'The USMTS drivers led a patriotic lap four wide for fans at LaSalle Speedway on May 31st.'	'Al Henja, of Iowa, charges through the highbanks of LaSalle Speedway en route to his first victory of 2008. His O'Reilly USMTS Frostbuster win netted

Henja claims USMTS Frostbuster with Rain at Checkers
May 31, 2008

By: Betty Glynn  

La Salle, IL – The O’Reilly United States Modified Touring Series topped the venue with a forty lap feature at LaSalle Speedway Saturday night. Dubbed the Frostbuster seemed ironic since the temperatures were warm enough to be considered a summer day and lightning filled the sky in many directions throughout the evening. 

Twenty one drivers registered for the special paying $2,000 to the victor. There were three heat races lined up based on a draw from sign in. The top twelve drivers in passing points, accumulated in the heat races, were locked into the Holley “A” Main, with the top eight re-drawing for the first through eighth starting positions. The “B” Main set the remaining starting grid positions as all drivers made the big show. 

Jason Hughes of Westville, Oklahoma stole the first ten lap heat race during the final lap when Minnesota’s Alan Mondus slowed off the final turn. Former LaSalle regular, Bob Pohlman Jr. crossed the line third ahead of last seasons track champ Milo Veloz of Colona. 

Henja traveled from fourth to first for the second heat race win over Newton’s Chad Kinder. Rich Bell of Sheffield finished third over Ryan Gustin of Iowa and Ray Bollinger of Kewanee. 

The third and final heat race winner was local racer Vince Cooper of Morris. Kelly Shryock of Iowa and Ron VerBeek battled for second with Shryock stealing second during the last lap. 

Dereck Ramirez of Oklahoma took the “B” Main checkers over Bollinger, Sheffeld’s Nathan Balensiefen, Donovan Lodge of Moline, Mineral’s Marty Thompson and Colt Mather of Iowa. 

After an impressive four wide salute with the American Flag proudly flying from each of the Modified’s, Kinder and Hejna took their positions at the front of the Holley “A” Main grid. The second row held VerBeek and Cooper ahead of Shryock and Pohlman. With merely one lap in the books, a caution slowed up the pace. But before that lap was scored, it was Henja quickly taking control of the impressively powerful machines. 

Henja was on fire and led without contest for much of the race leaving Kinder and Hughes to battle for the runner up position.  By Lap 18, Gustin had powered his way up from ninth to the second place running position but a flat tire four laps later sent his challenge pit side.  

During the twenty fourth circuit, a lapped car and the leader made contact off of the turn four corner opening the door for Hughes. Henja hit the gas hard and narrowly stayed the front man. 

During Lap 31, Kinder tried a lower line to run but couldn’t get the rhythm he needed to pass Hughes for second. The field was brought back together after a caution but catching Henja was out of the reach for any of the talented Modified stars. 

With five laps remaining, Mother Nature ended any hopes of one last dance for the lead. Her fury brought a down pour closing out any chance for a showdown at the end of the race. Henja’s victory was the first for the 2008 season. 

According to the USMTS website the official finish behind Henja was Hughes, Kinder, VanderBeek, Ramirez, Lodge, Shryock, Cooper, Bollinger, Joe Adam of Peru, Veloz, VerBeek, Colt Mather, Doug Curless, and Mark Novorolsky as the only finishers. 

The Midwestern Late Models competed as well. It took at least four complete restarts and numerous multi car pile ups to end the Midwestern mayhem of twenty five laps. 

Maple Park’s Ralph Markham out powered the field to claim the win from the pole.  

Unofficially, Keith Piano crossed the line second from a fifth place start. He and Billy Weistart Jr. put on a great show when the light actually stayed green.  

The event was a struggle to get in as it had at least as many wrecks as cars. Out of the twenty starters, it was hard to keep track of how many left the track on a hook or with severe damage.  

Piano and Markham each won the heat races for the class. 

The official UMP Street Stock feature finish was unavailable at press time. Rick Koltveit won the feature race.
 

La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results

USMTS Modified Results (Courtesy of www.USMTS.com)

Finish, Car Number, Driver, Hometown, Starting Position

ISKY RACING CAMS HEAT RACE #1 (10 laps):
1. 12 - Jason Hughes -- Westville, OK (3)
2. 55 - Alan Mondus -- Lakeville, MN (2)
3. 27p - Bob Pohlman -- Oak Lawn, IL (7)
4. 43 - Milo Veloz -- Colona, IL (1)
5. 83 - Nathan Balensiefen -- Sheffield, IL (4)
6. 25 - Marty Thompson -- Mineral, IL (8)
7. 99 - Doug Curless -- Silvis, IL (6)
8. 32 - Donovan Lodge -- Moline, IL (5) DNF

NEW VISION GRAPHICS HEAT RACE #2 (10 laps):
1. 7 - Al Hejna -- Clear Lake, IA (4)
2. 22s - Chad Kinder -- Newton, IL (5)
3. 21b - Rich Bell -- Sheffield, IL (1)
4. 19r - Ryan Gustin -- Marshalltown, IA (7)
5. 77 - Ray Bollinger -- Kewanee, IL (3)
6. 4m - Michael Marden -- Monee, IL (6) DNF
7. 75 - Joe Adam -- Peru, IL (2) DNF

HEAT RACE #3 (10 laps):
1. 70 - Vince Cooper -- Morris, IL (2)
2. 3 - Kelly Shryock -- Fertile, IA (3)
3. 4r - Ron Ver Beek -- Oskaloosa, IA (6)
4. 33z - Zack VanderBeek -- New Sharon, IA (5)
5. 4r - Dereck Ramirez -- Woodward, OK (7)
6. 8 - Colt Mather -- Webster, IA (4)
7. 91 - Mark Novorolsky -- Bolingbrook, IL (1)

REAL RACING WHEELS “B” MAIN (15 laps, all advance):
1. 4r - Dereck Ramirez -- Woodward, OK (1)
2. 77 - Ray Bollinger -- Kewanee, IL (3)
3. 83 - Nathan Balensiefen -- Sheffield, IL (2)
4. 32 - Donovan Lodge -- Moline, IL (10)
5. 25 - Marty Thompson -- Mineral, IL (4)
6. 8 - Colt Mather -- Webster, IA (6)
7. 99 - Doug Curless -- Silvis, IL (7) DNF
8. 91 - Mark Novorolsky -- Bolingbrook, IL (9) DNF
9. 75 - Joe Adam -- Peru, IL (8) DNF
10. 4m - Michael Marden -- Monee, IL (5) DNS

HOLLEY “A” MAIN (35 laps):
1. 7 - Al Hejna -- Clear Lake, IA (2)
2. 12 - Jason Hughes -- Westville, OK (8)
3. 22s - Chad Kinder -- Newton, IL (1)
4. 33z - Zack VanderBeek -- New Sharon, IA (11)
5. 4r - Dereck Ramirez -- Woodward, OK (13)
6. 32 - Donovan Lodge -- Moline, IL (16)
7. 3 - Kelly Shryock -- Fertile, IA (5)
8. 70 - Vince Cooper -- Morris, IL (4)
9. 77 - Ray Bollinger -- Kewanee, IL (14)
10. 75 - Joe Adam -- Peru, IL (21)
11. 43 - Milo Veloz -- Colona, IL (12)
12. 4r - Ron Ver Beek -- Oskaloosa, IA (3)
13. 8 - Colt Mather -- Webster, IA (18)
14. 99 - Doug Curless -- Silvis, IL (19)
15. 91 - Mark Novorolsky -- Bolingbrook, IL (20)
16. 83 - Nathan Balensiefen -- Sheffield, IL (15) DNF
17. 21b - Rich Bell -- Sheffield, IL (10) DNF
18. 55 - Alan Mondus -- Lakeville, MN (7) DNF
19. 25 - Marty Thompson -- Mineral, IL (17) DNF
20. 19r - Ryan Gustin -- Marshalltown, IA (9) DNF
21. 27p - Bob Pohlman -- Oak Lawn, IL (6) DNF
22. 4m - Michael Marden -- Monee, IL (22) DNS
(NOTE: Holley “A” Main shortened from 40 to 35 laps due to rain)

Piano Outplays the Competition for First Triple Crown Victory

By: Betty Glynn                       

La Salle, IL – Oglesby’s Keith Piano is on a roll. Saturday night marked the second victory in a row but his first of the coveted La Salle Speedway’s Triple Crown races for the Midwestern Late Model driver.

Nineteen competitors signed in for the 50 lap special event. Ten cars started the first heat race with Jim Loomis securing the win as newcomer Roger Markham finished second. Billy Weistart Jr. put on a show as he moved up the field from his tenth seat on the grid for a strong third place finish over Robert Schmeltzer.  

The second heat winner Ralph Markham won without contest from his outside front row start over pole sitter John Piccatto. Piano moved up four positions in the heat while Ed Williams Sr. completed the 8 laps in fourth place.

A passing points system is used to determine the feature grid line up however the top six point earners re-draw to decide the front three rows.

Piano rolled out as the pole sitter next to Roger Markham. Reigning champ Ralph Markham and Piccatto claimed their stake on row two ahead of Weistart and Jimmy Loomis.

In an attempt to keep the action rolling, officials decided to allow four cautions. After the four, all yellow laps would be counted until they reached the fortieth lap then the remaining would be only green laps on the scoreboard.

Piano wasted no time and set the pace fast and furious but a four car pile stalled the action before the first lap could be scored.

Once green again, it was Piano with a hard charging Ralph on his tail. The pair started to distance themselves from Roger and Weistart but a caution during the eighth circuit brought everyone back together. Piano used the restart to his advantage and shot off to a nice jump but yet again the next few laps were plagued by cautions. During one of the restarts of the ninth lap, Weistart was challenging Ralph on the low side when the caution stopped his run. One lap later, Ralph tried a higher line and Weistart used the inside to steal second.

Piano led by a comfortable margin from the fifteenth to the twenty first circuit but once they were deep in lapped traffic, Weistart was closing the gap. Two laps later the duo took their dance side by side with lapped traffic. Each showing respect for their lines and put on a well controlled challenge.

During Lap 26, Piano, Weistart and Ralph diced it up with exciting door to door action but after every challenge Piano remained in control of the pack. Weistart and Ralph were now battling each other allowing Piano to distance himself. With merely ten laps un-scored, a caution brought them back together for a single file restart.

On the lead lap, Piano led Weistart, Ralph, Ed Williams Sr., Roger, and Jim Loomis. The remaining nine drivers were at least one lap down to the leaders. Once the action was back, Ralph tried a much higher line but fell back several spots.

Piano finished the race with his first visit to the Triple Crown victory circle. “This was our first Triple Crown win,” Piano told the crowd after winning the race that paid $1,000.

Piano looked comfortable in the final laps but explained it wasn’t the case behind the wheel. “That was a tough race,” he acknowledged. “The car was getting loose at the end but we got the win.”

Weistart, the current points leader, took home a strong second for his efforts over Ed Williams Sr. in a solid third place. Ralph was able to move back up to take fourth to finish in front of Roger, Aaron Schmidt, Jim Loomis, Piccatto, Eric Dauber, Timmy Loomis, Ed Williams Jr. and Dale Markham.

Sixteen UMP Modified’s showed up for action. Mineral’s Marty Thompson hosted the field from the pole next to AJ Dixon while Nathan Balensiefen and Ray Bollinger took the second row on the grid.

As soon the flag dropped, the action was well underway with contests four wide all over the field. A five car melee stopped the pack during the fourth lap. One lap later, Dixon’s powerful charge in second ended with a cloud of smoke rolling out of his car.

Balensiefen gladly picked up the position hoping to challenge Thompson for the lead with Brad Pershy on his tail. By Lap 7, a contact ridden battle was underway for third between Pershy and Mike Janis. Five laps later as the pair came off of the fourth turn, contact and sparks flew as they used the unforgiving front retaining wall as a buffer. Both found themselves facing the wrong direction and stopped on the track.

They were sent to tail of the nine remaining contenders.

As the leaders crossed under the white flag, Bollinger took his ride into a battle with Balensiefen for second.

Marty Thompson collected the checkers ahead of Bollinger, Balensiefen, Mark Marden, Pershy, Kevin Thompson, Janis, and Mark Novorolsky.

 AJ Dixon and Marty Thompson each won the divisional heat races.

Jimmy Partipilo ended his runner up status with the feature victory in the UMP Street Stock class. For five consecutive races between two tracks, Partipilo has finished second but Saturday night he hit the gas hard moving up from his fourth place start into the lead by the fourth lap in the books.

Rick Koltveit put forth a great battle for the lead but just fell short. During Lap13, Mike Stewart had a good run in third when thick white smoke ended his run.

Partipilo made a clean sweep claiming both his heat and feature race wins. Koltveit took home second in front of Randy Lucas, Mike Hughes, Justin Rutledge, Nick Sell, Jay Mesarchik, Steve Lewis, Roger Rickels, Alex Clubb, Brian Finlig, Dan Leonard, and Kyle Prokup.

Reigning UMP 4 Cylinder track champ, DJ Werkmeister, took home the feature and heat victory in his class.

Loren Westerhold collected second in front of #98, Jamie Deford, Phil Burdette, Asa Robart, Josh Larson, Chad Williams, Mark Sutton, Markus Hoover, Stephanie Soberri, Harold Reiter, Tanner Phelps, Dawn Spellious and Jared Scott.

Jamie Deford won the second heat race.

Next Saturday night, the Modified division will top the venue when the United States Modified Touring Series competes for $2,000 to win.  

La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 05/24/08

Late Models – 19 Cars

Heat One: Jim Loomis, Roger Markham, Billy Weistart Jr., Robert Schmeltzer

Heat Two: Ralph Markham, John Piccatto, Keith Piano, Ed Williams Sr.

Feature: 1. Keith Piano, 2. Billy Weistart Jr., 3. Ed Williams, Sr., 4. Ralph Markham, 5. Roger Markham, 6. Aaron Schmitdt, 7. Jim Loomis, 8. John Piccatto, 9. Eric Dauber, 10. Timmy Loomis, 11. Ed Williams Jr., 12. Dale Markham, 13. Joe Fratt, 14. Brian Lock, 15. Dan Doherty, 16. Joe Jelinek, 17. Mike Glynn, 18. Jon Small, 19. Robert Schmeltzer

UMP Modifieds 16 Cars

Heat One: AJ Dixon, Nathan Balensiefen, Doug Curless, Joe Adam

Heat Two: Marty Thompson, Brady Pershy, Ray Bollinger, Donovan Lodge

Feature: 1. Marty Thompson, 2. Ray Bollinger, 3. Nathan Balensiefen, 4. Mike Marden, 5. Brad Pershy, 6. Kevin Thompson, 7. Mike Janis, 8. Mark Novorolsky, 9. Doug Curless, 10. Mark Vervynck, 11. Vince Cooper, 12. AJ Dixon, 13. Ken Fisher, 14. Donovan Lodge, 15. Milo Veloz, 16. Joe Adam

UMP Street Stocks 16 Cars

Heat One: Jimmy Partipilo, Mike Hughes, Rick Koltveit, Justin Rutledge

Heat Two: Randy Lucas, Nick Sell, Mike Stewart, Jay Mesarchick

Feature: 1. Jimmy Partipilo,  2. Rick Koltveit, 3. Randy Lucas, 4. Mike Hughes, 5. Justin Rutledge, 6. Nick Sell, 7. Jay Mesarchik, 8. Steve Lewis, 9. Roger Rickels, 10. Alex Clubb, 11. Brian Finlig, 12. Dan Leonard, 13. Kyle Prokup, 14. Mike Stewart, 15. Rob Bond, 16. Karl Hayes

Hornets 15 Cars

Heat One: DJ Werkmeister, Phil Burdette, Loren Westerhold, Mark Sutton

Heat Two: Jamie Deford, Asa Robart, Josh Larson, #98

Feature: 1. DJ Werkmeister, 2. Loren Westerhold, 3. #98, 4. Jamie Deford, 5. Phil Burdett,  6. Asa Robart, 7. Josh Larson, 8. Chad Williams, 9. Mark Sutton, 10. Markus Hoover, 11. Stephanie Soberri, 12. Harold Reiter, 13. Tanner Phelps, 14. Dawn Spellious, 15. Jared Scott

McCreadie takes the high road for Spring Shootout $10,000

By: Betty Glynn                       

La Salle, IL – Thirty nine of the toughest competitors rolled into the Illinois Valley for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Spring Shootout. By lunch time on Saturday, the presence of fancy car haulers and rigs could be seen throughout the area.

La Salle Speedway has played host to the traveling series seven times. At the completion of the seventh visit a staggering seven different winners have their names in the record books. It could be luck but for Saturday’s $10,000 check holder, Tim McCreadie, it was talent and the drive to get the job done.

McCreadie, a thirty six year old New York native, is no stranger to racing but a newcomer to LaSalle’s victory circle.

Bart Hartman was the fourth qualifier to hit the clay, setting the bar high with a quick lap of 12.842. His fast time wasn’t much of a help as he still found himself on the “B” Main roster after not fairing so well in his heat event.

Four heat races helped determine the twenty four car fifty lap main event. All four winners came from the front row en route to their wins. The top four finishers transferred into the “A” Main.

Bloomington’s Jason Feger carried the first heat race of ten drivers flag to flag holding back a strong running Tim Fuller. The third place finisher, John Blankenship, started last and worked his way up the pack before the completion of the ten lap event. Matt Miller earned the last transfer position in fourth.

McCreadie won the second heat without contest over Steve Casebolt, Dennis Erb Jr., and Brian Shirley.

Brady Smith collected the third heat challenge in front of Kerry Hansen, Rick Eckert and Darren Miller.

The fourth and final heat race winner Scott James was flying solo for much of the race but a late race caution brought the competition back together for a single restart with only one lap left un-scored. At the finish line, Steve Francis crossed in second ahead of Jeep VanWormer and Wayne Chinn.

Both “B” Main winners started on the pole. Hartman took the first consi race over local racer Ryan Dauber of Tonica. Shane Clanton beat Frank Heckanast Jr. at the line for the third transfer position.

Brian Birkhofer outdistanced the field to earn the second “B” Main race with Dan Schlieper, and John Mason taking the last transfer spots. Before a lap could be scored, Justin Rattliff found himself upside down on the back stretch. A far cry from his first big dollar victory in which he earned on the same turf last season. A well earned accomplishment that netted the young standout $10,000 for his efforts.

Earl Pearson Jr. and Rattliff each took a provisional to make their way into the “A” Main.

Feger and McCreadie rolled up side by side at the helm over Brady Smith, James, Fuller and Casebolt. As soon as the flag dropped Feger moved to the inside line with Smith following but McCreadie found his rhythm on the high road. 

A pile up off the second turn during the ninth circuit collected Rattliff, adding to his streak of bad luck, Schlieper, Mason and Clanton. Once the action was back under way, it was tenth place starter Erb putting on a show. He managed to move his way up the pack to fourth before billowing smoke and oil from the rear of his ride sent him back to the pit area and out of contention.

McCreadie was riding the rails throwing his tires over the cushion when he brought his ride up to the door of Feger. His topside run opened up the space needed to grab the lead just before the fourteenth lap. “I put it over the cushion a little, that’s my deal,” McCreadie confessed post race. Smith followed him moving into second.

A few laps later, an incredible battle was well underway between the high flying McCreadie and Smith leaving Feger to fend off John Blankenship, Eckert and Francis. The leader’s side by side showdown was a crowd pleasing display of why they have become dirt track stars.

During Lap 23, Smith stole the lead but only temporarily as McCreadie refused to go without a fight. McCreadie used lapped traffic and a smart move three laps later to get command back. At times, three and four cars separated the leaders as they were lapping the field like they were standing still.

James was on the move and managed to make his way up to a third place running position before fading back during the final laps.

The driver to keep an eye on was none other then former winner Pearson as he charged his way from the last row on the grid through a stacked field into eighth. His provisional paid off.

McCreadie ran a smart well planned race to capture his first Lucas Oil victory since February 2005.

Just after collecting the checkers, McCreadie kicked it up another notch when he flew down the front stretch spinning tires and doing “donuts” for the fans.

“We’ve had a rough few months, glad you stuck with me,” McCreadie announced over the loud speaker. Based on the crowd’s reaction it appeared he may not only had fans sticking with him but he picked up quite a few more with his fierce drive to the checkers.

With unrelenting rain drops a small delay in the action was unavoidable. In addition the threat of inclement weather in the area was looming with lightning in the distance but the Lucas Oil and LaSalle Speedway crews kept their pace on the throttle. It took a great deal of effort by everyone to get the dirt flying without delay. Fans and drivers alike were pretty impressed that the show was constantly in a forward motion.

“They have turned this into a first class deal,” McCreadie told.

The “A” Main finish behind McCreadie was Smith, Blankenship, Eckert, Francis, Feger, VanWormer, Pearson, Hartman, Matt Miller, Casebolt, Schlieper, Chinn, James, Rattliff, Dauber, Fuller, and Darren Miller.

The UMP Modifieds and Street Stocks competed as well.

Fifteen drivers registered for the Modified division. To kick things off, last place starter Nathan Balensiefen stole the lead during the final lap of the exciting first heat race to beat AJ Dixon, Donovan Lodge and Mark Vervynck.

Marty Thompson outran the competition to claim the second heat ahead of Vince Cooper, Doug Curless and Ray Bollinger.

Pole sitter Curless held back two impressive challengers, Cooper and Thompson, to capture the twenty lap main for their class.

When the checkers dropped it was Curless heading to victory lane over Cooper, Thompson, Balensiefen, Lodge, Milo Veloz, Bollinger, Dixon, Vervynck, Jason Pershy, Mark Novolorsky, Michael Marden, Jared Coppejeans, and #89.

Steve Lewis took command during lap seven of the Street Stock’s main race from Jimmy Partipilo to claim his second win in a row. Lewis looks to be one tough contender in the ulta racey division.

Partipilo took home second in front of Alex Clubb, Randy Lucas, Nick Sell, Justin Rutledge, Roger Rickels, Gary Schmitt, Rick Koltveit, Jay Mesarchik, Mike Stewart, Gabe Concor, and Mike Hughes.

Lucas and and Hughes each won the heat races.

La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 05/17/08

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series – 39 Cars

Fast Qualifier: 12.842

Heat 1: Jason Feger, Tim Fuller, John Blankenship, Matt Miller, Bart Hartman, Frank Heckanast Jr., Billy Drake, Shane Clanton, Brian Claudnic, Tony Izzo Jr.

Heat 2: Tim McCreadie, Steve Casebolt, Dennis Erb Jr, Brian Shirley, Ryan Dauber, Scott Schmitt, Wes Steidinger, Justin Rattliff, Jeremy Grady, Rich Bell

Heat 3: Brady Smith, Kerry Hansen, Rick Eckert, Darren Miller, Brian Birkhofer, Freddy Smith, Earl Pearson Jr., Mike Mataragas, Vic Coffey, Ralph Markham

Heat 4: Scott James, Steve Francis, Jeep VanWormer, Wayne Chinn, John Mason, Dan Schlieper, Mark Burgtorf, Clint Smith, Terry Casey

“B” Main #1: Bart Hartman, Ryan Dauber, Shane Clanton, Frank Heckanast Jr., Wes Steidinger, Brian Claudnic, Billy Drake, Rich Bell, Scott Schmitt, Justin Rattliff

“B” Main #2: Brian Birkhofer, Dan Schlieper, John Mason, Freddy Smith, Clint Smith, Mark Burgtorf, Earl Pearson Jr., Mike Matargas, Vic Coffey, Ralph Markham

Feature: 1. Tim McCreadie, 2. Brady Smith, 3. John Blankenship, 4. Rick Eckert, 5. Steve Frnacis, 6. Jason Feger, 7. Jeep VanWormer, 8. Earl Pearson Jr., 9. Bart Harman, 10. Matt Miller, 11. Steve Casebolt, 12. Dan Schlieper, 13. Wayne Chinn, 14. Scott James, 15. Justin Rattliff, 16. Ryan Dauber, 17. Tim Fuller, 18. Darren Miller, 19. Dennis Erb Jr., 20. Kerry Hansen, 21. Brian Shirley, 22. John Mason, 23. Brian Birkhofer, 24. Shane Clanton

UMP Modifieds 16 Cars

Heat One: Nathan Balensiefen, AJ Dixon, Donovan Lodge, Mark Vervynck

Heat Two: Marty Thompson, Vince Cooper, Doug Curless, Ray Bollinger

Feature: 1. Doug Curless, 2. Vince Cooper, 3. Marty Thompson, 4. Nathan Balensiefen, 5. Donovan Lodge, 6. Milo Veloz, 7. Ray Bollinger, 8. AJ Dixon, 9. Mark Vervynck, 10. Jason Pershy, 11. Brad Pershy, 12. Mark Novorolsky, 13. Michael Marden, 14. Jared Copperjeans, 15. #89

UMP Street Stocks 13 Cars

Heat One: Randy Lucas, Nick Sell, Jay Mesarchick, Kory Peterson

Heat Two: Mike Hughes, Jimmy Partipilo, Alex Clubb, Schmitt

Feature: 1. Steve Lewis,  2. Jimmy Partipilo, 3. Alex Clubb, 4. Randy Lucas, 5. Nick Sell, 6. Justin Rutledge, 7. Roger Rickels, 8. Gary Schmitt, 9. Rick Koltveit, 10. Jay Mesarchick, 11. Mike Stewart, 12. Gabe Concor, 13. Mike Hughes

'Keith Piano (#21) uses the inside line to pass Jim Loomis (#55) en route to his Late Model victory at La Salle Speedway on May 10th.'

Piano Orchestrates Perfect Win

By: Betty Glynn                       

                       

La Salle, IL – Keith Piano charged around the highbanks of the Late Model feature as if he had something to prove. Last week he was leading when a mishap with another driver cost him his first win of the season and it was not ending the same way Saturday night.

 

Twenty drivers filled the starting grid with John Piccatto and Jim Loomis heading the pack. Rolling into their places on the second row was Darin Furar and Piano.

 

Just after the green was signaled, Loomis shot out to a quick lead leaving Piccatto trailing. By the third lap out, sixth place starter Billy Weistart Jr. was putting the pressure on for second with Piano behind him. One lap later, Weistart darted into second in his hunt for the lead.

 

Coming off turn one, in the seventh circuit, Furar hit the infield tires that took up the bottom groove ending his run with the front of the pack. 

 

Weistart stayed on the tail of Loomis until he found his opening during Lap 14 when he powered into the lead. Just after taking over, Piano and Loomis started a door to door battle until caution stalled their fight. 

 

For the single file restart, Weistart was head of the pack over Loomis, Piano, reigning champ Ralph Markham, Mike Glynn, John Piccatto, Roger Markham and Ed Williams Jr.

 

Quickly after the new start Glynn saw his opening and took the action with Ralph Markham and Loomis into a three wide struggle. Contact between the trio left sheet metal crinkled like sardine cans. Glynn moved into third but only temporarily as Markham charged back with a fury to take over third. After the contact Glynn faded back.

 

With seven laps still un-scored, Piano took command and distanced himself from the pack. 

 

“I just wanted the win so bad after what happened the last race,” Piano said with a smile following his victory. “We work so hard and I wanted the win for my entire crew.”

 

Weistart finished an impressive second for the second feature in a row. Ralph Markham stayed in third over Roger Markham, Loomis, Piccatto, Glynn, Ed Williams Sr., Mark Larson, Eric Dauber, Aaron Schmitt, Brian Lock, Ed Williams Jr., Joe Fratt and Dale Markham.

 

Ralph and Loomis each won their heat contests.

 

The UMP Modified show was a strange one for the books. Before a lap could be scored a multi-car pile up brought out the red flag which kept the action halted for quite some time.

 

Once the field re-lined up six cars were missing. Marty Thompson took off from the outside of the front row while the pole sitter Milo Veloz found his groove behind him. Veloz is not a competitor who likes second but he soon learned it was an unpleasant position for reasons he was about to discover.

 

At the end of the first lap, Thompson found himself high in the marbles of turn four and two wheeling giving Veloz the lead briefly. Thompson quickly regained his pace.

 

Five laps later, a plume of thick poignant smoke billowed from the rear of Thompson’s machine. At times it was hard for fans to keep track of the field but for those who trailed it the view must have been skewed while breathing it must have been a struggle.

 

For several laps the flag man waved the black flag at Thompson but he stayed heavy on the gas keeping his position on the track. At one point, he was removed from the leader board showing Veloz as the leader. Just after the change appeared on the scoreboard, the smoke trail may have caused the biggest change of pace.

 

On the ninth circuit, Veloz and a lapped car tangled and stopped off turn four bringing out a caution. Unfortunately for Veloz, he was sent to the tail while Thompson was not told to leave the track but put back on the board as the top runner. He led the single file restart over AJ Dixon, Vince Cooper, Nathan Balensiefen and Donovan Lodge.

 

Again after the signal to start, Thompson hit the gas hard sending smoke fast and furious at his competition.

 

By Lap 18, Thompson was out on his own but the real race was between Cooper, Balensiefen and Lodge as they raced nose to tail for third until the finish.

 

With only one remaining lap, caution stopped the action. Before the field of 8 relined up, Thompson pulled into the infield and out of contention.

 

Dixon claimed the victory. His well deserved visit to victory lane has been a long time in the making and well deserved. Cooper took second in front of Balensiefen, Lodge, Mark Vervynck, Doug Curless, Veloz and Ray Bollinger

 

Cooper and Dixon each claimed the heat race wins.

 

Steve Lewis had a big night in his UMP Street Stock. He led the field of seventeen flag to flag en route to victory lane.

 

Sixth place starter Jimmy Partipilo’s agenda was clearly to move up which the young driver did. By the fourth lap he had positioned himself behind second place runner Mike Stewart.

 

Lewis showcased his talents when he rolled up behind two lapped cars vying for position. With Partipilo hot on his bumper, he charged into a three wide battle while Partipilo joined the dance.

 

Officials spotted sheet metal debris on the track leading to a green-white-checkered showdown. Lewis led the twelve car restart in front of Partipilo, Stewart, Mesarchick and Roger Rickels.

 

The pack finished in the same order but not without a battle for the lead. Lewis and Partipilo even made contact on the final lap but Lewis held strong for the win.

 

Rick Koltveit and Stewart each won their heat races.

 

JR Brown is off to a great start in the UMP Hornets.

 

At the completion of the second feature race of the season, JR Brown holds a perfect score taking his second checkered flag.  

 

Ryan Webster captured second in front of Chad Williams, Phil Burdette, Mark Sutton, Asa Robart, Loren Westerhold, Josh Larson, Margus Hoorer, Harold Reiter, Dawn Spellious, Kyle Mitchell, Tony Harlacher, and Don Sims. 

 

Next Saturday night, the Lucas Oil Dirt Car Series Spring Shootout paying $10,000 to the victor will top the venue.  The UMP Modifieds and Street Stock division will join the Late Model special event.

 

 

 

 

La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 05/10/08

 

Late Models – 20 Cars

Heat One: Ralph Markham, Keith Piano, Roger Markham, Darin Furar

Heat Two: Jim Loomis, John Piccatto, Billy Weistart Jr, Mike Glynn

Feature: 1. Keith Piano, 2. Billy Weistart Jr., 3. Ralph Markham, 4. Roger Markham, 5. Jim Loomis 6. John Piccatto, 7. Mike Glynn, 8. Ed Williams, 9. Mark Larson, 10. Eric Dauber, 11. Aaron Schmitt, 12. Brian Lock, 13. Ed Williams Jr., 14. Joe Fratt, 15. Dale Markham, 16. Darin Furar, 17. Joe Jelinek, 18. Jeff Small, 19. Jon Small, 20. Timmy Loomis

 

UMP Modifieds 19 Cars

Heat One: Vince Cooper, Mio Veloz, Mark Vervynck, Marty Thompson

Heat Two: AJ Dixon, Nathan Balensiefen, Bill Theodorf, Bryan Lucas

Feature: 1. AJ Dixon, 2. Vince Cooper, 3. Nathan Balensiefen, 4. Donovan Lodge, 5. Mark Vervynck, 6. Doug Curless, 7. Milo Veloz, 8. Ray Bollinger, 9. Marty Thompson, 10. Mike Marden, 11. Bill Theodorf, 12. Ken Fischer, 13. #89, 14. Bryan Lucas, 15. Mark Novorolsky, 16. #17, 17. Don Cole, 18. Scott Hauge

 

UMP Street Stocks 17 Cars

Heat One: Rick Koltveit, Jay Mesarchick, Roger Rickels, David McKinney

Heat Two: Mike Stewart, Steve Lewis, Justin Rutledge, Jimmy Partipilo

Feature: 1. Steve Lewis,  2. Jimmy Partipilo, 3. Mike Stewart, 4. Jay Mesarchick, 5. Roger Rickels, 6. Randy Lucas, 7. Justin Rutledge, 8. G4, 9. Alex Clubb, 10. Mike Hughes, 11. Gabe Koncor, 12. Brian Fenoglo, 13. David McKinney, 14. Kyle Prokup, 15. Phil Briddick, 16. Rick Koltveit, 17. Rob Bond

 

Hornets 15 Cars

Heat One: Chad Williams, JR Brown, Asa Robart, Don Simms

Heat Two: Mark Sutton, Ryan Webster, Phil Burdette, Harold Reiter

Feature: 1. JR Brown, 2. Ryan Webster, 3. Chad Williams, 4. Phil Burdette, 5. Mark Sutton,  6. Asa Robart, 7. Loren Westerhold, 8. Josh Larson, 9. Margus Hoorer, 10. Harold Reiter, 11. Dawn Spellious, 12. Kyle Mitchell, 13. Tony Harlacher, 14. Don Sims

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LaSalle Speedway rained out 05-03-08

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'Maple Park's Ralph Markham (#10) puts the slide job on KeithPiano (#21), of Oglesby, to take the lead during the Late Model featureat LaSalle Speedwa	'Milo Veloz Jr. the UMP Modified track champion claims his first Modified trophy for 2008 at LaSalle Speedway.

Markham and Veloz return with a championship swagger

By: Betty Glynn                 

La Salle, IL – Saturday night two of last seasons divisional powerhouses were at the top of their game and ready to defend their well earned titles at LaSalle Speedway. Champion Ralph Markham hit the high banks in his familiar sharp green Late Model while Milo Veloz Jr. sported a flashy new cartooned done UMP Modified en route to their return to victory lane.

 

With a new promoter running the weekly racing events, a few changes have been made but the usual line up of Midwestern Late Models, UMP Modfieds, UMP Street Stocks and UMP Hornets still top the venue.

 

Brian Stuart, of Stuart Motorsports, Inc., promoted the inaugural race of 2008 and is ready for a full season in the Illinois Valley. “I am very excited to be here in LaSalle this year,” Stuart told after his first night as promoter.

 

The cooler temperatures may have kept some indoors but the die hard race fans braved the cold and enjoyed the rumble they have been missing in the endless winter. “I knew with the weather we might not have as many people in the stands but I told Kerriane (Izzo) I wanted to race,” Stuart explained.

 

In addition to his new role at LaSalle, Stuart promotes the Quad City Raceway on Sunday night’s in East Moline. A few promotions are already underway for drivers who are interested in running both of his tracks. He has added a track hopper and a “Duel on Dirt” for the Modified racers with a combined point fund.

 

One of the changes for this season is the drivers will no longer qualify for their starting spots. Their starting positions in the heat races will be determined by a draw. The top six in passing points, earned during the heat races, will re-draw for their feature race grid position.  

 

Oglesby’s Keith Piano flew his way into the first heat victory ahead of Markham, Darin Furar and Ed Williams Sr. LaSalle driver Mike Glynn captured the second heat race win over Tonica’s Eric Dauber, Billy Weistart Jr. of LaSalle and Aaron Schmidt.

 

After the redraw, Piano held the pole with Dauber on the outside. Furar and Weistart rolled up behind them in front of Markham and Glynn.

 

Piano powered his way into a nice lead with Weistart and Markham trailing. By Lap 5, Piano had already started to take the pack into lapped traffic when the first caution flew for three cars in the corner off turn one. After the restart, Weistart traveled up the track a little high and Markham flew underneath. Again, another restart due to caution.

 

For the next few laps, Weistart and Glynn battled side by side for third place while Markham was in hot pursuit of the leader.

 

By Lap 10, Markham was on the back bumper of Piano and plotting his move. One lap later, a slide job over the nose of Piano gave Markham the lead he was chasing. By the end of the lap, Piano succumbed to the damage. Six cars were already gone by the start of the twelfth lap on the board.

 

Markham stayed high with Weistart, while Glynn positioned himself lower on the track. The only action up front was now between Glynn and Dauber for third. During Lap 17, Dauber charged around Glynn but Glynn hit the gas hard and took the third place running position back for the final time.

 

At the checkers, Markham took the win for the second consecutive opening night uncontested over a strong finishing Weistart, Glynn, John Piccatto, Ed Williams Sr., Mark Larson of Ottawa, Eric Rebholz, Aaron Schmidt, Roger Markham, Joe Fratt, Johnson, Joe Jelinek and Brian Lock.

 

UMP Modified driver Donovan Lodge won the first heat with Veloz, Nathan Balensiefen and Richie Bell following. Marty Thompson won the second heat race in front of Bill Theodorf, AJ Dixon and Vince Cooper.

 

Theodorf and Balensiefen rolled onto the front row with Veloz and Lodge behind them. Row three held Thompson and Dixon.

 

By the end of the first lap out, Veloz was in command over Balensiefen and Thompson. Veloz and Balensiefen braved the high terrain while Thompson kept his machine on the low line. During the twelfth circuit, Thompson, Balensiefen and Lodge were dicing it up when a lapped car slowed their momentum and gave Veloz a chance to distance himself.

 

One lap later, caution brought the front runners back into a single file format. Now it was Lodge trying to steal Thompson’s thunder for second however Thompson faded back in the pack with apparent mechanical woes.

 

Veloz had a strong lead for much of the race but the action got hot at the end when Balensiefen and Lodge challenged the leader in a three way battle. Balensiefen gave all he had to the finish line where Veloz emerged the winner.

 

Balensiefen claimed second over Lodge, tenth place starter Ray Bollinger, Dixon, Mike Marden, XIII, Matt Cleary, Mark Vervynck, Terry Hayes, Brian Carrington, Don Cole and Richie Bell.

 

The first ¼ mile trek for the Street Stock feature event was a true marathon. It took so many restarts for the first lap that it made one wonder how long it could go on. To kick things off, the starting cone took it’s first beating of the new season. Countless times it was pummeled under the heavy Street’s each time causing the caution to be waved.

 

Tonica’s Gary Schmitt was the car to beat in both his heat and feature event. His car was ready for action from the first to the final turn of each race he competed.

 

Schmitt held a generous lead over Rick Koltveit, Randy Lucas and Steve Lewis with Jimmy Partipilo closing in on the fourth place runner. Partipilo was on the move and making his way up when he lost control and had to head to the rear of the pack.

 

Schmitt collected the $200 check for the Streets in front of Koltveit, Lucas, Nick Sell, David McKinney, Mike Stewart, Mike Hughes, Roger Rickles, Jay Mesarchick, Rich Hayes, Alex Clubb, Cory Rupt and Jim Prokup.

 

Schmitt and Partipilo took top honors in their heat races.

 

JR Brown captured his UMP Hornet heat and feature races. Thirteen cars answered the call for the feature race with quite a few youngsters filling the driver seats.

 

One of those youngsters is a child who received a risky double lung transplant after nearly loosing her extended and difficult battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Stephanie Soberri had one dream and that was to keep the family of racers in the drivers seat and Saturday night the young race fan did just that.

 

In front of two of her racing heroes mother Tina, a former Midwestern Sportsman track champ, and her uncle, Late Model standout, Billy Weistart Jr. she strapped on a helmet for the first time.

 

It was hard to imagine that in December of 2006 when her extended racing family came together for a benefit to raise funds in hopes of the transplant. No one doubted the force inside of the frail unhealthy child. She proved repeatedly she has what it takes to compete whether it is for her life, a lifelong goal or a checkered flag.

 

Her second goal of the night was to pass a car. “She told me she just wanted to pass someone,” big brother Nick excitedly told after Soberri checked that off her list.

 

The Hornet feature was the only one to run without a caution. Finishing behind JR Brown was reigning champ DJ Werkmeister, Robert Gonzalez, Chad Williams, Loren Westerhold, Mark Sutton, Michael Morrow, Asa Robart, Tanner Phelps, Margus Hoover, Stephanie Soberri, Kyle Mitchell and #H62.

 

La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 04/26/08

 

Late Models – 21 Cars

Heat One: Keith Piano, Ralph Markham, Darin Furar, Ed Williams

Heat Two: Mike Glynn, Eric Dauber, Billy Weistart Jr., Aaron Schmitt

Feature: 1. Ralph Markham, 2. Billy Weistart Jr. 3. Mike Glynn, 4. Eric Dauber, 5. John Piccatto, 6. Ed Williams, 7. Mark Larson, 8. Eric Rebholz, 9. Aaron Schmidt, 10. Roger Markham, 11. Joe Fratt, 12. Johnson, 13. Joe Jelinek, 14. Brian Lock, 15. Tim Loomis, 16. Jon Small, 17. Keith Piano, 18. Jeff Small, 19. Darin Furar

 

UMP Modifieds 19 Cars

Heat One: Donovan Lodge, Milo Veloz, Nathan Balensiefen, Richie Bell

Heat Two: Marty Thompson, Bill Theodorf, AJ Dixon, Vince Cooper

Feature: 1. Milo Veloz, 2. Nathan Balensiefen, 3. Donovan Lodge, 4. Ray Bollinger, 5. AJ Dixon, 6. Mike Marden, 7. #XII, 8. Matt Cleary, 9. Mark Vervynck, 10. Terry Hayes, 11. Brian Carrington, 12. Don Cole, 13. Richie Bell, 14. Marty Thompson, 15. Bill Theodorf, 16. Scott Hauge, 17. Wilson, 18. Vince Cooper, 19. Scott Carlson

 

UMP Street Stocks 21Cars

Feature: 1. Gary Schmitt,  2. Rick Koltveit, 3. Randy Lucas, 4. Nick Sell, 5. David McKinney, 6. Mike Stewart, 7. Mike Hughes, 8. Roger Rickels, 9. JayMesarchik, 10. Rich Hayes, 11. Alex Clubb, 12. Cory Rupt, 13. Jim Prokup, 14. Jimmy Partipilo, 15. Brian Fenoglio, 16. Steve Lewis, 17. Chad Perk, 18. Rob Bond, 19. ? 20. Gabe Koncor, 21. Justin Rutledge

 

Hornets 13 Cars

Heat One: Loren Westerhold, Phill Burdette, Robert Gonzalez, Asa Robart

Heat Two: JR. Brown, Chad Williams, DJ Werkmeister, Mark Sutton

Feature: 1. JR Brown, 2. DJ Werkmeister, 3. Robert Gonzalez, 4. Chad Williams, 5. Loren Westerhold,  6. Mark Sutton, 7. Michael Morrow, 8. Asa Robart, 9. Tanner Phelps, 10. Margus Hoover, 11. Stephanie Soberri, 12. Kyle Mitchell, 13. H62

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RAIN AND MISERABLE WEATHER FORCES THE CANCELLATION OF THE FROSTBUSTER SET FOR

 SAT APRIL 12TH

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03-06-08

Greetings Fans and Racers:

I am excited to announce that Stuart Motorsports will be promoting the weekly races at LaSalle Speedway for the 2008 season.  I will assume the role of Track Manager and continue to be a force in providing the fans a well maintained facility in which they can enjoy the finest racing events. The efforts to bring a exciting race show to the fans each week will be done by the new promoter.  I hope that Stuart Motorsports find our fans and drivers appreciative and patient as they prepare to bring us a great 2008 season! Looking forward to seeing you all in a few weeks. 

Sincerely:

Kerrianne Izzo

 

LaSalle Speedway & Quad City Raceway ready for 2008!!!

Stuart Motorsports, Inc. is proud to announce they will be returning to Quad City Raceway and also promoting the LaSalle Speedway in 2008. This is a major step for Stuart Motorsports, Inc. and everyone involved is very excited about this opportunity. After an exciting first year at Quad City Raceway in 2007, everyone at Stuart Motorsports, Inc. is really looking forward to an even better 2008. Some changes will be taking place in ’08. UMP has come on board at QCR and will be sanctioning the Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4 Cylinders. The Late Models will stay under IMCA. There will be no B-Modifieds at QCR. As for the LaSalle Speedway all the divisions will stay the same with the Midwestern Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP 4 Cylinders all returning this season.

For drivers interested in driving for UMP points you will have to purchase a UMP license. The UMP license is optional but an order for your points to count for UMP you must have a license. For the UMP Modifieds the optional license is $100. This license makes you eligible for state, regional, and national points as well as an additional insurance policy. For the UMP Street Stocks the optional license is $75. This license makes you eligible for state and national points as well as an additional insurance policy. For the UMP 4 Cylinders the optional license is $75. This license makes you eligible for national points as well as an additional insurance policy. Also, all pit crew members can purchase an optional UMP license for the insurance policy for $75.

Stuart Motorsports, Inc. would like to announce a new combined point fund for the UMP Modifieds at Quad City Raceway and LaSalle Speedway. This combined point fund will be the Duel N the Dirt. The winner of the Duel N the Dirt will take home $2,000. The optional license for the Duel N the Dirt is $75. There is no requirement to purchase a license to compete for the Duel N the Dirt, however, a license includes point fund money and if your home track is LaSalle Speedway and you purchase a license you will receive a free pit pass at Quad City Raceway (weekly shows only) and if your home track is Quad City Raceway and you purchase a license you will receive a free pit pass at LaSalle Speedway (weekly shows only). You may not transfer license to another person, drivers only.

Stuart Motorsports, Inc. will also be offering an optional Track Hopper pass for the Street Stock and 4 Cylinder drivers. If your home track is Quad City Raceway and you purchase a Track Hopper you will not have to pay for a pit pass at LaSalle Speedway (weekly shows only). If your home track is LaSalle Speedway and you purchase a Track Hopper you will not have to pay for a pit pass at Quad City Raceway (weekly shows only). The Track Hopper is for drivers only. The Track Hopper will be $50.

All drivers can pay for any and/or all of these items early by contacting Stuart Motorsports, Inc. at 309-644-1977 or 309-534-8664. This is great way to save time at the pit shack on opening night.

The first practice session will be at the Quad City Raceway on Sunday, April 6^th. There will be another practice session at the Quad City Raceway on Wednesday, April 9^th.

Opening night for LaSalle Speedway will be the 2^nd Annual FROSTBUSTER on, Saturday, April 12^th. This night will feature a double main event with USMTS and NALM. Quad City Raceway will open the next night, Sunday, April 13^th with the 2^nd Annual SPRING CLASH. This will also feature the USMTS and NALM as well as the UMP 4 Cylinders.

Stuart Motorsports, Inc. is really looking forward to an outstanding 2008 at both the LaSalle Speedway and the Quad City Raceway. Good luck to every race team in ’08.

Thank you,

Stuart Motorsports, Inc.

Stuart Motorsports, Inc. – 309-644-1977 / 309-534-8664

www.quadcityraceway.com

www.lasallespeedway.com

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2008 LASALLE SPEEDWAY REMAINING SCHEDULE Full Program includes Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stock & 4-Cylinder Hornets
DAY OF WEEK	DATE	EVENT
Sat	April 12	2nd Annual Frostbuster USMTS, NALS
Sat	April 19	Practice
Sat	April 26	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	May 3	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	May 10	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	May 17	Spring Shootout Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series*
Sat	May 24	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C  Triple Crown Series for MWLM
Sat	May 31	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	June 7	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	June 14	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	June 21	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	June 28	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C  Triple Crown Series for MWLM
Sat	July 5	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C  Fireworks
Thurs	July 10	UMP Summer National Event*
Sat	July 12	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	July 19	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	July 26	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	Aug 2	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	Aug 9	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	Aug 16	No Race 4X4 Event
Sat	Aug 23	Full Program MWLM, MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	Aug 30	TBA
Sat	Sept 6	4 Cylinder Shootout  MOD, SS, 4C
Sat	Sept 14	Illinois Fall Nationals*
Sat	Sept 20	TBA
Sat	Sept 27	Illinois King of the Valley
ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE!

 

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