2006danville.htm

July 02 Sunday - Vermilion County Danville, IL $6000 to win 40 laps

Vermilion County Speedway
Danville, IL.
by: Terry Young

Shannon Babb continued his domination of the 2006 UMP Summer Nationals once again, winning his 5th consecutive event and his 9th overall in the first 14 races on the 2006 schedule. 32 cars passed through the gates at the Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, Illinois under the watchful eye of Bob Sargent and Bill Nelson, promoters of the event.

Tonights win would boost Babb's winnings to$70,000+ dollars in just over  a weeks work. Boss and team owner Bill Moyer was on hand and able to see Babb's handiwork as he rolled to the lead from his fourth place starting spot on the start and led every lap of the 40 lap A-Main event.

Babb began the evening recording the fast time honors and went on to win his heat over Randy Korte and Jack Sullivan. Other heats were won by Frank Heckenast, Jr. over Jason Feger and Kevin Weaver, Jeep Van Wormer over Don O'Neal and Dennis Erb and Brian Shirley over Rodney Melvin and Steve Sheppard.

By the time the feature event rolled onto the track, the bottom groove had become the preferred lane after heat race action seen 3 wide racing. Babb made his move early from the outside of row 2 knowing he would have to make a move early if he were to be a contender. Following Babb at the strip was Brian Shirley, Don O'Neal, Randy Korte, Jeep Van Wormer, Dennis Erb, Kevin Weaver, Rodney Melvin, Jack Sullivan and Frank Heckenast, Jr. rounding out the top 10.

Babb was driving his Bill Moyer, Sr. owned C.J. Rayburn built #18 that the team has dubbed "Wildside" powered by a RaceTek powerplant with sponsorship from CAR CITY, Watters Autoland, Hoosier by Smash, J&J Steel, Weld Wheels, Platinum Motors, Petroff Towing Outlawd Motorsports, Dyers Top Rods, OutPace Products, ALLSTAR Automotive and Team Petersen under the preperation of Jay Hunt, Andrew Barnes and Mike Mudd.


Summary:

Fast Qualifier: Shannon Babb

Heat 1: Heckenast, Jr., Feger, Weaver, Shawn Toczek, Patrick Sheltra, Dick Potts, Eddie Leviner, Jim Felker

Heat 2: Van Wormer, O'Neal, Erb, Richie Hedrick, Wendell Wallace, Billy Moyer, Jr., Don Cisco III, Don Mehalic

Heat 3: Babb, Korte, Sullivan, Derek Chandler, Shickel, Jr., Jordan Bland, Kerry Matthew

Heat 4: Shirley, Melvin, Sheppard, Jr., Joe Harlan, Corey Rolfe, Dan Walden, Lisa Shickel

Consi 1: Hedrick, Wallace, Toczek, Sheltra, Potts, Moyer, Jr., Cisco III, Mehalic

Consi 2: Chandler, Shickel, Jr., Harlan, Shannon Reed, Weaver, Troy Hudson, Walden, Rolfe, Shickel

Feature: 40 Lap A-Main Event $6,000.00 to WIN
Starting Position in Parenthesis

  1. (4) Shannon Babb
  2. (2) Brian Shirley
  3. (6) Don O'Neal
  4. (7) Randy Korte
  5. (1) Jeep Van Wormer
  6. (10) Dennis Erb
  7. (9) Kevin Weaver
  8. (8) Rodney Melvin
  9. (11) Jack Sullivan
10. (3) Frank Heckenast, Jr.
11. (15) Wendell Wallace
12. (13) Richie Hedrick
13. (12) Steve Sheppard, Jr.
14. (P) Patrick Sheltra
15. (19) Dan Walden
16. (P) Don Cisco III

(P) Denotes Provisional Starting Position

Media Contact: Michelle Petroff, (618) 406-6842 or [email protected]


4th ANNUAL TRI-TRACK CHALLENGE YIELDS THREE DIFFERENT WINNERS, ELUSIVE BONUS UNCLAIMED


MACON, IL (June 6, 2006) - For the third consecutive year, superb racing surfaces and stout competition yielded three different winners in the “Tri-Track Challenge” including a pair of first time tour winners. So, yet again, the $10,000 posted bonus for any competitor who can win two of the three “Tri-Track Challenge” events went unclaimed.

Thirty-four entries, which included a strong mix of national touring drivers and regional hotshoes, converged at Paducah International Raceway to kick off the “4th Annual Tri-Track Challenge”. The “master” of PIR and three-time U.M.P. National Late Model Champion, Terry English, recorded fast time honors and heat race winners included Chub Frank, Rodney Melvin, Terry English and Randy Korte. Using the Tri-Track Frisbee draw for the top 2 finishers of each heat, it was Joe Morris of Galatia, IL, who started on the pole for the 40-lap main event. Morris steadily used the low groove at Paducah International Raceway to sneak past race leader Brian Shirley with five laps to go. The $10,000 Tri-Track payday was the biggest win to date for the 2000 PIR track champion and his first national victory.

Morris then trekked to I-55 Raceway on Saturday hoping to beat out the thirty-five other entrants for Round 2 so he could capture the $10,000 bonus money. After several showers and a rain delay, the staff of I-55 diligently worked to save the track and made an awesome racing surface. The ultra-quick track provided three and four-wide racing all night long. Illinois leadfoot Randy Korte notched quick time and a heat win along with Billy Moyer, Steve Sheppard and Joe Morris. Korte had everything to lose when it was time for the Frisbee draw but his string of good luck continued as he flipped over the disc with #1 and started the feature from the pole. Korte was fast with no exception and catapulted to the lead and only faced a little heat from 6th place starting Shannon Babb before sealing the deal for his ten grand. Korte was followed to the stripe by travelers Babb, Billy Moyer, Darren Miller and Brian Shirley.

Going in to the final leg of the “Tri-Track Challenge” tour, two driver were positioned to end the night $20,000 richer if they could win the finale at Vermilion County Speedway. Morris‚ absence left the door open for Randy Korte to take top honors in his home state but the thirty-car field once again boasted some of the best names in the industry. Korte again set the bar during qualifying and won a heat race along with Shannon Babb, Ryan Dauber and Jimmy Mars. “King Kong” was positioned to become the only driver other than Babb to take the bounty but a bauble on lap one resulted in a multi-car pileup. Moyer commanded the lead but it was “The Moweaqua Missile” and Illinois powerhouse Shannon Babb that diced his way to the front from his fifth place starting spot to steal the lead from the polesitting “Mr. Smooth”. Moyer made attempts at Babb but the 33-year-old Illinoisan cruised to his sixth Tri-Track win with Moyer, Korte, Dauber and reigning U.M.P. National Champion Rodney Melvin in tow.

All of us at Paducah International Raceway, I-55 Raceway, Vermilion County Speedway and United Midwestern Promoters would like to thank all of the competitors, sponsors and spectators who joined us for the “4th Annual Tri-Track Challenge”. We are looking forward to more Tri-Track excitement in 2007 once again during the first weekend in June. We look forward to seeing you again soon during the popular Summernationals’ tour which will visit us at PIR on June 29th, I-55 Raceway on July 1st and Vermilion Co. Speedway on July 2nd.


4th Annual Tri-Track Challenge

Round 1: Paducah Int’l Rcwy - Paducah, KY (34 entries)

Fast Qualifier: Terry English
Heat Race 1: Chub Frank, Shannon Babb, John Tindal, Kevin Cole
Heat Race 2: Rodney Melvin, Joe Morris, Wendell Wallace, Kevin Weaver
Heat Race 3: Terry English, Jimmy Mars, Jimmy Owens, Billy Drake
Heat Race 4: Randy Korte, Brian Shirley, Darren Miller, Bryan Collins
B-Main: Terry Phillips, Billy James, Michael Steele, Jeff Sloan
Feature: 1. Joe Morris (1), 2. Brian Shirley (2), 3. Shannon Babb (4), 4. Darren Miller (12), 5. Jimmy Mars (5), 6. Randy Korte (3), 7. Terry English (7), 8. Terry Phillips (17), 9. Billy Drake (15), 10. Kevin Weaver (14), 11. Bryan Collins (16), 12. Billy James (18), 13. Jimmy Owens (11), 14. Michael Steele (19), 15. Chub Frank (8), 16. John Tindal (9), 17. Jeff Sloan (20), 18. Matt Liner (22), 19. Rodney Melvin (6), 20. Jarryd Holshouser (23), 21. Kevin Cole (13), 22. Wendell Wallace (10), 23. Dylan Thompson (21)

Total Positions Advanced (A-Main): 54
Most Positions Advanced: Terry Phillips (9)



Round 2: I-55 Rcwy - Pevely, MO (36 entries)

Fast Qualifier: Randy Korte
Heat 1: Billy Moyer, Tim Ratajczyk, Brian Shirley, Ed Dixon
Heat 2: Steve Sheppard, Darren Miller, Jimmy Owens, Jeff Johns
Heat 3: Randy Korte, Shannon Babb, Jimmy Mars, Dennis Erb Jr.
Heat 4: Joe Morris, Mark Voigt, Billy Faust, Danny Haynes
B-Main #1: Brian Birkhofer, Bryan Collins, Michael Kloos, Steve Shive
B-Main #2: Terry Phillips, Rodney Melvin, Kevin Weaver, Tim Manville
Feature: 1.Randy Korte (1), 2. Shannon Babb (6), 3. Billy Moyer (7), 4. Darren Miller (8), 5. Brian Shirley (9), 6. Steve Sheppard (5), 7. Jimmy Mars (11), 8. Joe Morris (2), 9. Brian Birkhofer (17), 10. Billy Faust (12), 11. Ed Dixon (13), 12. Dennis Erb Jr. (15), 13. Terry Phillips (18), 14. Bryan Collins (19), 15. Mark Oller (25), 16. Tim Manville (24), 17. Mark Voigt (3), 18. Jimmy Owens (10), 19. Danny Haynes (16), 20. Michael Kloos (21), 21. Kevin Weaver (22), 22. Steve Shive (23), 23. Tim Ratajczyk (4), 24. Rodney Melvin (20), 25. Jeff Johns (14)

Total Positions Advanced (A-Main): 64
Most Positions Advanced: Mark Oller (10)



Round 3: Vermilion Co. Speedway - Danville, IL (30 entries)

Quick Time: Randy Korte
Heat 1: Ryan Dauber, Dennis Erb Jr., Rodney Melvin, Jason Feger
Heat 2: Shannon Babb, Don O‚Neal, Steve Hillard, Joe Harlen
Heat 3: Jimmy Mars, Brian Birkhofer, Tim Lance, Brian Shirley
Heat 4: Randy Korte, Billy Moyer, Darren Miller, Michael Bradley
B-Main: Richie Hedrick, Kerry Matthew, Junior Shickel, Terry Babb
Feature: 1. Shannon Babb (5), 2. Billy Moyer (1), 3. Randy Korte (7), 4. Ryan Dauber (2), 5. Rodney Melvin (9), 6. Don O'Neal (3), 7. Jimmy Mars (6), 8. Richie Hedrick (17), 9. Brian Shirley (15), 10. Steve Hillard (10), 11. Joe Harlan (14), 12. Kerry Matthew (18), 13. Jason Feger (13), 14. Jr Shickel (19), 15. Darren Miller (12), 16. Brian Birkhofer (4), 17. Dennis Erb Jr. (8), 18. Michael Bradley (16), 19. Terry Babb (20), 20. Tim Lance (11)

Total Positions Advanced (A-Main): 41
Most Positions Advanced: Richie Hedrick (9)



2003-2006 Tri-Track Challenge Feature Winners
Shannon Babb = 6 (3 - 2003, 1 - 2004, 1 - 2005, 1 - 2006)
Don O‚Neal = 2 (1 -  2004, 1 - 2005)
Billy Moyer = 1 (2004)
Jimmy Mars = 1 (2005)
Joe Morris = 1 (2006)
Randy Korte = 1 (2006)


$10,000 Bonus Winner(s)
Shannon Babb (2003)

THE RICHARDSON REVISITED
By Jack Taylor

(5-31-06) This will be my story, not a recap of Chad Kinder's triumphant win just completed in the 13th Annual Richardson Memorial of 2006 after finishing second to Denny Schwartz in 2005. Chad became the 12th different winner of the historic Memorial Day weekend race for UMP Modified racers throughout the Midwest. Only Schwartz has won the classic two times, in 2001 and 2005. On the average, more than 100 cars and drivers have rolled into the pits each year to test their talents against the always tough to tame Vermilion County Speedway track on Memorial Day weekend. The record turnout was 141 cars in 2001. Mother Nature has been an enemy on several events, but this weekend was soaked in 90 degree heat with sunshine in abundance.

If you have followed my race reports and summaries over the past few years, you will have already formed an opinion on my loyalties to Vermilion County Speedway, a track I have never raced on or will, but it is my home track. Everybody has one. Sometimes I feel this special annual event has been left behind as other tracks attempt to duplicate the Richardson by offering sizeable incentives to modified drivers, even late model drivers who have their own special races for large purses, not needing to force out eligible, regular well deserving modified drivers. I suppose if the payout is high enough, late model drivers feel its open season whenever the money is available. Large corporate sponsors with money will attract many  drivers, even late models. Can't say I blame them. 

My point is, I feel it is time for a special race with the prominence that the Richardson has, to continue increasing the  winning purse each year until they reach a point  where the top modified drivers want to come and race against their best counterparts. The promoters in the past few years have added a "B" feature paying a $1,000 purse to help drivers unable to make the feature. That helps drivers to pay their expenses. The cost of fuel has left many to worry about traveling. Maybe the Richardson should be expanded to a two-day show. VCS needs to move into the future and generate more incentives to draw the top modified drivers who compete regularly at their home tracks. No late model drivers allowed without a Ump modified competitors card. And more additional races to draw more cars from farther away. I realize this all costs money to promote and I wish I had the right answers. VCS is a leader in modified racing and it should strive to remain as the track that belongs on top. 

UMP National Champions such as Jimmy Owens, Denny Schwartz, Jeff Leka, Mike Marlar, Dean Hoffman, Jeff Martin, Steve Hillard, and other greats have all displayed their talents to the fans over the years. The Richardson Memorial has always been the the place to be for the best modified drivers 

Over the past few years, I have arrived at the track a few days early with my understanding better half and our camper in tow to relax in the shade of  a large tree-line. A bonfire to sit around and tell racing stories with friends before and after race night is a priority.

I have felt the pain a promoter feels when there is a threatening rain approaching just as time trials are starting, or the tardiness of fans before race time when you know this is a break-even night at best,  or the exhilaration of looking at the stands and seeing a sold-out crowd still filing in. I worry if there is too much water or too little on the track to start hot laps. I wonder how the concessions will do on certain nights when I had it all figured out perfectly, then the crowd surprises me and I worry now if there is enough to compensate for a bigger crowd I see coming through the gate. Oh well, hopefully it will be enough. Maybe I'll concentrate on track preparation and not dwell on it for a while.

There have been three promoters who given their all to the continued success of the Richardson Memorial race and I am proud to say they are all very good friends whom I have watched on race nights as they strived to present the best show possible to fans and drivers. Phil Richardson, Bill Marietta, and Bill Nelson have all done their part in presenting this greatest Modified event every year for the fans and drivers. I visited with all three this past weekend and I am blessed to have them as friends. And the flagman, Rick Isaacson, has been flagging at VCS since the beginning of the Richardson. Pretty hard to find anyone knowing more about the drivers than he does. And he also is a very good friend, sharing with me his knowledge on the background of the Richardson. We met with everyone we could find and hope all the bases were covered. We were treated with respect and we really appreciate it. Here's to continued success for many years for the Richardson Memorial.

Media Contact: Michelle Petroff, (618) 406-6842 or [email protected]


DIRT TEAMS AND FANS PREPARE FOR THIS WEEKEND’S “4th ANNUAL TRI-TRACK CHALLENGE”

 
MACON, IL (May 31, 2006) - After weeks of anticipation, several of the best dirt late model teams in the nation are making final preparations for this weekend’s “4th Annual Tri-Track Challenge”.  The upcoming U.M.P.-sanctioned trifecta consists of three independent $10,000-to-win shows plus an additional $10,000 bonus available to any competitor who can win two of the three events.
 
National touring drivers, series champions and regional throttlestompers are ready for door-to-door, mud slingin’ racing action in the three state showdown.  Past and present champions and rookies from United Midwestern Promoters, Lucas Oil DirtCar Series/NARA, Xtreme DirtCar Series/Hav-A-Tampa, Northern Allstars Late Model Series, U.M.P. Challenge of Champions’ Series and U.M.P. Summernationals will be on tap with hopes of winning the $10,000, 40-lap main events.
 
The Tri-Track Challenge will debut this Friday night at the Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Ken Schrader-owned Paducah International Raceway.  The 3/8-mile, high-banked track conveniently located off of I-24 in McCracken County, KY, has recently undergone numerous upgrades to the track and facilities that both spectators and competitors will recognize and benefit from.  The new PIR will host their first Tri-Track as a prelude to their U.M.P. Summernationals’ event slotted for June 29th. We would also like to remind fans and competitors to enter PIR’s hot new promotion the “Chevrolet Silverado Sunset Giveaway” at the track for a chance to win a new 2007 Chevy Silverado Pickup and ride in style like Dale Jr.!
 
Teams will then caravan to the Show Me State for another Ken Schrader-owned facility –  the 1/3-mile highbanks of I-55 Raceway.  The Pevely, MO, track is located 30 miles south of St. Louis on I-55 and boasts an impressive pedigree of weekly racers and special event winners.  I-55 Raceway has hosted all three previous installments of the Tri-Track Challenge and each event yielded a different winner.  Shannon Babb, the winningest driver on the circuit and only driver to ever nab the $10,000 bonus, won the inaugural event but Indiana’s own Don O’Neal stole the show in 2004 and Jimmy Mars from Elk Mound, WI, took top honors last year.
 
Back on the schedule for the third year, Vermilion Co. Speedway in Danville, IL, will host the 2006 Tri-Track Challenge finale. The 3/8-mile semi-banked facility is now promoted by a renowned duo in dirt late model racing – Bill Nelson, Director of the Northern Allstars Late Model Series, and veteran track and special events promoter Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises.  National touring veterans Billy Moyer and Don O’Neal both claimed Tri-Track victories at Vermilion County but the 2006 entry list boats impressive names looking to reign supreme.
 
This year’s “Tri-Track Challenge” retains popular features including the Frisbee draw, free general admission for kids 12 and under at all tracks, no entry fees for competitors and the $10,000 bonus opportunity but the format has been slightly modified to accommodate the wishes of competitors and to make for the best possible show.  Here’s how it works…

Each competitor will participate in a pill draw for qualifying.  Competitors will then be placed into groups based on the pill draw and you will hotlap, qualify and compete in the heat race with this same group of cars. The top two finishers from each heat race will draw a Frisbee marked with a secret number on the frontstretch during driver introductions to determine their starting spot in the feature event.  Consolation races will be lined up according to your finish in the heat result and the remainder of the A-Main starting field will also be started according to heat race transfer order.  Each main event will consist of 40 laps of wide-open dirt late model racing with the winner receiving a $10,000 payday.  Each track has also selected 2-5 additional divisions that will provide great racing during the night’s activities.
 
The response to the “4th Annual Tri-Track Challenge” has been very strong and we anticipate a stellar field of cars each night but a dozen names tentatively slotted to compete to the partial or full tour include:  
 


 
 
2006 U.M.P. Tri-Track Challenge Information

Friday, June 2, 2006
Paducah International Raceway
Location: Exit 11 on I-24, Paducah, KY
Promoters: Dale Earnhardt, Jr, Ken Schrader and Bob Sargent
Track Phone: (270) 898-7469
Track Website: http://www.paducahinternationalraceway.com
Gates Open: Pits – 4:00 p.m., Main Gate – 5:00 p.m.
Prices: Grandstands - $25, Kids 12 & Under - FREE, Pit Passes - $30, NO ENTRY FEE
Race Times: Qualifying – 6:45 p.m., Racing – 7:30 p.m.
Divisions Competing: U.M.P. Super Late Models, CARS Crate Late Models, U.M.P. Modifieds, U.M.P. Street Stocks, Outlaw Mini Sprints, 4-Cylinder Warriors
 
 
Saturday, June 3, 2006
I-55 Raceway
Location: Exit 178 on I-55, Pevely, MO
Promoters: Ken Schrader and Ray Marler
Track Phone: (636) 479-3219
Track Website: http://www.i55raceway.com
Gates Open: Pits – 4:00 p.m., Main Gate – 5:00 p.m.
Prices: Grandstands - $25, Kids 12 & Under - FREE, Pit Passes - $30, NO ENTRY FEE
Race Times: Qualifying – 6:15 p.m., Racing – 7:00 p.m.
Divisions Competing: U.M.P. Super Late Models, U.M.P. Modifieds, U.M.P. Sportsman
 

Sunday, June 4, 2006
Vermilion County Speedway
Location: Exit 210 on I-74, Danville, IL
Promoters: Bill Nelson and Bob Sargent
Track Phone: (217) 443-6588
Track Website: http://www.vermilioncountyspeedway.net
Gates Open: Pits – 3:00 p.m., Main Gate – 4:00 p.m.
Prices: Grandstands - $25, Kids 12 & Under - FREE, Pit Passes - $30, NO ENTRY FEE
Race Times: Qualifying – 6:30 p.m., Racing – 7:00 p.m.
Divisions Competing: U.M.P. Super Late Models, U.M.P. Modifieds, U.M.P. Street Stocks, Pure Stocks







Past U.M.P. Tri-Track Challenge Highlights

2005
Segment #1 – Vermilion Co. Speedway, Danville, IL
Fast Qualifier: Dennis Erb, Jr. (IL)
Dash Winner: Dennis Erb, Jr. (IL)
Heat Winners: Roger Long (IL) and Michael Bradley (IL)
Feature Top-5: Shannon Babb (IL), Darren Miller (IL), Kevin Weaver (IL), Brady Smith (WI) and Jimmy Mars (WI)
 
Segment #2 - I-55 Raceway, Pevely, MO
Fast Qualifier: John Vandenberg (IA)
Dash Winner: Billy Drake (IL)
Heat Winners: Shannon Babb (IL), Billy Faust (IL) and Jeep Van Wormer (MI)
Consi Winner: Jim Shereck (MO)
Feature Top-5: Jimmy Mars (WI), Darren Miller (IL), Shannon Babb (IL), Jeep Van Wormer (MI) and Billy Faust (IL)
 
Segment #3 – Tri-State Speedway, Haubstadt, IN
Fast Qualifier: Don O’Neal (IN)
Dash Winner: Don O’Neal (IN)
Heat Winners: Randy Korte (IL) and Rodney Melvin (IL)
Feature Top-5: Don O’Neal (IN), Dennis Erb, Jr. (IL), Darren Miller (IL), Jimmy Mars (WI) and Rodney Melvin (IL)
 
2003-2005 Tri-Track Challenge Feature Winners
Shannon Babb = 5 (3 – 2003, 1 – 2004, 1 – 2005)
Don O’Neal = 2 (1 – 2004, 1 – 2005)
Billy Moyer = 1 (1 – 2004)
Jimmy Mars = 1 (1 – 2005)
 
$10,000 Bonus Winner(s)
Shannon Babb (2003)

May 12....Rain

 Richardson Memorial Details....click here

Chad Kinder wins 13th Annual Richardson Memorial
Courtesy of Chris Nunn

DAVID RICHARDSON MEMORIAL RESULTS
May 28, 2006

UMP MODIFIEDS (79 Entries)

Fast Overall Qualifier: Gabe Menser

HEAT ONE: Jamey Henson, Gary Cook Jr, Brad Deyoung, Rory Overmyer, Brian McDaniel, Ryan Cary, Kyle Cooper, Kent Robinson, Tim Weber, Ed Shamhart

HEAT TWO: Mike Roundtree, Chuck Haga, JD Francis, Dustin King, Don Kiger, Bill Wagoner, Mitch Brown, Jay Crichton, Craig Conyer, Travis Shoulders

HEAT THREE: Tommy Burnside, Jeff Leka, Rodney Standerfer, Terry Duncan, Matt Huddleston, Roger Mills, Danny Schwartz, Kelly Kovski, Kevin Gummere, Jesse Snyder

HEAT FOUR: Gabe Menser, Denny Schwartz, Ryan Thomas, Rob Fuqua, Kevin Deyoung, Jammie Wilson, Ron Matthys, Steve Ott, Tom Staggs, Jim Shipman

HEAT FIVE: Aaron Ricketts, Jesse Cramer, Matt Bex, Tim Reynolds, Josh Scott, Steve Adams, Jim Bailey, Terry Pichon, Jamie Lomax, Doug Jones

HEAT SIX: Chad Kinder, Jason Lakey, Bob Pohlman, Arby Burton, Matt Bachman, Jeff Curl, Jim Moore, Roger Cary, Dave Wheatley, Kevin Weaver

HEAT SEVEN: Dan Hamstra, Michael Bradley, Matt Mevert, John Demoss, Matt Goulden, Josh Ferguson, Lance Dehm, Phil Sturm, Cody Hood, Brian McQueen

HEAT EIGHT: Earl Plessinger, Matt Boknecht, Wes McClara, Scott Bull, Brett Chinn, Chris Hillman, Corey Partin, Todd Gilpin, Ryan King

CONSI ONE: Brad Deyoung, Dustin King, Brian McDaniel, JD Francis, Kent Robinson, Don Kiger, Craig Conyer, Kyle Cooper, Rory Overmyer, Mitch Brown, Jay Crichton, Ryan Cary, Tim Weber, Bill Wagoner, Ed Shamhart, Travis Shoulders

CONSI TWO: Rodney Standerfer, Ryan Thomas, Terry Duncan, Rob Fuqua, Danny Schwartz, Matt Huddleston, Kelly Kovski, Kevin Deyoung, Jammie Wilson, Jesse Snyder, Steve Ott, Tom Staggs, Roger Mills, Kevin Gummere, Ron Matthys, Jim Shipman

CONSI THREE: Matt Bex, Arby Burton, Bob Pohlman, Josh Scott, Tim Reynolds, Steve Adams, Roger Cary, Terry Pichon, Tom Bailey, Jim Moore, Jamie Lomax, Jeff Curl, Matt Bachman, Dave Wheatley, Doug Jones, Kevin Weaver

CONSI FOUR: Matt Mevert, John Demoss, Matt Goulden, Wes McClara, Josh Ferguson, Scott Bull, Chris Hillman, Cody Hood, Lance Dehm, Brett Chinn, Phil Sturm, Corey Partin, Ryan King, Brian McQueen, Todd Gilpin

B-MAIN: Brian McDaniel, Terry Duncan, Denny Schwartz, Scott Bull, Matt Goulden, Rob Fuqua, Kent Robinson, Tim Reynolds, JD Francis, Craig Conyer, Josh Scott, Wes McClara, Roger Cary, Steve Adams, Kelly Kovski, Matt Huddleston, Chris Hillman, Don Kiger, Josh Ferguson, Bob Pohlman

DAVID RICHARDSON MEMORIAL: Chad Kinder, Dan Hamstra, Gabe Menser, Jeff Leka, Aaron Ricketts, Denny Schwartz, Gary Cook Jr, John Demoss, Chuck Haga, Jesse Cramer, Michael Bradley, Jason Lakey, Matt Mevert, Matt Boknecht, Ryan Thomas, Jamie Henson, Arby Burton, Rodney Standerfer, Brad Deyoung, Matt Bex, Earl Plessinger, Dustin King, Tommy Burnside, Mike Roundtree

May 5, 2006

Joe Buyno Claims “Marcus Phelps Memorial” at VCS; Burnside, Charron, Shuman, and Cross claim Victories
By: Chris Nunn
 
Joe Buyno survived a late race skirmish, and held on to claim the 28 lap “Marcus Phelps Memorial” for the UMP Street Stock division Friday night at Vermilion County Speedway. In other action at the track, Tommy Burnside emerged victorious in the UMP Modified division, In Pure Stock action, Randy Schuman took the checkers, Nathan Charron won a duel over John Paynter, and in Hornet feature action, Jim Cross, Sr. found victory lane after his son Jim Cross, Jr. flipped violently while leading the event.
 
The “Marcus Phelps Memorial” main event started with Lee J. Hall and Steve Nolen, Jr. on the front row as the 20 car field took Rick Issacson’s green flag. As the field went into the first turn, Buyno would dive to the low side and get around both Hall and Nolen for the lead. Mike Hope, Jr. would sneak through and get around Nolen for the third position during the first turn madness. With the field safely through to complete two circuits, Larry Matillo found a way past Nolen for the fourth spot, bringing Ben Maxson with him around Nolen as well. Up front, Buyno and Hall were starting to pull away from the third place car of Hope. The first caution of the race flew on lap nine, as Nolen looped his mount around in turn two. The restart saw Buyno and Hall pull away once more, with Matillo and Hope going at it for the third spot. Maxson didn’t want to be left out of the action, so he joined in to make it a three way for the third position. The trio came down the frontstretch on lap 11 still three wide until they hit turn one. Maxson went into turn one and under the tires in the infield. While attempting to go by both cars, he made contact with Matillo, sending him around. Matillo would go to the tail with a flat left front, as Maxson would be penalized to the rear as well for going under the infield tires. When racing resumed, it was still Buyno and Hall pulling away from the field in a race of their own. At the halfway point, on lap 14, they were close to a full straight ahead of the third place car of Hope. Hall made his first attempt to get under Buyno on lap 17, but to no avail. Buyno looked a bit faster coming out of the turns, as Hall looked to have advantages into the corners. Behind the two leaders, Josh Foxworthy would lay claim to third, getting around Hope. Neil Rollins and Jerrad Krick also got around Hope as well. Hope’s problems turned to be fatal, as he took his car to the infield on lap 21. With the top two cars now a full straightaway ahead of Foxworthy with just five laps to go, Hall had to turn up the heat on Buyno. Hall’s numerous attempts to get around Buyno were thwarted, as Buyno would simply outdrag Hall down the straights. Just after the field took the two to go signal, Hall dove into turn one under Buyno. In doing so, he made contact with Buyno, sending him around. Track officials deemed “aggressive driving” and sent Hall to the back, while Buyno would reclaim his spot up front. Buyno would then hold off Krick to the finish when the race resumed, to claim his first “Marcus Phelps Memorial” event. Trailing Buyno and Krick to the line were Rollins, Jesse Simmons, and Scott Tidwell completed the top five. The Ridge Farm, IL native is sponsored by: Lube Right, Halls Race Shop, and Buyno Farms.
 
In the UMP Modified feature event, a familiar face found his way back into victory lane after a multi year absence. “Topside” Tommy Burnside morphed into “Bottomside” Tommy Burnside, utilizing the bottom all race long en route to victory. The 20 lap feature event started out with a caution before one lap could be completed, as Roger Cary slowed on the backstretch. The second attempt at a start was called back as well for Wes McClara and Terry Duncan in turn two. The third time was indeed the charm, as Burnside shot to the lead from his pole position, leading the field around to complete the first circuit. A three-way battle for the second position began to brew with Dan Hamstra, Gabe Menser, and Rob Fuqua. Menser emerged the winner of that battle, with Fuqua taking third, and Hamstra to fourth. Hamstra would then have to contend with Arby Burton for his fourth position. Hamstra would overpower Burton to keep his fourth position. The field would slow on lap four, as Tom Staggs looped his car in turn four in a one car spin. Burnside paced the field around to the green flag on the restart, with Menser right on his bumper. Behind them, Hamstra would begin to work on Fuqua for the third position. Hamstra would have his momentum slowed by a caution on lap eight for Staggs. On the restart, Burnside again hit the bottom of the track, with Menser right on his tail. Hamstra and Fuqua would resume their battle, but this time with another competitor in Burton. After the dust settled in the battle for third, Hamstra would emerge with the spot, with Fuqua fourth, and Burton fifth. With Burnside and Menser about three quarters of a straight ahead of the field, the top two looked concrete. With two laps to go, Burton made a pass on Fuqua for the fourth position. Up front, Burnside would hold off Menser to claim the victory after a multi year absence from victory lane, and racing for that matter. Completing the top five were Hamstra, Burton, and Fuqua. Dyers Ag Repair, Guyer Farms, Burnside Farms, Hollon Signs, Heltsley Farms Angus Freezer Beef, and Bob Pierce Race Cars sponsor Burnside.
 
In Pure Stock action, Randy Shuman finally found victory lane after some setbacks in weeks previous. Schuman lead the first lap and proceeded to run away with the 12 lap feature event. Last weeks feature winner, Jack Dowers started fourth and ended up with the second position when the checkers flew. Completing the top five were Walter Parsons, Don Treadway, and Jacob Johnson. Schuman is sponsored by Schultz Game Calls, Zep by Keith Suits, and by Brayton and Blaise.
 
Jim Cross, Sr had an unfortunate view of the crash that took his son, Jim Cross, Jr. out of the lead in the Hornet main event. On the fifth circuit, Cross, Jr. flipped violently through turns one and two and landed upside down. After a few minutes of making sure everything was OK in the car, Cross, Jr. emerged from the wreckage under his own power. When the field was reset for the restart, Cross Sr. was now the leader via running second at the time of the red flag. The elder Cross then went on to go unchallenged for the win in his self sponsored #5c. Completing the top five were Kevin Grant, Tony Tidwell, Sr., Chris Newell, and Paul Weisman.
 
In 600cc Mini Sprint Action, Nathan Charron cabbaged on a late race caution, and got around race leader, John Paynter with just five laps to go. Paynter had led from the start, and pulled out to a good sized lead over the field before Charron got under him. Paynter then lost the second spot to Jonathan Hendrick with just a couple of laps to go. Lucas Sprague and Bryan Cox rounded out the top five. PMP Chassis, Sign Design, and Warren Danz Law Office sponsor Charron.
 
SUMMARY:
 
UMP MODIFIEDS (24 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT ONE: Gabe Menser, Terry Duncan, Dan Hamstra, Jimmy Hayden, Cody Hood, Craig Conyer, Bill Wagoner, Danny Schwartz
 
HEAT TWO: Roger Cary, Rob Fuqua, Don Kiger, Jammie Wilson, Ron Matthys, Tim Reynolds, Phil Vansant, Seth Parker
 
HEAT THREE: Tommy Burnside, Arby Burton, Wes McClara, Tom Staggs, Terry Pichon, Jamie Henson, Ryan Cary, Doug Jones
 
CONSI: Jamie Henson, Tim Reynolds, Bill Wagoner, Danny Schwartz, Phil Vansant, Doug Jones, Ryan Cary, Seth Parker
 
FEATURE: Tommy Burnside, Gabe Menser, Dan Hamstra, Arby Burton, Rob Fuqua, Don Kiger, Wes McClara, Terry Duncan, Jamie Henson, Craig Conyer, Tim Reynolds, Cody Hood, Bill Wagoner, Jimmy Hayden, Ron Matthys, Danny Schwartz, Tom Staggs, Jammie Wilson, Terry Pichon, Roger Cary
 
UMP STREET STOCKS ( 31 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT ONE: Steve Nolen Jr, Lee J. Hall, Ben Maxson, Jerrad Krick, Willie Kerst, Scott Miller, Daniel Foxworthy, Mike Goodwin, Jim Ransom, Chad Ziegler
 
HEAT TWO: Joe Buyno, Larry Matillo, Josh Foxworthy, Jonah Buyno, Frank Wright, Wes Parsons, Scott Buchanan, Pete Bruce, Steve Evans, Ryan Taylor, Jason Townsend
 
HEAT THREE: Mike Hope Jr, Neil Rollins, Nathan Alexander, Jesse Simmons, Chris McCoy, Scott Tidwell, Eric Austin, Jim Brown, Jimmy Akins, Jim Hanson
 
CONSI ONE: Scott Tidwell, Jim Ransom, Scott Buchanan, Jimmy Akins, Jason Townsend, Eric Austin, Ryan Taylor, Jim Brown
 
CONSI TWO: Daniel Foxworthy, Jim Hanson, Scott Miller, Steve Evans, Pete Bruce, Mike Goodwin, Chad Ziegler
 
MARCUS PHELPS MEMORIAL FEATURE: Joe Buyno, Jerrad Krick, Neil Rollins, Jesse Simmons, Scott Tidwell, Jim Ransom, Nathan Alexander, Chris McCoy, Jim Hanson, Steve Nolen Jr, Lee J. Hall, Josh Foxworthy, Ben Maxson, Mike Hope Jr, Larry Matillo, Jonah Buyno, Frank Wright, Wes Parsons
 
PURE STOCKS (8 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT: Randy Schuman, Walter Parsons, Lance Evans, Jack Dowers, Tony Mitchell, Gordon Parsons, Jacob Johnson, Don Treadway
 
FEATURE: Randy Schuman, Jack Dowers, Walter Parsons, Don Treadway, Jacob Johnson, Tony Mitchell, Lance Evans, Gordon Parsons
 
HORNETS (21 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT ONE: Jim Cross Jr, Mike Pollitt, Danny Cope, Chris Newell, Paul Weisman, Matthew Marrow, Luke Smith, Bill Kingore, Chris Quinn, James Buyno, Curtis Thompson
 
HEAT TWO: Jim Cross Sr, Tony Tidwell Sr, Clint Sommer, Kevin Grant, Tony Tidwell Jr, Chris Graves, Brock Evans, Mike Johnson, Ryan Tucker, Kenny Tidwell
 
FEATURE: Jim Cross Sr, Kevin Grant, Tony Tidwell Sr, Chris Newell, Paul Weisman, Danny Cope, James Buyno, Matthew Marrow, Chris Graves, Brock Evans, Bill Kingore, Tony Tidwell Jr, Mike Pollitt, Clint Sommer, Luke Smith, Jim Cross Jr, Mike Johnson, Chris Quinn, Ryan Tucker, Kenny Tidwell, Curtis Thompson
 
600CC MINI SPRINTS (15 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT ONE: John Paynter, Bryan Cox, Ian Keller, Kasey Schrock, Will Sylvester, Ryan Langston, Wesley Gordon, Nick Eastin
 
HEAT TWO: Lucas Sprague, Jonathan Hendrick, Nathan Charron, Bryce Hites, Caleb Graybeal, Jared Cagley, Gregg Dillion
 
FEATURE: Nathan Charron, Jonathan Hendrick, John Paynter, Lucas Sprague, Bryan Cox, Kasey Schrock, Will Sylvester, Ian Keller, Gregg Dillion, Bryce Hites, Jared Cagley, Nick Eastin, Caleb Graybeal, Wesley Gordon, Ryan Langston

Media Contact: Michelle Petroff, (618) 406-6842 or [email protected]


4th ANNUAL U.M.P. TRI-TRACK CHALLENGE RETURNS WITH $40,000 WEEKEND

MACON, IL (May 5, 2006) – For the fourth consecutive year, the promoters of three popular Midwestern speedplants are hosting the “U.M.P. Tri-Track Challenge”.  The Tri-Track Challenge consists of three consecutive $10,000-to-win events at a trio of dirt tracks in Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois during the June 2-4th weekend.  Adding to the excitement of the nation’s best dirt late model teams competing for $30,000 in winnings, a hefty $10,000 bonus is also up for grabs to any driver who can claim two of the three main events.
 
National stars, regional standouts and local hotshoes will converge at the Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Ken Schrader-owned Paducah International Raceway to kick off the 2006 Tri-Track Challenge.  The 3/8-mile, high-banked track conveniently located off of I-24 in McCracken County, KY, has recently undergone numerous upgrades to the track and facilities that both spectators and competitors will recognize and benefit from.  The new PIR will host their first Tri-Track event on Friday, June 2nd, as a prelude to their U.M.P. Summernationals’ event slotted for June 29th.
 
Teams will then caravan to the Show Me State for another Ken Schrader-owned facility –  the 1/3-mile highbanks of I-55 Raceway.  The Pevely, MO, track is located 30 miles south of St. Louis on I-55 and boasts an impressive pedigree of weekly racers and special event winners.  I-55 Raceway has hosted all three previous installments of the Tri-Track Challenge and each event yielded a different winner.  Shannon Babb, the winningest driver on the circuit and only driver to ever nab the $10,000 bonus, won the inaugural event but Indiana’s own Don O’Neal stole the show in 2004 and Jimmy Mars from Elk Mound, WI, took top honors last year.
 
Back on the schedule for the third year, Vermilion Co. Speedway in Danville, IL, will host the 2006 Tri-Track Challenge finale. The 3/8-mile semi-banked facility is now promoted by a renowned duo in dirt late model racing – Bill Nelson, Director of the Northern Allstars Late Model Series, and veteran track and special events promoter Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises.  National touring veterans Billy Moyer and Don O’Neal both claimed Tri-Track victories at Vermilion County, will they continue their reign or will we have a new winner in 2006?
 
A sampling of competitors tentatively committed to a partial or full 2006 Tri-Track Challenge tour include:  Shannon Babb (IL), Jimmy Mars (WI), Jeep Van Wormer (MI), Earl Pearson, Jr. (FL), Brian Birkhofer (IA), Darren Miller (IL), Brian Shirley (IL), Dennis Erb, Jr. (IL), Randy Korte (IL), Rodney Melvin (IL), Kevin Weaver (IL), Terry English (KY), Kevin Cole (IL), Billy Drake (IL), Ryan Dauber (IL) and Billy Faust (IL).
 
Additional information including gate times, schedule of events and directions will be available on each track’s web site. Will Shannon Babb continue his stronghold on the tour and repeat with another bonus run?  Will the young guns pack enough heat to duke it out with the veterans and visit victory lane?  And which local racers are going to stand strong to protect the bragging rights of their home turf?  Please mark your calendars to join us for an exciting weekend of door-to-door, mud-slinging racing action in this three state showdown and find out for yourself!



2006 U.M.P. Tri-Track Challenge Information

Friday, June 2, 2006
Paducah International Raceway
Location: Exit 7 on I-24, Paducah, KY
Promoters: Dale Earnhardt, Jr, Ken Schrader and Bob Sargent
Track Phone: (270) 898-7469
Track Website: http://www.paducahinternationalraceway.com

Saturday, June 3, 2006
I-55 Raceway
Location: Exit 178 on I-55, Pevely, MO
Promoters: Ken Schrader and Ray Marler
Track Phone: (636) 479-3219
Track Website: http://www.i55raceway.com

Sunday, June 4, 2006
Vermilion County Speedway
Location: Exit 210 on I-74, Danville, IL
Promoters: Bill Nelson and Bob Sargent
Track Phone: (217) 443-6588
Track Website: http://www.vermilioncountyspeedway.net



Past U.M.P. Tri-Track Challenge Highlights

2005
Segment #1 – Vermilion Co. Speedway, Danville, IL
Fast Qualifier: Dennis Erb, Jr. (IL)
Dash Winner: Dennis Erb, Jr. (IL)
Heat Winners: Roger Long (IL) and Michael Bradley (IL)
Feature Top-5: Shannon Babb (IL), Darren Miller (IL), Kevin Weaver (IL), Brady Smith (WI) and Jimmy Mars (WI)
 
Segment #2 - I-55 Raceway, Pevely, MO
Fast Qualifier: John Vandenberg (IA)
Dash Winner: Billy Drake (IL)
Heat Winners: Shannon Babb (IL), Billy Faust (IL) and Jeep Van Wormer (MI)
Consi Winner: Jim Shereck (MO)
Feature Top-5: Jimmy Mars (WI), Darren Miller (IL), Shannon Babb (IL), Jeep Van Wormer (MI) and Billy Faust (IL)
 
Segment #3 – Tri-State Speedway, Haubstadt, IN
Fast Qualifier: Don O’Neal (IN)
Dash Winner: Don O’Neal (IN)
Heat Winners: Randy Korte (IL) and Rodney Melvin (IL)
Feature Top-5: Don O’Neal (IN), Dennis Erb, Jr. (IL), Darren Miller (IL), Jimmy Mars (WI) and Rodney Melvin (IL)
 

2003-2005 Tri-Track Challenge Feature Winners
Shannon Babb = 5 (3 – 2003, 1 – 2004, 1 – 2005)
Don O’Neal = 2 (1 – 2004, 1 – 2005)
Billy Moyer = 1 (1 – 2004)
Jimmy Mars = 1 (1 – 2005)
 

$10,000 Bonus Winner(s)
Shannon Babb (2003)

HAMSTRA, BUYNO, DOWERS, HENDRICK, AND WEISMANN TOPS AT VCS
By: Chris Nunn
 
Dan Hamstra of Wheatfield, IN took advantage of a Danny Schwartz heartbreak en route to the UMP Modified victory at VCS on Friday night. The 20 lap main event saw Danny Schwartz lead the field through the first circuit of racing, with Arby Burton and Dan Hamstra waging war for the second position. Hamstra would grab the position from Burton as the duo came down the front straight. Lap two saw the first yellow of the event fly for Travis Shoulders in turn four. On the restart, Hamstra tryed to get under Schwartz for the point, only to have Schwartz shut the door on him coming out of turn four. Hamstra then moved to a higher groove on the track to make a move on Schwartz. Just as he got around Schwartz, the caution flew for Doug Jones, who was around in turn four. The lap five restart would be nullified, as Jason Hastings found himself looking the opposite direction in turn one. When racing resumed, Schwartz held his bottom line, while Hamstra kept working the middle groove in an attempt to get by. Lap seven would see Hamstra try to get under Schwartz coming out of turn two. When the duo hit turn three, Schwartz drifted all the way up the track, allowing Hamstra by for the point. Unfortunately for Schwartz, this wasnt a mistake, but a problem on the car. Schwartz brought out the yellow one lap later, stalling in turn four. With Schwartz out, this put Burton up to the runner up spot and Craig Conyer up to third. Hamstra flexed his muscle on the restart, pulling away from Burton and Conyer. With no cautions from then on, Hamstra easily took the win over Burton, Conyer, Terry Duncan, and Jamie Henson rounded out the top five.
 
 
The UMP Street Stock feature event started off with a caution, as Jim Bob Ransom looped his mount in turn two. When the green flew on the second start, Jerrad Crick shot under both Scott Tidwell and Jonah Buyno in turn one, and snared the lead. Buyno would fall into second, with Tidwell third. Behind them, Ransom slid by Steve Nolen, Jr. for the fourth position. The field slowed on lap four, as Scott Miller spun in turn two. At this point, the top five were Crick, Buyno, Tidwell, Ransom, and Nolen. On the restart, Crick would widen his lead a little over Buyno, with Tidwell and Ransom in chase. The top five were spread out as the field took the halfway signal, with everyone on the bottom. Another caution would bunch up the field on lap seven, as Scott Miller and Eric Kinkade went around in turn two. The restart once again saw Crick lead the field to the green flag, with Buyno and Tidwell falling in behind. Crick led until the lap 12 caution, then pulled off the speedway during the yellow with a broken mini spool. Thie would put Buyno to the point, where he would stay until the finish. Following Buyno to the line were Tidwell, Ransom, Nolen Jr, and Larry Matillo.
 
Jack Dowers dominated the Pure Stock portion of the program, running away with his heat, and then running away with the feature. Dowers started from the pole, leading the first lap with Randy Schuman in tow. The car to watch at the time was the #34 of Jake Johnson who, by lap four, was up to third from ninth. Johnson fell back to the fourth spot, as Walter Parson got around him on lap eight. Johnson's night got worse, as he pulled off the track a short time later. As the field took the white flag, Parson would unexpectedly find himself in the runner up spot, as Schuman pulled into the infield. Dowers, however, was in his own area code finishing ahead of Parson, Tony Mitchell, Skip Kirts, and Gordon Parsons, Jr.
 
The 600cc Micro Mini Sprint main event saw its own blend of controversy/action, as Jonathan Hendrick claimed the win. The initial start was called back due to a yellow for Lucas Sprague in turn two. When the green flew, it was Ryan Wilson bolting out to a substantial advantage over Bryce Hites. Hites would lose the second spot to Hendrick just a lap later. As laps clicked down, Hendrick was slowly reeling in Wilson like a fisherman on a prize catch. While that was going on, Sprague was rebounding from his first lap spin, moving to the fifth spot. Back up front, Hendrick was right on Wilson's fuel tank as the lead duo completed lap nine. On the tenth circut, Hendrick and Wilson went hard into turn three, resulting in Wilson looping his ride and bringing out the yellow. With no indication of foul play, track officials could not make a decision on whether or not it was intentional, so both drivers reclaimed their spots. On the restart, Hendrick did not let up on Wilson, staying on his bumper the whole time. Hendrick finally got by Wilson for the lead on lap 13, and pulled away for the remaining two laps to take the victory. Trailing Hendrick and Wilson at the line were, Will Sylvester, Nathan Charron, and Lucas Sprague.
 
Paul Weisman found himself in victory lane in the Hornet division, as race leader Jake Honaker dropped out of the race with just one lap to go. At the start of the event, a three wide battle for the lead took place between Honaker, Tony Tidwell, and Jim Cross, Sr. Honaker emerged as the winner of that battle, with Cross coming out second. Tidwell would lose his third spot just a short time later to Weisman on lap six. While that was going on, Honaker was pulling away from the field, looking to ensure a victory. Unfortunately for Honaker, he didnt see the checkers, as he pulled into the infield with problems. This handed the lead to Weisman, who held on for the win over Cross, Tidwell, Jonah Buyno, and Anthony Ashby
 
SUMMARY
 
UMP MODIFIEDS (28 Entries)

HEAT ONE: Arby Burton, Danny Schwartz, Aaron Ricketts, Rob Fuqua, Jammie Wilson, Ryan Cary, Dave Baldwin, Gabe Menser, Denny Schwartz, John Moore

HEAT TWO: Dan Hamstra, Travis Shoulders, Roger Cary, Doug Jones, Tim Reynolds, Cody Hood, Jim Bailey, Terry Pichon, Brian McDaniels

HEAT THREE: Craig Conyer, Terry Duncan, Jason Hastings, Jamie Henson, Bill Wagoner, Mitch Brown, Steve Evans, Don Kiger, Daryl Herbert

CONSI: Denny Schwartz, Cody Hood, Don Kiger, Terry Pichon, Mitch Brown, Jim Bailey, Dave Baldwin, Steve Evans, Gabe Menser, Brian McDaniels, John Moore, Daryl Herbert

FEATURE: Dan Hamstra, Arby Burton, Craig Conyer, Terry Duncan, Jamie Henson, Roger Cary, Jammie Wilson, Aaron Ricketts, Tim Reynolds, Rob Fuqua, Cody Hood, Don Kiger, Terry Pichon, Travis Shoulders, Jason Hastings, Ryan Cary, Doug Jones, Denny Schwartz, Bill Wagoner, Danny Schwartz
 
UMP STREET STOCKS (26 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT ONE: Steve Nolen Jr, Jonah Buyno, Chad Ziegler, Tony Tidwell Jr, Jesse Simmons, Dan Allen, Wes Parsons, Jason Turner, Josh Foxworthy
 
HEAT TWO: Scott Tidwell, Joe Buyno, Mike Hope, Jim Bob Ransom, Mike Goodwin, Eric Kinkade, Mike Johnson, Neil Rollins, Jim Sullivan
 
HEAT THREE: Frank Wright, Jerrad Krick, Lee Hall, Larry Matillo, Daniel Foxworthy, Stephanie Magotte, Scott Miller, Chris McCoy
 
CONSI: Chris McCoy, Josh Foxworthy, Scott Miller, Neil Rollins, Stephanie Magotte, Dan Allen, Mike Johnson, Wes Parsons, Jim Sullvan, Jason Turner
 
FEATURE: Jonah Buyno, Scott Tidwell, Jim Bob Ransom, Steve Nolen Jr, Larry Matillo, Joe Buyno, Lee Hall, Daniel Foxworthy, Frank Wright, Chris McCoy, Jesse Simmons, Mike Hope, Josh Foxworthy, Stephanie Magotte, Scott Miller, Tony Tidwell Jr, Jerrad Crick, Eric Kinkade, Mike Goodwin, Chad Ziegler
 
PURE STOCKS ( 11 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT: Jack Dowers, Randy Schuman, Tony Mitchell, Walter Parson, Gordon Parsons Jr, Skip Kirts, David Henderson, Don Treadway, Jake Johnson, Lance Evans
 
FEATURE: Jack Dowers, Walter Parson, Tony Mitchell, Skip Kirts, Gordon Parsons Jr, Randy Schuman, Jake Johnson
 
600CC MICRO MINI SPRINTS (12 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT ONE: Bryce Hites, Ryan Wilson, Ian Keller, Caleb Graybeal, Ben Wagoner, Lucas Sprague
 
HEAT TWO: Wesley Gordon, Jonathan Hendrick, Will Sylvester, Nathan Charron, Kenny Biro, Kasey Schrock
 
FEATURE: Jonathan Hendrick, Ryan Wilson, Will Sylvester, Nathan Charron, Lucas Sprague, Wesley Gordon, Kasey Schrock, Kenny Biro, Caleb Graybeal, Bryce Hites, Ben Wagner, Ian Keller
 
HORNETS ( 18 ENTRIES)
 
HEAT ONE: Jim Cross Sr, Tommy Tidwell, Jonah Buyno, Paul Weisman, Anthony Ashby, Angela Toney, Ryan Tucker, Chis Graves, Luke Smith
 
HEAT TWO: James Buyno, Kenny Tidwell, Jim Cross Jr, Jake Honaker, Chris Newell, Danny Cope, Matthew Marrow, Mike Pollitt, Kevin Grant
 
FEATURE: Paul Weisman, Jim Cross Sr, Tommy Tidwell, Jonah Buyno, Anthony Ashby, Chris Newell, Jonah Buyno, Kevin Grant, Mike Pollitt, Danny Cope, Luke Smith, Ryan Tucker, Chris Graves, Matthew Marrow, Angela Toney, Jake Honaker, Jim Cross Jr, Kenny Tidwell

Erb Victorious at VCS

Jeffrey A. Bayless

   Danville, IL (April 23, 2006)  The Northern Allstar Late Model Series (NALMS) capped off a double header weekend with a stop at the Bill and Jean Nelson promoted Vermillion County Speedway located at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds just outside of Danville, IL.  In addition to having the NALMS drivers present NASCAR stars Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace came calling with Schrader competing in the Late Model Division and Wallace trying his hand at the UMP Modified division.  34 Late Models signed in with Carpentersville, IL native Dennis Erb Jr. driving his Petroff Towing, Thomason Transportation, B&K Sportswear #28 Rayburn Malcuit Engines powered Monte Carlo to victory lane, his first feature win of the 2006 season. 

      Erb began his night by powering from the third starting spot in his heat to take the lead coming out of 4 on the initial lap of the contest to take the win over Kenny Schrader, fast qualifier Frank Heckenast Jr., and Brian Shirley.  Joe Harlan fought off an early challenge from Ryan Dauber and then held off a late challenge by Wes Steidinger to claim the second heat with Steidinger, Dauber and Jason Feger grabbing the other transfer spots.  Randy Korte kept the frisky Rohn Moon at bay in the third heat with Kevin Weaver and Richie Hedrick coming home 3rd and 4th.  In the final heat Chuck Haga made the winning pass on lap 6 of the 10 lap event with Tim Lance following him around the early leader Eric Smith with Steve Hillard grabbing the final transfer spot.  Donnie Walden grabbed the point at the close of the first lap of the first semi and never looked back with Russ Scheffler grabbing the second transfer spot.  In the second semi it was Kerby Damery leading flag to flag with Chris Dick in tow.  Dan Walden and Jason Beier were added to the field as series provisionals to complete the 22 car starting grid.

      Erb converted his outside front row starting spot into the early lead with Korte, Harlan, Haga, and Schrader rounding out the top 5.  Erb quickly set sell as he had his Rayburn hooked up and by the 5th lap was leading by 8 car lengths as Harlan was working hard to wrestle the second spot from Korte.  Three car lengths back of this battle Steidinger had managed to work his way into 4th with Kevin Weaver and Chuck Haga battling it out for the 5th spot.  Erb continued to stretch his lead until he reached the back markers on the 11th circuit at which point the field began to close.  By the half way point Erb found himself in heavy traffic with Korte, Steidinger, Weaver, and Harlan battling amongst themselves 5 car lengths back.  Four laps from checkers the 4 way battle for second got a shake-up as the third running Steidinger tangled with the slower car of Dan Walden bringing out the races only caution and ending both driver’s nights.  With the lapped car of Steve Hillard serving as a buffer, Erb sped away at the restart winning with an 8 car length advantage over Korte, Weaver, Harlan, and Haga.  Shirley, Schrader, Heckenast, Hedrick, and Lance rounded out the top 10.   Dennis remarked on his victory in the pits afterward stating “We had a great run at Eastbay in Florida but we got back up here and everything’s been slick and we’ve been struggling.  We’re usually good in the slick, but this car hasn’t been liking it.  But we changed a bunch of stuff on the car tonight and it worked.  We got out front and kept it there.”

      Next up for the NALMS tour is the Indiana Speedweek, a 5 night 5 race extravaganza through the Hoosier state set to kick off with a stop at Thunder Valley Raceway in Salem on Tuesday night May 9th.  From there the series will travel to North Vernon and Twin Cities Raceway Park, Lawrenceburg Speedway in Lawrenceburg, Bloomington Speedway in Bloomington, and Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown. 

      NALMS is brought to you by Hoosier Tire Midwest, Bell, Petersen Aluminum, K-Motion Valve Springs, Mastersbilt Race Cars, Competition Graphics, Kinsers Custom Printing, Hypercoils, PPM Racing Products, Champ Pans, Scott Performance Wire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Intercomp, and 3 Shamrocks Web Design.

 RESULTS

NALMS LATE MODELS

34 entries

Fast Time:  99JR Frank Heckenast Jr. 14.083

 

Heat 1 (10 laps 4 transfer)

1.  28 Dennis Erb Jr. (3)

2.  99 Kenny Schrader (4)

3.  99JR Frank Heckenast Jr. (1)

4.  3S Brian Shirley (2)

5.  89 Daren Freidman (5)

6.  51J Jason Beier (6)

7.  74 Russ Scheffler (8)

8.  33 Tim Manville (7)

9.  25W Dan Walden (9) DNF

 

Heat 2

1.  Z Joe Harlan (1)

2.  1S Wes Steidinger (4)

3.  64 Ryan Dauber (2)

4.  25 Jason Feger (6)

5.  1W Donnie Walden (3)

6.  16 Justin Ratliff (5)

7.  43 Jim Felker Jr. (7)

8.  1G Rocky Griffin (8)

9.  87 Scott DuVall (9)

 

Heat 3

1.  00 Randy Korte (1)

2.  56 Rohn Moon (3)

3.  B12 Kevin Weaver (4)

4.  0 Richie Hedrick (2)

5.  10 Kerby Damery (6)

6.  14 Kerry Mathew (7)

7.  22 Cory Rolfe (8)

8.  36 Roger Long (5) DNF

 

Heat 4

1.  1H Chuck Haga (2)

2.  48 Tim Lance (3)

3.  9 Eric Smith (1)

4.  34 Steve Hillard (5)

5.  22 Chris Dick (4)

6.  JP7 Mike Petersak (7)

7.  74 Russ Adams (6)

8.  93 Roy Mitchell (8)

 

Conci 1 (10 laps 2 transfer)

1.  1W Donnie Walden (2)

2.  74 Russ Scheffler (5)

3.  16 Justin Ratliff (4)

4.  89 Daren Freidman (1)

5.  43 Jim Felker Jr. (6)

6.  1G Rocky Griffin (8)

7.  51J Jason Beier (3)

8.  25W Dan Walden (9)

9.  87 Scott DuVall (10)

10.  33 Tim Manville (7) DNF

 

Conci 2

1.  10 Kerby Damery (1)

2.  22 Chris Dick (2)

3.  14 Kerry Mathew (3)

4.  22 Cory Rolfe (5)

5.  74 Russ Adams (6)

6.  93 Roy Mitchell (8)

7.  JP7 Mike Petersak (4)

8.  36 Roger Long (7) DNF

 

Feature (30 laps $2000 to win)

1.  28 Dennis Erb Jr. (2)

2.  00 Randy Korte (4)

3.  B12 Kevin Weaver (11)

4.  Z Joe Harlan (1)

5.  1H Chuck Haga (3)

6.  3S Brian Shirley (13)

7.  99 Kenny Schrader (5)

8.  99JR Frank Heckenast Jr. (9)

9.  0 Richie Hedrick (15)

10.  48 Tim Lance (8)

11.  9 Eric Smith (12)

12.  22 Chris Dick (20)

13.  25 Jason Feger (14)

14.  56 Rohn Moon (7)

15.  34 Steve Hillard (16) -1 lap

16.  1S Wes Steidinger (6) DNF

17.  25W Dan Walden (21)

18.  64 Ryan Dauber (10)

19.  74 Russ Scheffler (18)

20.  1W Donnie Walden (17)

21.  10 Kerby Damery (19)

22.  51J Jason Beier (22)

 

Lap Leaders:

1-30 28 Erb

Cautions:  1

Vermilion County results for Friday April 21 ....thanks Namgalf
32 cars entered
Top 4 in heats:
Heat 1: Tim Reynolds, Dan Hamstra, Roger Cary, Jammie Wilson
Heat 2: Arby Burton, Wes McClara, Carlos Bumgardner, Denny Schwartz
Heat 3: Gabe Menser, Seth Parker, Don Kiger, Jason Lakey
Dash: (top six in passing points)
1. Gabe Menser, Don Kiger, Arby Burton, Wes McClara, Jammie Wilson, Tim Reynolds
Consi 1 transfers: Brian McDaniel, Jamey Henson
Consi 2 transfers: Bill Wagoner, Terry Duncan
Feature:
1. Gabe Menser 2. Arby Burton 3. Denny Schwartz
4. Dan Hamstra 5. Rob Fuqua 6. Wes McClara
7. Terry Duncan 8. Tim Reynolds 9. Jammie Wilson
10. Roger Cary 11. Jamey Henson 12. Carlos Baumgardner
13. Bill Wagoner 14. Cody Hood 15. Brian McDaniel
16. Dave Wheatley 17. Jason Lakey 18. Tommy Burnside
19. Don Kiger Seth Parker did not start

NALMS Swings Back Into Action
Jeffrey A. Bayless 

     The Northern Allstar Late Model Series (NALMS) will hit the dirt again this weekend with a double header.  Saturday the 22nd will see the series invade Boswell, IN and Bob and Gayle Kamp’s Kamp Motor Speedway for a $2000 to win event.  Kamp Motor Speedway is a 3/8ths mile speedplant that is known for it’s multi grooved racing surface.  The following night the tour will travel Southwest to Danville, IL and Vermillion County Speedway for another $2000 to win event.  Vermillion County Speedway, under the direction of NALMS director Bill Nelson, will be hosting it’s first late model special of the season. 

  NALMS is brought to you by Hoosier Tire Midwest, Bell, Petersen Aluminum, Citgo Racing Fuel, Dyers Rods, K-Motion Valve Springs, PFM Racing Products, Mastersbilt Race Cars, Competition Graphics, Kinsers Custom Printing, Hypercoils, Allstar Performance, PPM Racing Products, Champ Pans, Bert Transmissions, Scogin Enterprises LLC, Scott Performance Wire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Intercomp, BRT Racing Products, Big D's Collectibles, and 3 Shamrocks Web Design.

04-14-06....rain....try again Sunday 04-16-06....oooops, rain again

04-07-06 opening night....rain

C.A.R.S. Announces The Additon of Three Tracks To the 2006 Schedule

12-22-05

     (Greenville, IL) The Crate American Racing Series (C.A.R.S.) has exploded upon the racing scene by announcing the addition of three exciting racing venues to it’s 2006 weekly racing schedule. Two Illinois tracks as special events tracks, and a premier Kentucky facility as a full time C.A.R.S. Weekly Racing Members track.

    Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, IL and the Crate American Racing Series (C.A.R.S.) have teamed up to bring the C.A.R.S. Late Models to the Vermilion County Speedway for two "special events" in 2006. Both shows are scheduled to be Sunday night "special events", with exact dates and details to be announced in the near future.

    " I am looking forward to having the C.A.R.S. Late Models to showcase in front of the racers and fans here at Vermilion County Speedway," said VCS promoter Bill Nelson. "I believe this class is good for everyone involved".

     Vermilion County Speedway races every Friday night starting in April, with select special events on Sundays. For more information about the Vermilion County Speedway visit www.vermilioncountyspeedway.net

       The Crate American Racing Series (C.A.R.S.) also announced this week that Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL has joined the C.A.R.S. Weekly Racing Series. Tri-City Speedway will run C.A.R.S. Late Models once a month throughout the 2006 season. Tri-City Speedway races every Sunday night & consists of two tracks. All regular shows are run on the 1/4-mile semi banked oval. Special events are usually held on the big 1/2-mile semi banked oval.

    Tri-City Speedway is located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, MO in Pontoon Beach, IL. Take exit 4 off I-270 and go 1/2 mile south on SR 203. For more info visit www.tricityspeedway.net

       The third announcement of the week is about the newest member of the C.A.R.S. Weekly Racing Series. Paducah International Raceway (PIR) has joined the C.A.R.S. Weekly Series Program. PIR is a track rich with racing history & we are proud to have them as a C.A.R.S. Weekly Racing Series track.

     Paducah International Raceway is owned by NASCAR stars Dale Earnhardt JR, Kenny Schrader and one of the heartland’s most successful dirt track promoters Bob Sargent. The trio recently finalized their purchase of the popular Paducah, KY, venue that boasts a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval, 1/5-mile racetrack and a Motocross/TT track with grandstands that accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. Jim Magill and Jeff Bruhn, both veteran short track promoters, have been hired to take care of day to day operations. We here at C.A.R.S. are very excited to have the opportunity to work with everyone at Paducah International Raceway.

    Paducah International Raceway is conveniently located just off of I-24 in Paducah, KY. The track hosts the nations most popular sanctions from the AMA motorcycles to various Late Model series. Racing action will take place at PIR every Friday night during the racing season, starting with two practice days on March 11th and 18th, with the season opener on March 24th. Look for the PIR season schedule to be released shortly after the first of the year.

     For more information about Paducah International Raceway call the track phone at 270-898-7469 or visit www.paducahinternationalraceway.com

     By joining the C.A.R.S. Weekly Racing Series, drivers who race C.A.R.S. Late Models at Vermilion County Speedway, Tri-City Speedway and the Paducah International Raceway are eligible to receive valuable points towards the C.A.R.S. Weekly Racing Series National Championship. The C.A.R.S. National Champion will be awarded the top prize of $10,000 in cash, a new C.J. Rayburn Chassis, a new Bert Ball Spline Transmission, & more.

    C.A.R.S. Late Models utilize current area chassis & body rules. The only significant difference is the engines. C.A.R.S. Late Models are powered by GM Performance Parts Circle Track Racing Engines, substantial savings for the budget racers over today's cost of current Late Model engines.

   These facilities join the Mt. Vernon Raceway in Mt. Vernon IL in the ever growing stable of C.A.R.S. Weekly Series member’s tracks.

 

      For more information about the C.A.R.S. Weekly Racing Series visit www.crateamericanracingseries.com

Vermilion County Speedway 2006 Rules Meeting to be held November 6th, 2005.

By: Toby W. Hallett

Danville, IL

10/24/05

 New VCS promoter Bill Nelson encourages all drivers that plan on racing on a weekly basis in 2006 to attend a rules meeting scheduled for November 6th, 2005 at 1:00 pm at the Moose Lodge #1001 in Danville, IL.

 The Moose Lodge # 1001 is located just East of the track at 12414 US Route 150. Directions to the Moose Lodge are, from I-74 in Illinois take exit #210 and go west to the Tractor Supply Store frontage road. Turn left onto the frontage road and go ¼ of a mile east and the Moose Lodge #1001 is on the right.

 The following topics will be discussed, the switch to racing all weekly shows on Friday, rules for the newly formed Pure Stock class, rules for all other classes including UMP Modified, Street Stock, and Hornets. Sam Drigger or Jim McGill will be on hand from UMP to discuss the rules changes for 2006 and the new street stock and sportsman point fund.

 There is a high possibility that some form of Sprint Car racing will become a weekly class at VCS in 2006, with that in mind any 600 cc Mini Sprint drivers that would like to run at VCS in 2006 should be on hand to show their support for having the class on a weekly basis. A special invite also goes to all Non Wing Sprint Car drivers that would like to run at VCS in 2006.

 Please bring any questions that you may have regarding the 2006 season at VCS to this meeting, as the new Promoter Bill Nelson will address them all. If you need any further information regarding this meeting feel free to contact Bill Nelson at 217-202-5918 or via e-mail at [email protected].

 Vermilion County Speedway a 3/8th of a mile semi banked clay oval, is located just off of I-74 at exit 210 in Danville, IL.