2006brownstown.htm

July 8

John Gill won the late model feature

Denny Schwartz of Ashmore, IL made it two for two at Brownstown Speedway this year, winning the Topless UMP Modified feature at Brownstown Speedway. Schwartz won the Modified portion of the Indiana Icebreaker back on April 1st.

The 25 lap feature started off with a yellow, as Ryan Thomas found himself looped on the backstretch. When the field went green, Schwartz jumped out to the lead over Adam Sasser as they headed into turn number one. At the same time, Dan Hamstra moved up from his fifth starting spot up to the third spot by lap two. The yellow would fly again on lap three, this time for a multi car accident in turn one. When racing resumed, Schwartz sped off with the lead, with a battle for fourth raging behind him. Todd Gilpin and Shelby Miles were side by side for the spot, with Miles taking the position. Back up front, Hamstra moved to second around Sasser, bringing Gilpin and Miles with him. With Miles and Gilpin now going at it for third, this allowed the front two cars to pull away. As the lead duo of Schwartz and Hamstra started catching lapped traffic, Hamstra flexed his muscle and began reeling in Schwartz. Hamstra got up on the back bumper of Schwartz as they began lapping cars. Schwartz managed to put a lapped car in between he and Hamstra, but Hamstra was not to be detered. As they cleared the lapped traffic, Hamstra was right on Schwartz's tail until the very end as Schwartz held him off for the win. Following them were Miles, Matt Boknecht, and Earl Plessinger rounded out the top five.

SUMMARY:

TOPLESS UMP MODIFIEDS (46 ENTRIES)

HEAT ONE: Adam Sasser, Dan Hamstra, Ryan Thomas, Matt Bex, Jason Mann, Larry Schornick, Bobby Davis, Seth Voorhies, Scott Benham, John Passmore, Brian Yeatman, John Davis

HEAT TWO: Denny Schwartz, Shelby Miles, Matt Boknecht, Jeremy Hines, Jason Thomas, Travis Fleetwood, Rick Hudson, Jerry Davis, Dave Hill, Donnie Parson, Glen Thompson, Allan Adams

HEAT THREE: Chris Streeval, Todd Gilpin, John Demoss, Brent Londeree, Steve Trabue, Derek Groomer, Jesse Cramer, AJ Bowlen, Josh Eads, Sam Lee, Scott Smith

HEAT FOUR: Brandon Short, Joey Kramer, Earl Plessinger, Greg Lee, JD Roberts, Clint Demoss, Kent Robinson, Devin Gilpin, Butch Issacs, Webb Lee, Ralph Groomer

CONSI ONE: Bobby Davis, Larry Schornick, Jerry Davis, Rick Hudson, Scott Benham, Donnie Parson, Brian Yeatman, Jason Thomas, Allan Adams, Jason Mann, Seth Voorhies, Dave Hill, John Passmore, Travis Fleetwood

CONSI TWO: Steve Trabue, JD Roberts, Devin Gilpin, Ralph Groomer, Jesse Cramer, Clint Demoss, Josh Eads, Sam Lee, Webb Lee, Derek Groomer, Butch Issacs, Kent Robinson

FEATURE: Denny Schwartz, Dan Hamstra, Shelby Miles, Matt Boknecht, Earl Plessinger, Todd Gilpin, Matt Bex, Brent Londeree, John Demoss, Joey Kramer, Bobby Davis, Adam Sasser, Ryan Thomas, Steve Trabue, Jeremy Hines, Brandon Short, Larry Schornick, Greg Lee, JD Roberts, Chris Streeval

BOMBERS (36 ENTRIES)

HEAT ONE: Paul Owens, Steve Godsey, Bobby Johnson, Chad Stapleton, Edgar Godsey, JJ Pfeiffer, Scott Barker, Nathan Baker, Brad Blevins

HEAT TWO: Josh Hayes, Bubba Woods, Paul Childers, Jim Pfeiffer, Jason Combs, Ben Burton, Rick Vance, Ray Weston, Mike Klyn

HEAT THREE: Brandon Norman, Jamey Wilson, Dan Londeree, Wes Tipton, Dewayne Gross, KC Littleton, Greg Baker, Terry Prince, Ryan Hirtzel

HEAT FOUR: Jacoby Hines, Doug Klyn, Josh Turner, Bub Cummings, Tory Routier, David Robinson, Randy Lawyer, Pam Johnson, Mike Bennett

CONSI: Edgar Godsey, David Robinson, JJ Pfeiffer, Tory Routier, Scott Barker, Rick Vance, Pam Johnson, Randy Lawyer, KC Littleton, Greg Baker, Mike Klyn, Ben Burton, Ray Weston, Jason Combs, Brad Blevins, Nathan Baker, Dewayne Gross

FEATURE: Steve Godsey, Paul Owens, Josh Turner, Jacoby Hines, Josh Hayes, Brandon Norman, Jamey Wilson, Bub Cummings, Dan Londeree, Edgar Godsey, Bobby Johnson, Jim Pfeiffer, Doug Klyn, Wes Tipton, Tory Routier, Chad Stapleton, Paul Childers, JJ Pfeiffer, Bubba Woods, David Robinson

For Immediate Release:
Dustin Jarrett -- O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series PR  ([email protected])
 
Jack Sullivan Scores O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Win in 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial
 
BROWNSTOWN, IN -- Jack Sullivan made his first ever visit to the Brownstown Speedway a memorable one as the Greenbrier, AR native passed Justin Rattliff with five laps to go en route to a hard-earned win in the caution-free 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial.  The win was Sullivan's first ever with the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts.
 
Justin Rattliff and Mark Barber brought the field down to the green with third-starting Greg Johnson diving to the bottom making it three-wide for the point in one and two.  After several laps of side-by-side racing, Rattliff inched ahead and Johnson settled into second with Jack Sullivan, Mark Barber, and Steve Barnett in hot pursuit.  As Rattliff held a narrow advantage over the field, Johnson and Sullivan were duking it out for second.  After several laps of swapping the bridesmaid honors, Sullivan assumed sole possession of the spot on lap 14 just as the race leader began working his way through the back of the field.
 
Meanwhile, behind the leaders, the action was heating up for the fifth spot as Brad Barrow, Scott James, Tim Tungate, Brad Neat, and Steve Barnett could have been covered with a blanket.  Chris Combs would slip by Barnett at the midway point to crack the top ten as Neat applied heavy pressure to Tungate.
 
With no cautions to aide him, Sullivan used the backmarkers to his advantage as the Greenbrier, AR driver slowly closed the gap between himself and race-long leader Rattliff.  By lap 26, Sullivan had pulled the nose of his entry up the rear decklid of the youngster Rattliff's and, on lap 29, Sullivan made his move.  As Rattliff drifted high in turns one and two, Sullivan shot underneath and grabbed the point as Rattliff tucked in behind.  Nearly simultaneously, Mark Barber completed a pass on Greg Johnson to nab third.
 
At the 32 lap mark, with just eight laps remaining, Rattliff reeled in Sullivan and continuously looked for a pass.  With just six laps to go, Rattliff was able to pull alongside Sullivan in a bid for the lead and nosed ahead of Sullivan to lead lap 35.  Sullivan motored back ahead of Rattliff with just four laps to go and pulled away from the Current Series Rookie of the Year leader. 
 
Sullivan lead the final four laps in the Bryant Motorsports/Hawkeye Truck Sales/Integra Shocks/New Vision Graphics sponsored, Vic Hill powered, GRT Pontiac GTO getting the win in the 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial. "I just have to thank my crew for giving me this car to race.  They did a great job in setting this car up, all I had to do was drive it," Sullivan said in victory lane.
 
The win was Sullivan's first ever with the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts.  Also, Sullivan became the first driver since Jeff Purvis in 1984 to win at the Brownstown Speedway in his very first appearance.
 
Campbellsville, KY's Justin Rattliff captured second place honors in his Pro Power/Rayburn Monte Carlo sponsored by Rattliff Motors and Dr. Ewing.  Third spot went to North Vernon, IN's Mark Barber in the Jeff Mounce Motorsports/Huddleston Trucking sponsored Travis Kern/MasterSbilt Grand Prix.  Finishing fourth was Bedford, IN native Greg Johnson in a Pro Power/Intimidator Grand Prix sponsored by J&H Construction and Hall's Angus Farms.  Rounding out the top five was Bloomington, IN's Brad Barrow in the Living Room Center/LRC Carpet Sales sponsored Reliable/Rayburn Grand Prix.  Finishing sixth through tenth would be Brad Neat, Scott James, Tim Tungate, Chris Combs, and Steve Barnett.
 
Dan Sturgeon was the Racing Optics Fast Qualifier in Time Trials with a lap of 16.135.  Mason Racin' Heats went to Rattliff and Johnson while Arizona Sport Shirt Heats went to Sullivan and Barber.  The winners of the Design 500 B-Mains were Bryan Barber and Aaron Hatton.
 
At intermission, the Late Model drivers passed their helmets through the grandstands, taking up a collection for the family of the late Harlan Baker.  Over $1400 was raised thanks to the generous donations by the Brownstown Speedway fans.  After the race, Late Model feature winner Jack Sullivan donated another $200 to the Baker Family and his sponsor Travis Meeks of Hawkeye Truck Sales added an addition $400 to make the total collection for the night and even $2000 for the Baker Family.
 
The next scheduled event for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will be this Saturday, July 1st, at the 201 Speedway paying $3000 to win.  Earlier this season, Mike Jewell fended off the challenges Jackie Boggs, Tim Tungate, and Aaron Hatton to notch the win in a highly-entertaining finish.
 
For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts please log on to www.battleofthebluegrass.com or call the series office at (859)433-5707.
 
 
Results Summary
June 24, 2006
 
Brownstown Speedway
Brownstown, IN
 
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
 
Racing Optics Fast Qualifier:  Dan Sturgeon/16.135
Mason Racin' Heat #1:  Justin Rattliff, Steve Barnett, Brad Erwin, Dusty Chapman, Rohn Moon, Dan Sturgeon, Dan Deaton, Justin Blackwell
Mason Racin' Heat #2:  Greg Johnson, Scott James, Chris Combs, Tim Tungate, Bryan Barber, Marty O'Neal, Greg Ault, Gary Hardin, David Ross
Arizona Sport Shirts Heat #3:  Jack Sullivan, Brad Barrow, Rickey Riggle, Mike Jewell, Aaron Hatton, John Gill, Randey Riggle, Christian Rayburn, Anthony Ferguson
Arizona Sport Shirts Heat #4:  Mark Barber, Brad Neat, Tim Prince, Steve Godsey, Frankie Coomer, Doug Ault, Travis Meers, Scotty Jones
Design 500 B-Main #1:  Bryan Barber, Rohn Moon, Marty O'Neal, Dan Deaton, Justin Blackwell, Gary Hardin, Bobby Wolter Jr., Greg Ault, David Ross, Dan Sturgeon
Design 500 B-Main #2:  Aaron Hatton, John Gill, Travis Meers, Doug Ault, Randey Riggle, Scotty Jones, Anthony Ferguson, Frankie Coomer, Christian Rayburn
8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial:  Jack Sullivan, Justin Rattliff, Mark Barber, Greg Johnson, Brad Barrow, Brad Neat, Scott James, Tim Tungate, Chris Combs, Steve Barnett, Bryan Barber, Mike Jewell, Rohn Moon, Bobby Wolter Jr., Aaron Hatton, Steve Godsey, Dan Deaton, Dusty Chapman, Tim Prince, Rickey Riggle, John Gill, Brad Erwin
 
Race Statistics
Lap Leaders: Justin Rattliff 1-28, Jack Sullivan 29-34, Justin Rattliff 35, Jack Sullivan 36-40
Cautions: 0
PPM Racing Products Hard Charger: Bobby Wolter Jr.  (started 21st, finished 14th)
Cruise With The Champions Rookie of the Race: Justin Rattliff
Series Provisionals: Bobby Wolter Jr., Dan Deaton
Entries: 35
 
Current O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Points
 
1. 9 Mike Jewell - 2320
2. 47 Chris Combs - 2240
3. 16 Justin Rattliff - 2155
4. 18 Tim Tungate - 2110
5. 10 Bryan Barber - 2100
6. 33 Aaron Hatton - 2035
7. 11 Bobby Wolter Jr. - 1755
8. 41 Brad Neat - 1610
9. D2 Dan Deaton - 1560
10. 4 Greg Johnson - 1410
 
 
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series Sponsors

O’Reilly Auto Parts – Title Sponsor and “Official Auto Parts Retailer of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”

Arizona Sport Shirts – Presenting Sponsor and “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”

Sunoco Race Fuels – “Official Race Fuel of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”

2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Supporters Include: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Arizona Sport Shirts, Sunoco Race Fuels, DART Machinery, Drive Smart Kentucky, Lucas Oil Products, Hoosier Race Tires, American Race Tires, PPM Performance Products, Bazell Fuels, Cruise With the Champions, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Racing Optics, Mason Racin', Design 500, Trailer Parts & Sales, Honda of Prestonsburg, Bullock Race Engines, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Bert Transmissions, Rick Schwallie Photography, DT52 Photos, and Real Wheels www.battleofthebluegrass.com
[email protected]

For Immediate Release:
Dustin Jarrett -- O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series PR  ([email protected])
  
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Heads to Brownstown Speedway for the 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial
 
LEXINGTON, KY -- For the second time this season, the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will travel to the Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN.  Saturday night, June 24th is the 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial paying $3000 to win.  Hoosier State driver Mike Jewell currently leads the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Points Standings.

Lee Fleetwood was a regular Late Model competitor at Brownstown Speedway for many years. He won seven Late Model features during his career at Brownstown and won the Sportsmanship Award at the track in 1992. Lee began his racing career in the mid 70's racing a Ford Mustang in the Hobby Stock Division at tracks such as Brownstown, Paragon and Bloomington. He moved to Late Models in the early 80's competing a couple of years in the Late Model Division before going to Limited Late Models in 1983. In 1984 he made the switch back to Super Late Models where he raced until his untimely death on May 3, 1995.
 
He was inducted into the Brownstown Speedway "Hall of Fame” in 1995. Lee was in the prime of his life and racing career at age 44 when on Sunday, April 30 he suffered a dehabilitating stroke which he passed away from three days later. In his final race on Saturday Night, April 29, 1995 at Brownstown Speedway he was scheduled to start on the outside front row of the Late Model Feature when it was rained out. There was to have been double features the next week. Brownstown Speedway has honored the memory of Lee Fleetwood with the "Lee Fleetwood Memorial Race" each year since 1999. Lee was not only a very good race car driver but an even better person off of the race track.

In the previous seven Lee Fleetwood Memorials, there have been four different winners with all being former Brownstown Speedway Late Model Track Champions. Steve Barnett of Franklin, IN has won the race three times and is the defending champion of the event.  Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN has won this race twice with Dan Sturgeon of Bedford, IN and Mark Barber of North Vernon, IN taking one win each.  In their last visit to Brownstown on April 22nd, it was Bedford, IN's Greg Johnson getting the win in the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass-sanctioned Hoosier Dirt Classic.

The 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial will feature a complete racing program for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Racing Optics Time Trials, Mason Racin'/Arizona Sport Shirts Heat Races, Design 500 B-Mains and the 40-lap $3,000 to win 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial. Also on the race card will be Modifieds and Bombers.  General Admission for this event will be just $15 with Pit Admission being an extra $10.

After 11 events this season, the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series has seen 7 different winners. Mike Jewell currently leads the Series Points standings followed by Chris Combs, Justin Rattliff, Bryan Barber, and Tim Tungate. The rest of the top finds Aaron Hatton 6th, Bobby Wolter Jr. 7th, Dan Deaton 8th, Brad Neat 9th, and Greg Johnson 10th.

Brownstown Speedway is located one mile south of Brownstown, IN on State Road 250 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Gates are slated to open for this event at 2 p.m. For more information on Brownstown Speedway you can log onto their website at www.brownstownspeedway.com or call the track at (812) 358-5332.
 
For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts, visit us on the web at www.battleofthebluegrass.com or call the Series office at (859)433-5707. 
 
 
Current O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Points Standings after 6/17/06

1. 9 Mike Jewell - 2150
2. 47 Chris Combs - 2055
3. 16 Justin Rattliff - 1925
3. 10 Bryan Barber - 1925
5. 18 Tim Tungate - 1920
6. 33 Aaron Hatton - 1880
7. 11 Bobby Wolter Jr. - 1595
8. D2 Dan Deaton - 1415
9. 41 Brad Neat - 1410
10. 2CJ Greg Johnson - 1200
 
Upcoming O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Schedule

Saturday, June 24th -- Brownstown Speedway (Brownstown, IN)/$3000 to win - 8th Annual Lee Fleetwood Memorial
Saturday, July 1st -- 201 Speedway (Sitka, KY)/$3000 to win
Saturday, July 8th -- Bluegrass Speedway (Bardstown, KY)/$5000 to win - 7th Annual Kentuckiana Klash
Saturday, July 15th -- Richmond Raceway (Richmond, KY)/$5000 to win - "Butterball" Wooldridge Memorial
 
 
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series Sponsors

O’Reilly Auto Parts – Title Sponsor and “Official Auto Parts Retailer of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”

Arizona Sport Shirts – Presenting Sponsor and “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”

Sunoco Race Fuels – “Official Race Fuel of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”

2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Supporters Include: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Arizona Sport Shirts, Sunoco Race Fuels, DART Machinery, Drive Smart Kentucky, Lucas Oil Products, Hoosier Race Tires, American Race Tires, PPM Performance Products, Bazell Fuels, Cruise With the Champions, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Racing Optics, Mason Racin', Design 500, Trailer Parts & Sales, Honda of Prestonsburg, Bullock Race Engines, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Bert Transmissions, Rick Schwallie Photography, DT52 Photos, and Real Wheels

May 12....rain

www.battleofthebluegrass.com
[email protected]

Dustin Jarrett – O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass PR
 
 
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Travels to Ponderosa and Brownstown This Weekend
 
LEXINGTON, KY -- The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts opened their 2006 season last weekend with Don O'Neal capturing both events at Florence Speedway.  O'Neal became the first driver in two years to win back-to-back events in the series.  This weekend, the nation's most competitive regional racing series visits the Ponderosa Speedway on Friday night and the Brownstown Speedway on Saturday night.
 
Friday night, April 21st, the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series will visit the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY for the rescheduled 3rd Annual Spring 40.  A complete night of racing is scheduled with Racing Optics Time Trials, Mason Racin'/Arizona Sport Shirts Heat Races, Design 500 B-Mains, and the 3rd Annual Spring 40 paying $3000 to win.  Past winners of this event include Johnny Wheeler and Greg Johnson.  On Friday, the pit gates are slated to open at 4PM with the general admission gates swinging open at 5PM.  Hot Laps will hit the track at 7PM with Racing Optics Time Trials to follow.  General Admission for Adults is just $15, while Pit Admission is just $30.  General Admission for kids age 6-12 is just $10 while children 5 and under are free with a paying adult.
 
Saturday night, April 22nd, Brownstown Speedway plays host to the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with the 23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic on tap.  Another complete night of racing is planned with Racing Optics Time Trials, Mason Racin'/Arizona Sport Shirts Heat Races, Design 500 B-Mains, and the 23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic paying $3000 to win.  Gates are slated to open at 2PM with Hot Laps hitting the track around 5:30PM.  General Admission for this race is $20 with Pit Admission being an extra $10 (total of $30).
 
Previous Hoosier Dirt Classic Winners:
 
1984-Jeff Purvis
1985-Billy Moyer
1986-Larry Moore
1987-Jack Boggs
1988-Larry Phillips
1989-John Gill
1990-Bob Pierce
1991-Scott Bloomquist
1992-John Gill
1993-Billy Moyer
1994-Davey Johnson
1995-Don O'Neal
1996-John Gill
1997-C.J. Rayburn
1998-Shannon Babb
1999-Don O'Neal
2000-Don O'Neal
2001-Don O'Neal
2002-Don O'Neal
2003-John Gill
2004-Mike Jewell
2005-Terry English
 
Ponderosa Speedway is a 3/8-mile D-shaped oval located on Phillips Lane, just outside of Junction City, KY.  Larry Yantz, the 2005 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Promoter of the Year, is at the helm of "The Pond" once again in 2006.  For more information on Ponderosa Speedway, visit them on the web at www.ponderosaspeedway.net or call the track at (859) 854-6808.
 
Brownstown Speedway is a 1/4-mile oval located on State Road 250, a half-mile southeast of Brownstown, IN at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Tim Keithley is the new promoter at the historic and famed track in 2006.  For more information on Brownstown Speedway, visit them on the web at www.brownstownspeedway.com.  For more information on race day, call the track at (812) 358-5332.
 
For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts, visit us on the web at www.battleofthebluegrass.com or call the Series office at (859)433-5707.
 
 
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series Points
 
1. 500 Don O'Neal
2. 450 Dan Schlieper
3. 415 Brian Birkhofer
4. 390 Brad Neat
5. 380 Steve Casebolt
6. 365 Scott James
7. 350 Jesse Lay
8. 345 Roger Williams
9. 340 Mike Marlar
9. 340 Wayne Chinn
 
 
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Upcoming Schedule

April 21 - Ponderosa Speedway, Junction City, KY - $3,000 to Win (3rd Annual Spring 40)
April 22 - Brownstown Speedway, Brownstown, IN - $3,000 to Win (23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic)
April 28 - Richmond Raceway, Richmond, KY - $3,000 to Win (Spring Shootout)
April 29 - Bluegrass Speedway, Bardstown, KY - $3,000 to Win (9th Annual Spring Sizzler)
May 6   - 201 Speedway, Sitka, KY - $3000 to Win
May 20 - Lake Cumberland Speedway, Burnside, KY - $3000 to win (Coco-Cola 40)
 

2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series Sponsors

O’Reilly Auto Parts – Title Sponsor and “Official Auto Parts Retailer of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”


Arizona Sport Shirts – Presenting Sponsor and “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”
 
Sunoco Race Fuels – “Official Race Fuel of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”

2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Supporters Include: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Arizona Sport Shirts, Sunoco Race Fuels, DART Machinery, Lucas Oil Products, Hoosier Race Tires, American Race Tires, PPM Performance Products, Bazell Fuels, Cruise With the Champions, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Racing Optics, Mason Racing, Trailer Parts & Sales, Honda of Prestonsburg, Bullock Race Engines, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Bert Transmissions, Rick Schwallie Photography, and Real Wheels
  www.battleofthebluegrass.com
[email protected]

Blackwell, Bland, and Cummings Capture Thrillers at Brownstown

Justin Blackwell, Jeff Bland, Jr., and Bub Cummings found their way to Brownstown Speedways victory lane on a Saturday night where three to four wide racing was the norm.

        The 25 lap Late Model feature seemed as if it would never begin, as three yellows on the original start would keep the field lined up in their original rows of two. When racing finally began, things would heat up with a three wide battle for the lead between polesitter Steve Godsey, Rohn Moon, and Justin Blackwell. While the trio ran three wide, a slight bit of contact was made, sending Blackwell to the point. Moon would file into second, with Godsey third. Moon and Godsey moved up to the front to once again make it a three way dance for the lead. The front three cars ran three wide for five straight laps before Ryan Eads brought out the yellow on lap six. On the restart the top five would file out single file with Blackwell leading the cavalry. The single file racing would end when another three wide battle between Moon, Godsey, and Marty O’Neal fought for second. The end result of that battle kept Moon in second, O’Neal would go to third, with Godsey back to fourth. O’Neal then moved up to challenge Moon for the runner up spot. O’Neal got around Moon on lap 13 to nab second. The field again spread out throughout the top five with O’Neal reeling in Blackwell for the lead. O’Neal, with just under ten to go, poked his nose in on Blackwell to no avail. As the leaders moved into lapped traffic, Blackwell survived a scary moment when Mark Bechelli shot across the track in front of him. With five laps to go contact was made between Brent Londeree and Rick Sowders. Sowders would spin, bringing out the yellow. One helmet toss later, racing resumed with O’Neal trying to get underneath Blackwell in every turn. Blackwell would hold off O’Neal in the remaining four laps to notch his first victory of the season ahead of O’Neal, Moon, Godsey, and Shannon Reed. Brad Barrow, Mark Barber, Tim Prince, Londeree, and Dusty Chapman rounded out the top ten. The winning sponsors on Blackwell’s car are: Blackwell Trucking and Conveying Inc., BTI Crushed Stone Sales, Blackwell Farms, Blackwell Limestone Co., Starbound Entertainment, White River CoOp, Delph Communications, and Jay Fox Farm Bureau Insurance. The winning chassis was a C.J. Rayburn Race Car.

        The UMP Modified feature turned out to be an equally exciting affair with Jeff Bland, Jr. of Bloomington, IN making a last lap pass for the win. Adam Sasser would lead the first circuit, with Matt Boknecht putting pressure on him for the point. Boknecht and Sasser would run door to door for the lead until the yellow came out on lap three. Robbie Gullion, Chris Streeval, and Reid Sparks all spun out in turn three. On the restart, Sasser would jump ahead of Boknecht, who was ahead of Bland in third. The second yellow of the event would fly on lap five, when Gullion spun off the turn one banking, ending his night. When racing resumed, 14th starting Lee Hobbs and Jesse Cramer would battle for the fourth spot, with Cramer keeping the spot. Hobbs would now have to battle with Tim Eddelman for the fifth position. Back up front on lap eleven, Boknecht finally took the lead away from Sasser. At the same time, Eddelman got around Hobbs for fifth. Unfortunately for Boknecht, his lead lasted one lap due to a blown engine. With oil sprayed on the track, Sasser spun in the oil, but kept going to keep his lead. When the green flew for the restart it was now Sasser and Bland running first and second on the bottom of the racetrack. Bland kept on the back bumper of Sasser for the last remaining 12 laps. As the leaders took the white flag, Sasser slipped up the track just a little bit, allowing Bland to throw a bonzai move in one. Contact was made, with Bland moving to the lead. Sasser’s bad luck would continue in the final corner, as Cramer shot under him for second. The top five at the finish was Bland, Cramer, Sasser, Eddelman, and Ryan Thomas. Bland’s sponsors include: Auto Credit, B&B Auto Brokers, Servpro, Dr. Luke Eads Family Dentistry, Tate Racing Engines, Wolfes Auto Auctions, and VanHorn Tint and Accessories. Bland was piloting a Loose Gruff Chassis.

        Bub Cummings of Bedford, IN made it known that he is the man to beat in the Bomber division in 2006. Cummings is now two for two on the year in Bomber feature action. The 15 lap main event saw Steve Godsey move to the point off the start, with Jacoby Hines and Cummings in tow. Cummings would make a great move coming out of turn two on the second lap, getting around both Hines and Godsey for the lead. Cummings then checked out on the field, as Godsey and Hines battled for the second position most of the race. Godsey pulled away from Hines during the latter portion of the feature, leaving him in third. Following Cummings to the line was Godsey, Hines, Edgar Godsey, and Jim Pfeiffer rounded out the top five. Cummings thanks Cummings Machine Shop, Terry Cummings Race Engines, Prince Excavating, PBM Performance, ISU The May Agency, and Flying O Bodies.

SUMMARY:

LATE MODELS (28 Entries)

FAST QUALIFIER: Shannon Reed

HEAT ONE: Steve Godsey, Rohn Moon, Shannon Reed, Daniel Bohall, Cale Kern, Jeremy Masters, Ryan Eads, Greg Ault, Brad Barrow, Charles Ross

HEAT TWO: Justin Blackwell, Marty O’Neal, Scott Graham, Jeff Simonton, Mark Bechelli, Mike Bechelli, Glenn Bradley, Randy Riggle, Gary Hardin

HEAT THREE: Brent Londeree, Tim Prince, Mark Barber, Rick Sowders, Dusty Chapman, Brian Wilhite, Doug Ault, Duane Brown, Devin Sebree

CONSI: Brad Barrow, Mike Bechelli, Greg Ault, Gary Hardin, Ryan Eads, Brian Wilhite, Randy Riggle, Charles Ross, Doug Ault, Jeremy Masters, Glenn Bradley

FEATURE: Justin Blackwell, Marty O’Neal, Rohn Moon, Steve Godsey, Shannon Reed, Brad Barrow, Mark Barber, Tim Prince, Brent Londeree, Dusty Chapman, Greg Ault, Mark Bechelli, Cale Kern, Gary Hardin, Mike Bechelli, Daniel Bohall, Ryan Eads, Scott Graham, Jeff Simonton, Rick Sowders

UMP MODIFIEDS (37 Entries)

HEAT ONE: Adam Sasser, Todd Gilpin, Chris Streeval, Brandon Reed, Larry Schornick, Ron Fedor, Jeremy Ingram, Rocky Kugel, Greg Lee, Don Fleetwood

HEAT TWO: Matt Boknecht, Robbie Gullion, Jared Bailey, Lee Hobbs, Dave Benham, JD Roberts, Denny Boknecht, Gene Tyree, Webb Lee

HEAT THREE: Jeff Bland Jr, Rob Manley, Reid Sparks, Sam Lee, Kyle Decker, Jason Mann, Rick Hines, Jason Thomas, Kent Robinson

HEAT FOUR: Jesse Cramer, Tim Eddelman, Ryan Thomas, Brandon Short, JP Hume, Greg Deckard, Devin Gilpin, Steve Trabue, Al Flick

CONSI ONE: J.D. Roberts, Rocky Kugel, Don Fleetwood, Webb Lee, Dennis Boknecht, Greg Lee, Ron Fedor, Jeremy Ingram, Gene Tyree, Larry Schornick, Dave Benham

CONSI TWO: Rick Hines, Greg Deckard, Kent Robinson, Kyle Decker, Devin Gilpin, Jason Thomas, Jason Mann, Steve Trabue, JP Hume

FEATURE: Jeff Bland Jr, Jesse Cramer, Adam Sasser, Tim Eddelman, Ryan Thomas, Jared Bailey, Brandon Reed, Brandon Short, Rob Manley, Rick Hines, Greg Deckard, Reid Sparks, JD Roberts, Sam Lee, Rocky Kugel, Lee Hobbs, Matt Boknecht, Robbie Gullion, Chris Streeval, Todd Gilpin

BOMBERS (35 Entries)

HEAT ONE: Jacoby Hines, Bobby Johnson, Doug Klyn, Wes Tipton, Josh Hayes, Randy Lawyer, Chad Stapleton, Tory Routier, Greg Baker

HEAT TWO: Steve Godsey, Edgar Godsey, John Mayer Jr, Scott Jones, Scott Barker, Steve Woodcock, Pam Johnson, Brian Smiley, Tim Meade

HEAT THREE: Bub Cummings, Nick Mitchell, Greg Hicks, Josh Turner, Paul Owens, Ronnie Pardue, Jason Combs, Derick Levesque, Calvin Gibson

HEAT FOUR: Jim Pfeiffer, Dewayne Gross, Brandon Routier, Travis Prince, Aaron Fields, Kenny Baker, Jamie Wilson, Ryan Hirtzel

CONSI: Paul Owens, Chad Stapleton, Josh Hayes, Tim Meade, Scott Barker, Kenny Baker, Greg Baker, Jason Combs, Brisn Smiley, Steve Woodcock, Pam Johnson, Randy Lawyer, Calvin Gibson, Aaron Fields, Ronnie Pardue, Tory Routier

FEATURE: Bub Cummings, Steve Godsey, Jacoby Hines, Edgar Godsey, Jim Pfeiffer, Doug Klyn, Paul Owens, Josh Turner, Josh Hayes, Tim Meade, Wes Tipton, John Mayer, Scott Jones, Greg Hicks, Nick Mitchell, Chad Stapleton, Brandon Routier, Bobby Johnson, Dewayne Gross

For Immediate Release
James Essex-Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Public Relations
04-01-06 
 
Earl Pearson Jr. Prevails in "Indiana Icebreaker" at Brownstown Speedway for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
 
BROWNSTOWN, IN--Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL passed race leader Darrell Lanigan on lap 61 of the 75 lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series main event on Saturday Night at the Brownstown Speedway and then went on to score his first series win of 2006 as the defending series champion captured the Ninth Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" sponsored by Jones Core.  The win was Pearson's third career on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and earned the 34 year old driver $10,000 as he came from the 10th starting spot to take the win aboard the Carlton and Kemp Lamm owned, Lucas Oil Products, Dunn-Benson Ford, K&N Engineering, Inc., Sunoco Race Fuels, All-Star Performance, Larry Wallace Racing Engines, MasterSbilt Ford Taurus.  Lanigan of Union, KY would finish second after starting 14th in the Lanigan Autosports/GottaRace.com/Rocket Ford Taurus with Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN placing third in the Randall Eller/Independence Lumber/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo.  Completing the top five were Greg Johnson of Bedford, IN in the John Hall/J&H Construction/Intimidator Grand Prix and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA in the J&J Steel/Pro Power Engines/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo.  A standing room only crowd was on hand as 68 cars were entered in the night's events.
 
Front row starters Greg Johnson and Rick Eckert would lead the field to the green flag with Eckert taking the lead heading into turn number one with Johnson right on his heels.  Tim Dohm was third with Don O'Neal and Darren Miller running in the top five after one completed lap.  Dohm would make a charge from third to second around Johnson by the fourth circuit, but a lap later Johnson made his back by Dohm to regain the spot.  Eckert was building up to a five car length lead over the field when the first caution came out on lap six for Matt Miller and Shannon Reed.  The restart was costly for Eckert as going into turn two he would slip up the track allowing several cars to get by falling all the way back to tenth place.  Johnson would pick up the lead and the race would go green for a complete lap until Scott James brought out the second caution on lap seven.  On the restart Johnson would show the way with O'Neal now running in second followed by Dohm, Jimmy Mars and Darren Miller.
 
Mars would then be the man on the move climbing to third in the race to challenge O'Neal for second.  On lap 14 Mars' race would suddenly end as something happened to his race car heading into number one as he ended up over embankment and came to a halt.  Mars' nice run was done as he was towed back to the pit area after coming from the 12th starting spot to third.  Johnson again would be on the point for the restart with O'Neal still in second with Pearson now in the hunt from tenth to run third at this point in the race.  O'Neal and Pearson would then run side by side for at least three laps with O'Neal hanging on for second place.  Birkhofer was now showing some strength using the top groove of the track as he was fourth in the race with pressure from Lanigan.
 
The race would stay green until lap 22 when Brad Neat stopped on the front stretch and an ensuing restart would see Steve Barnett, Eckert and Brad Barrow involved in a caution in turn number two.  Those would be the last cautions of the race and that would set up a showdown in the 53 laps of racing between four drivers.  Johnson would lead lap 23 on the restart, but on lap 24 O'Neal would take his turn leading the race grabbing the point with Lanigan following him to second.  O'Neal and Lanigan would then dice it out for the lead until Lanigan would finally clear O'Neal taking his first lead of the race on lap 27.  Pearson then got in the act going side by side with O'Neal for a few laps in the race for second.  While O'Neal and Pearson were slugging it out Lanigan had pulled out to a six car length lead over the pair.  With 30 laps scored by was Lanigan showing the way followed by O'Neal, Pearson, Johnson and Doug Horton.
 
Heavy traffic started to play a role in the race for the first time as Lanigan would catch up to the tail of the pack by lap 33.  At this time Pearson was finally able to wrestle second from O'Neal and set his sights on Lanigan.  Pearson would eventually catch up to Lanigan by lap 38 with O'Neal still running in third with Horton now fourth as he had gotten by Johnson.  With 30 laps to go it was still Lanigan and Pearson showing the way.  Lanigan was about two to three car lengths ahead of Pearson as the two were still battling through some heavy traffic in front of them.  Johnson then went by Horton to regain the fourth spot and he was catching up to O'Neal trying to make a race of it for the third position.  Now with 20 laps remaining the crowd was on their feet as Pearson saw an opening on the inside of Lanigan and he made the pass on the 61st lap to take over the lead.  Pearson was the fifth different driver to lead this race, but Lanigan was not through yet as he was not about to settle for second place.
 
With ten laps to go Lanigan was all over Pearson for the lead as Pearson was encountering some traffic in front of him.  With the roles reversed Pearson now had to fight to maintain the lead knowing one mistake and Lanigan would be by him.  With five laps to go Lanigan was on the rear of Pearson's racer, but Pearson was able to withstand Lanigan's challenges and cross the finish in first to claim his first ever win at Brownstown Speedway.  Lanigan came home a close second followed by O'Neal, Johnson and Birkhofer.
 
In victory lane Pearson thanked a multitude of people who have helped him get off to an excellent start in 2006.  "My new crew chief Jason Fitzgerald, my car owners Carlton and Kemp Lamm and all the crew they've done a great job this year, we are really running well and it feels good to win here at Brownstown, probably one of the toughest tracks to ever win a race at."  "I caught Lanigan there in traffic and I knew if I could get a run on him and get to the inside I might have a shot at passing him and it worked out real well and we were able to get by him, I don't know if I could have beat him without the lapped traffic, he had a real good car tonight."
 
Completing the top ten were Doug Horton, Rick Eckert, 24th starting Scott James, Donnie Moran and Shannon Babb.
 
In preliminary action Steve Francis set a new Brownstown Speedway track record with a fast lap of 13.546 seconds to earn the Comp Cams fast time award among the 68 cars on hand.  The PBM Performance Products heat races were won by Brian Birkhofer, Tim Dohm, Greg Johnson, Darren Miller, Rick Eckert and Don O'Neal.  The Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno first B-Main went to Shannon Babb with the Penske Shocks second B-Main belonging to Corey Conley.
 
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series returns to action this Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9 with a visit to the Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA on Saturday Night for the "Jimmy Mosteller Classic" and a first ever trip to the Cherokee Super Speedway in Gaffney, SC on Sunday Night awaits the series participants.  Both events will pay $10,000 to win.
 
 
Race Summary
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Event #7
Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana
Saturday Night, April 1, 2006
 
Comp Cams Fast Time:  Steve Francis 13.546 seconds (New Track Record)
 
PBM Performance Products First Heat:  (Top 3 advance):  Brian Birkhofer, Steve Francis, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Mike Watson, Brady Smith, Brad Barrow, Bret Sievert, Damon Eller, C.J. Rayburn, Ryan Eads, Bryan Barber, Doug Ault
 
PBM Performance Products Second Heat: (Top 3 advance):  Tim Dohm, Michael England, Darrell Lanigan, Shannon Babb, Dan Schlieper, Kevin Weaver, Billy Drake, Matt Miller, Tim Prince, Brian Wilhite, Justin Rattliff, Mike Marlar
 
PBM Performance Products Third Heat: (Top 3 advance):  Greg Johnson, Doug Horton, Dennis Erb, Jr., Steve Casebolt, Rick Aukland, Jeep VanWormer, Scotty Earl, Steve Hillard, Jayme Zidar, Justin Robinson, Scott Wenell
 
PBM Performance Products Fourth Heat: (Top 3 advance):  Darren Miller, Earl Pearson, Jr., Patrick Sheltra, Chad Kinder, Marty O'Neal, Brent Londeree, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters, Shannon Reed, Scott James, John Mason
 
PBM Performance Products Fifth Heat: (Top 3 advance): Rick Eckert, Steve Barnett, Donnie Moran, Corey Conley, Johnny Wheeler, Mike Jewell, Duane Chamberlain, Frank Heckenast Jr., Jordan Bland, Gary Harden, Brad Erwin
 
PBM Performance Products Sixth Heat:  (Top 3 advance):  Don O'Neal, Jimmy Mars, Brad Neat, Freddy Smith, Tim Tungate, Justin Blackwell, Steve Godsey, Randy Riggle, Aaron Hatton, Kerry Hansen, Daniel Bohall
 
Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main: (Top 2 advance):  Shannon Babb, Dan Schlieper, Rick Aukland, Billy Drake, Steve Casebolt, Steve Hillard, Bret Sievert, Jayme Zidar, C.J. Rayburn, Justin Robinson, Tim Prince, Damon Eller, Brian Wilhite, Scott Wenell, Jeep VanWormer, Mike Watson, Brady Smith, Roy Mitchell, Justin Rattliff, Scotty Earl, Ryan Eads, Kevin Weaver, Brad Barrow, Bryan Barber, Matt Miller
 
Penske Shocks Second B-Main: (Top 2 advance):  Corey Conley, Tim Tungate, Freddy Smith, Johnny Wheeler, Justin Blackwell, John Mason, Marty O'Neal, Duane Chamberlain, Kerry Hansen, Frank Heckenast Jr., Steve Godsey, Gary Harden, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters, Jordan Bland, Randy Riggle, Chad Kinder, Brent Londeree, Mike Jewell, Scott James, Shannon Reed, Daniel Bohall, Brad Erwin
 
Ninth Annual "Indiana Icebreaker" Feature:  (75 Laps):  Earl Pearson Jr., Darrell Lanigan, Don O'Neal, Greg Johnson, Brian Birkhofer, Doug Horton, Rick Eckert, Scott James, Donnie Moran, Shannon Babb, Corey Conley, Tim Dohm, Steve Francis, Darren Miller, Patrick Sheltra, Michael England, Eddie Carrier Jr, Tim Tungate, Steve Barnett, Dan Schlieper, Dennis Erb Jr., Shannon Reed, Brad Barrow, Brad Neat, Jimmy Mars, Matt Miller
 
Race Statistics
 
Entries:  68
Yellow Flags:  5
Red Flags:  0
Lap Leaders:  Rick Eckert 1-6  Greg Johnson 7-23  Don O'Neal 24-26  Darrell Lanigan 27-60  Earl Pearson Jr.  61-75
All-Star Performance Performer of the Race:  Scott James (Started 24th and finished 8th) advanced 16 positions
K&N Engineering Clean Pass of the Race:  Earl Pearson Jr. for taking the lead from Darrell Lanigan
Hawk Brake Tough Break Award:  Brady Smith
Quarter Master Move of the Race:  Don O'Neal
Weld Racing Wheels Award:  Tim Tungate
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Race:  Doug Horton
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals:  Matt Miller and Scott James
 
 
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Points Standings (After April 1)
 
1.  Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-805
1.  Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-805
3.  Steve Francis (Ashland, KY)-790
4.  Dennis Erb Jr. (Carpentersville, IL)-780
5.  Don O'Neal (Martinsville, IN)-760
6.  Doug Horton (Bruceton Mills, WV)-715
6.  Rick Eckert (York, PA)-715
8.  Matt Miller (Waterville, OH)-710
9.  Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-690
10.Tim Dohm (Cross Lanes, WV)-685
11.Shannon Babb (Moweaqua, IL)-645
12.Darren Miller (Chadwick, IL)-590
13.Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine, IA)-580
13.Eddie Carrier Jr. (Salt Rock, WV)-580
15.Jimmy Mars (Menomonie, WI)-545
15.Brady Smith (Solon Springs, WI)-545
17.Corey Conley (Wellsburg, WV)-530
18.Michael England (Glasgow, KY)-515
19.Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-510
20.Billy Moyer (Batesville, AR)-505
 
 
2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors
 
Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
 
K & N Filters - “Official Filters” of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
                                       
Sunoco Race Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
 
Hoosier Race Tires – “Official Race Tire of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
 
Arizona Sport Shirts – “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”
 
2006 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include:  Lucas Oil Products, K & N Filters, Sunoco Race Fuels, Arizona Sports Shirts, DART Machinery, COMP Cams, PBM Performance Products, Hawk Performance Brakes, Edelbrock, PPM, AFCO, Quarter Master, Design 500, Penske Racing Shocks, Weld Racing Wheels, Banshee Graphics, Jesel, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, Real Wheels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Lazer Race Cars, Mason Racin, Cruise With The Champions, Petroff Towing and All-Star Performance www.lucasdirt.com
[email protected]

Pearson Breaks The Ice at Brownstown

Jeffrey A. Bayless  

   Brownstown, IN (April 1, 2006)  The arrival of April means several things to Midwesterners, but to the dirt late model fans among us the biggest thing it means is the beginning of a new season for racers and fans alike.  The ¼ mile clay track known as Brownstown Speedway played host to 68 of the nations finest late model drivers as the 9^th Annual running of the Indiana Ice Breaker sponsored by Jones Core and featuring the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series was paying the winner a nice cool ten grand.    When it was all said and done Jacksonville, FL native “The Hurricane”, Earl Pearson Jr., guided his Larry Wallace Engines’ powered, Lucas Oil Products and Dunn Benson Ford sponsored Ford Taurus MasterSbilt chassis to victory lane.   

      The preliminaries began with several cars going under the previous track record in qualifying topped by Steve Francis and his blistering lap of 13.546 and the track continued to be fast and multi-grooved throughout the heats and concies leaving everyone in anticipation of a thrilling 75 lap main event.   The front row of Greg Johnson and Rick Eckert charged into turn 1 side by side with Eckert able to secure the lead as the duo came out of four to complete the first lap.  Eckert then began to separate from the field as Johnson, Tim Dohm, and Don O’Neal battled for the second spot.  All good things must come to an end, and that was the case with Eckert’s early lead as the caution came out on lap 6 as Matt Miller and Shannon Reed got tangled in turns 3 and 4.  On the restart Eckert’s machine faltered allowing several cars to charge by in turns 1 and 2 and Eckert was never a serious threat again during the event.   Johnson and O’Neal began a heated battle for the lead as Dohm, Darren Miller, and Jimmy Mars began to dance for position behind them.   By the eleventh lap Mars had secured the third spot and was reeling in the lead duo when trouble struck sending Mars off of the track in turn 1 as something broke on his car on the 14^th circuit.   O’Neal would make a serious challenge for the lead on the restart but Johnson was able to fend him off and retain the lead as Earl Pearson Jr. raced solidly in third ahead of Brian Birkhofer, Darrell Lanigan, and Doug Horton.   Johnson was able to take command once again as O’Neal found himself entertained with a determined Pearson as that duo began to dice it up for the second spot.   Then a lap 22 caution for Brad Neat’s spin out of turn 4 began a chain of events that would see several positions change hands over the next few laps.  On the restart Johnson once again fought off a challenge from O’Neal as Lanigan darted past Pearson to take third.  On the next circuit, Johnson slipped up coming out of two allowing O’Neal, Lanigan, and Pearson by.  When the 25^th lap was scored it was O’Neal with Lanigan in close pursuit with Pearson and Johnson battling for 4^th and Birkhofer and Horton tangling for the 5^th spot.  Lanigan would take the lead on the 27^th circuit diving under O’Neal coming out of 2 and would quickly begin to separate from the field.   On the 32^nd circuit Pearson would claim the second spot from O’Neal and would set his sights on the leader who was a half straight-away in front by this point.   Pearson would track down Lanigan and be glued to his bumper by the 40th circuit as the lead duo was negotiating traffic and quickly leaving the rest of the field in their dust.   Lanigan would slip just a bit on the 62^nd circuit opening the door for Pearson who flew through reversing the rolls with Pearson now in front of Lanigan as the duo continued to negotiate traffic.  With the top side of the track beginning to go away, Pearson made the decision when he caught the car of Shannon Babb 10 laps from the checkers that he would stay on the bottom and follow Babb forcing Lanigan to make a move to the outside, a move Lanigan was never able to make as the duo crossed the line with Pearson a couple of car lengths in front of Lanigan.  Half a lap back O’Neal would come across in third with Johnson, Birkhofer, Horton, Eckert, Scott James, Donnie Moran, and Babb rounding out the top 10.    

for top 5 icebreaker pictures by Darin Stewart, click here

RESULTS
LUCAS OIL DIRT SERIES LATE MODELS

68 entries

Fast Time:  15 Steve Francis:  13.546 (NTR) 

Heat 1 Transfers:  Birkhofer, Francis, Carrier

Heat 2 Transfers:  Dohm, England, Lanigan

Heat 3 Transfers:  Johnson, Horton, Erb

Heat 4 Transfers:  Miller, Pearson, Sheltra

Heat 5 Transfers:  Eckert, Barnett, Moran

Heat 6 Transfers:  O’Neal, Mars, Neat

Conci 1 Transfers:  Babb, Schlieper

Conci 2 Transfers:  Conley, Tungate

Series Provisionals:  James, Miller

Track Provisionals:  Reed, Barrow

 Feature (75 laps)
1. 1 Earl Pearson Jr. (10)
2. 29 Darrell Lanigan (14)
3. 71 Don O'Neal (4)
4. 4 Greg Johnson (1)
5. 15B Brian Birkhofer (6)
6. 45 Doug Horton (9)
7. 24 Rick Eckert (2)
8. 83 Scott James (23)
9. 99 Donnie Moran (17)
10. 18 Shannon Babb (19)

11. 14 Corey Conley (20)
12. 6T Tim Dohm (3)
13. 15 Steve Francis (7)
14. 32D Darren Miller (5)
15. 23 Patrick Sheltra (16)
16. 5E Michael England (8)
17.  28 Eddie Carrier Jr. (13)
18.  18 Tim Tungate (22)
19. 89 Steve Barnett (11)
20. 9 Dan Schlieper (21)
21. 28 Dennis Erb Jr. (15)
22. 21R Shannon Reed (25)
23. 57 Brad Barrow (26)
24. 41 Brad Neat (18)
25. 28 Jimmy Mars (12)
26. 7 Matt Miller (24)

Lap Leaders:

1-6 Eckert
7-23 Johnson
24-26 O’Neal
27-61 Lanigan
62-75 Pearson
Cautions:  4

www.lucasdirt.com
[email protected]

www.lucasdirt.com
[email protected]

2006 schedule