. Defending race winner is Randy Korte.

July 28
Well, it was not another night at Belle Clair Speedway as the pits were full and the stands were too as NASCAR’s Ken Schrader was in the field for the first time in five years. There were new drivers on hand as well and that made for an interesting night of racing.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 21 cars on hand. In the first heat, Ed Dixon took the checkered flag followed by Clay Baumann, Dave Thornton, Dallas Bennett, Mike Hammerle, Dan Dondero, and Eric Rudd. In the second heat, Frankie Martin took the win over Aaron Kleine, John Lansford, Mike Schulte, Jim Gibson, Kevin Cole and Rusty Griffaw. In the third heat, Don Klein won followed by Brent Kreke, Rickie Standridge, Ken Schrader, Ken Rumble, Jared Haselhorst and Bob Geaschel. The dash went to Martin over Dixon, Kleine, Baumann, Klein and Kreke. The semi went to Cole with Griffaw and Dondero moving to the feature.

The 25 lap feature started with Klein and Martin on the front row. With the dropping of the green it was Martin and Klein running for the lead. It took a few laps before Martin pulled ahead. Klein, Dixon and Baumann were chasing Martin in the early going. It was Martin on the top with Klein on the bottom and Dixon chasing Martin on the top.

The race was slowed on lap seven when Standridge spun on the front straight. The running order was Martin, Klein, Dixon, Baumann and Kleine in the top five.

With the green light back on, Martin continued to have command of the race. He was still being chased by Klein and Dixon, who tried to make the moves to get by Martin, but Martin did a good job to stay in front.

As the race continued, Martin used the high side to run up front. Dixon got by Klein for second, but a blanket could have been thrown over the front trio.

The final caution came on lap 18 when Gibson got spun coming out of turn four by Bennett. Both drivers went to the back on the restart. The running order was now Martin, Dixon, Klein, Baumann and Kreke in the top five.

With seven laps to go, it was Martin continuing to lead when the green light came on again with Dixon still trying to get by Martin. Klein was hold his position on the bottom.

With the checkered flag waving, Martin completed the sweep with his second win of the year. Dixon, Klein, Baumann and Kreke completed the top five. Schrader finished ninth while running on the top.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 19 cars in the pits. In the first heat race, Bobby Bittle took the win over Brian Bielong, Marty Smith Sr., Marty Smith Jr., Davis Seger, Brad McKinnon, and Dustin McClintock. In the second heat, Jesse Carson won followed by Chris Smith, Tom Ratajczyk, Tom Seets Jr., Lenny Byrant and Matt Acord. In the third heat, Paul Reinneck won with Todd McGraw, Steve Ellison, Brett Korves, Roger Fohne and Chris Gray in tow. The dash went to Bittle over Bielong, Reinneck, Carson, C. Smith and McGraw.

The feature started with Reinneck and C. Smith on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, it took a few laps to get a leader. Bittle emerged as the leader finally after some good side by side laps. Reinneck had the lead at the finish line a few times as it was a good competitive race early.

The first caution came on lap seven when McClintock spun in turn four. The running order was Reinneck, Bittle, Carson, Bielong and Ellison in the top five. On the restart, McKinnon and Seger got together in turn three causing yet another restart.

When the race got going again, Bittle took over the lead on lap 9. Bielong was following Bittle and he moved into second place.

The final caution came on lap 17 as Ellision was spun on the front straight. The running order was Bittle, Bielong, Carson, Smith Sr. and Smith Jr.

With just three laps remaining, the green light came back on and it was Bittle’s race to lose. Bielong tried to get by Bittle, but to no avail. Bittle went on to win his 10^th feature of the year and also a sweep for the night. Bielong held on for second with Carson, Smith Sr. and Smith Jr. completing the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 19 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Joe Volluz took the win followed by Brian Shubirg, Paul Bauman, Jim Clark, Don Phillips and Matt Tettaton. In the second heat, Jimmy Cummins took the win over Denny Tribout Jr., Adam Haas, David Grzywacz, Dustin Homan and Lawrence Schaefer. The third heat went to Mike Harris followed by Ted Zobrist, Tommy Smallwood, Mike Kurtz, Jason Davinroy and Scott Blovesciubas. The dash went to Volluz followed by Cummins, Shubirg, Tribout Jr., Harris and Zobrist.

The 15 lap feature lined up with Tribout Jr. and Cummins on the front row. With the green flag waving, Tribout Jr. jumped to the lead followed by Cummins, Volluz and Shubirg.

Tribout Jr. ran on the bottom of the track while Volluz was on the top and moving forward. Cummins and Shubirg were on the bottom to middle in their racing groove.

The first slowdown came on lap 7 when Homan spun in turn three. The running order was Tribour Jr., Cummins, Volluz, Shubirg and Bauman in the top five.

With the green light on again, Tribout Jr. continued to cover the field. Cummins and Volluz were trying to take over the lead, but Tribout Jr. had enough power to keep them behind him.

The final caution came on lap 10 for debris on the track. The running order was Tribout Jr., Cummins, Volluz, Shubirg and Smallwood in the top five.

The final five laps were green and Tribout Jr. held off the challenges of the other drivers to collect his fourth feature win of the year. Volluz used the top of the track to get by Cummins for second. Shubirg finished fourth with Bauman moving back around Smallwood for fifth.

Next week Belle Clair Speedway will host the Northern All Stars Late Model Series with $2,000 being paid to the winner of the 30 lap feature. There should be a few different drivers on hand for this race as there are a few area drivers that have been running with this series. Drivers to expect are point leader Randy Korte from Highland and Steve Sheppard from New Berlin.

July 21
The racing continued on Friday night despite the role that Mother Nature play with the area for the two days prior. There were many area without electricity, tree damage, house damage from the winds and storms that passed though the area. There were people in the stands and cars in the pits despite these conditions.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 18 cars on hand to race. In the first heat, Bob Geaschel took the win over Brent Kreke, Mike Hammerle, Dave Thornton, Ed Dixon, Don Klein, Dan Jacober, Ken Rumble and Ron Jarrell. In the second heat, Mike Schulte won with Jim Gibson, Rusty Griffaw, Rick Standridge, John Beck, Vince Grondzki, Andy Pryor and Dewayne Kiefer in tow. The dash went to Kreke followed by Geaschel, Gibson, Schulte, Griffaw and Hammerle.

The 25 lap feature lined up with Griffaw and Kreke on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Kreke jumped to the lead with Griffaw, Gibson, Schulte and Hammerle in the top five.

The race went on with Kreke running on the bottom of the track with most car on the bottom to middle of the track. Kreke continued to lead while the field was jockeying for position behind him.

As the laps clicked off, Kreke still held the lead, but the cars behind him continued to change. Schulte found a different groove to race on as he moved to moved to second place in the middle of the track. Hammerle found the same groove and moved to third. These three cars move away form the rest of the field and left the rest of the cars to battle for their position.

The only caution came on lap 15 as a big mess happened on the front straight away. The cars of Kiefer, Rumble, Jarrell and Pryor got tangled up and blocked the track. It was determined that Grondzki caused the tangle and was black flagged and out of the race. Kiefer was also out for the night along with Jarrell. The top five at this point were Kreke, Schulte, Hammerle, Gibson and Standridge.

With the track cleaned up and the cars realigned, the race restarted with Kreke back to the point. Here is where the race would change. On lap 17, Schulte move to the middle of the track and passed Kreke for the lead. Schulte would hold the lead and take the checkered flag for his first ever feature win. He became the ninth different feature winner at Belle Clair Speedway in 2006.

Following Schulte to round out the top five were Kreke, Hammerle, Gibson, and Standridge.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 17 cars in the pits with two new drivers. In the first heat, Bobby Bittle took the win over Brian Bielong, Paul Reinneck, Tom Seets Jr., Lenny Bryant, Scott Weber, Jim Morrison, Marty Smith Jr. and Kelley Devall. In the second heat, Chris Gray got the win followed by Bett Korves, Marty Smith Sr., Wayne Downing, Chad Franenfelder, Todd McGraw, Matt Acord, and Steve Lach. The dash went to Gray over Bittle, Bielong, Korves, Smith Sr. and Reinneck.

The 20 lap feature started with Bittle and Reinneck on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, it was Bittle to the lead and he was not to be challenged. Following Bittle at the start were Reinneck, Korves, Smith Sr and Bielong.

The first caution came on lap 3 when Lach spun on the back straight away. The running order was Bittle, Reinneck, Smith Sr., Bielong and Korves in the top five.

With the green light back on, Bittle continued to command the race with Reinncek and Smith Sr. trying to give Bittle a run for the lead.

The race continued only until lap 5 as Bryant lose it in turn four and retired for the night. The running order was now Bittle, Reinneck, Smith Sr., Korves and Bielong.

With the race back to green again, it did not take for something to slow it down again. This time it was a group of cars in the top five that were involved. Reinneck and Korves tangled coming out of turn two and going down the back stretch spun out. This changed the top five. The top five now were Bittle, Smith Sr., Bielong, Gray and Downing.

With the race now under green, Bittle continued to lead, but had his hand full with Smith Sr. trying to get by. The car to watch other than the lead duo was 11^th starting Weber. Also on the move was 15^th starting Smith Jr. Weber was picking cars off using the middle to high line, but got hung up a few times by cars in front of him. Smith Jr. was on the high side moving forward.

As the laps clicked off, it was an intense battle up front as Smith Sr. was on Bittle’s rear bumper, but could not get the move to overcome him for the lead. At the checkered flag, it was Bittle for his ninth feature win followed by Smith Jr., Bielong, Weber and Smith Jr. to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 18 cars ready to race. In the first heat, Don Phillips took the win over Brian Shubirg, Jim Clark, Lonnie Casey, Mike Seymour, Mike Kuntz Sr., Louis Hayes and Dustin Homen. In the second heat, Paul Bauman took the checkered flag followed by Mike Harris, Joe Volluz, Bobby Teutraine, Jason Davinroy, Denny Tribout Jr., Jimmy Cummins, Shawn Seymour and Mike Jones. The dash went to Bauman over Shubirg, Phillips, Clark, Volluz and Harris.

The 15 lap feature race started with Phillips and Shubirg on the front row. With the green light on, Shubirg jumped to the lead. The race only last one lap as debris was located on the track. The running order was Shubirg, Phillips, Volluz, Bauman and Harris in the top five.

With the debris picked up, the race went back to green and Shubirg continued to lead with the battle behind him heating up. Phillips, Volluz and Bauman were racing for position hard. Volluz took second from Phillips on the high side and started after Shubirg.

The battle with Bauman and Volluz was a good race within a race. Bauman appeared to take second from Volluz but a caution for debris again slowed the race on lap 10. The running order was Shubirg, Volluz, Bauman, Harris and Cummins in the top five. Cummins made a charge from 14^th starting spot to the top five.

The green light was back on and the final five laps would determine the winner. It took Volluz two laps to overhaul Shubirg for the lead.

At the checkered flag it was Volluz for his fourth feature win with Shubirg, Bauman, Harris and Cummins completing the top five.

Next week, NASCAR star Ken Schrader will be racing his Red Barron Pizza Late Model at Belle Clair Speedway. It has been five years since the last time Ken has raced at Belle Clair Speedway. Come on out and watch Ken and all the rest of the driver. After the races come into the pits and meet Mr. Schrader and get an autograph. Also, Greg Biffle’s Subway car will be on display.

July 14
The racing continued at Belle Clair Speedway as the middle of summer in here with the temperature jumping into the 90’s. The fans were hot and the racer were something different on Friday night.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 16 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Aaron Kleine took the checkered flag followed by Ed Dixon, Andy Pryor, Rick Standridge, Chad Zobrist, Mark Voigt and Ron Jarrell. In the second heat race, Bob Geaschel won over Mike Hammerle, Mike Schulte, Vince Grondzki, Jim Gibson, Dave Thornton and Don Klein. The dash were to Dixon with Geaschel, Schulte, Pryor, Hammerle and Kleine trailing.

The 25 lap feature started with Schulte and Pryor to be on the front row. However, Schulte came out late and had to start in the back of the pack. Geaschel moved up to join Pryor on the front row. There was a false start on the first attempt to start the race. With everyone relined up, the green flag waved again and the race was on. Taking the early lead was Pryor with Geaschel, Dixon, Standridge and Kleine in tow.

Pryor ran a good race on the top with Geaschel holding back the challenges of Dixon. The upfront battle was worth watch as Pryor was appearing in only his second race of the season and running out front. Geaschel, who is 67 year old, does not normally start and run in the front often was doing a good job of driving and was hold Dixon.

The first caution came on lap four for Jacober’s spin in turn two. The running order was Pryor, Geaschel, Dixon, Standridge and Kleine in the top five.

On the restart, Standridge and Kleine tangled in turn four and need a tow truck to separate them. The problem moved Hammerle and Zobrist into the top for the restart.

One lap got completed before Standridge slowed and retired. Zobrist managed to pass Hammerle during the lap.

As luck would have it only one lap got into the book before the yellow light came on again and again it was for someone running in the top five. Zobrist spun coming out of turn four to slow the race. Now the top five was Pryor, Geaschel, Dixon, Hammerle and Thornton in the top five.

Finally, the racing started and the cautions stopped for a few laps. The upfront battle really got good as lap after lap, Pryor continued to lead with Dixon trying everything to get around Geaschel. With the front contender on the top, the bottom was left open for someone to use. That someone one was 14^th starting Klein. He was the car on the move.

The race slowed again on lap 13 when Schulte and Kleine tangled in turn four. That sent Kleine to the pits. The running order was now Pryor, Geaschel, Dixon, Thornton and Klein in the top five.

This restart was about to change a lot of things. With the green back on, Geaschel blow an engine big time down the front straight and he was down. Dixon now moved into second place.

With Dixon now challenging Pryor for the lead, the race was even more interesting. As the laps went on, it looked more like Pryor could be a new feature winner as he held of all Dixon could give him.

Well, as racing goes luck needs to be on your side to win. Pryor’s luck ran out on lap 19 as he came out of turn two and a rear flat tire ended his chances for the win. Dixon moved down and passed Pryor’s slowing car and into the lead.

Don Klein had been using the bottom to his advantage and moved into second place.

Dixon went on to collect his fifth feature of the year with Klein, Thornton, Voigt, and Zobrist rounding out the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 18 cars on hand to race. In the first heat race, Chris Gray took the victory followed by Paul Reinneck, Brett Korves, Marty Smith Sr., Marty Smith Jr., Jesse Carson, Chris Smith, Eric Goetter and Chad Fraunenfelder. In the second heat, Brian Bielong found the checkered flag first and was followed by Jim Morrison, Bobby Bittle, Tom Ratajczyk, Mike Haas, Wayne Downing, Lenny Bryant, Randy Ridge and Bobby Johnson. The dash went to Bielong with Bittle, Gray, Morrison, Korves and Reinneck in pursuit.

The 20 lap feature lined up with Bielong and Morrison on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Bielong jumped to the lead and never looked back. Trying to run him down in the early laps were Morrison, Bittle, Gray and Reinneck.

Bielong withstood all challenges from all drivers during the race. First Morrison tried to catch and pass Bielong but could not get the task accomplished. Morrison tried for 10 plus laps, but could not get around Bielong. Point leader Bittle got around Morrison for second place and tried his best moves to take command and could not pass the leader.

Some of the best attempts to pass where coming out of turn two. Bielong was high, Morrison was low and Bittle went high and shot the middle. That did not get the job done as Bielong would come out of turn four with the lead.

The first caution came out on lap 6 when Haas and Bryant got together in turn two. The running order was Bielong, Morrison, Bittle, Gray and Korves.

The race restarted, but a lap later, Smith Jr. slowed on the track with problems, but was able to continue. Bittle had taken second place at this point while the rest of the top five stayed the same.

The race continued and the pursuit of the lead got into high swing. During the green light period, the run out of two took place.

The last caution came on lap 13 as C. Smith spun on the front straight. With the running order of Bielong, Bittle, Morrison, Gray and Korves, the race restarted and continued to the end.

Bielong went on to collect his second feature of the year and a sweep for the night. Bittle finished second with Morrison, Korves and Smith Sr. taking the final top five spot at the finish line.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 16 cars in the pits. In the first heat, Brian Shubirg took the victory over Joe Volluz, Mike Jones, Jimmy Cummins, Don Phillips, Mike Seymour, Lawrence Schaefer and Jim Clark. In the second heat, Denny Tribout Jr. would win followed by Paul Bauman, Mike Harris, Mark Benedick, Jason Kellor, Shawn Seymour, Mike Kurtz and Jason Davinroy. The dash went to Davinroy followed by Bauman, Benedick, Shubirg, Volluz and Jones.

With the front row consisting of Volluz and Tribout Jr., the green flag came out and Tribout Jr. jumped to the lead. Volluz, Jones, Shubirg and Bauman gave chase in the early laps.

With fewer cautions, Tribout Jr. went on to win his three feature of the year and also had the broom out. Following Tribout Jr. were Volluz, Bauman, Benedick and Cummins to complete the top five.

July 7

The second half of the Belle Clair Speedway got under way with a large car count in the UMP Late Model division and some good races with the total program getting over at 9:45 P.M.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 26 cars on hand for the racing. In the first heat race, Rick Standridge took the victory followed by Brian Wolfmeier, Andy Pryor, Dewayne Kiefer, Chad Zobrist, Mike Hammerle, Dan Jacober, Brad Loddeke and Casey Schaefer. In the second heat, Ed Dixon took the win over Rusty Griffaw, Brent Kreke, Michael Kloos, Frankie Martin, Vince Grondzki, Rich Lawson, Bob Geaschel, and Ron Jarrell. The third heat saw Mike Schulte take the checkered flag first followed by Jim Gibson, Dick Taylor, Don Klein, Mark Voigt, Bruce Unterbrink, Dave Thornton and Bob Brown. The dash went to Dixon followed by Standridge, Wolfmeier, Schulte, Gibson and Griffaw. The semi sent Hammerle, Grondzki and Jacober to the feature.

The 25 lap feature started with Standridge and Wolfmeier on the front row. With the starting of the race, Standridge jumped to the lead with Wolfmeier, Schulte, Gibson and Kreke in pursuit.

The first caution came out on lap 5 when Grondzki slowed on the track and was done for the night. The running order was Standridge, Wolfmeier, Schulte, Gibson and Kreke in the top five.

With the green back out, Standridge continued his lead, but Wolfmeier was trying to take that lead away. On lap eight, Wolfmeier slipped by on the low side while Standridge was on the top.

With Wolfmeier in the lead, Schulte was running strong on the bottom and got by Standridge to move into second. The race continued green with movement in the pack and a good run up front.

The final caution came on lap 22 when Standridge spun in turn three from contact with another car while running third. The running order of the top five was Wolfmeier, Schulte, Kreke, Dixon and Kiefer.

With the green flag out again for the final three laps, Wolfmeier held the command for the race to the checkered flag. Wolfmeier held off the challenges and went on to win his first feature at Belle Clair Speedway this year and his first since 2000. Schulte held on to second place for his best finish of the year. Rounding out the top five were Kreke, Dixon and Kiefer.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 15 cars on hand for the night of racing. In the first heat, Wayne Downing took the checkered flag followed by Chris Gray, Chris Smith, Tom Ratajczyk, Brent Thompson, Jim Morrison, Jesse Carson and Brett Korves. In the second heat race, Marty Smith Jr. won over Marty Smith Sr., Brian Bielong, John Seets, Paul Reinneck, Dustin McClintock and Bobby Johnson. The dash went to Smith Jr. over Smith Sr., Bielong, Gray, C. Smith and Downing.

The 20 lap feature started with Bielong and Smith Sr. on the front row. Marty Smith Sr. took the early lead with Smith Jr., Gray and Bielong in chase.

The race for first was on between Father and son as Smith Jr. was all over Smith Sr. for the lead. Smith Jr. got be his father on lap 3 to take the lead.

As the race was going a long in a green flag pace, a tangle between Gray and Bielong on the front straight away nearly took Gray out of the picture, but Gray recovered nicely and continued to race in the top five.

As the race was going on, Bobby Johnson began to smoke badly. He was black flagged for excessive smoke and was out of the race causing the only caution of the night. The running order of the top five were Smith Jr., Gray, Bielong, Smith Sr. and Downing.

With the race back under way, the battle for the lead was heating up as Gray was putting pressure on Smith Jr. Gray ran on the bottom while Smith Jr. was on the top. Gray got by Smith for the lead about lap 11 and went on to win his second feature of the year. Gray began this only other driver besides Bittle to have multiple wins. Following Gray were Smith Jr., Bielong, Ratajczyk and Downing to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 16 cars on hand to race. In the first heat, Brian Shubirg took the win over Jimmy Cummins, Paul Bauman, Mike Harris, Denny Tribout Jr., Jason Kellor, Mike Jones and Jared Emig. In the second heat race, Joe Volluz took the win followed by Shawn Seymour, Barry Betz, Mike Kurtz, Jason Davinoy, Mike Seymour, Don Phillips and Dustin Homan. In the dash, Volluz took the checkered flag followed by S. Seymour, Shubirg, Cummins, Bauman and Betz.

The 15 lap feature started with Shubirg and Bauman on the front row. With the start of the race, Bauman would jump to the lead and never look back. Shubirg, S. Seymour, Volluz and Cummins would be the early chasers for the lead.

Bauman used the low side for his racing and maintained the lead the entire race. He would go on to win his fourth feature of the year. S. Seymour finished second with ninth starting Tribout, Cummins, and Volluz rounding out the top five.

June 30
It was the mid-season championship night for the UMP Late Models and UMP Modifieds on Friday. The July 4^th weekend started with a good race track, a good crowd and hot races.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 14 cars on hand for the championship run. In the first heat race, Vince Grondzki took the checkered flag while Dan Jacober, Brent Kreke, Jim Gibson, Mike Hammerle, Dave Thornton and Rick Standridge chase him. In the second heat race, Aaron Kleine won followed by Ken Rumble, Mark Voigt, Ed Dixon, Don Grimm, Don Klein and Bob Geaschel. The dash was run with the top six in points starting in inverted order. Klein took the win over Hammerle,Voigt, Standridge, Dixon and Kreke.

The 25 lap mid-season championship race started in points order and thus Dixon and Kreke were on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag for the start, a five car pile up happened in turns one and two. All car were able to restart. With the cars back in line, a second start took place. This time the race was on and Kreke took the early lead with Dixon, Standridge, Voigt and Klein in pursuit in the early laps.

As the race went on, there was a feeling that a first this year may happen. Kreke held the lead on the bottom, but Standridge was on the move on the high side. On lap 3, Standridge slipped by Kreke for the lead.

Standridge held off the challenges of Kreke and Dixon lap after lap. However as the laps continued to click off without a stoppage in the action, lapped cars became a player in the outcome of the race.

The car of Geaschel became a determining factor in who would win. First it was Standridge’s turn to get around Geaschel, which he did as he changed his line. Then Kreke moved low and went by, but it was Dixon who had the problems and he took several additional laps to get by.

With the laps clicking off, Kreke took the lead back on lap 19 coming out of turn four as Standridge bobbled slightly. With the lead and only five laps to go, Kreke stayed in the bottom lane and took his four checkered flag of the year and received the trophy for the mid-season championship. Standridge held on for second with Dixon, Klein and Hammerle completing the top five.

Did you notice something here? There was no cautions!! The UMP Late Models race was a green flag race for the first time this year during the mid-season championship race. Nice job gentlemen.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 16 car in the pits. The first heat went to Paul Reinneck over Brett Korves, Jesse Carson, Chris Smith, Wayne Downing, Bobby Bittle, Joe Puricelli, and Mark Pflueger. In the second heat, Marty Smith Sr. took the win followed by Tom Ratajczyk, Brian Bielong, Chris Gray, Marty Smith Sr., Johnny Pryor, Robby Helms and Jim Morrison. The dash was like the Late Model dash as the top six in points lined up in inverted order. Ratajczyk took the checkered flag followed by Downing, Bielong, Bittle, Smith Jr. and Carson.

The 20 lap feature was lined up by points with Bittle and Bielong on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag to start the race, Bittle took the lead and never looked back. Bielong, Smith Jr., Carson, and Downing were in tow in the early laps.

The first caution came out on lap six when Helms spun in turn four. The running order was Bittle, Bielong, Smith Jr., Carson and Downing in the top five. Most of these car were running on the top of the track.

With the green light back on, Bittle took command again with Carson on the low side starting to move forward. Bielong was having a few problems with the walls running the higher line.

The next slow down came when Helms again slowed the racing down when he hit the outside wall in turn one. He was down for the night. The running order was Bittle, Carson, Bielong, Smith Jr. and Downing in the top five.

With the race continuing, Bittle continue to lead with Carson trying everything to get close to Bittle.

The final caution came on lap 19 when Smith Sr. hit the outside wall on the front straight and was done for the night. The top five still remained the same with Bittle in front.

The white and green flags came out to end the race with Bittle taking home the trophy and his eighth feature win of the year. Carson, Bielong, Smith Jr. and Downing completed the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 20 cars on hand to compete. In the first heat race, Dustin Homan took the checkered flag a head of Jimmy Cummins, Mike Jones, Shawn Seymour, Jason Keller, Don Phillips, and Mike Kurtz. In the second head Mike Harris took the win over Paul Bauman, Brian Shubirg, Jason Davinroy, Jerry Fleming. Mike Seymour and Bob Link. In the third heat race, Joe Volluz took the win followed by Denny Tribout Jr., Troy Neager, Brian Eaves, Lawrence Schaefer and Tom Smallwood. The dash went to Homan followed by Volluz, Bauman, Cummins, Tribout Jr., and Harris. The semi sent Phillips, Kurtz and Smallwood to the feature.

The 15 lap feature saw the front of Harris and Volluz start the race. With the start of the race, Volluz used the top of the track to get an early lead, but Harris stayed close on the bottom. With several cautions during the race, Volluz stayed on the top and went on to win. Harris stayed close using the bottom of the track to take second. Cummins, Bauman and Tribout Jr. rounded out the top five.

June 23
The season is coming to the middle of the year as the mid-season championship were run for the UMP Sportsmen this past Friday. The weather was better than the week before and there were more new cars, a new winner and the track was tough.

In the UMP Late Models division, there were 16 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Rick Standridge took the checkered flag first over Ed Dixon, Bob Brown, Brent Kreke, Mike Hammerle, Mike Schulte, Bruce Unterbrink and Vince Grondzki. In the second heat, Don Klein was first followed by Mark Voigt, Ken Rumble, Aaron Kleine, Jim Gibson, Bob Geaschel, Jason Davinroy and Dan Jacober. The dash went to Klein with Voigt, Dixon, Standridge, Rumble and Brown trailing.

The 25 lap feature race started with Mark Voight and Kenny Rumble on the front row. With the turning on of the green light, Voigt jumped to the early lead with Dixon, Rumble, Standridge and Klein giving the early chase.

The racing up front would get intense as Dixon would put pressure on Voigt got the lead on a rough track surface. Dixon took over the lead on lap 4.

The first caution came on lap 10 as Dan Jacober pulled up with car problems and left the track. The running order was Dixon, Voigt, Standridge, Rimble and Kleine in the top five.

With the green light back on, the up front racing was getting good as Standridge moved by Voigt for second and started to put the pressure on Dixon for the lead. On lap 14, Standridge moved by Dixon for the lead. However, Dixon would not let that last long as he powered by Standridge on the next lap to retake the lead.

That was not good enough as Standridge returned the favor and got back around Dixon for the lead. However, the picture of the race would change as the two leaders got together on the back straight and Dixon would incur a rear flat tire. Dixon entered the pits and changed the flat tire on the caution and returned to the end of the line. The running order was Standridge, Voigt, Kleine, Rumble and Klein.

With the green flag waving, Standridge continued to lead, but Voigt was now the guy in the catbird seat trying to get the lead. Standridge was trying to give up the lead as he would jump the cushion in turn four, but would regain control and resume with the lead.

The final caution came out on lap 21 when Kleine slowed and retired to the pits. The running order was now Standridge, Voigt, Klein, Kreke and Hammerle in the top five.

With just four laps to go the green flag came out for the final time. Standridge again had to protect his lead

and try for his first win of the year. Voigt gave him a run for the checkers, but could not get the right run on him. Seventh starting Kreke moved by Klein on the inside for third during the final laps. Ninth starting Hammerle moved into the top five as well.

At the checkered flag, it was Standridge for his first win of the year in a damaged race car. Voigt held on for second with Kreke, Hammerle and Klein completing the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 16 car on hand to race. In the first heat race, Bobby Bittle took the win over Tom Ratajczyk, Rich Whaley, Chris Smith, Marty Smith Sr., Jess Carson, Brian Bielong and Rodney Standerfer. In the second heat race, Brent Korves took the checkers followed by Jim Morrison, Wayne Downing, Chris Gray, Marty Smith Jr., Jimmy Hill, Paul Reinneck and Lenny Bryant. The dash went to Bittle followed by Korves, Morrison, Ratajczyk, Downing and Whaley.

The 20 lap feature started with Morrison and Downing on the front row. With the green light, Downing jumped to the lead with Korves, Morrison and Bittle in pursuit. The cars went to the top of the track and began to jockey for position.

Downing held the lead and held off the challenges of first Korves and then Bittle. The first caution came out on lap 12 as the was debris in turn one. The running order was Downing, Korves, Bittle, Ratajczyk, and Morrison in the top five.

With the green flag back out, Downing continued to lead, but Bittle had moved in second place and began to pressure Downing. On lap 13, Standerfer spun in turn two to bring the race to a stop. The running order was Downing, Bittle, Korves, Ratajczyk and Gray in the top five.

When the green light came back on, Bittle started to put the pressure on Downing for the lead. Bittle took the lead on lap 15 and never looked back.

The next caution came on lap 17 as Bryant spun in turn four and retired. The running order was Bittle, Korves, Downing, Ratajczyk and Gray.

On the restart, the running order changed again as coming out of turn two, Korves, Downing, Morrison, Gray and Ratajczyk made contact. Downing lost his right front wheel and was done for the night. Gray also was done. Ratajczyk had his right side sheet medal tore off the cars, but was able to continue.

The race was resumed and Bittle went on to record his seventh victory of the year. Following Bittle was Ratajczyk, Morrison, Smith Jr. and C. Smith.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 19 cars ready to race in the midseason championship race. In the first heat race, Jason Keller took the checkers followed by Bobby Teutraine, Jim Clark, Shawn Seymour, Brian Shubirg, Denny Tribout Jr., and Brian Eaves. The second heat went to Joe Volluz over Adam Haas, Dustin Homen, Mike harris, Don Phillips and Mike Seymour. The third heat produced the win for Mike Jones with Tom Smallwood, Jason Davinroy, Paul Bauman, Mike Kurtz and Matt Tettaton trailing. The dash was lined up in reverse order with the top six cars in the points starting. Volluz took the win over Harris, Bauman, Shubirg, Tribout Jr. and Smallwood.

The front row of the 15 lap midseason race, lined up with Tribout Jr. and Bauman on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Bauman jumped to the lead and never looked back.

The race got only one lap in before Phillips slowed on the track and was done for the night. The running order was Bauman, Tribout Jr., Shubirg, Volluz and Harris in the top five.

With the green flag back out, the racing got going again and the whole track was being used. Bauman ran on the high side while Tribout Jr was using the low side.

As the race continued, the rough track help some of the drivers and hinder some others. On lap 10 the next slowdown happened as Volluz encountered a flat tire that sent him pitside for a tire change. The running order was Bauman, Tribout Jr. Harris, Smallwood and S. Seymour.

At the checker flag it was Bauman taking home the trophy with Tribout Jr., Harris, Smallwood and ninth staring Homen completing the top five.

Next week will be the midseason championship races for the UMP Late Models and UMP Modifieds.

June 16, 2006
Well the hot weather of 2006 is finally here and it did not stop the racing at Belle Clair Speedway. There were new winners and the crowd was good in the stand as they watched some good racing on the track.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 18 cars ready to race. In the first heat, Vince Grondzki took first win of the season and was followed by Rick Standridge, Mike Schulte, Ed Dixon, Don Klein, Bob Geaschel, Bob Brown, John Beck and Dan Jacober. The second heat went to Brent Kreke over Aaron Kleine, Bruce Unterbrink, Scott Geaschel, Mike Hammerle, Brad Loddeke, Mark Voigt, Jim Gibson and Ron Jarrell. The dash went to Grondzki with Standridge, Kleine, Kreke, Schulte and Unterbrink in tow.

The 25 lap feature started with Standridge and Kleine on the front row. There was a false start on the first try to start the race and Kleine came up with a flat tire. He ducked in to the pits and got the tire changed before the race restarted. With the second attempt to start the race relined up, the green line came on and Kleine jumped to the lead. Following Kleine in the early laps were Grondzki, Standridge, Kreke and Unterbrink.

As the race went on, Kleine continued to lead with Grondzki and Standridge close to his tail. The first caution came out as B. Geaaschel slowed on the front straightaway and was done for the night. The running order was Kleine, Grondzki, Standridge, Kreke and Unterbrink in the top five.

With the green flag back out, a tangle between the two 28 cars between turns three and four prevented the race to continue. So they re-racked the cars for another restart.

With green flag back out, Kleine continued to lead with Grondzki and Standridge giving him all he could stand. The track became black and the cars were mostly running the top of the track. With good racing going on, the fans were enjoying the race due to Kleine’s problems last week.

On lap 9, S. Geaschel came out of turn two and lost an engine and he was done. The running order was now Kleine, Grondzki, Standridge, Kreke and Schulte in the top five.

After this restart the race would go green to the end. As the laps worn down, the battle for the lead go tighter and Kreke went to the low side of the track and found something that got him into the fray. Now there was a four way battle for the lead.

As the race went on, Kreke got better at exiting turn four and got close to passing Kleine on the front straightaway on several laps. With two laps to go Kreke passed Kleine for the lead and the battle for the checkered flag was on.

With the white flag out, it looked like Kreke would get his second feature win in a row. However, in turn two, Kreke lost the lead back to Kleine as he bobbled. Kleine went on to win his first feature of the year and recovered from his hard finish last week. Trailing Kleine across the line were Kreke, Standridge, Grondzki, and Dixon to complete the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 16 cars in the pits. In the first heat race, Chris Gray took the win over Bobby Malehus, Marty Smith Sr., Jessie Carson, Bobby Bittle, Jim Morrison and Brian Eaves. In the second heat, Marty Smith Jr. took the checkered flag followed by Mark Clary, Brett Korves, Dave Shepard, Chris Smith, Brian Bielong, Lenny Bryant and Dave Thornton. The dash went to Smith Jr. with Clary, Gray, Malehus, Smith Sr. and Korves trailing.

In the 20 lap feature, Clary and Gray sat on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag to start the race, Gray jumped out to the early lead with Clary, Smith Jr., Malehus and Shepard in tow.

With racing continuing, Smith was making so forward progress as he moved into second place in the early laps. The new cars of Shepard and Malehus made their first trip to Belle Clair Speedway a good one as they stayed in the top five the whole race.

The first caution came out on lap 11 for Bryant as he quit on the track and was done for the night. The running order was Gray, Smith Jr., Clary, Malehus and Shepard in the top five.

With the race continuing, Gray and Smith got into a good battle on the track as all the cars were running the top of the track. About lap 16, Smith Jr. powered by Gray to take command of the race. Gray stayed with Smith and tried to get back by Smith Jr., but could not do so.

The last caution came on lap 18 as Thornton slowed on the track and then retired. The running order was Smith Jr., Gray, Clary, Malehus and Shepard in the top five.

With just two laps to go, Smith went on to take the checkered flag for the first time in 2006. Gray held on for second followed by Clary, Malehus and Shepard to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 19 car to start the race. Troy Neager’s car blew an engine in hot laps and was done for the night. In the first heat, Denny Tribout Jr. took the win over Brian Eaves, Jimmy Cummins, Jim Clark, Mike Harris, Lawrence Scheafer, and Paul Bauman. In the second heat, Bob Link took the checkered flag first followed by Don Phillips, Jason Davinroy, Tom Smallwood, and Mike Jones.

In the third heat, Jason Keller got the win with Bob Teutraine, Brian Shubirg, Shawn Sermour, Andy Beavers and Mike Sermour trailing. The dash went to Tribout Jr. followed by Eaves, Link, Keller, Phillips, and Tuetraine.

The 15 lap feature started with Link and Eaves on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag to start the race, Eaves jumped to the lead and never looked back. Trailing Eaves in the early going was Keller, Davinroy, Link and Tribout Jr.

As the race went on, Eaves had his car in control and held off the challenges of Keller and Davinroy. At the checkered flag, it was Eaves for his first win of the year. He was followed to the checkered flag by Keller, Davinroy, Shubirg and Tribout Jr. to complete the top five. Shubirg started ninth and to make the move of the race while the rest of the top five started in the top six.

Next week is the mid-season championships for the UMP Sportsmen and Allied Pure Stocks.

June 9
Another interesting night of racing at Belle Clair Speedway this past Friday night. The results of one feature was racing was interesting and another new winner. There were plenty of car, the weather was good and lots of fans in the stands.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 22 cars on hand for the racing. In the first heat race, Mike Hammerle took the checkers with Brent Kreke, Dave Eaves, Jim Gibson, Vince Grondzki, Bruce Unterbrink, Bob Brown and Dustin Sellers in tow. The second heat saw the win go to Aaron Kleine followed by Chad Zobrist, Mark Voigt, Ken Rumble, Mike Schulte, Brian Wolfmeier and Rick Standridge. In the third heat, Ed Dixon won over Craig Smith, Don Klein, Dan Jacober, Dick Taylor, Barry Quade and Bob Geaschel. The dash went to Kleine followed by Dixon, Hammerle, Zobrist, Kreke, and Smith. The semi sent Wolfmeier, Standridge and Geaschel to the feature.

The 25 lap feature started with Smith and Kreke on the front row. Smith took the lead at the dropping of the green flag with Kreke Kleine, Hammerle and Dixon in tow around the 1/5 mile banked track.

As the laps clicked off, it was looking like the first green to checker feature could be in the making. Smith used the low side of the track as his lane with Kleine using the middle to get by Kreke and challenge Smith for the lead.

As the race continued, the race for the lead was what everyone was watch as Kleine got close several times to past Smith, but Smith managed to hold the front spot. Kreke, Dixon and Hammerle were not very far behind the lead duo and could have taken the lead if anything happened to the front two car. The rest of the pack was about a straight away back fighting for position.

There was a little banging going on it the second pack of cars and that lead to the only caution of the night. Zobrist spun out in turn four on lap 20. As it was called on the track, Zobrist was spun by Voigt and the two cars went to the back of the field. The running order was Smith, Kleine, Kreke, Dixon and Hammerle.

With five laps left, the front race was going to get even better. Kleine continued to run the middle and Smith was on the bottom. The middle line seemed to help Kleine advance on Smith, but never close enough to get around him.

With the white flag out, Smith was still leading and looking like he would get his first feature win when everything turned sour. Coming out of turn four, Kleine was outside of Smith, but something happened that caused contact between the two lead cars. Kleine hit the outside wall hard and his car jumped into the air and stopped on the track without getting to the finish line. Smith was able to continue and crossed the finish line first. Kreke, Dixon, Hammerle and Rumble completed the top five.

The event that just happened left everyone wondering what was the final results. It was announced that Smith was disqualified and the win was give to Kreke and the other finishers move up a position with Gibson moving into fifth place.

The end of that race will be talked about for years to come.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 18 cars available. In the first heat race, Tom Ratajczyk took the checkered flag followed by Chris Gray, Brian Bielong, Mark Clary, Jess Carson, Paul Reinneck, Brett Korves, Marty Smith Sr. and Tommy Vogt. The second heat went to Dave Thornton over Bobby Bittle, Jim Morrison, Chris Smith, Lonnie Bryant, Gary Haynes, Marty Smith Jr., Kenny Shaw and Brad McKinnon. The dash was won by Gray with Bittle, Thornton, Ratajczyk, Bielong and Morrison in tow.

The 20 lap feature lined up with Morrison and Ratajczyk on the front row. With the green light coming on, Morrison took the early lead with Gray, Bielong, Ratajczyk and Bittle giving chase.

Bittle was on the move during the early laps and moved to second place behind Morrison. The first caution came out on lap 8 as Smith spun in turn four. The running order was Morrison, Bittle, Bielong, Gray and Ratajczyk in the top five.

With the green back out for the restart, Gray spun in turn two. He would retire for the night. That moved Thornton into the top five. With the green light back on, the race would continue.

Morrison continued to lead, but Bittle was challenging him for the lead. It did not take long for Bittle to take over command of the race as on lap 10 Bittle took the lead and never looked back. Morrison ran an impressive race holding off any challenges for the second spot.

Bittle went on to record his sixth feature of the year with Morrison, Bielong, Thornton and Ratajczyk completing the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 17 cars ready to race. In the first heat race, Brian Shubirg took the win followed by Paul Bauman, Brian Eaves, Mike Seymour, Jason Davinroy, Shawn Seymour, Jim Clark, Don Phillips and Louie Taylor. In the second heat, Denny Tribout Jr. took the win over Tom Smallwod, Jimmy Cummins, Mike Jones, Andy Beavers, Dustin Homan, Jared Emig and Mike Harris. The dash went to Tribout Jr. with Shubirg, Eaves, Cummins, Bauman and Smallwood in tow.

The 15 lap feature started with Cummins and Tribout Jr. on the front row. With the green light turned on, Cummins vaulted to the lead with Tribout Jr. in tow. Only one lap got into the books before the caution came out for Emig in turn four. The running order was Cummins, Tribout Jr., Eaves, Bauman, and Smallwood in the top five.

Cummins took on all challenges as he would win his first feature of the year at Belle Clair Speedway. Bauman moved around Tribout Jr. during the later stages of the race to take second. Smallwood and Eaves would round out the top five.

Next week at Belle Clair Speedway is the nickel race for kids 12 years old and under. Bring a container of some sort to put the nickels in.

							A.A.R.A.
						POINT STANDINGS AT
						BELLE-CLAIR SPEEDWAY
							THRU 6-2-06

		LATE MODELS				MODIFIEDS				SPORTSMAN				PURESTOCK

1	60	ED DIXON(4)	512	1	89	BOBBY BITTLE(5)	590	1	55	JOE VOLLUZ(2)	586	1	27	CASEY CRANE	534
2	30	MARK VOIGT(1)	499	2	4	WAYNE DOWNING(1)	493	2	143	DENNY TRIBOUT JR(2)	526	2	11	CASEY SCHAEFER	520
3	28	DON KLEIN	454	3	70	BRIAN BIELONG(1)	466	3	24	PAUL BAUMAN(1)	499	3	8	SCOTT PONDER	519
4	13	BRENT KREKE(2)	450	4	13	JESSE CARSON	460	4	31	BRIAN SHUBIRG	424	4	36	DANNY EMS	500
5	16	MIKE HAMMERLE	398	5	12	TOM RATACZYK(1)	379	5	28	TOM SMALLWOOD(1)	420	5	73	CHARLES MORRIS	410
6	12	RICK STANDRIDGE	388	6	55	MARTY SMITH JR.	372	6	43	MIKE HARRIS(1)	417	6	7	DENNIS PONDER	380
7	27	MIKE SCHULTE	362	7	25	BRETT KORVES	361	7	54	SHAWN SEYMOUR(1)	373	7	60	RANDY TYSON JR	347
8	9	AARON KLEINE	321	8	155	CHRIS SMITH	352	8	10	DUSTIN HOMAN	341	8	53	MIKE REAGAN	325
9	66	JIM GIBSON	313	9	5	MARTY SMITH SR.	350	9	17	MIKE JONES	315	9	24	DENNIS HORNBOSTEL	323
10	8	BOB GEASCHEL	263	10	51	PAUL REINNECK	344	10	82	JIM CLARK	285	10	88	JOHN SCHRAND	277

June 2
The racing season is moving fast at Belle Clair Speedway and still new cars keep coming to the track. There were new winners Friday night and the weather was good. The track and Mother Nature did not work well during the early part of the night. The moisture that fell the day before made the track rough for the first time this year. However, after working on the track during intermission, the track was good for the features.

In the UMP Late Model pits, there were 20 cars ready for action. In the first heat race, Bob Geaschel took the victory over Rick Salter, Mike Hammerle, Dan Jacober, Bruce Unterbrink, Don Grimm and Bob Geaschel. In the second heat, Brian Wolfmeier took the checkered flag followed by Mark Voigt, Rick Standridge, Craig Smith, Don Klein, Ron Jarrell, and Aaron Kleine. The third heat went to Brent Kreke with Jim Gibson, Mike Schulte, John Beck, Ed Dixon, and Rusty Griffaw trailing. The dash went to Wolfmeier over B. Geaschel, Kreke, Salte, Voigt and Gibson. The semi sent Jarrell, Grimm and Griffaw to the feature.

The 25 lap feature started with Gibson and Voigt on the front row. The first attempted to start the race resulted in a restart. The second attempt went green and sent Voigt to the lead. The first caution happened after the first lap when Unterbrink spun in turn one. The running order was Voigt, Gibson, Wolfmeier, Standridge, and Salter in the top five.

The race restarted with Voigt jumping to a lead over Gibson. Voigt went to the top and used that lane for his racing. Standridge and Kreke were the cars on the move. The cars were running in packs as the lead five ran together and the next five to seven cars ran together.

The next and last caution came on lap 12 as Jarrell slowed on the track with a mechanical problem. The running order was now Voigt, Standridge, Kreke, Wolfmeier, and Gibson in the top five.

With the green light back on, the race appeared to be Voigt’s as he would stretch the lead move each lap. The fight was for second as Standridge and Kreke battled lap after top for the position. Standridge on the outside and Kreke on the bottom. Kreke finally overtook Standridge for the position. Wolfmeier faded out of the top five during this run and allow Salter to move into the top five.

Voigt went on to win his first feature of the year. He was follows by Kreke, Standridge, Salter and Gibson to complete the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 16 car available to race. In the first heat, Bobby Bittle took the win over, Marty Smith Sr., Wayne Downing, Jesse Carson, Lou Pritz, Paul Reinneck and Tommy Seets Jr. In the second heat, Marty Smith Jr. took the win followed by Chris Smith, Chris Gray, Brian Bielong, Brett Korves, Jim Morrison and Tom Ratajczyk. The dash went to Bittle followed by Smith Jr., C. Smith, Gray, Smith Sr. and Downing.

The 20 lap feature started with Gray and Downing on the front row. At the start of the race, outside starting Downing took to the top of the track and the lead. With Gray and Bittle giving chase.

As the race went on, Gray using the bottom of the track took the lead on lap 5. Downing continued to chase Gray on the top.

These two cars were putting on a nice show as Gray outran Downing. Downing would get along side of Gray, but could not get enough of a run to get pass Gray.

The first caution did not happen until lap 13 when C. Smith spun in turn one. The running order was Gray Downing, Bittle, Carson, and Smith Jr. in the top five.

With the race restarting, Gray continued to hold off the challenges of Downing. Bittle had nothing much for the two cars in front of him and rode the top of the track in third.

The final caution slowed the race on lap 16 when Pritz spun in turn one. The running order did not change from the last caution.

With four to run, the green light came on and Gray continued his pursuit of his first feature of 2006. Downing still battled with Gray, but could not get the pass completed. Gray went on to win his first feature of 2006 with Downing settling for second followed by Bittle, Carson and Smith Jr. to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 16 cars on hand with two new cars. In the first heat, Andy Beavers took the win over Jim Clark, Brian Shubirg, Denny Tribout Jr., Brian Eaves, Dustin Homen, Mike Seymour, and Mike Jones. In the second heat, Mike Harris took the checkered flag with Shawn Seymour, Joe Volluz, Tom Smallwood, Paul Bauman, Jason Davinroy, Reed Stokes, and Lawrence Schaefer trailing. The dash was won be Harris with Clark, S. Seymour, Volluz, Shubirg and Beaves in tow.

The front row for the 15 lap feature consisted of Clark and Volluz. On the start of the race, Clark jumped in front to lead the early laps. Volluz was on the top, but was challenging Clark for the lead.

The first caution came out on the second lap with several cars getting together in turn three. The running order was Clark, Volluz, Harris, Shubirg and Smallwood in the top five.

With the race restarting, Clark held onto the lead until lap three when Volluz took over command of the race.

Despite several more one car cautions, Volluz went on to win his second feature of the year. Volluz was followed by Harris, Tribout Jr., Shubirg, and Bauman to complete the top five.

Casey Schaefer won the Pure Stock feature on the track for her first true feature win.

May 26
The racing continued at Belle Clair Speedway on Friday as it was the beginning of a racing weekend with Memorial Day weekend. There were plenty of fans in the stands and once again new cars in the pits and the racing was again good on the track. There were new winners in two of the classes.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 18 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Frankie Martin took the checkered flag over Ed Dixon, Chad Zobrist, Tyler Diebert, Bob Geaschel, Bruce Unterbrink, Don Grimm, Dan Jacober and Rick Standridge. In the second heat, Mark Voigt took the win followed by Aaron Kleine, Jim Gibson, Mike Schulte, Don Klein, Mike Hammerle, Scott Geaschel, John Beck and John Paule.

The dash went to Martin with Voigt, Kleine, Dixon, Zobrist and Gibson in tow.

The 25 lap feature lined up with Voigt and Martin on the front row. The race did not start on the first start, but needed a restack and another start. Martin took the lead with the dropping of the green flag. It was not an easy win for Martin as Zobrist was with him most of the way.

Martin took to the top of the track while Zobrist used a lane down for his racing. Further back the battle for third was being contested by Voigt and Dixon. With two good battles going on on the track it was hard to figure out which to watch.

The run for the lead was the best as Martin and Zobrist put on a show for the fans. The only caution came out when Bob Geaschel spun on the back straight. The running order was Martin, Voigt, Zobrist, Klein and Dixon.

With the green back out, Zobrist moved around Voigt for second and then the front fight was on. With Martin on the top and Zobrist at Martin’s door, the run for the win was all the fans could ask for. Lap after lap, Zobrist tried to get the lead, but coming out of turn four it was Martin at the line.

Martin went on to get his first feature win of the year and the sweep on the night. Zobrist finished second followed by Dixon, Voigt and a fast charging Schulte to complete the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 19 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Paul Reinneck took the win over Tom Ratajczyk, Marty Smith Sr., Ricky Horton, Jimmy Cummins, Jim Morrison, and Jess Carson. In the second heat, Brian Bielong got the victory followed by Jake Seets, Chris Smith, Gary Haynes, Brett Korves, and Mark Phlueger. The third heat went to Wayne Downing over Marty Smith Jr., Bobby Bittle, Dave Thornton, Matt Koesterer and Parker Williams. The dash went to Bielong followed by Downing, Reinneck, Ratajczyk, Smith Jr. and Seets.

The 20 lap feature saw Ratajczyk and Downing on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, it was Ratajczyk to the lead. He was followed early by Downing, Seets, C. Smith and Bielong.

The race went green for 14 laps with Ratajczyk hold the lead and C. Smith putting the pressure on him. The caution came out for debris on the track that turned out to be a spring off the Korves car.

With the piece of equipment picked up the race continued with Ratajczyk, C. Smith, Downing, Seets and Bielong in the top five.

With just six laps remaining, Ratajczyk continued his lead with Smith applying the pressure, but could not quite get close enough to pass. Ratajczyk became the fourth different winner with C. Smith, Downing, Bielong and Seets completing the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 19 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Paul Bauman took the victory over Shawn Seymour, Ted Zobrist, Mike Jones, Brian Shubirg, Jim Clark and Don Phillips. In the second heat, Mark Benedick got a win over Tom Smallwood, Mike Harris, Dustin Homen, Ron Weidler and Louie Taylor. In the third heat, Denny Tribout Jr. took the checkered flag followed by Koe Volluz, Jason Davinroy, Mike Seymour, Lawrence Schaefer and Bob Casey. The dash went to Bauman followed by Benedick, Tribout Jr., Smallwood, S. Seymour and Volluz.

The 15 lap feature started with Tribout Jr. and S. Seymour on the front row. Tribout Jr. jumped to the early lead over Benedick, Smallwood, S. Seymour and Bauman.

The first caution came early as on lap two Davinroy spun in turn four to slow the action. The running order was Tribout Jr., Benedick, Smallwood, S. Seymour and Bauman.

With the green flag back out, Tribour Jr. continued to lead with Benedick trying to make a run on him. The passing was happening in the third to fifth spot with S. Seymour, Bauman and Smallwood exchanging positions.

The final caution came on lap 12 when Weidler spun in turn three. The running order was now Tribout Jr., Benedick, S. Seymour, Smallwood and Bauman.

With three laps to go and the green light back on, Tribout Jr. protected his lead from Benedick. At the checkered flag it was Tribout Jr. with his second win of the year and he celebrated it in style. Following Tribout were Benedick, Bauman, S. Seymour and Volluz.

May 19

The racing at Belle Clair Speedway got better as there were new cars in the pits, new feature winners and the weather got better for everyone.

There were 22 cars in the UMP Late Model pits. In the first heat race, Don Klien, the ageless one, won with Ed Dixon, Mike Hammerle, Bruce Unterbrink, Vince Grondzki, Jim Gibson, Don Grimm and John Beck trailing. In the second heat, Michael Kloos took the win followed by Craig Smith, Dan Jacober, Rusty Griffaw, Brent Kreke, John Paule and Ron Jarrell. The third heat went to Rick Standridge over Mike Schulte, Aaron Kleine, Mark Voigt, Scott Geaschel, Kenny Rumble and Bob Geaschel. The dash went to Kloos followed by Klein, Dixon, Schulte, Standridge and Smith. The semi sent Paule, Grimm, Rumble and Gibson to the feature. However, Paule was disqualified due to not weighting after the semi.

The 25 lap feature started with Kloos and Klein on the front row. With the start of the race, Kloos to the lead with Smith, Klein, Dixon and Voigt giving chase. The racing went to the top of the track with most of the drivers running that line. Few drivers used another line around the track.

The first stoppage came on lap five as Gibson slowed on the track and retired for the night. The running order was Kloos, Smith, Klein, Dixon and Voigt in the top five.

With the green light back on, Kloos held his command of the race with the battle going on behind him for positions. Klein was fighting for second with Smith while Dixon was scrapping for third.

The next slow down came on lap eight as Voigt putted up with problems and was done. The running order was Kloos, Smith, Klein, Dixon and Standridge.

The green flag dropped again and Kloos continued to hold the lead, but the racing over the next 10 lap got good. The car on the move was Standridge as he was on the move to the front. He moved from fifth to second during this green flag racing. The battle between Smith and Dixon for position really got intense. The battle got real tight in turn one on lap 18 that the two made hard contact and Dixon came up with a right rear flat and caused the final caution of the night. Dixon would go to the inside pits and get the tire changed in time to join the rear of the field. The running order changed a bunch from the last caution as it was now Kloos, Standridge, Klein, Hammerle and Smith in the top five.

With the green light back on, Kloos continued his fast run up from with Standridge now giving chase. At the checked flag it was Kloos for his first feature win at Belle Clair Speedway and a sweep for the night. For the first night of the season at Belle Clair Speedway, Kloos made a great showing. Following Kloos were Standridge, Klein, Hammerle and Smith, also his first time at the track, to complete the top five. Cars moving forward were 14^th starting Kreke to end up sixth and 17^th starting Rumble to finish 10^th.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 16 cars on hand for the races. The first heat saw Dave Thornton get the win over Brian Bielong, Tom Ratajczyk, Tommy Seets Jr., Chris Gray, Wayne Downing, Paul Reinneck and Marty Smith Jr. In the second heat, Marty Smith Sr. took the checkered flag followed by Brett Korves, Lou Pritz, Jesse Carson, Chris Smith, Jake Seets and David Seger. The dash went to Smith Sr. over Thornton, Korves, Bielong, Ratajczyk and Carson.

The 20 lap feature started with Thornton and Bielong on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, it was Bielong to the top and in front. Chasing Bielong were Thornton, Korves, Smith Sr. and Carson in the early laps.

The racing went green and looked like it could go all the way green. During the early going Bielong went to the top and was chased by Thornton. Carson went from fifth early to third while Gray was one of the few cars on the bottom and moved into the top five.

The only caution came on lap 15, when Ratajczyk got tangled with another car on the front straight and spun in the bottom of turn one collecting Smith Jr., who had no where to go. Both cars were done for the night. At this point in the race it was Bielong, Thornton, Carson, Gray and Korves in the top five.

When the green light came on for the final five circuits, Bielong continued with the lead and Thornton giving chase. With the checkered flag falling, it was Bielong for his first feature of the year continuing a three year streak of one feature win at Belle Clair Speedway. He became only the third driver to win a feature this year. Following Bielong was Thornton, Carson, Gray and Korves to complete the top five. Bittle came from the last starting position to finish sixth while 11^th starting Downing move to seventh.

In the UMP Sportsmen pits, there were 20 cars on hand for the activities. In the first heat race, Dustin Homan got his first victory over Shawn Seymour, Mike Harris, Jimmy Cummins, Jim Clark, Ron Weidler and Don Phillips. In the second heat race, it was Joe Volluz with the win followed by Tommy Smallwood, Brian Eaves, Mark Benedick, Mike Seymour, Matt Tetteton and Jerry Fleming. The third heat race had Paul Bauman with the win with Denny Tribout Jr. Brian Shubirg, Mike Jones, David Grzywacz and Jason Davinroy trailing. The dash went to Volluz followed by Homan, Tribout Jr., Smallwood, Bauman and S. Seymour. The semi sent Davinroy, Tetteton and Fleming to the back of the feature.

The 15 lap feature started with Bauman and Volluz on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, it was Volluz to the early lead with Bauman chasing him.

The race barely started when the first caution came out for Grzywacz’s slow car after the first lap was completed. The running order was Volluz, Bauman, Tribout Jr., Homan and Harris in the top five.

With the green back out, Bauman wasted like time to take the lead from Volluz. But the racing did not last long as M. Seymour caused the next caution a lap later as he spun in turn four. The running order was Bauman, Volluz, Tribout Jr., Homan and S. Seymour.

The race restarted and Bauman continued his quest for a second feature win in as many weeks. Volluz continued to overtake Bauman but to no avail. Bauman drove the bottom while Volluz used the top for his racing groove.

The next caution came out on lap 5 as the big one happened in turn two as at least seven cars piled up. The top five were not involved in the mess and remained the same.

Bauman went on to record his second consecutive feature win and second of the year. Volluz held on for second followed by Tribout Jr., Homan and S. Seymour to complete the top five.

Next week is Military appreciate night at Belle Clair Speedway when active duty personnel from all services will be admitted free to the race. Entry is allowed to the grandstands with a valid and current military ID card. Just present the ID card at the ticket window to receive your free ticket.

May 12

The racing beat Mother Nature, but Mother Nature made it tough for the fans as it was chilly and windy and felt like early April rather than the middle of May. The were new cars in the pits and one Late Model car from Jackson. MI.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were only 15 cars. In the first heat, Brent Kreke took the win over Aaron Kleine, Mark Voigt, Rick Standridge, Mike Schulte, Dan Jacober, Rusty Schlenk and Vince Grondzki. The second heat saw Bob Geaschel with the checkered flag followed by Don Klein, Brad Loddeke, Mike Hammerle, Ed Dixon, Don Grimm, and Ron Jarrell. The dash went to Kreke with Geaschel, Kleine, Klein, Loddeke and Voigt following.

The 25 lap feature had a front row consisting of Geaschel and Kreke. Kleine jumped to the early lead at the dropping of the green flag. He was challenged by Voigt, Kreke, Loddeke and Geaschel in the early laps. The racing was good up front as the racing was being done on two lines on the track, bottom and top.

As the race developed, Kleine had a good hold of the lead, but fourth starting Voigt was trying to take the lead away with no success. The race went seven laps before the only caution came out as Geaschel lost it in turn four on the top and slid down the track collecting Schulte, Jacober, Jarrell and Dixon in the process. Only Jarrell was unable to continue. The running order was Kleine, Voigt, Kreke, Standridge and Schlenk in the top five. Schlenk, from Michigan, started 13^th and used the bottom of the track to make his forward movement and into the top five in the early laps.

With the green flag back out, Kleine continued to lead but was getting a challenge from now second running Kreke. Kreke took the lead away on lap 10.

Kreke stretched his lead with each lap. Kleine ran his best race of the year in second. Voigt could do little to overtake Kleine for second.

When the checkered flag fell, it was Kreke win the win and a sweep for the night. Kleine finished second with Voigt ending up third. Eighth starting Hammerle finished third while Schlenk settled for fifth. There are only two feature winners in the UMP Late Model class so far this year - Ed Dixon and Brent Kreke.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 18 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Bobby Bittle took the victory followed by Dave Thornton, Ryan Driemeyer, Tom Ratajczyk, Paul Reinneck, Jesse Carson, Joe Pendergrass, Matt Koesterer and Joe Pendergrass. In the second heat, Brian Bielong took the checkered flag followed by Marty Smith Jr., Brett Korves, Marty Smith Sr., Wayne Downing, Chris Gray, Chris Smith, Randy Dickman and Jason Pritz. The dash saw Bittle with his second win of the night with Thonton, Bielong, Driemeyer, Smith Jr. and Korves trailing.

The feature lined up with Bielong and Bittle on the front row. It took a few laps to get a real leader as both Bittle and Bielong took turns leading. Bielong was on the bootom and Bittle was in the middle and the two trading to lead for about the first four or five laps. Bittle finally took command that he never gave up.

Bielong held on to second while battling Smith Jr. for the spot as the racing moved to the top of the track as the front three cars move there to do their racing.

The only caution came out when Gray spun on the front straight away on lap 12. The running order was Bittle, Bielong, Smith Jr., Korves, and Ratajczyk in the top five.

With the green flag back out the up front racing continued on the top. Bittle held the lead with Bielong and Smith Jr. giving chase. Sixth starting Driemeyer moved into the top during this eight lap dash to the checkered flag.

At the checkered flag it was Bittle with the sweep and his fifth win of the year. Bielong held on for second with Smith Jr. finishing in third. Driemeyer moved up to finish fourth with Korves rounding out the top five.

There were 16 cars in the UMP Sportsmen class. In the first heat race, Joe Volluz took the win with Paul Bauman, Jerry Fleming, Dustin Homan, Mike Harris, Mark Benedick, Tom Smallwood and Shawn Seymour rounding out the field. In the second heat, Brian Shubirg took the win over Brian Eaves, Denny Tribout Jr., Mike Jones, Ron Weidler, Jim Clark, Mike Seymour, and Don Phillips. The dash went to Volluz followed by Shubirg, Eaves, Tribout, Bauman and Fleming.

The 15 lap feature started with Volluz and Bauman on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Bauman jumped to the lead and never looked back. He was followed the whole race by Volluz, who could not get close enough to make a pass. Bauman used the bottom of the track while Volluz was on the top.

There were only two cautions to slow the action as Bauman went on to win his first feature of the year. Volluz finished second with Shubirg, Eaves and Tribout Jr. rounding the top five.

Two sweeps and very few cautions lead to a fast night of racing as the total program was over before 10:00 P.M.

The second month of racing at Belle Clair Speedway started on Friday with a good crowd and cars in the pits. However, the weather was a bit on the cool side. The action on the track was hot as several races were very tight.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 17 cars on hand for the night of racing. In the first heat race, Frankie Martin won on his first night at the track this year. He was followed by Kenny Rumble, Mark Voigt, Rick Standridge, Bob Geaschel, Dan Dondero, Brent Kreke, John Paule, and Aaron Kleine. In the second heat, Ed Dixon took the win over Jim Gibson, Don Klein, Mike Hammerle, Dan Jacober, Mike Schulte, Dave Eaves, and Scott Geaschel. The dash went to Dixon followed by Martin, Rumble, Gibson, Klein and Voigt.

The feature started with Rumble and Gibson on the front row. Rumble jumped to the early lead on the dropping of the green flag. Dixon, Gibson and Klein gave chase during the early laps.

The first caution came on the third lap as Eaves, B. Geaschel, S.Geaschel and Jacober got tangled up in turn three. The running order was Rumble, Dixon, Klein, Martin and Gibson in the top five.

With the race back under green, Rumble continued to lead and taking all challenges from Dixon. As the racing continued, the top four cars remained the same. Fifth place would change a few time.

Caution came on lap six as Eaves and B. Geaschel got together in turn two to slow the pace for the final time. The running order was Rumble, Dixon, Klein, Martin and Voigt.

With the race restarting, Rumble continued to lead with Dixon using the middle to try and pass. The bottom was working well for Rumble, but Dixon was a little faster in the middle. As the two front runners put on a show, it was looking like Rumble could get his first win of the year as he would power off turn four to lead each lap.

As the race continued green, Rumble and Dixon fought for the win hard. However on lap 12, Dixon finally get the move he needed as a lapped car was going to make the difference. Dixon used the slower car to finally take the lead. The slower car of B. Geaschel was using the same line as Rumble and Dixon running the middle got to the lead as Rumble was unable to get by the slower car first.

Dixon went on to win his third consecutive feature and four out of five feature win this year and a sweep for the night. Rumble took second with his best finish ever at Belle Clair Speedway. Rounding out the top five were Martin, Voigt and Gibson.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 14 cars ready for action. The first heat went to Paul Reinneck over Bobby Bittle, Marty Smith Jr., Jason Pritz, Randy Ridge, Dave Thornton, and Brian Bielong. The second heat saw the win go to Marty Smith Sr. followed by Wayne Downing, Chris Smith, Jesse Carson, Tom Ratajczyk, Chris Gray and Brett Korves. The dash went to Smith Sr. over Downing, Smith Jr., Reinneck, Bittle and C. Smith.

The 20 lap feature started with Bittle and Smith Jr. on the front row after the drawing for position. With the green flag out, Smith Jr. took the lead with Bittle, Downing and Reinneck in chase. The leaders went to the top of the track for their racing.

Smith Jr. looked good and held off challenge after challenge from Bittle for the lead. The front battle was were to watch as Smith babbled a few times, but not enough to lose the lead.

The first caution appeared on lap 10 as Gray stopped on the track and was done for the night. The running order was Smith Jr, Bittle, Downing, Carson and C. Smith. Carson started eighth while the rest of the cars started in the front six.

With the green out, Smith Jr. continued to lead, but the race slowed again one lap later as Ridge spun in turn two. There was not change in the top five.

The green flag reappeared and the race started to get interesting at this point. With Smith Jr. leading and Bittle giving chase, Smith started to show smoke coming from his left rear tire. As the laps clicked off and the smoke getting worse in the turns, it was evident that Smith Jr. may be about to end the run.

Bittle continued to challenge Smith Jr. for the lead, but Smith Jr. held off the challenge despite the tire problem. However on lap 16, Smith slowed going into turn three and stopped with a flat left rear tire. This gave Bittle the lead that he had challenge for for15 laps. The top five now was Bittle, C. Smith, Downing, Carson and Ratajczyk.

Bittle went on to win his third straight feature with Downing, Carson, C. Smith and Ratajczyk completing the top five. Bittle also had his broom out and sweep the night.

The UMP Sportsmen had 15 car ready to race. In the first heat, Brian Shubirg to the win over Joe Volluz, Shawn Seymour, Mike Kurtz, David Grzywacz, Ron Weidler, Mike Seymour and Mike Harris in tow. In the second heat, Mike Jones took the checkered flag followed by Ted Zobrist, Jason Davinroy, Tom Smallwood, Dustin Homan, Denny Tribout Jr. and Jim Clark. The dash went to Jones followed by Shubirg, Zobrist, S. Seymour, Volluz and Davinroy.

The 15 lap feature was comprised of Shubirg and Davinroy. Shubirg took the early lead with the dropping of the green flag. Volluz, Davinroy, S. Seymour gave chase.

The caution came out on lap 3 for Homan and Grzywacz getting together on lap 3. The running order was Shubirg, Volluz, Davinroy, S. Seymour and Jones in the top five. Davinroy dropped out at this point while Homan changed a flat tire.

With the green back out Shubirg took command again, but Volluz was charging on the top. On lap 5, Volluz took the lead away for Shubirg on the top. Seymour was on the move moving into second place and trying to take the lead on the bottom from the top running Volluz.

With the two lead drivers using different grooves, the race looked interest as to who had the momentum to lead the race. On lap 13, Seymour completed the pass on the bottom of the track to take the lead.

Seymour took his first checkered flag as was followed by Volluz, Shubirg, Jones and Grzywacz to complete the top five.

April 28
The first month of the 2006 season came to an end on Friday with good racing, new drivers and a good crowd. With Mother Nature threatening to call off the races, the program got in well under the curfew.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 20 cars in the pits. In the first heat race, Mark Voigt took the win over Brian Wolfmeier, Dewayne Kiefer, Ed Dixon, Dan Jacober, Jim Gibson, and Rick Salter. In the second heat, 68 year old Don Klein got another heat race win with Mike Schulte, Brent Kreke, Rick Standridge, Mike Hammerle, Brad Loddeke and Don Grimm in pursuit. The third heat went to Aaron Kleine followed by Dan Dondero, Vince Grondzki, John Paule, Dave Eaves and Bob Geaschel. The dash went to Voigt over Kleine, Klein, Schulte, Dondero and Wolfmeier.

The feature started with the front row of Schulte and Klein. Klein went to the early lead with Schulte, Voigt and Dondero chasing. The race barely got started when Wolfmeier got spun on the back straight. He was done for the night with a flat tire. The running order was Klein, Schulte, Dondero, Dixon and Voigt.

With the green back out, the moisture started to fall, but it was light. The next stoppage came when Grondzki lost it in turn four and collected several cars. Grondzki was done for the night as was Eaves, Loddeke and Salter.

With the track cleared, racing resumed and Dixon was on the move on the high side. By lap six, Dixon took command of the race. Also moving forward was ninth starting Standridge.

The next stoppage was on lap ninth as Voigt slowed on the track and dropped out. The running order was Dixon, Klein, Standridge, Dondero, and Paule. Paule started 12^th and used the high line to move forward.

With the moisture letting up, the race went green to the end. Dixon maintained the lead with Standridge doing all he could to try to overtake the lead car. During this period, the cars starting in the sixth row were the cars to watch. Paule and Jacober were moving into the top five and having their best runs of the earlier season.

At the checkered flag, it was Dixon for his second feature in a row and third of the season. Standridge would finish second for the second week in a row. Rounding out the top five were Paule, Jacober and Schulte. Dixon also has the point lead.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 16 car in the pits. In the first heat, Bobby Bittle took the checkered flag ahead of Tom Ratajczyk, Brian Bielong, Dave Thorton, Marty Smith, Todd McGraw, Jason Pritz and David Seger. The second heat went to Jesse Carson over Paul Reinneck, Brett Korves, Chris Gray, Wayne Downing, Ryan Driemeyer, Chris Smith and Randy Ridge. The dash saw Bittle with his second win of the evening followed by Bielong, Gray, Ratajczyk, Reinneck and Korves.

The front row for the 20 lap feature consisted of Bittle and Ratajczyk. Ratajczyk took the lead on the top with Bittle in hot pursuit. This battle lasted the whole race and was the place to be watching. Lap after lap the pair would use the top of the track fighting for position. Ratajczyk held off all the challenges that Bittle made on him.

With the race continuing under green, the battle would make a turn as traffic came into play on the back straight on lap 11. As the two cars came off of turn two, a lapped car came into play going down the back straight and going into turn three. Bittle took the lower road while Ratajczyk took the high road. Bittle took the lead away from Ratajczyk coming out of turn four.

The only caution came out on lap 12 when Seger spun in turn four. The running order was Bittle, Ratajczyk, Thorton, Carson and Reinneck.

With the race back under green, Bittle was now the hunted and Ratajczyk would give chase. The fourth row starters, Thorton and Carson were now in the top five giving chase to the leaders.

Bittle held on to the top spot to collect his third feature of the year and widening his point lead. Ratajczyk held on to second followed by Thorton, Carson and Gray to complete the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 17 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Jimmy Cummins took the win followed by Dustin Homan, Mike Harris, Brian Shubirg, Brian Eaves, John Goodson, Shawn Seymour and Mike Seymour. In the second heat, Mike Jones took the win followed by Tom Smallwood, Joe Volluz, Denny Tribout Jr., Dave Gzrywacz, Paul Bauman, Jason Davinroy and Jim Clark.

The 15 lap feature stared with a front row of Smallwood and Volluz. As the green flag fell for the start, Volluz jumped to the top of the track and took the lead with Smallwood and Cummins in tow.

Last week’s feature winner, Volluz looked like he could have been the first repeat winner as he used the top of the track to maintain the lead. However after a pair of cautions, Smallwood was running on the bottom of the track came out of turn two on lap 6 and took over the command of the race.

Smallwood maintained a few car advantage over Volluz thought out the remaining laps. Volluz held on to second with Cummins, Shubirg and Harris rounding out the top five. There have been a different winner for each feature race that has been run for this class.

As the racing season continued at Belle Clair Speedway, the cars and fans continue to attend the races. There were plenty of fans in the stands and good car counts in the pits. And the action on the track was high-quality.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 20 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Mark Voigt took the win over Ed Dixon, Don Grimm, Mike Hammerle, Vince Grondzki, Jim Gibson, and Dan Jacborer. In the second heat, Don Klein took another win followed by Rick Salter, Kenny Rumble, Brent Kreke, Kevin Cole, Dan Dondero and Mike Schulte. The third heat saw Brian Wolfmeier with the victory over Rick Standridge, John Paule, Aaron Kleine, Bob Geaschel, and Bob Brown. The dash went to Voigt followed by Dixon, Salter, Klein, Standridge and Wolfmeier.

The 25 lap feature started with the front of Dixon and Standridge. After two unsuccessful tries to start the race, the third time was the charm. Standridge took the early lead from the outside and ran the top of the track. Dixon, Klein and Voigt would be in chase.

The first caution came on lap two as Paule spun in turn four. The running order was Standridge, Dixon, Klein, Voigt and Grimm in the top five.

When the green flag reappeared, Standridge held off Dixon, but Dixon was hounding Standridge for the front spot. Dixon would get the lead on lap four and not look back. The front battle took place on the top of the track as the cushion was there for the drivers to use. As the race was running, Voigt got by Klein for second. There was movement all over the track as two grooves were being used by various drivers, but many were on the top.

The next caution came on lap six as Grondzki began spinning on the front straight and was tagged by Kleine. Grondzki was out for the night. The running order was now Dixon, Standridge, Voigt, Klein and Grimm in the top five.

Once the green came out this time it was racing to the checkered flag. Dixon continued his run up front with Standridge on his rear bumper. Voigt held his own with the rest of the order changing lap after lap. For the second week in a row Rumble made the bottom work for him. Eighth starting Rumble used the bottom of the track to move forward.

Another car on the move was 2005 UMP Rookie of the Year, Cole. Cole started 14 and moved though the field on the bottom and continued to move past car after car.

With Dixon leading comfortably and Standridge in second place, the racing in the pack was were to watch. With Rumble and Cole making the forward movements, those cars were fun to watch.

At the checkered flag, it was Dixon for his second win of the year and 573^rd of his career. Standridge finished in second with Voigt, Rumble and Klein rounding out the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 17 cars available to race. In the first heat, Tom Ratajczyk took the checkered flag followed by Marty Smith Jr., Bobby Bittle, Wayne Downing, Brett Korves, Todd McGraw, Steve Ellison, Jason Pritz, and Paul Reinneck. In the second heat race, Chris Gray got the win over Jesse Carson, David Seger, Marty Smith Sr., Dave Sandage, Mark Clary and Chris Smith. The dash saw Ratajczyk with his second win of the night with Bittle, Gray, Carson, Seger and Smith Jr. in tow.

The 20 lap feature started with Gray and Seger on the front row. Gray jumped to the lead at the dropping of the green flag. Carson, Bittle and Seger gave chase.

The first caution came out on lap 10 when McGraw spun in turn two. The running order was Gray, Carson, Bittle, Seger and Downing in the top five.

When the green flag back out, Gray continued to lead, but Bittle was on the move and over took Carson for second. Bittle started to press Gray for the lead and would jump to the front on lap four.

The next slow down came on lap 7 when Seger spun in turn four. The running order was now Bittle, Gray, Carson, Downing and Ratajczyk in the top five. But this restart would take several attempts to get going again as there were numerous problems with the restarts.

Finally the race resumed with Bittle running on the cushion and pulling away. The car on the move was 16^th starting Bielong, who missed his heat race due to electrical issues.

The final caution came out on lap 11 when McGraw spun in turn two and was done for the night after the two spin rule. The running order was Bittle, Gray, Carson, Downing and Ratajczyk.

With green back out, Bittle continued his lead with the placing behind him getting shaking up. The big mover was Bielong as he moved into the top five and continued to shuttle cars back. First he moved Ratajczyk back to sixth. Then he overcame Downing for fourth. With the laps winding down, he move to third.

With the checkered flag out, Bittle would go on to take his second feature of the short season. Gray held on for second with Bielong, Carson and Downing rounding out the top five.

In the UMP Sportsmen class, there were 16 cars ready to race. The first heat went to Denny Tribout Jr. followed by Jim Clark, Tommy Smallwood, Mike Harris, Jason Davinroy, Mike Jones, Mike Seymour and David Grzywacz. The second was won by Paul Bauman over Dustin Homan. Joe Volluz, Dave Eaves, Shawn Seymour, Matt Tettaton, Brian Shubirg and Bob Link. The dash went to Tribout Jr. with Bauman, Homan, Volluz, Smallwood and Clark trailing.

The 15 lap feature started with Homan and Volluz on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag it was Volluz to the lead that no one would take away. There were several cautions that would slow down the action, but Volluz would get his first checkered flag of the year. Bauman finished second and gave Volluz a run for the win. The rest of the top five were Tribout Jr., Harris and Homan.

The second night of racing was held at Belle Clair Speedway with unusually warm weather. There were new cars in the pits and lots of people in the grandstands.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 20 cars ready to race. In the first heat race, Don Klein took the win followed by John Paule, Jim Gibson, Dave Eaves, Brian Wolfmeier, Dan Dondero and Chris Winters. The second heat went to Aaron Kleine with Vince Grondzki, Ed Dixon, Bob Geashel, Mike Schulte and Bob Brown trailing. The third heat saw Brett Kreke take the victory while Mark Voigt, Kenny Rumble, Mike Hammerle, Dan Jacober and Rick Salter followed. The dash went to Kleine over Klein, Kreke, Paule, Voigt and Grondzki.

The 25 lap feature lined out with Grondzki and Kreke on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Kreke took the lead and never looked back. Grondzki, Klein and Voigt gave chase.

The first yellow came out on lap 11 when Eaves spun in turn three. Eaves parked his car after this. The running order was Kreke, Grondzki, Klein, Voigt, and Rumble in the top five.

With the race resuming, Kreke jumped out to a nice lead leaving the battle for second up for grabs. The remaining four cars battled for that position. Grondzki held on to second with Klein and Voigt fighting for that place. On the move was ninth starting Rumble to enter the top five and moving forward.

The next caution came on lap 13 for spinning Dondero in turn three. Kreke still had the lead with Grondzki, Klein, Voigt and Rumble in the top five.

With the green back out, Kreke pulled away again and left the field to battle for position. Klein moved into second during this run with Rumble getting by Voigt using the bottom of the track. However only one full lap got into the book before the next caution came out for Schulte and Winters in turns one and two. Now the running order was Kreke, Klein, Grondzki, Rumble and Voigt.

The green reappeared with Kreke pulling away and the battle behind him going on again. The move during this green flag period was by Rumble as he moved around Grondzki and then took Klein for second on the bottom.

The final caution came out on the front straight on lap 18 as Grondzki was running in the top five and using the top of the track for his groove, his car started to spin and as he start to block the track, Kleine came by and hit Grondzki on the driver side. Grondzki was done for the night after a good run. The running order now was Kreke, Rumble, Klein, Voigt and Dixon in the top five.

With seven laps to go, the green flag was back out and as he had done on each restart, Kreke was off and left everyone to battle for position. Over the last laps, Kreke ran a smooth race to take the checkered flag for his first win of 2006. Rumble finished second for his best finish ever at Belle Clair followed by Klein, the ageless one, Voigt and Dixon completing the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 19 cars on hand. In the first heat race, Jesse Carson got the win over Bobby Bittle, Brett Korves, Dave Thorton, Jason Pritz, and Marty Smith Sr. In the second heat, Paul Reinneck took the checkers followed by Tom Ratajczyk, David Cann, Doug Wood, Chris Smith and David Seger. The third heat went to Marty Smith Jr. with Wayne Downing, Brian Bielong, Brad McKinnon, Chad Franenfelder and Chris Gray trailing. The dash went to Carson over Smith Jr., Bittle, Reinneck, Ratajczyk and Downing.

The 20 lap feature started with Carson and Ratajczyk on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Ratajczyk jumped into the lead. Downing, Bittle, Carson and Smith Jr. followed Ratajczyk in the early laps.

Ratajczyk went to the top as did most of the other cars. On lap 7, Smith Jr. slowed on the track with problem to bring out the only caution. The top five were Ratajczyk, Downing, Bittle, Carson and Reinneck.

With the green back out, Ratajczyk assumed command of the race. Downing was trying to put pressure on Ratajczyk, but that was just good racing. With most of the cars on the top, the cushion was getting moved closer to the wall. The car on the move was 14^th starting Chris Smith. Smith move forward on the using the bottom and top.

As the laps clicked of, it appeared that Ratajczyk would win his first feature of the year. However, Ratajczyk slowed on lap 16 with a broken axle and pulled off the track giving Downing the lead. Downing went on to win his first feature in a Modified. Following Downing were Bittle, Carson, C. Smith and Reinneck to complete the top five.

There were 19 car in the UMP Sportsmen pits. In the first heat, Mike Harris took the win over Mike Seymour, Brian Shubirg, Adam Haas, Jimmy Cummins, Bob Link, and Jim Clark. In the second heat race, Tom Smallwood took the checkered flag followed by Shawn Seymour, Mike Jones, David Grzywacz and Jason Davinroy. The third heat saw Denny Tribout with the win over Joe Volluz, Ron Weidler, Paul Bauman, Dustin Homan, and Mike Kurtz. The dash went to Tribout Jr. followed by Harris, S. Seymour, Smallwood, Volluz, and M. Seymour.

The 15 lap feature started with Smallwood and Harris on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Harris jumped to the lead with Smallwood and Volluz in tow.

The caution filled event was not good for the drivers in the back. Several drivers did miss the problems and moved forward. 12^th starting Bauman made a run to the front as did 13^th starting Jimmy Cummins.

Harris took out his frustration from last week after blowing an engine and went on to win the feature with Bauman in second followed by Cummins, Shubirg, and Tribout to complete the top five.

April 7

The 2006 racing season opened Friday night at Belle Clair Speedway with a good crowd in the stands and cars in the pits. The weather was threatening all day, but Mother Nature decided to let the racing season begin and the threat did not materialize.

In the UMP Late Model division, there were 16 cars on hand for the first night. In the first heat race, Rick Salter took the win over Brent Kreke, Rick Standridge, Mark Voigt, Mike Hammerle, Mike Schulte and Aaron Kleine. In the second heat race, Don Klein won over Ed Dixon in a tight battle with Vince Grondzki, Jim Gibson, John Paule, Don Grimm, Bob Geaschel, and Bob Brown trailing. The dash went to Klein followed by Dixon, Salter, Kreke, Grondzki and Standridge.

The first feature of the new year started with Grondzki and Salter on the front row. With the dropping of the first green flag, Salter took the early lead with Grondzki, Dixon, Kreke and Klein in tow. With one lap in the books, the first caution appeared as Geaschel quit. The running order was Salter, Grondzki, Dixon, Kreke and Klein.

On the return to green, the next caution appeared for leader Salter. Salter lost his drive shaft on the restart and was done. With all cars moving up one position for the next restart, the race restarted.

Grondzki took the lead temporally while Dixon worked his way to the front on lap three. Dixon held the lead while the dicing was going on behind him.

Kreke moved into second and tried to give Dixon a run for the lead but could only get to his rear bumper. The leaders ran mostly on the bottom of the track. The car on the move was seventh starting Voigt. Voigt moved around cars easily and was in third quickly.

Dixon would maintain the lead, but the battle for second between Kreke and Voigt was the race to watch. While the two fought for the position, they ran into lapped cars and provided to be the challenge for both drivers. Voigt fought to pass Kreke, but would be running on the outside and getting a run for pass when the encountered a lapped car on the outside. This battle went on lap after lap until finally late in the race, Voigt got by Kreke for second.

One of the impressive runs of the night was made by 10^th starting Don Grimm. Grimm ran the top and moved forward with ease to get into the top five.

At the checkered flag it was Dixon taking the first feature of the new season. He was followed by Voigt, Kreke, Grimm and Klein to complete the top five.

In the UMP Modified class, there were 16 cars on hand. The first heat race saw Paul Reinneck took the win followed by Ryan Driemeier, Bobby Bittle, Jesse Carson, Dave Thorton, Chad Fraunenfelder, Steve Ellison, and David Cann. The second heat went to Marty Smith Jr. over Marty Smith Sr., Wayne Downing, Brian Bielong, Lance Dehm, Brett Korves and Chris Smith. The dash went to Smith Jr. over Reinneck, Driemeier, Smith Sr., Bittle and Downing.

The 20 lap feature started with Smith Sr. and Bittle on the front row. With the dropping of the green flag, Bittle jumped in front, but the race did not last long as Dehm rolled his car going down the back straight. He was done for the night before he got to race. The feature was re-lined up and started again. With this restart it was again the Bittle show with Bittle jumping to the top and stretching his lead.

This race saw the front running cars go to the top and compete their race on the outside wall. With Bittle way out front, the battle was on behind him. Pole setting Smith Sr. held on to second with challenges from Driemeier and eighth starting Bielong.

This race went green after the restart with Bittle taking the win followed by Smith Sr., Driemeier, Bielong and Smith Jr. to complete the top five.

The UMP Sportsmen had 16 cars as well to compete on opening night. Notice that UMP is sanctioning this class this year and the drivers are competing for national points. In the first heat race, Joe Volluz took the victory with Paul Bauman, Jimmy Cummins, David Grzywacz, Mike Seymour, Tom Smallwood, Dustin Homan, and Ron Weidler trailing. In the second heat, Brian Shubirg took the checkered flag with Shawn Seymour, Denny Tribout Jr., Wade Sutter, Jim Clark, Mike Krutz, Mike Jones and Mike Harris in pursuit. Harris blew his engine while leading. The dash went to Volluz over Bauman, Shubirg, S. Seymour, Tribout Jr. and Cummins.

The 15 lap feature started with Tribout Jr. and S. Seymour on the front row. On the dropping of the green flag, Tribout jumped to lead and never looked back. S. Seymour, Volluz and Shubirg raced behind Tribout in the early going.

The first caution came early with Weidler spinning in turn one. The running order was Tribout, Bauman. Seymour, Volluz and Grzywacz in the top five. Bauman had worked his way from fifth to second.

With the green flag back out, Tribout was back to leading and running a good race. Bauman tried, but could only get close to Tribout, but not pass him. The final caution came out on lap 11 when Clark spun in turn two. The running order of the top five was the same as the prior caution.

At the checked flag, it was Tribout with the win followed by Bauman, S. Seymour, Volluz and Grzywacz.

All the racing was done by 10:00 P.M. As a matter of fact, the features started at 8:45. Good track and good racing made for a short night, but the winds were cold.

2006 BELLE CLAIR SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE

April 7     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
April 14    UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
April 21    UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
April 28    UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock

May 5       UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
May 12      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
May 13      Gateway Midgets and 600cc Mini Sprints
May 19      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
May 26      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock

June 2      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
June 9      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
June 10     Gateway Midgets and 600cc Mini Sprints
June 16     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
June 23     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
               Mid-Season Championship for Sportsmen and Pure Stock
June 30     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock

July 7      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
               Mid-Season Championship for Late Models and Modifieds
July 8      Gateway Midgets and 600cc Mini Sprints
July 14     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
July 21     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
July 28     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock

Aug 4       UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
Aug 9       Gateway Midgets – 15th Annual Arnie Knepper Memorial
Aug 10      Motorcycle Flat Track Races
Aug 11      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
                (100 Laps for Late Models)
Aug 12      Demolition Derby
Aug 18      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
Aug 25      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock

Sept 1      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
Sept 8      UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsman and Pure Stock
Sept 15     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsmen and Pure Stock
Sept 22     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsmen and Pure Stock
                 Season Championship for Sportsman and Pure Stock
Sept 29     UMP Late Models, Modified and Allied Sportsmen and Pure Stock
                 Season Championship for Late Models and Modifieds
Oct 6        Weather date for season championships
Oct 7        Gateway Midgets and 600cc Mini Sprints
This is the 58^th year of racing at Belle Clair Speedway.
See us at www.belleclairspeedway.com.