CORONA, CA (November 29, 2007)-It has already been a busy off-season for officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with the release of the 2008 schedule and updating and fine tuning the series rules for next year. Already on the website are interviews with three-time and reigning Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL and 2007 COMP Cams Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, KY. 

In other series news:

MORAN THE MAN AT CONCORD-Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regular Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH captured the $10,000 to win event at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's in Concord, NC on Saturday Night, November 3^rd.  Moran drove his familiar #99 MasterSbilt Chassis to the win before a national television audience on SPEED.  Moran finished fourth in this year's Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings after finishing third the previous two seasons.

JAMES TAKES WIN IN ARIZONA-2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" and this year's series runner-up in points Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN traveled west and won at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix, AZ on Thursday, November 8 earning $3,000 for the win.  James was driving a Rocket Chassis owned by Rick Wyatt.

ENGLISH FEATURED IN STOCK CAR RACING MAGAZINE-Terry English of Benton, KY who finished fifth in this year's Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings has a feature story in STOCK CAR RACING MAZAGINE'S January 2008 issue.  English joins two other Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regulars, Earl Pearson Jr. and Steve Casebolt in receiving coverage nationwide in the publication this year.  To subscribe to the magazine you can log on to www.stockcarracing.com.

FORREST LUCAS FRONT PAGE COVER STORY IN NEW DIRT LATE MODEL MAGAZINE-Lucas Oil Products founder, Forrest Lucas will get some national publicity as he is on the cover of the December 2007 edition of DIRT LATE MODEL MAGAZINE.  Mr. Lucas is also featured in a written story.  In the article he talks about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO and his trials and tribulations in getting to where he is today in the world of business and racing.  For more information on how to subscribe to DIRT LATE MODEL MAGAZINE you can visit their website at www.threewidemedia.com.

EAST BAY SET TO KICK OFF '08 SCHEDULE IN FEBRUARY-For the fourth consecutive year the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will begin its season at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL.  The 32^nd Annual East Bay Winternationals are set for February 4-9^th, 2008.  The first three nights of racing will feature $5,000 to win events, followed by two $10,000 to win shows and a $12,000 to win finale on Saturday Night, February 9^th.  More information can viewed at www.eastbayracewaypark.com.  The entire '08 39 race schedule for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule is available online at www.lucasdirt.com/tour.php

SPEED CHANNEL BROADCAST BEGIN THIS SATURDAY-The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on the SPEED Channel will kick off the '07-08 winter schedule of. Broadcasts this Saturday Night, December 1^st with coverage of the 31^st Annual East Bay Winternationals finale from East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL.  The event was taped on February 10^th, 2007 and will air at 7:30 PM Eastern/6:30 PM Central Time.  The complete broadcast schedule for the series can be seen at www.lucasdirt.com/broadcasts.php.

The Annual Awards Banquet for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series which will take place on Thursday, December 6^th in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the PRI Show.  Invitations have already been mailed out.  For more information on the banquet you can contact Events Coordinator Rick Schwallie at (951) 403-1609.

For the latest news and information regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit www.lucasdirt.com.

Final 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1)     Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5555

2)     Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5325

3)     Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-5170

4)     Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4760

5)     Terry English (Benton, KY)-4715

6)     Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

7)     Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4465

8)     Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4330

9)     Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

10)Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3640

Final 2007 Current COMP Cams Rookie of the Year Points Standings

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

CORONA, CA (November 15, 2007)-During the first nine Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events of the 2007 racing season it appeared that 20-year-old Justin Rattliff may have bitten off more than he could chew running the series for the first time in his career, but after eight months of furious competition the Campbellsville, KY realized a personal goal of winning a series event, finishing sixth in the points and capturing the COMP Cams "Rookie of the Year" award which was worth $10,000.

Rattliff who made only two of the first nine events against some of the top competition in the country week in and week out with the Lucas Oil Series rebounded nicely to make the starting grid for 22 of the final 24 events of the season. Coming off of a season where he finished second in the O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series points standings and won "Rookie of the Year" for the series, his goals for this season were pretty lofty.  Finishing in the top five or ten each time out and winning the rookie award among some stout competition may have seemed far fetched for anyone else who tackles a national touring series for the first time, but Rattliff and his team persevered through the season and earned respect among his fellow drivers and gaining some new fans along the way.

Rattliff stunned the world of dirt late model racing when he picked up his first ever $10,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win back in May at La Salle Speedway in Illinois.  It wasn't that long ago (late 2005) when Rattliff scored his first ever late model victory at Lake Cumberland Speedway in Burnside, KY.  But this win on a national level would send Rattliff with momentum heading into the meat of '07 Lucas Oil schedule.

There would be just two hiccups along the way.  After the series was off for Memorial Day Weekend the ultra-tough ½ mile at Florence (KY) Speedway awaited the competitors and Rattliff just missed the starting line-up by one spot in his consy run.  Dan Schlieper and Terry English would get the series provisionals that night leaving Rattliff's black #16 on the trailer as the disappointment of not having an opportunity to go home with back to back wins in Lucas Oil competition would stoke the fires and the young racer would rebound with a several good runs through the month of August which put him on track to clinch the rookie title before the last month of the season.

Rattliff's best stretch of the season was from late-June through Mid-July when he was impressive in taking seven straight top 12 finishes.  While racing on tracks he had never seen before was exciting for "The Rattler" racing at two tracks familiar to him (Brownstown and Bardstown) would get him a 15^th place in the "Jackson 100" at Brownstown and a fifth place finish at Bardstown at the end of August.  Those two finishes solidified another one Rattliff's goals to seal the COMP Cams "Rookie of the Year."

With a strong field of 86 cars at the 39^th Annual "Hillbilly 100" Rattliff would fail to make the starting grid for the 100 lap event.  He concluded the '07 Lucas Oil Series by finishing 16^th in the "RaceFest" at West Virginia Motor Speedway which sowed up the sixth spot in the final championship point's standings.

For the season with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rattliff would start 24 main events with one win, five top five finishes and he recorded six top ten finishes.

With the experience and success Rattliff had this season with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2007 he looks for bigger and brighter things in '08.  "I thought we did real well considering we hadn't run a national touring series before, winning rookie of the year and finishing in the top ten of the points we feel is a great accomplishment for our team, we look forward to winning some more races next year and finishing higher in the points," said Rattliff who thanked his hard working crew which includes his father, James Rattliff, Willie Rattliff, T.P and Klein Stubbs, Tim Moore and his girlfriend, Candace Tungate.

One person responsible for a lot of Rattliff's success over the last three years as been crew chief Jeff Gullett.  "He came on board when we started racing late models three years ago, he's so sharp on this stuff and he really helped me when we went to tracks I hadn't been to before, he's one of the best in the business."  Gullett was also complimentary of the young racer he has worked with day in and day out at the race shop and at the race track.  "I'm proud of him," said Gullett who has been involved in racing for over 25 years.

The other drivers on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series know what Rattliff has accomplished and better come loaded for bear come 2008 when he plans to take on some of the best that dirt late model racing has to offer running with the Lucas Oil Series again.  "We'll be ready for East Bay, I can't wait to get back there, then our plans are to run all the Lucas Oil race again next year and see if we can unseat Earl," said a smiling Rattliff in a post season interview where he was still nursing a broken wrist sustained in a racing incident in his home state of Kentucky the first weekend of October.  Rattliff did make a return to the cockpit on November 10^th at North Georgia Speedway in Chatsworth, GA where he finished in 15^th place.

The 2008 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has released a 39 race schedule and it is available on line at www.lucasdirt.com.

CORONA, CA (November 1, 2007)-The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with its most successful season to date in the books has announced the winners of the 2007 contingency awards that were based on a per event point total.  The series sanctioned 33 events in 16 states with 632 racers participating at least once in series competition as 18 different drivers scored wins on the ultra-competitive series tour.

The 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL and points runner-up Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN showed why they were the top two in this year's series points chase as they swept all four of the special contingency awards.

Pearson, who captured his third consecutive Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship, won the LifeLong Locks "Fast Time Award" and the K&N Filters "Clean Pass of the Race Award" for 2007.  Pearson garnered the most fast qualifier points for the season in the Bobby Labonte Racing/MasterSbilt Dodge Charger.  LifeLong Locks just completed its first season with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as the "Fast Time Award" sponsor.  Only LifeLong Locks offer a "Locked into Quality Lifetime Guarantee" To learn more about LifeLong Locks you can visit their website at www.lifelonglocks.com.   The 35-year-old Pearson also took top honors with the best pass for position points during the season earning the K&N Filters special award.  K&N Filters are recognized as "The World's Best Air Filter" and have been made with pride in the United States for over 35 years.  For more info you can go to www.knfilters.com.

James, who was the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" in 2005, had his best season to date with two victories.  James would end the season as the Edelbrock "Hard Charger" Award winner along with the Allstar Performance "Performer of the Race" Award recipient this year.  James who drives the Powell Motorsports/Rocket GTO earned the Edelbrock "Hard Charger" Award by being the driver that advanced the most positions in the feature event.  James accumulated the most Edelbrock "Hard Charger" points during the season which were given at each event.  He also notched his name to the top of the list of the Allstar Performance "Performer of the Race" points which were available at every event as well and is based on the "Top Performer" for that particular event.

Both Edelbrock and Allstar Performance are well known in the racing industry as they have continued their relationship with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in sponsoring these awards.  For more information on Edelbrock you can log on to www.edelbrock.com and for racing parts and equipment you can go to www.allstarperformance.com to check out what they have to offer for the racing buff.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series also congratulates Pro Power Engines of Sullivan, WI for capturing the 2007 PBM Performance Products/Erson Cams "Engine Builder of the Year."  Pro Power Engines www.propowerracing.com  earned the most points determined by a special points system among the engine builders associated with the series.  Among the drivers who finished in the top ten of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series points who use Pro Power Engines were 2007 COMP Cams "Rookie of the Year" Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, KY and 2007 DART East Bay Winternationals Points Champion, Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI.  PBM Performance Products has been building winners for over a decade.  To find out more about PBM and Erson Cams you can visit their website at www.pbmperformance.com. 

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series special "Chassis Builders Award" will go to Rocket Chassis of Shinnston, WV.  Rocket Chassis outdistanced the other chassis builders that participated in this year's special points system.  Among the drivers who finished in the top ten of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship standings who utilized Rocket Chassis this season included series runner-up Scott James and third place point's finisher, Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN. Please visit the www.rocketchassis.com website for more exciting info.

"We want to take this time to again thank these great sponsors for their support of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and to congratulate the award winners," said Ritchie Lewis, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Director.  "These companies have seen the value of being associated with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and that we are an important marketing tool to promote and advertise their products and services and we appreciate each and every one of them," stated Lewis.

These special awards will be presented as part of the Annual Awards Banquet for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series which will take place on Thursday, December 6^th in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the PRI Show.  Invitations have already been mailed out.  For more information on the banquet you can contact Events Coordinator Rick Schwallie at (951) 403-1609.

For the latest news and information regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit www.lucasdirt.com.

CORONA, CA (October 26, 2007) - For the third consecutive season Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL will reign as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion.  The 35-year-old second generation racer won five times on the ultra-competitive tour as Pearson also claimed the first dirt racing title for Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series Champion who bought the team from Pearson's longtime car owners Carlton and Kemp Lamm. 

Even though Pearson's margin of 230 points over runner-up, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN it was by no means an easy foray through the 32 race schedule.  Both James and Steve Casebolt gave Pearson quite a battle for most of the season and at one point during the midway portion of the schedule had the three combatants trading the points lead seemingly after each event was contested.  

With Pearson's '07 title with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series he has now won four straight national touring series championships.  Starting with the now defunct Xtreme DirtCar Series in 2004 and with this year's Lucas title no one in dirt late model racing has won four straight national touring series championships until now. 

In a post season interview with Pearson he commented how much of an accomplishment it was for everyone involved with the team.  "It is all about everyone you surround yourself with, starting with Carlton and Kemp Lamm, my crew Jason, Matt and Keith and now Bobby Labonte they are all really good guys to work with, they give me the best car possible each time out," said Pearson who now has ten career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series wins after the conclusion of the 2007 season. 

Driving the first year for Labonte has been a great experience said Pearson.  "It's been really good, I have learned a lot from him, more than just being on the racetrack, but being around other people and sponsors and how to deal with them, he understands racing and he's always saying for us to keep our heads up if we have a bad night, he never says anything negative and he's always upbeat and positive." said Pearson who earned his first two Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championships driving for Dunn, NC's Carlton and Kemp Lamm. 

Pearson was also highly complimentary of his two main counterparts in the chase for the title this year Scott James and Steve Casebolt.  "Those two gave it a great shot, they teamed up with the American Racer tires and it was quite a battle between us three for most of the year, we ran hard side by side many nights on the race track and were friends off the track and they really showed that they can win anywhere." stated Pearson who really shined in the last eleven series events as he recorded two wins (Lucas Oil Speedway and Kankakee) and had eight top five finishes which sealed the title for him once again. 

As far as 2008 is concerned Pearson and the entire Bobby Labonte Racing Team are preparing in what seems like an ever shrinking off-season.  "We've already started for next year getting new cars and motors ready, Bobby is just really excited about next year already, he has fallen in love with dirt late model racing and we are also working on a new personal race car for him as well," said Pearson who may have some asphalt racing in his future.  "Bobby and I have talked about doing that, we may do some we just don't know for sure yet, if we don't we plan on being back with the Lucas Oil Series next year, the series is in good hands with Ritchie Lewis in charge and the television coverage on SPEED and VERSUS is good for our sponsors like LifeLong Locks and Lucas Oil and I look for some drivers from some of the other series to come and race with us next year," predicted Pearson who also won two World of Outlaws Late Model Series events in 2007. 

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season for Pearson saw him make 32 starts with five wins, 16 top five finishes and 22 top ten finishes.  In his career with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Pearson has an amazing track record with 95 starts in the books, he has ten wins, 58 top five finishes and an incredible 83 top ten finishes no wonder he has taken the championship three consecutive years with that kind of consistency,. 

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Annual Awards Banquet will take place on Thursday Night, December 6^th during the PRI Show in Orlando, FL.  Ticket reservations have already been sent out. For questions regarding the banquet you can get in contact with events coordinator Rick Schwallie at (951) 403-1609. 

For the latest off season news regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit their website at www.lucasdirt.com. 

Final 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings 

1)     Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5325

2)     Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5130

3)     Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-4990

4)     Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4575

5)     Terry English (Benton, KY)-4560

6)     Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4355

7)     Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4290

8)     Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4165

9)     Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3720

10)Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3505 

Final 2007 COMP Cams "Rookie of the Year" Points Standings 

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4355

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3720

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

CORONA, CA (October 18, 2007) - A month after the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series' 2007 season ended with the "RaceFest" at West Virginia Motor Speedway several drivers who finished in the top ten of this year's championship points standings have been collecting checkered flags and large paychecks.

Billy Drake of Bloomington, IL who scored one Lucas Oil victory in 2007 and finished seventh in the final championship points standings recorded the biggest win of his racing career on Saturday Night, October 13^th by winning "Fall Fest" at Challenger Raceway in Jacksonville, PA.  Drake in his Steve Drake owned MasterSbilt Chassis took home a cool $20,000 for the win after starting 15^th.  His previous high-water mark was winning two $15,000 events one at Magnolia, MS in 2006 and the other at Chatham, LA in 2004.  Drake also earned the "Hard Charger" of the race during the Lucas Oil Knoxville Late Model Nationals in Knoxville, IA back on September 29^th.  Drake started 23^rd on the grid and finished in fifth place before the cameras of SPEED Channel.

Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN who won two Lucas Oil Series events in '07 and finished third in the championship points standings this year and who also won the sports largest first place prize the $100,000 to win Eldora "Dream" back in June continued a career best year by winning the "Winchester 200" at Winchester (VA) Speedway on Saturday, September 29^th.  Casebolt earned $10,000 for his win the Dale Beitler owned Rocket Chassis #19 GTO.

Terry English of Benton, KY took home three straight A-main wins at Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway in Calvert City, KY on October 11-13.  English dominated the action all three nights taking home $2,000 per night for his efforts.  English who finished fifth in this year's Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship tour across the country was the 2006 track champion at Kentucky Lake before talking the Lucas Oil Series full-time this year in his C.J. Rayburn Chassis #96.

Three-time and reigning Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL drove the Bobby Labonte Racing MasterSbilt Dodge to victory in a $2,000 to win warm-up event at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, GA on Friday Night, October 12^th.  Pearson, who won five Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events this season to seal his third straight series championship for the Lucas Oil Series made dirt late model racing history this year by winning his fourth straight national touring series title beginning with his Xtreme DirtCar Series crowning in 2004.

"It just shows you the talent that the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has with our touring drivers," said Lucas Oil Series Director, Ritchie Lewis.  "Our drivers have proven all year they can go anywhere and win and we are very proud that they have chosen the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to display their abilities."

Several of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series drivers will be in action this Friday and Saturday for the 27^th Annual "Dirt Track World Championship" at KC Raceway in Chillicothe, OH.  On Friday Night, October 19^th will be the Super Late Model preliminaries with hot laps, time trials and heat races.  Then on Saturday Night, October 20^th the B-mains will be run along with the $2,500 to win "Jim Dunn Memorial Race" and the 100 lap 27^th Annual DTWC main event paying $50,000 to win.  Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN who finished tenth in this year's edition of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is the only five-time winner of this event.

In other series news 2007 COMP Cams "Rookie of the Year" Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, KY continues to recover after breaking his wrist in a racing accident in his home state of Kentucky back on October 5^th.  Rattliff who finished sixth in the championship standings this year and took the biggest win of his career by winning the series $10,000 to win event at La Salle, IL back in May hopes to be able to race in this weekend's Dirt Track World Championship Race.

The 2007 season for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will officially end with the Third Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday Night, December 6^th at the Orlando Wyndham Resort in Orlando, FL.  Invitations have already been mailed.  For more information you can contact Events Coordinator Rick Schwallie at (951) 403-1609.

For the latest news and information regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series SPEED Channel Broadcast Schedule Released

CORONA, CA (October 9, 2007)-Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series officials have released the broadcast airdate schedule of 12 Series Events and a Season Recap show to be aired on SPEED.  The programs produced by Newave Productions will air Saturday Nights at 7:30 PM (Eastern Time) during the months December, January, February and March.  SPEED Channel is available to over 70 million homes in North America.

SPEED's coverage of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series begins December 1^st with action from the East Bay Winternationals in Tampa, FL.  SPEED is available through cable systems nationwide, DISH Network (Channel 150) and DIRECT TV (Channel 607).

"This is a great way to build momentum for next season," stated Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Director, Ritchie Lewis. "The exposure we gain on SPEED for our series drivers, sponsors, promoters and our fans really showcases Lucas Oil's commitment to making this the top series in the country. With the continued growing interest in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, the quality of racing makes it so exciting to bring our brand of racing to the SPEED Channel," said Lewis.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series touring drivers include 2007 and now three-time Series Champion, Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, 2007 Series Runner-Up, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN and 2007 Eldora "Dream" Winner and the Series Rookie of the Year for '06 Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN.

Other familiar names that compete with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series include 4-time World 100 winner and the Eldora Million winner Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH and former UMP National Late Model Champion, Terry English of Benton, KY.

Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, KY is one of the young and upcoming drivers in the world of dirt late model racing as the youngster captured the 2007 COMP Cams "Rookie of the Year" for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.  Rattliff along with Billy Drake of Bloomington, IL, former World 100 and '07 East Bay Winternationals Points Champion Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, '07 Series "Rookie of the Year" Runner-Up Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and the only five-time winner of the Dirt Track World Championship Race and the owner of 782 career feature wins Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN also are regular competitors on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

For the latest news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit their website at www.lucasdirt.com.

SPEED Broadcast Schedule

Rate Date                  Air Date                            Venue

February 10, 2007          December 1 - 7:30PM          East Bay Raceway Park

May 11 & 12, 2007          December 8 - 7:30PM          Lucas Oil Speedway

June 2, 2007            December 15 - 7:30PM          Florence Speedway

June 16, 2007          December 22 - 7:30PM          Talladega Short Track

June 23, 2007          December 29 - 7:30PM          Virginia Motor Speedway

July 14, 2007            January 5 - 7:30PM            Columbus Speedway

July 20, 2007            January 12 - 7:30PM                    Tri-City Speedway

August 6, 2007   TBA                                 LaSalle Speedway

August 18, 2007          February 2 - 7:30PM          Brownstown Speedway

August 25, 2007          February 16 - 7:30PM          Bluegrass Speedway

                             February 23 - 7:30PM          Season in Review

February 8, 2008   March 1 - 7:30PM              East Bay Raceway Park
February 9, 2008   March 8 - 7:30PM              East Bay Raceway Park

CORONA, CA (October 3, 2007) - The 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will now turn its attention to the Annual Awards Banquet which will take place on Thursday, December 6^th, at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL. The invitations are mailed.  If you need more information on the banquet, which will be held during the PRI Show in Orlando, you can contact Events Coordinator Rick Schwallie at (951) 403-1609.

Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL is the 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion for the third consecutive year.  Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, FL has been named the 2007 COMP Cams Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year".   "I wish to congratulate both of these fine young men on their accomplishments and recognize them as WINNERS within the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series family", stated Ritchie Lewis, Director of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. "Earl is a fine champion; he is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure his representation of the Lucas Oil Championship is never tarnished in any shape or form. He takes pride in his walk as a Lucas Oil Champion and that display certainly helps Earl Pearson Jr. and the entire Bobby Labonte Racing/LIFELONG Locks organization to be known as a dominant force to contend with each time they enter any race track".

  "Everyone at the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series would like to take a moment to recognize and congratulate Justin Rattliff and the Rattliff Motorsports Team on winning the 2007 edition of the COMP Cams Rookie of the Year Award", states Ritchie Lewis, Director of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. "Justin is simply a pleasure to work with each week at the track. He doesn't proclaim to know everything there is. If he has a question or concern about a particular portion of an event on any given night, he will ask questions and make sure he understands the expectations for the night. I see a young man who continues to learn and grow each time out on the track. With that said, we could be seeing into the future. He can race with the best of these guys out on the road. He doesn't show signs of driving over his head nor is he intimidated by anyone he lines up beside. He is always ready willing and able to perform at a high level".

All of the Lucas Oil Series travelers are champions in our eyes. They have won all over this country week in and week out. They are a pleasure to work with and we regard them with up most respect. Each Team performed without hesitation each week after a season long battle within every position at different times during the season.

The Final 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1)     Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5555

2)     Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5325

3)     Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-5170

4)     Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4760

5)     Terry English (Benton, KY)-4715

6)     Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

7)     Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4465

8)     Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4330

9)     Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

10)Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3640

The Final 2007 COMP Cams Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" Points Standings

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

CORONA, CA (October 3, 2007) - The final two points races of the 2007 racing season for the Lucas Oil Late Dirt Series that were scheduled for October 5^th at Rome International Speedway in Rome, GA and the 18^th Annual "Dixie Shootout" at Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA that was scheduled for October 6^th have both been cancelled. 

The events were cancelled due to the passing of Rome and Dixie VP and General Manager Mike Swims on September 28^th.  Mike was also a consultant to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series the last three years.

"We want to thank all the fans and drivers who have shown their support to the Swims family during their time of need." said Lucas Oil Series Director, Ritchie Lewis.  "They have had so much to deal with in the last week that it is impossible for them to prepare for any racing at Rome and Dixie this weekend," stated Lewis.  "We at the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series continue to send our thoughts and prayers to the Swims Family and with the help of God they will gain the strength to get through this difficult period in their lives."

The 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will now turn its attention to the Annual Awards Banquet which will take place on Thursday, December 6^th in Orlando, FL.  For information on the banquet which will be held during the PRI Show in Orlando you can contact Events Coordinator Rick Schwallie at (951) 403-1609.

Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL is the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion for the third consecutive year.  Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, FL has been named the 2007 COMP Cams Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year."

For the latest news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series their website address is www.lucasdirt.com.

Final 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1)     Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5555

2)     Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5325

3)     Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-5170

4)     Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4760

5)     Terry English (Benton, KY)-4715

6)     Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

7)     Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4465

8)     Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4330

9)     Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

10)Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3640

Final 2007 COMP Cams Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" Points Standings

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

CORONA, CA (September 27, 2007)-The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is set to conclude a successful 2007 racing season with back to back shows in the great state of Georgia on Friday and Saturday, October 5^th and 6^th.  On Friday night, the "Rome Rumble" will take place at Rome International Speedway in Rome, GA. The final points race of the season is scheduled for Saturday night as the 18^th Annual "Dixie Shootout" rolls into the Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA.  The cameras of SPEED Channel will be on hand Friday & Saturday Night at the "Rome Rumble & Dixie Shootout". 

With $10,000 to win on Friday and $15,000 to win on Saturday, the Swims Family promoted facilities is sure to pack in the fans and drivers. Two of the south's most prominent and fan friendly racing facilities are set to end the 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season in true southern style.  As an added incentive for the drivers, a $5,000 bonus is up for grabs at the "Dixie Shootout" on October 6^th.  If a previous "Dixie Shootout" winner takes the checkered flag at the "Dixie Shootout", that driver will pocket an extra five grand making his total take $20,000 for an evenings work.

Advance general admission tickets for the "Rome Rumble and the "Dixie Shootout" are on sale now and can be obtained by calling (770) 926-5315 from 9 AM to 4 PM weekdays.  For more information on both events it can found at www.dixiespeedway.com.

For the latest information regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Tire Rule

Hoosier LM20, 1300, 1400, LM40, 1600 and American Racer SD44, SD48 and MD56

Previous Dixie Shootout Champions

1990-Bill Ingram                            

1991-Tony Reaid

1992-Buddy Morris

1993-Scott Bloomquist

1994-Scott Bloomquist

1995-Bill Frye

1996-Wendell Wallace

1997-Billy Moyer

1998-Tim Hitt

1999-Dale McDowell

2000-Scott Bloomquist

2001-Dale McDowell

2002-Chub Frank

2003-Don O'Neal

2004-Shannon Babb

2005-Shannon Babb

2006-Scott Bloomquist

Upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Events

Friday, October 5^th

Rome Rumble

Rome International Speedway-Rome, GA
$10,000 to win

Saturday, October 6^th

Dixie Shootout

Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA
$15,000 to win & a $5000 bonus if

a previous winner of the Shootout

wins the 08' Shootout

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1)     Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5555

2)     Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5325

3)     Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-5170

4)     Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4760

5)     Terry English (Benton, KY)-4715

6)     Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

7)     Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4465

8)     Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4330

9)     Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

10)Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3640

Current COMP Cams Rookie of the Year Points Standings

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

CORONA, CA (September 19, 2007) - The "Jackson 100" from Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN featuring the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will air on the VERSUS Network on Sunday, September 23^rd from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Eastern Time) during the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour.  The race will re-air on Thursday, September 27^th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time).  The event from Brownstown was taped on August 18^th.

The hour long broadcast during the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour of the "Jackson 100" on the VERSUS Network which is available through various cable providers, on DISH Network (Channel 150) and DIREC TV (Channel 603).  VERSUS which is available to 72 million households in North America is the former OLN (Outdoor Life Network).

The broadcast of the event shows the continuing support of Lucas Oil towards Dirt Late Model Racing.  The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is in its third year of sanctioning late model events across the country.  In 2007 the series will sanction 37 events in 16 states this year with total purse money, contingencies, bonuses and point fund awards totaling $2.3 million dollars.

The final two Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events of the 2007 season will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 5^th and 6^th.  On Friday Night the "Rome Rumble" will take place at Rome International Speedway in Rome, GA paying $10,000 to win with the season finale for the series the next night at Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA for the $15,000 to win Annual "Dixie Shootout."  For more information you can visit www.dixiespeedway.com and www.lucasdirt.com.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Upcoming VERSUS TV Schedule

Sunday, September 23^rd

Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour

"Jackson 100" from Brownstown Speedway

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Thursday, September 27^th

Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour

"Jackson 100" from Brownstown Speedway

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Sunday, October 21^st

Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour

"Dixie Shootout" from Dixie Speedway

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Thursday, October 25^th

Lucas Oil Motorsports Hours

"Dixie Shootout" from Dixie Speedway

5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Eastern Time)

MINERAL WELLS, WV (September 16, 2007)- Undoubtedly the hottest dirt late model driver in the country continues to rack up big win after big win as Newport, TN driver Jimmy Owens rolled to the $20,000 victory in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned "RaceFest World Championship" on Saturday Night at the West Virginia Motor Speedway.  A huge crowd on the hillside at WVMS watched Owens come from the 12th starting spot to take over the lead on lap 31 when race leader Bart Hartman's rear end failed in his racecar forcing him pit side.  Owens then withstood several cautions flags over the last 44 laps of the race to score his third major win in the last month.  Scott Bloomquist finished second followed by current Lucas Oil Series points leader Earl Pearson Jr., 15th place starter Mike Balzano and rookie NASCAR Busch Series driver Tim McCreadie.

Hartman grabbed the lead at the start of the 75 lap main event from his outside pole starting spot with McCreadie, pole sitter Donnie Moran, Scott James and Pearson the top five with one lap in the books.  The running order stayed the same until the first caution came out on lap four for a slowing John Blankenship. On the restart Moran gained the second spot from McCreadie, but McCreadie fought back two circuits later to regain the second slot.

There were two more cautions that slowed the field again, but on those restarts Hartman quickly opened up his lead over the field as he extended his lead to six car lengths over McCreadie with ten laps scored.  Eddie Carrier Jr., the 2007 Hillbilly 100 winner, slowed on lap 11 for a flat tire which set up another Delaware double file restart.

As Hartman crossed the line to complete the 15 lap mark McCreadie was still second, but James was now up to third with defending RaceFest winner Scott Bloomquist now running fourth as they dropped Moran to fifth.  Hartman was still setting a blistering pace as he was unchallenged in the race for the lead as the fifth caution flew on lap 17 for Tim Dohm.  With the field bunched up once more, Hartman continued to open up an advantage over McCreadie who was now having to deal with Owens, who had started 12th on the grid as the battle for the second spot was heating up.

With 25 laps scored, it was still Hartman in control followed by McCreadie, Owens, Bloomquist and Pearson.  Hartman was about to enter some lapped traffic as Owens made the move by McCreadie on lap 28 to take over second place.  Just as Hartman was lapping cars he suddenly slowed on the backstretch as Owens raced by to take over the lead.  The culprit was a broken rear end as he took his car pit side as he was done for the night.

With Owens inheriting the lead on lap 31 after Hartman's misfortune McCreadie was back to second followed by Bloomquist, Pearson and James.  As Owens was fighting through traffic by the 40th circuit Bloomquist made a daring move on McCreadie as the two went door to door for a half a lap until Bloomquist cleared him to take over second.  Then another caution flag came out for Steve Lucas who was running in sixth place at the time slowed on the track with 41 laps complete.

On the restart Owens was out in front by himself with Bloomquist and McCreadie lined up side by side with Bloomquist gaining the position ahead of McCreadie heading into turn number one.  Pearson took the spot from McCreadie on lap 42 garnering the third spot as the race stayed green for four more laps until the seventh caution came out on lap 45.

With Owens on the point, the restart became quite interesting with Pearson and Bloomquist racing door to door for two laps until Bloomquist got back around Pearson to regain the second slot.  With a quarter of the race left Owens was holding a sizable advantage over Bloomquist, Pearson, McCreadie and 19th starting Michael England, who was up to fifth.

A long stretch of green flag racing saw Owens holding his lead at a healthy margin with several car lengths between himself and Bloomquist.  The eighth and final caution slowed the highflying Owens with 15 laps to go.  So with one last chance to try and get the lead away from Owens on the restart, Bloomquist and Pearson were unable to muster enough speed to get the job done as Owens sprinted away from the pair.

Owens handled any situation that came up in the final circuits as he got by lapped cars. He was negotiating with the ease of a veteran as he went on to score his series leading fifth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event of the 2007 season.  For Owens who has earned $110,000 in winnings alone in the last month after winning the North/South 100 at Florence (KY) Speedway, the World 100 at Eldora (OH) Speedway and Saturday Night's RaceFest in West Virginia he just continues to rack up big paydays.  "I just can't thank Scott (Bloomquist) enough. He builds an awesome car, my whole crew, my sponsors and my car owner, Mike Reece. I mean to back this up after winning at Eldora is just unbelievable. I guess we are going to be in a higher tax bracket now," said the 35-year-old racer in the Lucas Oil victory lane.  Hartman's misfortune while leading led to Owens gaining the lead on lap 31.  "I saw him do something on the backstretch and I thought he was going to wreck and then he pulled off the track, so it was a good break for us and bad for him, I didn't know what it was but that happens sometime."

Owens' winning Bloomquist Race Cars Ford Fusion is powered by a Cornett Racing Engines and sponsored by Reece Monuments, Ganette Appraisals, Red Line Oil, Performance Rod and Custom, Byrd's Radiators, VP Racing Fuels, Hoosier Tires and Alwee Trucking Company.

Bloomquist, who last year ended up in victory circle at WVMS in this event came home second this year in his Miller Brothers Coal/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet with Pearson's third place finish in his Bobby Labonte Racing/LifeLong Locks/MasterSbilt Dodge Charger putting him 230 points ahead of Scott James in the race for the '07 series title.  Mike Balzano had a strong run, coming from 15th to finish fourth in his Polino Contracting/Cornett Racing Engines/Rocket Monte Carlo with McCreadie finishing fifth in the No Fear/Clements Racing Engines/GRT Monte Carlo.

Rounding out the top ten were Michael England, Scott James, Eddie Carrier Jr., Donnie Moran and Steve Casebolt.

In preliminary action Earl Pearson Jr. was the LifeLong Locks Fast Qualifier for the 47 cars on hand with a lap of 20.01 seconds around the 5/8ths mile track.  Bart Hartman, Tim McCreadie, Donnie Moran and Scott James won the Hawk Brake and Quarter Master sponsored heat races.  Steve Lucas and Davey Johnson won the Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks sponsored B-mains.  Eddie Carrier Jr. took the Edelbrock Hard Charger of the Race as he advanced 14 positions to finish eighth after he started 22nd on the grid.

The 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will wrap up its 2007 racing season on Friday and Saturday, October 5th and 6th.  On Friday Night the "Rome Rumble" paying $10,000 will be run at Rome International Speedway and the Annual "Dixie Shootout" takes place on Saturday Night at Dixie Speedway paying $15,000 to win.  For more information you can visit www.dixiespeedway.com and www.lucasdirt.com.

Race Summary

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Saturday Night, September 15th, 2007

West Virginia Motor Speedway - Mineral Wells, West Virginia

LifeLong Locks Fast Qualifier:  Earl Pearson Jr. 20.01 seconds

Hawk Brake First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance):  Bart Hartman, Earl Pearson Jr., Steve Shaver, Freddy Smith, Michael England, Rod Conley, Paul Wilmoth Jr., Bobby Kitchen, Steve Wilmoth, Chad Hina, Anthony Huber, Jeff Wood

Quarter Master Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance):  Tim McCreadie, Billy Drake, Tim Dohm, Jackie Boggs, Steve Lucas, Jared Hawkins, John Blankenship, Corey Conley, Jeff Burdette, Jerry Bowersock, Tre' Martin, Brad Hutson

Hawk Brake Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance):  Donnie Moran, Dan Schlieper, Steve Casebolt, Mike Balzano, Mark Banal, Davey Johnson, Jason Flory, Chris Garnes, Danny Mitchell, Charlie George, Chad Todd

Quarter Master Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 advance):  Scott James, Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Justin Rattliff, Terry English, Chuck Harper, Damon Eller, Kenny Riddle, Ricky Elliott, Eddie Carrier Jr., Rick Lucas

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  Steve Lucas, Michael England, Rod Conley, Jared Hawkins, John Blankenship, Paul Wilmoth Jr., Corey Conley, Bobby Kitchen, Steve Wilmoth, Jeff Burdette, Jerry Bowersock, Chad Hina, Jeff Wood, Tre' Martin, Anthony Huber

Penske Shocks Second B-Main (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  Davey Johnson, Terry English, Eddie Carrier Jr., Jason Flory, Chuck Harper, Damon Eller, Ricky Elliott, Chris Garnes, Rick Lucas, Charlie George, Danny Mitchell, Chad Todd, Kenny Riddle, Mark Banal (DQ)

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "RaceFest World Championship" Feature Finish (75 Laps):  Jimmy Owens, Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson Jr., Mike Balzano, Tim McCreadie, Michael England, Scott James, Eddie Carrier Jr., Donnie Moran, Steve Casebolt, Billy Drake, Rod Conley, Dan Schlieper, Tim Dohm, Terry English, Justin Rattliff, Steve Lucas, Davey Johnson, Freddy Smith, Damon Eller, Bart Hartman, John Blankenship, Jackie Boggs, Steve Shaver

Race Statistics:

Entries:  47

Caution Flags:  8

Lap Leaders:  Bart Hartman 1-30, Jimmy Owens 31-75

Edelbrock Hard Charger of the Race:  Eddie Carrier Jr. (Started 22nd and Finished 8th-Advanced 14 Positions)

Allstar Performance Performer of the Race:  Mike Balzano

K&N Clean Pass of the Race:  Michael England

COMP Cams Rookie of the Race:  Justin Rattliff

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals:  Damon Eller and John Blankenship

Time of Race:  55 Minutes

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1)  Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5555

2)  Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5325

3)  Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-5170

4)  Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4760

5)  Terry English (Benton, KY)-4715

6)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4505

7)  Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4465

8)  Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4330

9)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

10) Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3640

Current COMP Cams Rookie of the Year Points Standings

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4504

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3850

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

MINERAL WELLS, WV (September 16, 2007)-The hottest driver in dirt late model racing rolled through the field on Saturday Night at West Virginia Motor Speedway as Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN picked up a convincing victory as he brought home the $20,000 to win Annual "RaceFest World Championship" for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.  It was Owens' fifth Lucas Oil Series win of the season as he came from the 12th starting spot inheriting the lead from Bart Hartman who had led the first 30 laps of the 75 lap main event after the rear end on Hartman's car failed.  Owens then went on to dominate the rest of the race in his Mike Reece owned Bloomquist Race Cars #20.

Scott Bloomquist, the defending race winner finished second followed by Earl Pearson Jr., 15th starting Mike Balzano and Tim McCreadie.  Pearson now holds a 230 point lead over Scott James with two series points races left in the season.

Michael England finished sixth followed by Scott James, Eddie Carrier Jr., Donnie Moran and Steve Casebolt.

In preliminary action Earl Pearson Jr. topped the 47 car field in LifeLong Locks Time Trials with a quick lap of 20.01 seconds around the 5/8ths mile track.  Bart Hartman, Tim McCreadie, Donnie Moran and Scott James won the Hawk Brake and Quarter Master Heat Races with Steve Lucas and Davey Johnson capturing the Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-Mains. 

The 2007 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will wrap up on Friday and Saturday, October 5th and 6th.  On Friday Night the $10,000 to win "Rome Rumble" will take place at Rome International Speedway in Rome, GA followed the next night by the "Dixie Shootout" at Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA with a top prize of $15,000 up for grabs.  For more information you can visit www.dixiespeedway.com and www.lucasdirt.com.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "RaceFest World Championship" Feature Finish (75 Laps):  Jimmy Owens, Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson Jr., Mike Balzano, Tim McCreadie, Michael England, Scott James, Eddie Carrier Jr., Donnie Moran, Steve Casebolt, Billy Drake, Rod Conley, Dan Schlieper, Tim Dohm, Terry English, Justin Rattliff, Steve Lucas, Davey Johnson, Freddy Smith, Damon Eller, Bart Hartman, John Blankenship, Jackie Boggs, Steve Shaver

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Events

Saturday, September 15th
RaceFest World Championship
West Virginia Motor Speedway-Mineral Wells, WV
$20,000 to win/$1,000 to start

Friday, October 5th
Rome International Speedway-Rome, GA
$10,000 to win

Saturday, October 6th
Dixie Shootout
Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA
$15,000 to win

Upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Events

Saturday, September 15th
RaceFest World Championship
West Virginia Motor Speedway-Mineral Wells, WV
$20,000 to win/$1,000 to start

Friday, October 5th
Rome International Speedway-Rome, GA
$10,000 to win

Saturday, October 6th
Dixie Shootout
Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA
$15,000 to win

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Events

Saturday, September 15th
RaceFest World Championship
West Virginia Motor Speedway-Mineral Wells, WV
$20,000 to win/$1,000 to start

Friday, October 5th
Rome International Speedway-Rome, GA
$10,000 to win

Saturday, October 6th
Dixie Shootout
Dixie Speedway-Woodstock, GA
$15,000 to win

CORONA, CA (September 11th, 2007)-After a weekend off the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series gets back into action this Saturday, September 15th at the West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, WV.  The Annual "RaceFest World Championship" will be held at the 5/8ths mile speedplant with the winner taking home $20,000.  The 75 lap event will pay $1,000 to start.  Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN is the defending winner of this event.

There will be a complete one day show for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with LifeLong Locks Time Trials followed by the Hawk Brake and Quarter Master sponsored heat races.  The number of heat races will be determined by the number of entrants.  Then following the heat race action will be the Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-mains followed by the 75 Lap "RaceFest World Championship" feature event. The rain date for the race is Sunday, September 16^th.

Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL currently sits atop the Lucas Oil Late Model Championship Points standings with a 195 point lead over Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN.  Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN, Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH and Terry English of Benton, KY round out the top five in the points with five races remaining on the schedule.

Current COMP Cams "Rookie of the Year" points leader Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, KY leads off the next five in points followed by Billy Drake of Bloomington, IL, Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN.

West Virginia Motor Speedway is located south of Parkersburg, WV on I-77.  For more information you can visit the track's website at www.wvspeedway.com or call (304) 652-1557.  The event is promoted by BDS Racing Promotions.  Gates will open on Saturday at 3:00 PM.

The tire rule for the event will be as follows; Hoosier LM20, 1300, 1400, LM40, 1600 and American Racer SD44, SD48 and MD56.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After September 1, 2007)

1)     Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5325

2)     Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5130

3)     Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-4990

4)     Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4575

5)     Terry English (Benton, KY)-4560

6)     Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4355

7)     Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4290

8)     Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4165

9)     Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3720

10)Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3505

Current COMP Cams Rookie of the Year Points Standings (After September 1, 2007)

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4355

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3720

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

MIDDLEBOURNE, WV (September 1, 2007)-Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, WV

Wins the 39^th Annual "Hillbilly 100" on Saturday Night at Tyler County Speedway taking home $25,000 for capturing the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned event.  The event which has been contested since 1967 is the oldest dirt late model race in the country and drew 84 competitors to Tyler County and Carrier was the man standing in victory circle at the end of the night.  Carrier had to hold off challenges from Doug Horton over the last half of the race, but Horton's tire blew on the final lap allowing 23^rd place starter Scott James nip him at the finish line. Earl Pearson Jr. finished fourth to maintain his series points lead with two-time Hillbilly 100 winner, Freddy Smith finishing fifth.

The 2007 Tyler County track champion, Paul Wilmoth Jr. and Carrier drew the front row starting spots among the six heat race winners. Carrier bolted to the lead at the start on the 100 lap affair as a caution on the second lap would slow the field as Tim Dohm spun in turn number four.  On the restart the second caution came out for slowing Terry English who was running fourth at the time as he took his car pit side and was done for the night.

Carrier stayed in front on the restart with pressure from Wilmoth and Steve Casebolt.  Carrier started to pick up traffic by the tenth circuit as Wilmoth and Casebolt closed right on the rear of Carrier as the trio raced through traffic.

The race really got interesting as the cars completed the 14^th circuit and there was contact between Wilmoth and Casebolt heading into turn number one with both cars stopping on the track.  This jumbled up the top five with only Carrier maintaining his spot in the running order on the restart as the incident moved Earl Pearson Jr. into second followed by Steve Shaver, Steve Weigle and Doug Horton.

On the restart the race went ten caution free laps until a multi car pileup ensued on lap 24 with Carrier still showing the way.  On this restart Shaver got by Pearson to move into second as the 1998 Hillbilly 100 winner was gaining ground on the leader, Carrier.  Meanwhile, Horton was on the charge as well as he passed Weigle, the 2006 Tyler County Speedway Late Model Champion for fourth.

But Carrier opened up a good lead over Shaver and Pearson after those two went at it for second. Horton then caught up to and passed Pearson on lap 34 as he was applying the heat on Shaver who had fallen six car lengths behind Carrier.

Keith Barbara slowed with a flat tire on lap 41 bringing out caution number five.  The restart was to Horton's benefit because he got by Shaver to take over the second spot.  This portion of the race began several laps of intense racing with no cautions as Horton was staying close to Carrier and had closed to right on his bumper by the halfway mark of the race.  Scott James, who had to take a series provisional and started 23^rd on the grid, was making his way through the field as he was up to fourth around Pearson by the 50 lap mark.  Joining James in his march to the front was Dohm, who had to go to tail after bringing out the first caution and Casebolt, who was involved with Wilmoth in the lap 14 incident.  Both Dohm and Casebolt were in the top ten with 50 laps to go in the race.

The race went caution-free until lap 70 as Carrier and Horton were in traffic as Mark Banal slowed on the race track bringing out caution number six of the event. The restart saw Horton stay glued to the back of Carrier's car but as he was trying to find a groove to get by Carrier, Shaver and James were dueling for the third spot.

Weigle slowed on lap 80 with a flat tire and that once again set up a nose to tail restart with Carrier still the top car.  With seven laps of green flag racing between the eighth caution on lap 87, Horton was still all over Carrier for the lead, but Carrier was doing his job as he was giving Horton plenty of room, but Horton could not get enough momentum to get by Carrier.

With ten laps to go Horton was still within striking distance of Carrier, but just as Carrier moved into some more lapped traffic the ninth caution came out. This set up a hotly contested finish that saw the final caution wave on lap 97 for Shaver. With three laps to go, the green came back out as Carrier stretched the lead to two lengths over Horton and James, who was third. 

As the trio took the white flag Horton and James were right there but Carrier showed his skill in maintaining the same line he had run for most of the last half of the race as he went to cross the finish line first for the biggest win of his career. Horton blew a tire coming off of turn four on the final lap and James slipped underneath him to take the second spot.  Horton limped across the line in third with Pearson and Freddy Smith completing the top five. It was the best finish of the season for Smith in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series competition.

In victory lane Carrier was overcome with emotion in explaining what had just happened as he collected $25,000 for himself and car owner, Carl Grover of Ona, WV.  "You know I've raced a long time and I've worked hard at it, I maybe from Kentucky, but I'm from West Virginia now and it sure feels good to win this race," said the 36 year old driver who moved to West Virginia in 2003 to drive for Grover Motorsports.  "My dad kept showing me under caution that someone was right behind me, so I just wanted to run the same groove on the track and hit my marks and when they came on the RaceCeiver and said we had seven laps to go, I just hammered it down and I wasn't going to give up the lead easily."

Carrier, who was the 2002 O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion and the 2007 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year, was especially grateful to his car owner and his crew. "I really want to thank Carl Grover for giving me a chance to drive his car and I can't thank my crew enough, my dad (Eddie Sr.), Victor and my wife, Jamie, she puts up with alot of stuff, but she has always supported me in racing and I appreciate that.  It's an honor to win such a prestigious race as the Hillbilly 100 because of all the great names that have won this race and the tradition the race holds."

Carrier's black number 28 Rocket Chassis Ford Fusion is sponsored by Engines Inc. of Ohio, Railway Equipment Inc./Blue Ridge Machinery Tools/Hess, Stewart and Campbell, Poske's Performance Parts and VP Racing Fuels. The car is powered by a Grover Ford Racing Engine.

James finished second in the Powell Motorsports/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/Rocket GTO and closed to within 195 of the points lead.  Horton in the Bobby Lake Motorsports/Cornett Race Engines/Rocket GTO was third followed by Earl Pearson Jr. in the Bobby Labonte Racing/LifeLong Locks/MasterSbilt Dodge Charger with the Hall of Famer Freddy Smith taking fifth in his White Oaks Motorsports/Dale Meers Racing Engines/Warrior Monte Carlo.

Completing the top ten were Steve Casebolt, Donnie Moran, Steve Weigle, Butch McGill and Steve Shaver.

In preliminary action Rick Williams topped the 84 car field with a lap of 12.815 seconds taking the LifeLong Locks Fast Time Award.  Steve Casebolt, Terry English, Eddie Carrier Jr., Steve Weigle, Doug Horton and Paul Wilmoth Jr. won the Hawk Brake and Quarter Master sponsored heat races.  The four Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks sponsored B-mains were won by Donnie Dotson, Mike Benedum, Charlie George and Butch McGill.  Scott James grabbed the Edelbrock Hard Charger of the Race after coming from the 23^rd starting spot to place second.

The next Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event will take place on Saturday, September 15 at the West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, WV with the Annual "Race Fest" paying $20,000 to win. 

Race Summary

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Tyler County Speedway - Middlebourne, WV

Saturday Night, September 1, 2007

LifeLong Locks Fast Qualifier:  Rick Williams 12.815 seconds

Hawk Brake First Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  Steve Casebolt, Mark Banal, Joe Loudin, Brad Hutson, Rick Williams, Sonny Conley, Rick Lucas, Jason Witherite, Dan Shrigley, K.C. Burdette, Jr. Payne, Brad Clark

Quarter Master Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  terry English, Earl Pearson Jr., Greg Baumberger, Mike Benedum, Booper Bare, Tony Musolino, Dusty Hamrick, Michael Davis, Joel Prosser, Buck Rine, Chad Todd, Paul Baker, Scott Peltz, Scott Alan

Hawk Brake Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  Eddie Carrier Jr., Keith Barbara, Corey Conley, Donnie Dotson, Dan Schlieper, Donnie Moran, George Lee, Chris Carpenter, Richard Frazier, Scott James, Marshall Wiblin, Dwight Henry, Robbie Scott

Quarter Master Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  Steve Weigle, Steve Shaver, John Gill, Charlie George, Rickey Conley, Justin Rattliff, D Jay Miller, Kevin Layne, Matt Flesher, Glynn Booth, Darrin McDonald, Dannie Ruza, Justin Powell

Hawk Brake Fifth Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  Doug Horton, Freddy Smith, Chris Garnes, Butch McGill, Damon Eller, Clint Coffman, Larry Smith, Brian Rush, Nick Corbitt, Danny Wilson, Tony Roush, Zack Dohm

Quarter Master Sixth Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance):  Paul Wilmoth Jr., Tim Dohm, Chuck Harper, Jared Hawkins, Dan Morrison, Steve Wilmoth, Billy Drake, Tracie Sampson, Greg Buckland, Rod Gibson, Kris Southern, Roy Roush, Freddie Carpenter

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main (12 Laps-Winner Advances):  Donnie Dotson, Booper Bare, Chris Carpenter, Brad Hutson, Sonny Conley, Dwight Henry, Joel Prosser, K.C. Burdette, Brad Clark, Chad Todd, Donnie Moran, Scott James, Dusty Hamrick, Jason Witherite

Penske Shocks Second B-Main (12 Laps-Winner Advances):  Mike Benedum, Rick Williams, Michael Davis, Dan Schlieper, Scott Peltz, George Lee, Richard Frazier, Buck Rine, Dan Shrigley, Tony Musolino, Rick Lucas

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno Third B-Main (12 Laps-Winner Advances):  Charlie George, Justin Rattliff, Jared Hawkins, Tracie Sampson, Dannie Ruze, Damon Eller, Larry Smith, Kevin Layne, Glynn Booth, Steve Wilmoth, Tyler Carpenter, Rod Gibson, Nick Corbitt

Penske Shocks Fourth B-Main (12 Laps-Winner Advances):  Butch McGill, Billy Drake, Rickey Conley, Dan Morrison, Matt Flesher, Darrin McDonald, Justin Powell, Freddie carpenter, Clint Coffman, D Jay Miller, Greg Buckland, Brian Rush, Danny Wilson, Kris Southern

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 39^th Annual Hillbilly 100 Finish:  Eddie Carrier Jr., Scott James, Doug Horton, Earl Pearson Jr., Freddy Smith, Steve Casebolt, Donnie Moran, Steve Weigle, Butch McGill, Steve Shaver, Joe Loudin, Greg Baumberger, Sonny Conley, Tim Dohm, Mark Banal, Mike Benedum, Scott Peltz, Charlie George, Chuck Harper, Corey Conley, Donnie Dotson, John Gill, Keith Barbara, Paul Wilmoth Jr., Terry English, Chris Garnes

Race Statistics:

Entries:  84

Yellow Flags:  10

Lap Leaders:  Eddie Carrier Jr. 1-100

Edelbrock Hard Charger of the Race:  Scott James (Started 23^rd and Finished 2^nd-Advanced 21 Positions)

K&N Clean Pass of the Race:  Steve Casebolt

Allstar Performance Performer of the Race:  Freddy Smith 

COMP Cams Rookie of the Race:  None Awarded

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals:  Scott James and Donnie Moran

Track Provisionals:  Sonny Conley and Scott Peltz

Time of Race: 62 minutes

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings (After September 1, 2007)

1)     Earl Pearson, Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)-5325

2)     Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN)-5130

3)     Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN)-4990

4)     Terry English (Benton, KY)-4560

5)     Donnie Moran (Dresden, OH)-4575

6)     Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4355

7)     Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL)-4290

8)     Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI)-4165

9)     Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3720

10)Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN)-3505

Current COMP Cams Rookie of the Year Points Standings (After August 25, 2007)

1)  Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY)-4235

2)  Damon Eller (Crumpler, NC)-3620

3)  Brad Neat (Dunnville, KY)-2885

MIDDLEBOURNE, WV (September 1, 2007)-Eddie Carrier, Jr. of Salt Rock, WV picked up the biggest win of his racing career on Saturday Night as he captured the 39^th Annual "Hillbilly 100" at the Tyler County Speedway.  The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned event paid $25,000 to win, as Carrier became the 18^th different winner in 32 races this season.  Carrier led all 100 laps, but had to withstand constant pressure from Doug Horton over the last half of the race. Horton would blow a tire on the final lap and that allowed 21^st place starter, Scott James to pass him at the flag stand to finish second.  Horton would wind up third followed by Earl Pearson, Jr. and Freddy Smith.

Completing the top ten were Steve Casebolt, Donnie Moran, Steve Weigle, Butch McGill and Steve Shaver.

Carrier's win came aboard the Carl Grover Motorsports/Engines Inc./Railway Equipment Sales/Blue Ridge Machinery/Hess, Stewart and Campbell sponsored Rocket Ford Fusion. For the 36 year old Kentucky native it was his second career series win.  His first came in 2004 when he won a $10,000 to win event at K-C Raceway in Ohio.

In preliminary action Rick Williams topped the 85-car field in the LifeLong Locks Time Trials.  Steve Casebolt, Terry English, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Steve Weigle, Doug Horton and Paul Wilmoth, Jr. won the Hawk Brake and Quarter Master sponsored heat races.  The four Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-main winners were Donnie Dotson, Mike Benedum, Charlie George and Butch McGill.

The next Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race will be on Saturday Night, September 15 at West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, WV.  The Annual "RACEFEST" event will pay $20,000 to win.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Hillbilly 100" Feature Finish:  Eddie Carrier Jr., Scott James, Doug Horton, Earl Pearson Jr., Freddy Smith, Steve Casebolt, Donnie Moran, Steve Weigle, Butch McGill, Steve Shaver, Joe Loudin, Greg Baumberger, Sonny Conley, Tim Dohm, Mark Banal, Mike Benedum, Scott Peltz, Charlie George, Chuck Harper, Corey Conley, Donnie Dotson, John Gill, Keith Barbara, Paul Wilmoth Jr., Terry English, Chris Garnes

CORONA, CA (August 28, 2007)-It's called "America's Oldest Dirt Late Model Major Event," the 39^th Annual Hillbilly 100 is set for Saturday Night, September 1^st at the Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, WV.  The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned event will pay $25,000 to win and $1,000 to start.  The event is the richest one day show in dirt late model racing and many of the sport's all-time greats have won this event which has been contested at Tyler County Speedway since 1998. 

There will be a complete show on Saturday Night with LifeLong Locks Time Trials followed by the Hawk Brake and Quarter Master sponsored heat races.  The number of heat races will be determined by the number of entrants.  Then there will be the Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno and Penske Shocks B-mains followed by the 100 lap 39^th Annual "Hillbilly 100."

With just six point races left in the 2007 campaign for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series a familiar name remains at the top of the championship points standings.  Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL who is not only the two-time and defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, the reigning World 100 winner but was last year's Hillbilly 100 victor comes into this weekend holding a 215 point lead over Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN.  Last year's Hillbilly 100 runner-up and the winner of this year's Eldora Dream race Steve Casebolt of Richmond, IN is third in points followed by Terry English of Benton, KY and three-time Hillbilly 100 winner, Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH.

The rest of the top ten in the series points standings heading to West Virginia this weekend include Justin Rattliff of Campbellsville, KY, who is also the top driver in the COMP Cams Rookie of the Year points standings, then its Billy Drake of Bloomington, IL, Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI, Damon Eller of Crumpler, NC and two-time Hillbilly 100 winner, Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN.

For more information on this special event you can visit the Tyler County Speedway website at www.tylercountyspeedway.net or call Brian or Chris Ferrell at (304) 758-2934.  For the latest up to date info on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

The tire rule for the event will be as follows; Hoosier LM20, 1300, 1350, LM40, 1600 and American Racer SD44, SD48 and MD56. 

Tyler County Speedway "Hillbilly 100" Feature Payoff:  $25,000, $8000, $4000, $2500, $2100, $2000, $1900, $1800, $1700, $1600, $1500, $1400, $1350, $1300, $1250, $1200, $1175, $1150, $1125, $1100, $1075, $1050, $1025, $1000

Previous Hillbilly 100 Race Winners

1967-Don Gregory

1968-Ray Nace

1969-NO RACE

1970-Clate Husted

1971-Danny Dean

1972-Dorus Wisecarver

1973-Bob Wearing Sr.

1974-Bob Wearing Sr.

1975-Bob Wearing Sr.

1976-Bob Wearing Sr.

1977-NO RACE

1978-Gene McNeely