Track Promoter
Joe Izzo
Office Non-Race Days (815) 223-6939
photos by Dan Simpson, the La Salle Speedway track photographer....click on thumbnails to enlarge
2009Lasalle.htm
Welcome back LaSalle Speedway
Track Promoter
Joe Izzo
Office Non-Race Days (815) 223-6939
photos by Dan Simpson, the La Salle
Speedway track photographer....click on thumbnails to enlarge
Thanks to Betty Glynn for the stories/results
2005 archives 2006 archives 2007 archives
The Illinois Fall Nationals have to be Postponed due to Rain
Fall
---------------------------------
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Regrettably the Illinois Fall Nationals that was scheduled for Sunday, September
20, 2009 to be held at the LaSalle Speedway will have to be cancelled. Don't
miss the POWRi Midgets and Micros at Macon Speedway this Saturday night. Stay
tuned to the Track Enterprises website for more information.
For additional information contact Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200 or visit
our website at www.trackenterprises.com, or call the LaSalle Speedway at
815-223-6900.
Midwestern Washout: Rain Claims
Sunday's Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals At La Salle Speedway
LA SALLE, IL - Sept. 20, 2009 - Showers overtook central Illinois early Sunday
afternoon, forcing the cancellation of the evening's World of Outlaws Late Model
Series Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle Speedway.
The wet weather caused a complete washout of the weekend's WoO LMS doubleheader
in the Midwest. Rain also wiped out Saturday night's Pepsi Nationals at I-55
Raceway in Pevely, Mo.
In addition, it marked the second straight year that the Illinois Fall Nationals
has been rained out at the quarter-mile La Salle oval.
WoO LMS officials will discuss the possibility of rescheduling the events with
I-55 co-promoters Ken Schrader and Ray Marler and Bob Sargent of Track
Enterprises, Inc., who promoted the Illinois Fall Nationals.
Sunday's rainout marked the 12th weather-related cancelation or postponement
during the rain-plagued 2009 WoO LMS season.
Three A-Mains remain on the 2009 WoO LMS schedule – all at The Dirt Track @
Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The Topless Showdown is set for Oct. 14,
followed by the World Finals on Nov. 5-7.
For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is
brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners,
including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official
Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires
(Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean
(Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition
to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra
Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter
Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants
Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and
Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by
Bloomquist.
World of Outlaw Late Models to Invade LaSalle Speedway
Today!!!
Outlaw Late Models and UMP Modifieds Invade LaSalle Speedway for the Illinois
Fall Nationals September 20th
LaSalle, IL – The normal tranquil Sunday nights in the LaSalle, IL community
will be shattered with the raw horsepower and thunder of the World of Outlaw
Late Model Series September 20th. The Illinois Fall Nationals will make its
third appearance at the high banked 1/4 mile oval and will feature some of the
area’s top notable Late Model drivers. Come watch Steve Francis, Josh Richards,
Rick Eckert, Shannon Babb and the rest of the stars in the World of Outlaw Late
Model tour battle for the $7000 to win the 40 lap feature. The UMP Modifieds and
UMP Street Stocks will also join the Late Models this night providing an
entertaining night of racing. The Modifieds will compete in their 30 lap feature
event paying the winner $1000. Jeep VanWormer was the 2007 Fall Nationals winner
in the Late Model division with Jeff Leka driving to the win in the UMP Modified
division. The 2008 Illinois Fall Nationals race was not completed due to heavy
rainfall.
Pit Gates open at 2pm, the Grandstand gates open at 4pm, practice at 5pm, time
trials at 5:30 pm and the first race for the Illinois Fall Nationals is set to
take the green flag at 6pm. Grandstand admission for adults is $25, Children 11
and under is $5, Pit Passes $35 per person.
The LaSalle Speedway is located at 578 US-6 in LaSalle, IL 61301 which is 60
miles west of Joliet, 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, 70 miles south of
Rockford, and 60 miles north of Bloomington. For further details or to purchase
advanced general admission tickets please phone Track Enterprises -
217-764-3200, LaSalle Speedway – 815-223-6939 or by e-mail [email protected],
or visit www.trackenterprises.com
Plenty Of Points Title Drama Will
Spice Up Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals On Sunday (Sept. 20) At La Salle
Speedway
LA SALLE, IL - Sept. 18, 2009 - La Salle Speedway will be swirling with
points-title drama on Sunday night (Sept. 20) during the 18th annual Best
Western Illinois Fall Nationals.
From the two-driver face-offs for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and UMP
DIRTcar Racing national Super Late Model championships to the battle for the UMP
DIRTcar national Modified crown, the quarter-mile oval's season-ending event
promises to be a crucial big-picture evening for several competitors.
The evening's headline 40-lap, $7,000-to-win World of Outlaws Late Model Series
A-Main will have two points-race storylines spinning simultaneously – Steve
Francis and Josh Richards are locked in a neck-and-neck stretch run for the
$100,000 Outlaw title, while homestate stars Jason Feger and Dennis Erb Jr. are
rolling toward the end of a memorable struggle for a UMP DIRTcar national
championship worth $20,000.
What's more, UMP DIRTcar Modified national points leader Gary Cook Jr. of Deer
Creek, Ill., and defending national champion Jeff Leka of Buffalo, Ill., who won
the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals Modified event at La Salle, are among the title
contenders expected to compete in the division's supporting 25-lap,
$1,000-to-win feature.
Get out the calculators – the Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals promise to be
exciting for more than the night's first-place prizes.
“I think it's great for the fans to have an opportunity to see this many
different points battles play out at one facility on a single night,” said
veteran Midwestern promoter Bob Sargent, whose Track Enterprises, Inc. is
presenting the Illinois Fall Nationals for the second time at La Salle after a
17-year run on the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. “There's
a lot on the line for the championship contenders. Every position will count, so
fans are going to have plenty to watch.”
Highlighting the program will be the Francis-Richards war for 2009 WoO LMS
supremacy. With the two drivers having distanced themselves from defending
champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., in the points standings, it appears they
will decide the title between themselves.
Francis, 42, of Ashland, Ky., leads Richards, a 21-year-old sensation from
Shinnston, W.Va., who drives the Rocket Chassis house car that is fielded by his
father Mark and was campaigned by Francis earlier this decade, by a mere four
points entering this weekend's WoO LMS Midwest doubleheader at I-55 Raceway in
Pevely, Mo. (the Pepsi Nationals on Sat., Sept. 20) and La Salle. A WoO LMS
champion in 2007 and runner-up on three previous occasions, Francis grabbed the
points lead from Richards in the last tour event, on Sept. 6 at Tri-City
Speedway in Franklin, Pa.
Richards, who is gunning for his first-ever WoO LMS title after finishing second
last season, is hoping for better luck at La Salle than he experienced in the
last Outlaw event there on Sept. 16, 2007. In an Illinois Fall Nationals
40-lapper that saw Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., emerge victorious and
Francis finish fifth after running as high as second, Richards had to pit on the
opening lap due to nosepiece damage from hitting an inside tractor tire and
could only manage a 13th-place finish.
Just three events remain on the WoO LMS schedule after this weekend's shows –
and all three are at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.
With La Salle's WoO LMS action carrying a UMP DIRTcar co-sanction and being run
under UMP DIRTcar's Hoosier LM20, LM30 and LM40 tire-compound rule, the event is
a full UMP DIRTcar points race. Feger, 31, of Bloomington, Ill., holds a slim
10-point lead over Carpentersville, Ill.'s Erb in the national standings with
just three weekends of weekly racing and the Oct. 9-10 UMP DIRTcar Nationals at
Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, remaining in the circuit's points season.
The UMP DIRTcar national Super Late Model standings are determined using
drivers' best 40 finishes/points nights and include bonus points for car count,
so with a strong field expected on Sunday both Feger and Erb will have an
opportunity to gain points with a finish near the front of the pack. They figure
to be serious contenders in the event, considering that both drivers have turned
many laps at La Salle and have proven their ability to win on the WoO LMS.
Feger, who is shooting for his UMP DIRTcar national championship and also to end
Erb's two-year run as the national titlist, captured his first career WoO LMS
A-Main earlier this year at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wis. A winner of
18 features at 13 different tracks this season, Feger finished 17th in the 2007
WoO LMS event at La Salle and two months ago raced to a 13th-place finish in the
track's UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals program.
Erb, meanwhile, owns two career WoO LMS A-Mains victories, with both coming in
2007. He finished sixth in the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle and
scored a third-place finish in this year's UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals show at
the track.
The WoO LMS and UMP DIRTcar title contenders will headline a star-studded field
of dirt Late Model drivers expected to invade La Salle.
The traveling Outlaw roster will also include Lanigan, who finished second in
the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals; the red-hot Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who
has won seven of the last 11 tour events and placed fourth in '07 at La Salle;
Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who ran La Salle's cushion hard to finish third in
'07; Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; Rick Eckert
of York, Pa.; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; and Rookie of the Year
contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville,
Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and
14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.
Other drivers planning to enter the Illinois Fall Nationals include Jimmy Mars
of Menomonie, Wis., Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., and Terry Casey of New
London, Wis.
Last year's Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle was rained out and not
rescheduled, so this will mark the track's first WoO LMS event in two years.
Pit gates will open at 2 p.m. and the grandstand gates will be unlocked at 4
p.m. on Sun., Sept. 20. Practice is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., followed by
time trials at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.
Adult grandstand admission is $25 with children 11-and-under $5. All pit passes
will cost $35.
La Salle Speedway is centrally located in Illinois, sitting 60 miles west of
Joliet, 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, 70 miles south of Rockford and 60
miles north of Bloomington.
For additional information or to purchase advanced general admission tickets,
visit
www.lasallespeedway.com;
www.trackenterprises.com; or contact Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200 or La
Salle Speedway at 815-223-6939.
For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is
brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners,
including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official
Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires
(Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean
(Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition
to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra
Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter
Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants
Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and
Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by
Bloomquist
photos of the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals submitted by La Salle Speedway official track photographer Dan Simpson.
Photo captions:
"Roger Brickler goes for a ride down the front stretch during the fourth heat contest of the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle Speedway."
"Jeep VanWormer (No. 55) hugs the infield tires as he races to victory during the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle Speedway. Chub Frank (No. 1) worked a higher line finishing third in the event."
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Outlaws ready to rumble at La Salle Speedway; National crowns still up for grabs
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – The World of Outlaws Late Model Series (WoO LMS) is headed to the Illinois Valley’s largest outdoor sports arena this Sunday afternoon for the first time since 2007. The 18th annual running of the Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals, promoted by Track Enterprises, will provide raw horsepower and full throttle racing to cap off the La Salle Speedway’s 2009 racing season.
The Illinois Fall Nationals was moved to La Salle in 2007 after a fifteen year run on the Springfield mile at the Illinois State Fair Grounds.
The WoO LMS is a traveling racing tour for dirt Late Model stock cars. According to their website the series is a cousin to the longer-running World of Outlaws series for winged Sprint Cars that was founded by the late Ted Johnson in 1978, the WoO LMS first ran in 1988-89 under the direction of Johnson. The series sat dormant until being rekindled in 2004 by the World Racing Group and has grown in each season since then to take its place as one of the most competitive and lucrative tours for dirt Late Model racers.
Topping the venue on Sunday will be their 40-lap feature paying $7,000 to the victor. Mother Nature stole the checkers for the Fall Nationals in 2008. At the completion of the 2007 race, it was standout Jeep VanWormer carrying the checkered flag to victory circle out of the 37 entrants. Finishing behind VanWormer was Darrell Lanigan, Chub Frank, Tim Fuller, Steve Francis, Dennis Erb Jr., Shannon Babb and Shane Clanton.
The racing then was one many will never forget including Roger Brickler whose machine went nose over tail down the front stretch during the fourth heat contest. Brickler’s ride looked like a “cash-for-clunker” car after a visit to the crushing machine. Fortunately for him his rollcage was well built and he was unscathed.
The WoO LMS season usually opens in mid-February during the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida, and concludes the first weekend in November. Their schedule boasts over 40 events, with track sizes ranging from a quarter-mile to five-eighths-of-a-mile in length.
Forty two year old racer Steve Francis of Kentucky now leads the WoO LMS points chase after a late race pass ended his 20 race drought over Labor Day weekend. He scored his sixth win to take the chase lead away from a young gun half his age. Twenty one year old Josh Richards, dubbed “Kid Rocket”, was leading the race until the white flag lap when the Kentucky Colonel took control. Richards has tallied higher earnings than the leader with seven wins but as of September 7th he trails by a mere 4 points.
Francis has won a total of $161,885 shy of Richards impressive $170,020 pay so far. Lanigan sits prominently in third with his winnings of $164,526 and only 91 points out of the lead. Another standout in the tour has been New York driver Tim Fuller who has managed to score seven of the last eleven WoO LMS feature events. He now sits behind Lanigan in fourth with 148 points out of the lead and $134,430 in winnings.
At the completion of the 2008 season, Richards found himself too far out of contention with a deficit of 160 points to take the crown but this season it is going down to the wire.
Only a handful of races remain so the final stop in Illinois may help to determine the championship and some major money. After Sunday, the tour has only three remaining events scheduled all of which are in North Carolina at Lowes Motor Speedway where the tour season will end and they will crown their champion.
In addition to the top three WoO LMS point chasers, the list of drivers who have the La Salle stop on their schedules is growing. So far racers Fuller, Rick Eckert, Shannon Babb, Jason Feger, Dennis Erb Jr., Chub Frank, Jimmy Mars, and many more will be making the trek. The speedway’s local talent will undoubtedly come out to play in the dirt one final time as well.
Much like the event in 2007, there is again a down-to-the-wire points battle that has quite the buzz going. It isn’t just the WoO LMS, it is none other than the sought after UMP Super Late Models National Title on the line. Two years ago, it was Dennis Erb Jr. and Wes Steidinger in a duel.
This year it is again Erb but he has a new challenger to beat. Former La Salle Speedway regular Jason Feger is right there with him fighting for not only the coveted crown but the hefty $20,000 that accompanies the national title. Feger boasts an outstanding eighteen UMP victories so far this season while Erb manages to stay consistent and is a veteran to the pressure a title chase such as this one can present.
The UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model points standings are determined using the drivers' best 40 finishes/points nights so now the two are replacing past finishes. Feger was leading the two time defending champion by only 10 points prior to the Saturday running of the famed World 100 at Eldora Speedway. At press time, the UMP points had not been updated on their website. The current points standing can be found at www.umpracing.com.
The ultra racey UMP Modifieds and UMP Street Stocks will join the Late Models to close out the year at La Salle. The Modified main boasts $1,000 for the 30 lap feature winner. Jeff Leka drove his way to victory during the 2007 Fall Nationals where 37 drivers signed in for action.
On Sunday, the pit gates will open at 2pm, grandstand gates open at 4pm, the practice session begins at 5pm, and time trials at 5:30pm. The first race is set to take the green flag at 6pm.
Admission prices are as follows: Adult grandstand $25, Children 11 and under $5, all Pit Passes $35.
For additional information or to purchase advanced general admission tickets contact Track Enterprises 1-217-764-3200 or the La Salle Speedway at 1-815-223-6939.
Outlaw Late Models and UMP Modifieds Invade LaSalle Speedway for
the
Illinois Fall Nationals September 20th
LaSalle, IL – The normal tranquil Sunday nights in the LaSalle, IL community will be shattered with the raw horsepower and thunder of the World of Outlaw Late Model Series September 20th. The Illinois Fall Nationals will make its third appearance at the high banked 1/4 mile oval and will feature some of the area’s top notable Late Model drivers. Come watch Steve Francis, Josh Richards, Rick Eckert, Shannon Babb and the rest of the stars in the World of Outlaw Late Model tour battle for the $7000 to win the 40 lap feature. The UMP Modifieds and UMP Street Stocks will also join the Late Models this night providing an entertaining night of racing. The Modifieds will compete in their 30 lap feature event paying the winner $1000. Jeep VanWormer was the 2007 Fall Nationals winner in the Late Model division with Jeff Leka driving to the win in the UMP Modified division. The 2008 Illinois Fall Nationals race was not completed due to heavy rainfall.
Pit Gates open at 2pm, the Grandstand gates open at 4pm, practice at 5pm, time trials at 5:30 pm and the first race for the Illinois Fall Nationals is set to take the green flag at 6pm. Grandstand admission for adults is $25, Children 11 and under is $5, Pit Passes $35 per person.
The LaSalle Speedway is located at 578 US-6 in LaSalle, IL 61301 which is 60 miles west of Joliet, 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, 70 miles south of Rockford, and 60 miles north of Bloomington. For further details or to purchase advanced general admission tickets please phone Track Enterprises - 217-764-3200, LaSalle Speedway – 815-223-6939 or by e-mail [email protected], or visit www.trackenterprises.com
Photos submitted by Dan Simpson, official La Salle Speedway track photographer.
"Scott Schoener (#61), Steve Lewis (#52) and Steve Ewing (#95) battle for the Street Stock $1,000 special at La Salle Speedway on September 6, 2009. Schoener took the checkers uncontested."
"Current track champion Mike Provenzano (#M27) and Rich Bell (21B) battle for lead during the September 6th Late Model feature at La Salle Speedway."
"Brannon Bechen celebrates with his $500 check in
victory circle after winning the 4-Cylinder special feature at La Salle
Speedway."
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Schoener thunders way to Street Stock victory; Bechen fights for 4-Cylinder special
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – Scott Schoener was the big winner on Sunday night at the La Salle Speedway taking home the hefty $1,000 payday for his strong performance. Schoener scored the second quickest qualifying time but when it came to the main event he was the top dog.
Twenty two contenders made up the feature grid with Steve Lewis on the pole next to Steve Ewing. Schoener and current points champ Jimmy Partipilo were in row two ahead of Chris Tackett and Jay Hamilton.
Lewis shot out to the lead quickly as Ewing got a good run on him. The leader seemed to slow on the back stretch only briefly but it was just enough for Ewing to loose momentum. Again just as the pressure was on for the lead a caution slowed the action.
After a restart of the third lap, Ewing took his ride up high to challenge the leader for a two wide battle but Schoener had other ideas. When the leaders started their door to door battle, Schoener moved in to steal their thunder. At the completion of Lap 6, Schoener was comfortably in the lead leaving Lewis and Ewing to battle it out for the runner up spot.
Schoener ran away in solo format lap after lap. By the eleventh circuit, Ewing was still in second but Rick Thomas and Joel Funk, both sporting the number twenty three, were closing the gap. Funk was hooked up and flying after coming from the tail of the field. He won the semi feature to earn a start in the feature race.
Ewing appeared to graze the infield tractor tire throwing him off his line. Thomas moved into second with Funk close by. Another strong machine driven by Tackett was right there putting up a good fight.
Schoener rallied against some of the best local competition to win the coveted forty lap Street Stock main. Funk crossed the line second in front of Thomas, Ewing, Tackett, Robert Simpson, Partipilo, Lewis, Hamilton, Brandon Maciejewski, Darryl Matthews, Randy Lucas, Alex Clubb, Duane Peterson, and Dan Leonard.
Lewis set fast time with a lap of 15.590. He also earned his heat win without another car in sight over Hamilton, Olin Naramore and Leonard. Ewing easily pulled off the second heat win over Schoener, Simpson and Clubb. Much like the other two heats Partipilo easily took the checkers beating out Tackett, Thomas and Roger Rickels. Lewis won the dash after taking the lead in the last lap. Ewing, Schoener and Partipilo crossed after him.
The 4-Cylinder Hornet division also boasted a special for their last showing at the speedway of the 2009 season. Brannon Bechen, a name known in the inter circles of the Hornet class, made a clean sweep en route to victory circle and the $500 check.
His front row start in the heat gave him a clear view from beginning to end. Cody Clubb won the second heat while Nick Clubb picked up the third heat race victory.
The beginning of the 4-Cylinder feature did not get off to a good start. As the pack rounded turn three the car driven by DJ Kilanowski had a meet and greet with the infield tractor tire. The outcome was his ride doing a flip through the air.
Once back to green, it was Bechen outpowering the field of nineteen. During the final laps, it appeared Nick Clubb was catching the leader but Bechen piloted his ride like a pro all the way to the final crossing under the flag stand.
Nick Clubb captured second in front of Gary Waterman, Alex Clubb, Eric Wisher, Asa Robart, Mark Sutton, Heidi Hames, Jim Grant, Shannon Mudro, Bill Wasnea and Tyler Griswold.
Fifteen UMP Late Models signed in for their division. Two heat races set the stage for their top six car dash and feature. Rich Bell won the first preliminary race over Mike Provenzano, John Piccatto, and Jason Jaggers. Mike Glynn won heat number two far ahead of Scott Brewer, Billy Weistart Jr., and Jeff Small. Bell outran the competition to capture the dash win as Provenzano, Brewer and Glynn crossed the line after him.
Bell earned the pole position with Provenzano on his outside. Brewer rolled into third next to Glynn. Once green it was a battle for the lead between Bell and the current track champ, Provenzano. By the completion of the first lap, Jaggers came from seventh flying wide open down the back stretch. He wasted little time charging door to door with Glynn. He moved into the third place running position.
Bell and Provenzano traded leadership roles back and forth as they crossed the line. By Lap 17, Provenzano had his route mapped out and was able to pull away from a hard charging Bell.
A caution during the final lap slowed the pace but the flagman ended the event with the checkers flying with the yellow flag. Provenzano scored the victory in front of Bell, Jaggers, Weistart, Glynn, Mark Larson, and Piccatto. The Street Stock big winner Schoener ran double duty finishing eighth in the Late’s feature. Travis Mahoney took ninth over the last car to finish Tim Loomis.
The UMP Modified had one heat race to determine the feature grid of nine contenders. Joe Adam returned race ready after destroying his ride a couple of weeks ago. The local racer took home top honors in the heat race over Dale Lueth, Brad Stewart and Travis Kohler.
Outside front row starter Lueth took the point quick with Adam and Kohler side by side for second. During Lap 3, Adam managed to work his way into the lead. Six laps later, Kohler used the highside to grab the helm but Adam continued to fight hard.
During the thirteenth circuit, Kohler found himself rolling up quickly on a lapped car stalling his run and opening the door for Adam. Adam took the lead for the fourteenth lap. The shorter race ended with Kohler hauling hard on the outside to win in photo finish at the line.
Kohler earned his spot in winners circle with Adam in a strong second. Stewart finished third over Lueth, AJ Dixon, David Wagner, Shawn Scripter, Brad Carrington, and Scott Hauge.
The racing action will heat back up for the final race on September 20th with the running of the 17th Annual Illinois Fall Nationals World of Outlaw Late Model Special promoted by Track Enterprises. The UMP Modified and Street Stock classes will compete as well to close out the year.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 09/06/09
UMP Late Models – 15 Cars
Heat One: Rich Bell, Mike Provenzano, John Piccatto, Jason Jaggers
Heat Two: Mike Glynn, Scott Brewer, Billy Weistart Jr., Jeff Small
Dash: Rich Bell, Mike Provenzano, Scott Brewer, Mike Gynn
Feature: 1. Mike Provenzano, 2. Rich Bell, 3. Jason Jaggers, 4. Billy Weistart Jr., 5. Mike Glynn, 6. Mark Larson, 7. John Piccatto, 8. Scott Schoener, 9. Travis Mahoney, 10. Tim Loomis, 11. John Small, 12. Scott Brewer, 13. Gary Hunt 14. Jeff Small, 15. Dan Patnoe
UMP Modifieds – 10 Cars
Heat One: Joe Adam, Dale Lueth, Brad Stewart, Travis Kohler
Feature: 1. Travis Kohler, 2. Joe Adam, 3. Brad Stewart, 4. Dale Lueth, 5. AJ Dixon, 6. David Wagner, 7. Shawn Scripter, 8. Brad Carrington, 9. Scott Hauge
UMP Street Stocks – 30 Cars
Qualifying: Steve Lewis 15.590
Heat One: Steve Lewis, Jay Hamilton, Olin Naramore, Dan Leonard
Heat Two: Steve Ewing, Scott Schoener, Robert Simpson, Alex Clubb
Heat Three: Jimmy Partipilo, Chris Tackett, Rick Thomas, Roger Rickels
Dash: Steve Lewis, Steve Ewing, Scott Schoener, Jimmy Partipilo
Semi Feaure: Joe Funk, Jesse Semmens, Duane Peterson, Joe Malone, Darryl Matthews, Dan Bardell, Aaron Near, Ande Bivens, Mike Hughes, Keih Lucas, Justin Rutledge, Marty Gradert
Feature: 1. Scott Schoener, 2. Joel Funk, 3. Rick Thomas, 4. Steve Ewing, 5. Chris Tackett, 6. Robert Simpson, 7. Jimmy Partipilo, 8. Steve Lewis, 9. Jay Hamilton, 10. Brandon Maciejewski, 11. Darryl Matthews, 12. Randy Lucas, 13. Alex Clubb, 14. Duane Peterson, 15. Dan Leonard, 16. Dan Naramore, 17. Steve Schwemlein, 18. Donnie Cole, 19. Roger Rickels, 20. Terry Miller, 21. Jesse Semmens, 22. Joe Malone
UMP Hornets – 23 Cars
Heat One: Brannon Bechen, Asa Robart, Heidi Hames, Alex Clubb
Heat Two: Cody Clubb, Eric Wisher, JR Brown, Mark Sutton
Heat Three: Nick Clubb, DJ Kilanowski, Phil Burdette, Gary Waterman
Semi Feature: Rick Zifko, Tyler Griswold, Rick Wagner, #38H, 8Z, Mike Cusack, Don Stover Jr., Tony Provenzano
Feature: 1. Brannon Bechen, 2. Nick Clubb, 3. Gary Waterman, 4. Alex Clubb, 5. Eric Wisher, 6. Asa Robart, 7. Mark Sutton, 8. Heidi Hames, 9. Jim Grant, 10. Shannon Mudro, 11. Bill Wasnea, 12. Tyler Griswold, 13. Phil Burdette, 14. Rick Zifko, 15. JR Brown, 16. Rick Wagner, 17. Jerry Legner, 18. Phil Briddick, 19. DJ Kilanowski
Photos attached submitted by Dan Simpson, official La
Salle Speedway Track Photographer.
(click on thumbnails to enlarge)
"Dennis Erb Jr. (28) uses the inside trek of Brian Dively (11D) en route to the Northern Allstars Late Model Series win at La Salle Speedway on August 22nd."
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"Former La Salle Speedway Champion Dennis Erb Jr. scored the $2,000 NALMS
event on August 22nd."
Erb tops the Allstars; Partipilo and the boys repeat their finish
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – In the fall of 1994, Dennis Erb Jr. was crowned the Late Model champion at La Salle Speedway. Since then the Carpentersville racer has acquired an impressive list of accomplishments that just continues to grow in the dirt track circles he travels. Unfortunately, for Erb his wins had been extinguished at La Salle in recent big shows until Saturday night when he dominated the Northern Allstars Late Model Series for $2,000.
His winning ways as a professional driver has earned him more than one series championship along with big paydays. As the defending UMP National Champion he is still in the running for a repeat against another former La Salle standout Jason Feger of Bloomington. The prestigious title this season is a down to the wire challenge between the pair. Feger chose to run the Monster of the Midwest series and won also on Saturday.
Twenty two cars were signed in for the venue topper Northern Allstars Late Model Series 30 lap special with group qualifying setting the three heat race grids.
For the first heat challenge Brian Dively took the lead from local racer Scott Schmitt during the second lap out. Dively crossed the line without contest over Brandon Sheppard, Schmitt and Bret Sievert. The second heat was a domination by Erb who outpowered Frank Heckenast Jr., Ralph Markham and Kerry Hansen for the win.
Much like Erb did in heat two, Kevin Weaver started on the front row outside of the third and final heat taking over the point during the second lap. He too ran away from the pack. Steve Sheppard took second in front of Shawn Toczek and Mike Mataragas.
For the main event, Erb and Dively rolled into the coveted front of the grid over Weaver and Brandon Sheppard in row two. Heckenast and Steve Sheppard hosted the third row. Just after the green was thrown, a caution stopped the field. An eight car pile up off turn three halted the action that was just heating up between Erb and Dively. It took several complete restarts to get the first lap in the books. Soon to become a sign of the caution plagued first half of the race.
Once the action stayed green, Dively had a good run going until the third lap when Erb made his move low to capture the lead. Erb’s power plant was impressive on every groove he used to maneuver his way through lapped traffic. By the seventh lap out, Dively had fallen off his pace and finally took his machine pitside.
A Lap 9 caution for Steve Sheppard sent him packing to the pit area to replace a flat. Undoubtedly he cut a tire after a run in with the concrete barrier when he was flying around the outer rim in a powerful hunt for the front.
Only fourteen cars were still powered up at the restart of the tenth lap. Erb was smooth while Weaver worked the highest line on the track to chase down Brandon Sheppard. Once he caught him the veteran racer moved down to start reeling in Erb. Erb’s machine was set up to use every inch of the clay. His ability to put his familiar #28 anywhere on the track and make it go made him the man to beat.
During Lap 18, Weaver fell off his pace opening the door for fifth place starter Heckenast to grab the runner up position. One lap later, Mataragas charged high to take over third from Brandon Sheppard with Toczek following.
With seven laps unscored, Erb did what he does best – outrun the competition. He forced a three wide contest with two lapped machines leaving Heckenast stuck in his dust.
During the final lap, Heckenast made a last minute dash for the win but Erb closed out the thirty lap main event with the checkered flag taking home the $2,000 paycheck. Heckenast finished runner up just like the last time the NALMS stopped in La Salle. Then he finished second to Ryan Unzicker who was not in attendance for this event.
Weaver collected a strong third place finish in front of Mataragas, Toczek, Brandon Sheppard, Hansen, Sievert, Larson and Schmidt.
The UMP Modifieds show got off to a rough start after pole sitter Joe Adam and front row partner Allen Stipp made contact in full throttle fashion going into turn three. It ended with Adam taking a harrowing journey into the turn three wall but not after getting slammed by an unsuspecting competitor who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The field was placed under red and Adam was taken by ambulance to be checked out. His machine suffered heavy damage.
Current division champion, Vince Cooper wasted little time taking over the point with Stipp in second ahead of Brad Stewart. Cooper’s run at the helm distanced himself from any chance of a late race charge by his competitors.
During the final laps, the action was heating up between the second to fourth place running spots. Stipp crossed the line in second place while Dale Lueth charged his way around Stewart in a late race run for third. Stewart finished fourth in front of Brock Bauman, Matt Gremminger, Justin McCoy, Tom Knippenberg and Shawn Scripter.
Stipp took home the first heat contest over Cooper, Lueth and Gremminger. Adam won the second preliminary event in front of Stewart, Knippenberg, and Charlie Harmon.
Jimmy Partipilo has been a force to be reckoned with in the UMP Street Stock class at La Salle this season. He has certainly made a name for himself and become the constant in winners circle.
Partipilo led the eighteen contenders to a caution free hard charging fifteen laps.
Ironically, the last visit that the NALMS were in town on August 1st, the Street Stock feature race ended nearly the exact same way for the top five finishers. When the checkers dropped then it was Partipilo winning over Steve Lewis, Mike Hughes, Brandon Maciejewski and David McKinney. The finish was an exact repeat Saturday night.
Randy Lucas broke the chain taking sixth over Alex Clubb, who was sixth then. Marty Gradert took home eighth place in front of Aaron Near and Karl Hayes.
Maciejewski started in the second to the last row inside but had the fast track pass as he marched up to the impressive fourth place finish.
Lucas and Partipilo each won their heats.
Nick Clubb took home the victory for the UMP Hornet class. Jeff Seitz finished second in front of Allen Provenzano, Rick Zifko, JR Brown, Shannon Mudro, Asa Robart, Heather Delany and Jerry Legner.
Clubb also won his heat race with Seitz second Provenzano third and Brown fourth. Ellison took home the other heat ahead of Zifko, Legner and Robart.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 08/22/09
UMP NALMS Late Models – 22 Cars
Heat One: Brian Dively, Brandon Sheppard, Scott Schmitt, Bret Sievert
Heat Two: Dennis Erb Jr., Frank Heckenast Jr., Ralph Markham, Kerry Hansen
Heat Three: Kevin Weaver, Steve Sheppard, Shawn Toczek, Mike Mataragas
NALMS 30 Lap Feature: 1. Dennis Erb Jr,, 2. Frank Heckenast Jr., 3. Kevin Weaver, 4. Mike Mataragas, 5. Shawn Toczek, 6. Brandon Sheppard, 7. Kerry Hansen, 8. Bret Sievert, 9. Mark Larson, 10. Aaron Schmidt, 11. Steve Sheppard, 12. Scott Schmitt DNF, 13. John Piccatto, 14. Brian Dively DNF, 15. Jim Loomis DNF, 16. Billy Weistart DNF, 17. Gary Hunt DNF, 18. Ralph Markham DNF, 19. Gary Schalmo DNF, 20. Austin May DNF, 21. Andy Bivens DNF
UMP Modifieds – 15 Cars
Heat One: Allen Stipp, Vince Cooper, Dale Lueth, Matt Gremminger
Heat Two: Joe Adam, Brad Stewart, Tom Knippenberg, Charlie Harmon
Feature: 1. Vince Cooper, 2. Allen Stipp, 3. Dale Lueth, 4. Brad Stewart, 5. Brock Bauman, 6. Matt Gremminger, 7. Justin McCoy, 8. Tom Knippenberg, 9. Shawn Scripter, 10. David Wagner, 11. Mike Marden, 12. Nathan Balensiefen, 13. Austin Hewitt, 14. Joe Adam, 15. Charlie Harmon
UMP Street Stocks – 18 Cars
Heat One: Randy Lucas, Matt Ramer, David McKinney, Jake Miller
Heat Two: Jimmy Partipilo, Mike Hughes, Steve Lewis, Alex Clubb
Feature: 1. Jimmy Partipilo, 2. Steve Lewis, 3. Mike Hughes, 4. Brandon Maciejewski, 5. David McKenny, 6. Randy Lucas, 7. Alex Clubb, 8. Marty Gradert, 9. Aaron Near, 10. Karl Hayes, 11. Jake Miller, 12. Jaime Balensiefen, 13. Matt Ramer, 14. Duane Peterson, 15. Jessie Gaylord, 16. Keith Lucas, 17. Jim Ippensen, 18. Matt Dean
UMP Hornets – 12 Cars
Heat One: Nick Clubb, Jeff Seitz, Allen Provenzano, JR Brown
Heat Two: Jimmy Ellison, Rick Zifko, Jerry Legner, Asa Robart
Feature: 1. Nick Clubb, 2. Jeff Seitz, 3. Allen Provenzano, 4. Rick Zifko, 5. JR Brown, 6. Shannon Mudro, 7. Asa Robart, 8. Heather Delany, 9. Jerry Legner, 10. Mark Sutton, 11. Don Slover, 12. Jimmy Ellison
Provenzano seals the deal on championship at La Salle Speedway
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – Grand Ridge racer Mike Provenzano gained a great deal of respect and fans this season en route to his first track championship at La Salle Speedway. It wasn’t just that he raced hard and earned the accolades he deserves, it was how the UMP Late Model competitor did it.
Saturday night was the final night to collect points towards the championship in each of the divisions which usually makes for some great racing action. Due to Mother Nature’s fury, the drivers only had six nights to collect points in their quest for the divisional championships. Running for points can become a point-of-contention and make normally level headed drivers loose control.
Mike Provenzano was sitting third in points only a few races ago but his powerful presence and consistent finishes jolted him into the lead. Top that off with his stellar performance on Saturday and you have a true champion.
Scott Schmitt earned the pole with Bret Sievert on the outside. Rich Bell and Mike Glynn took row two over Mike Provenzano and his father Lil’ John Provenzano. Sievert wasted little time taking control of the lead but Schmitt was right there with him as Glynn ran third. During the third lap, Schmitt and Sievert raced a little too close for comfort and made contact, Glynn moved into second but a caution stopped their battle.
It seemed as though the pack would just get momentum building when the yellow flag could be found hanging from the flagman’s stand. During Lap 11, Mike Mataragas lost control ending the nights of Lil’ John and the new ride belonging to former champ Keith Piano. Mataragas eventually retired his ride as well.
Five laps later, half the field was back in their pit areas. Sievert flew around the top side like he had his own route back to victory lane while Mike Provenzano seemed to be falling out of his rhythm. Fourteenth place starter, Jason Jaggers was now running an upper groove with Schmitt chasing.
“The car was terrible,” explained Mike. “It pushed hard when I went in to the corner.” His smooth entry into the corners was gone while Sievert continued his seamless wide open drive up the track.
Lucky for the new champ his car didn’t let him down. “The last two laps, the car just came alive.”
With two laps left on the scoreboard, Mike brought the action into a one lap showdown. As they entered turn three Mike held on while Sievert nearly lost control.
Mike sealed the deal as the 2009 UMP Late Model Track Champion crossing the finish line solo. Sievert straightened his ride out in time to take home second over Jaggers. After a run from the tail, Schmitt moved his way into an impressive fourth place finish over sixteenth place starter John Piccatto. Dan Doherty took sixth in front of Roger Rebholz, Greg Wagner, Aaron Schmidt, and Ande Bivens.
Schmitt’s powerful run early scored him both the dash and heat wins. Bell, and Mike Provenzano each won their heat events.
The UMP Modified’s came out of the blocks fast and furious. The pole sitter Matt Gremminger nearly lost control but did a great job of missing the speed plants who were heavy on the gas behind him. Fourth place starter Milo Veloz took command early.
The show just wasn’t up front as three wide conquests were common place throughout the field of nineteen. A three wide battle with Veloz, Joe Adam and Vince Cooper ensued without anyone giving an extra inch or letting off the gas. Contact was made with Veloz spinning to a stop. Soon after Veloz went pitside.
Cooper was now at the helm with Adam, Nathan Balensiefen, AJ Dixon, Justin McCoy and Dale Lueth ready for action.
Cooper continued his winning ways taking home the trophy as Adam charged for second. Cooper’s ability to wheel his machine has not only put him in winners circle repeatedly but put his name back in the record books as a repeat divisional champion.
Balensiefen crossed the finish line third over Dixion, McCoy, Lueth, Travis Kohler, Tom Knippenberg, Coy Williams, and Gremminger.
Gremminger and Line each won their heat contests.
Jimmy Partipilo had enough points that no matter the feature outcome he was going to go home the Street Stock champion. That didn’t seem to matter for the young gun from Elmhurst. He came ready to race hard and win.
He started on the pole of his heat and won in solo fashion. Brandon Maciejewski won the first heat. Their victories positioned them next to each other for the feature starting grid. Once the green was signaled Partipilo used his outside start to take the lead from the highside. The pair only battled side by side during the first lap out. After that, it was the Partipilo show.
Partipilo has truly dominated the division this season. After he collected the checkers it was Steve Lewis making his move for second. Maciejewski was close behind in third over Noah Faw. Roger Rickels crossed the line fifth but was later disqualified after tech inspection. Jake Miller finished behind him in front of Chris Philhower, Randy Lucas, Justin Rutledge, Tim Provenzano and Aaron Near.
Asa Robart started the UMP Hornet main on the front row next to Phil Burdette ahead of Nick Clubb and Rick Zifko. Robart took over the point but Burdette stayed right with the leader. The pair battled with Robart higher on the track then Burdettte. Lap after lap they found themselves battling while lapped traffic had their own races going on.
During the final lap, Robart was still in command just narrowly over Burdette when lapped traffic closed any shot at stealing the lead. Robart took the victory over Burdette, Nick Clubb, Allen Provenzano, Zifko, Jamie Deford, Chad Williams, Jeff Seitz, Jerry Legner, JR Brown, Kyle Carlson, and Rick Wagner.
Nick Clubb and Burdette won the heat races.
Next weekend the speedway hosts the Hanks 4 x 4 event with racing action returning the following week.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 08/08/09
UMP Late Models – 23 Cars
Dash: Scott Schmitt, Bret Sievert, Rich Bell, Mike Glynn
Heat One: Rich Bell, John Provenzano, Ed Williams, Keith Piano
Heat Two: Mike Provenzano, Mike Mataragas
Heat Three: Scott Schmitt, Bret Sievert, Rusty Schlenk, Roger Markham
Feature: 1. Mike Provenzano, 2. Bret Sievert, 3. Jason Jaggers 4. Scott Schmitt, 5. John Piccatto, 6. Dan Doherty, 7. Roger Rebholz, 8. Greg Wagner, 9. Aaron Schmidt, 10. Ande Bivens, 11. Ed Williams, 12. Jeff Small, 13. Jon Small, 14. Ralph Markham, 15. Rich Bell, 16. Mike Mataragas, 17. Keith Piano, 18. Lil John Provenzano, 19. Mike Glynn, 20. Rusty Schlenk
UMP Modifieds – 21 Cars
Heat One: Matt Gremminger, Travis Kohler, Nathan Balensiefen, Vince Cooper
Heat Two: Phil Line, Joe Adam, Milo Veloz, AJ Dixon
Feature: 1. Vince Cooper, 2. Joe Adam, 3. Nathan Balensiefen, 4. AJ Dixon, 5. Justin McCoy, 6. Dale Lueth, 7. Travis Kohler, 8. Tom Knippenberg, 9. Coy Williams, 10. Matt Gremminger, 11. Felish Collins, 12. Don Cole, 13. Ryan Kortge, 14. Brad Carrington, 15. Wally Forsythe, 16. Milo Veloz, 17. Mike Marden, 18. Jeremy Johnson, 19. Paul Smith
UMP Street Stocks – 19 Cars
Heat One: Brandon Maciejewski, Mike Hughes, Noah Faul, Jake Miller
Heat Two: Jim Partipilo, Roger Rickels, Steve Lewis, David McKenny
Feature: 1. Jim Partipilo, 2. Steve Lewis, 3. Brandon Maciejewski, 4. Noah Faw, 5. Roger Rickels – DQ, 6. Jake Miller, 7. Chris Pillhower, 8. Randy Lucas, 9. Justin Rutledge, 10. Tim Provenzano, 11. Aaron Near, 12. Darryl Mathews, 13. Keith Lucas, 14. Steve Schwemlein, 15. Duane Peterson, 16. Matt Hughes, 17. Alex Clubb, 18. David McKenny
UMP Hornets – 23 Cars
Heat One: Nick Clubb, Jamie Deford, Alex Clubb, Jeff Seitz
Heat Two: Phil Burdette, Rick Zifko, Asa Robart, Chad Williams
Feature: 1. Asa Robart, 2. Phil Burdette, 3. Nick Clubb, 4. Allen Provenzano, 5. Rick Zifko, 6. Jamie Deford, 7. Chad Williams, 8. Jeff Seitz, 9. Jerry Legner, 10. JR Brown, 11. Kyle Carlson, 12. Rick Wagner, 13. Allen Line, 14. Mark Sutton, 15. Anna Cain, 16. Shanon Mudro, 17. Alex Clubb, 18. Andrew Schwarko, 19. Josh Larson, 20. Harold Reiter, 21. Freddie Thatcher
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Photos submitted by official track photographer Dan Simpson
"Ryan Unzicker of El Paso collects the $2,000 paycheck after winning the Northern Allstars Late Model race at La Salle Speedway August 1st."
"From the pole Ryan Unzicker (24) motors under Mike
Provenzano (M27) for a flag to flag victory at La Salle Speedway's August 1st
NALMS race."
Unzicker motors to Northern Allstars win at La Salle
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – Saturday was a questionable day for outdoor activities in the Illinois Valley area. Mother Nature dumped a little extra moisture for much of the day until clearing the skies and letting a glimpse of the sun peak thru. With bleachers dampened and puddles growing, the decision to run was in the balance. Lucky for Ryan Unzicker the La Salle Speedway promoter decided to gamble on Mother Nature.
Twenty-four UMP Late Models entered the grounds to compete for the first of two Northern Allstars Late Model Series events in August. The first was Saturday night for a $2,000 30-lap main. With the USA Nationals this weekend some of the regular NALMS drivers were in the badger state. But one such follower chose to stay closer to home - a decision that he had to be happy with.
Group qualifying, three heat races and a semi feature set the Late Models starting grid.
For the first heat race, it was La Salle Speedways last week’s winner Mike Provenzano outpowering the pack from front row outside of Brett Sievert. Sievert scored the runner up spot ahead of Brandon Sheppard and Kevin Weaver.
The second heat race pole sitter, Frank Heckanast Jr., darted to the low line to pull away with the victory over Scott Schmitt, Ralph Markham and John Piccatto.
It took several complete restarts to get the third heat race underway. Contact was made several times from the second row as Ted Loomis tried to take the inside line away from Jason Jaggers at the start. The second such move sent Jaggers for a ride into the infield tires collecting Steve Sheppard Jr. as well. Unzicker cruised to the win finishing ahead of Bell, Loomis, Steve Sheppard Jr., and Jaggers.
The division’s consi was a survival of the fittest with only two cars still ready to cross the checkers at a racing pace. Jon Small won the event with Zack Busch second.
Twenty drivers rolled out for the thirty lap main event with Unzicker and front row partner Provenzano heading the field. Heckanast and Sievert were in row two with Schmitt and Bell hosting the third row. At 9:16pm the flagman dropped the green flag. Provenzano got a powerful run on Unzicker but the action was stopped possibly due to the start. The second time, Unzicker powered to the lead with Provenzano in close second ahead of Sievert.
By the sixth lap on the circuit, it was clear Unzicker had nailed his set up and would be tough to catch. He used the bottom groove to take cars a lap down. Heckanast was flying high solo over Sievert. Unzicker’s only side by side contests came as he battled lapped traffic who were racing for their own finishing positions. One such instance started during the twelfth lap when Roger Markham and Jaggers were side by side. Unzicker couldn’t get his nose completely under Roger Markham without the door being closed. Stuck lap after lap, Unzicker finally got between the duo after 8 laps.
Even held up in traffic didn’t cut away Unzicker’s lead. A caution with six laps remaining brought the field back together. It also gave twelfth place starter Steve Sheppard Jr. an opportunity to challenge son Brandon and Heckanast for second.
Unzicker sailed to his second win at La Salle this season. His first was on May 28th when he was crowned Monster of the Midwest also winning $2,000 for his efforts.
“Every time we come here it is a good thing,” Unzicker told the crowd. “Thanks to all the fans and Northern Allstars for coming out here tonight.”
Much like the springtime race, he used his pole position, car set up and talent to cruise back to victory lane.
Heckanast crossed the line second in front of Brandon Sheppard, Steve Sheppard, Weaver, Ralph Markham, Ted Loomis, Roger Markham, Jaggers, Bell, Schmitt, Busch and Ed Williams Sr.
Fifteen UMP Modifieds made the call for the feature race. It was a rough start for the Mods, after ten minutes the field had only one lap on the scoreboard. Once they were able to stay at competitive speeds it was Jason Bahrs in the lead over pole sitter Nathan Balensiefen. Vince Cooper was not far behind and able to bring his machine under a higher running Balensiefen for second.
By Lap 8, Cooper had brought his ride up to the leader for a challenge. They raced neck and neck until a caution brought a stop to their impressive door to door contest. At the restart of Lap10, it was Cooper moved to the helm over Bahrs, Balensiefen, Joe Adam, Travis Kohler and Dale Lueth.
Cooper eventually pulled away scoring the win over Bahrs, Balensiefen, Adam, Kohler, Lueth, AJ Dixon, Mike Marden, Tom Knippenberg, and Wally Forsythe.
Cooper and Balensiefen claimed victories in their heat events.
Jimmy Partipilo has dominated the UMP Street Stock class this season with last weeks winner Steve Lewis close by. Partipilo’s ability to work the highbanks has become a nightmare for the competition as there is no stopping the young gun from Elmhurst especially when he starts near the front.
Partipilo collected the feature win over Lewis, Mike Hughes, Brandon Maciejewski, David McKenny, Alex Clubb, Randy Lucas, Steve Schwemlein, Gary Schmitt, and Jake Miller.
Hughes won the first heat with Lewis second over Daryl Matthews, and Jamie Balensiefen. Partipilo outran his competitors for the second heat. Maciejewski took second ahead of McKenny and Roger Rickels.
Nineteen Hornets were ready for feature action. Cody Clubb and Phil Burdette were on the front row. Cody Clubb took the point early but it was close racing between him, Burdette, and Nick Clubb. Around the ninth lap, contact was made between Burdette and the leader which sent Cody off his pace and back into the pack.
As the leaders entered the final turn, Burdette and Nick Clubb were side by side until the checkers. Burdette narrowly won with Nick Clubb second then Jeff Seitz, Allen Provenzano, Jimmy Ellison, Chad Williams, Asa Robart, JR Brown, Jerry Legner and Rick Zifko.
Seitz and Nick Clubb won their heats.
The championships are coming down to the wire as there is only one points night remaining for the 2009 season. One of the tightest races is in the Late Model class where last weeks motor woes blew the competition out of the lead. Since this week will not count as a points race, Mike Provenzano leads Ralph Markham by twelve points. Markham is ahead of Mike Glynn by just as many.
The Hornet division is heavily contested going into next weeks Fan Appreciation night. Nick Clubb leads Rick Zifko by eight points. There is only a twenty point spread between fourth and first in the class.
The speedway’s Fourth of July celebration had been canceled due to rain so the August 8th Fan Appreciation Night, with a reduced general admission of $5, will light up the area skies their fireworks display.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 08/01/09
UMP NALMS Late Models – 24 Cars
Heat One: Mike Provenzano, Brett Sievert, Brandon Sheppard, Kevin Weaver
Heat Two: Frank Heckanast Jr., Scott Schmitt, Ralph Markham, John Piccatto
Heat Three: Ryan Unzicker, Rich Bell, Ted Loomis, Steve Sheppard
NALMS 30 Lap Feature: 1. Ryan Unzicker, 2. Frank Heckanast Jr., 3. Brandon Sheppard, 4. Steve Sheppard, 5. Kevin Weaver, 6. Ralph Markham, 7. Ted Loomis, 8. Roger Markham, 9. Jason Jaggers, 10. Rich Bell, 11. Scott Schmitt, 12. Zack Busch, 13. Ed Williams Sr., 14. Jon Small, 15. Jim Loomis, 16. John Piccatto, 17. Brett Sievert, 18. Mike Provenzano, 19. Jeff Small, 20. Greg Wagner
UMP Modifieds – 15 Cars
Heat One: Vince Cooper, Jason Bahrs, Mike Marden, Dale Lueth
Heat Two: Nathan Balensiefen, Justin McCoy, Tom Knippenberg, Travis Kohler
Feature: 1. Vince Cooper, 2. Jason Bahrs, 3. Nathan Balensiefen, 4. Joe Adam, 5. Travis Kohler, 6. Dale Lueth, 7. AJ Dixon, 8. Mike Marden, 9. Tom Knippenberg, 10. Wally Forsythe, 11. Brad Carrington, 12. Brad Stewart, 13. Don Cole, 14. Scott Hauge, 15. Justin McCoy
UMP Street Stocks – 17 Cars
Heat One: Mike Hughes, Steve Lewis, Daryl Matthews, Jamie Balensiefen
Heat Two: Jimmy Partipilo, Brandon Maciejewski, David McKenny, Roger Rickels
Feature: 1. Jimmy Partipilo, 2. Steve Lewis, 3. Mike Hughes, 4. Brandon Maciejewski, 5. David McKenny, 6. Alex Clubb, 7. Randy Lucas, 8. Steve Schwemlein, 9. Gary Schmitt, 10. Jake Miller, 11. Daryl Matthews, 12. Justin Hamm, 13. Roger Rickels, 14. Jamie Balensiefen, 15. Noah Faw, 16. Marqus Hoover, 17. Aaron Near
UMP Hornets – 19 Cars
Heat One: Jeff Seitz, Jimmy Ellison, Nick Clubb, Jamie Deford
Heat Two: Nick Clubb, Allen Provenzano, Phil Burdette, Josh Larson
Feature: 1. Phil Burdette, 2. Nick Clubb, 3. Jeff Seitz, 4. Allen Provenzano, 5. Jimmy Ellison, 6. Chad Williams, 7. Asa Robart, 8. JR Brown, 9. Jerry Legner, 10. Rick Zifko, 11. Rick Wagner, 12. Shannon Mudro, 13. Dan Widdecombe, 14. Cody Clubb, 15. Josh Larson, 16. Freddie Thatcher, 17. Andrew Shanwarko, 18. Jamie Deford, 19. Mark Sutton
Late race maneuver puts Mike Provenzano in the victory lane
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – Mike Provenzano went from underdog to under the checkers first on Saturday night at La Salle Speedway. His third row starting spot positioned the Grand Ridge driver with a perfect view of his biggest challengers and an opportunity to take over the UMP Late Models heavily contested points chase.
Sixteen Late’s took the starting grid for the thirty lap main event. The five added laps, after last week’s caution free efforts, changed the outcome for several racers. Ralph Markham and Wisconsin racer Brett Sievert were the front row partners with Provenzano and Mark Larson in row two. Ed Williams Sr. and Roger Markham took charge of the third row.
Sievert wasted little time shooting to the lead with Ralph Markham giving chase. By the fourth lap in the circuit, Provenzano and Ralph Markham were dicing back and forth with an exciting door to door battle. Several times Provenzano’s efforts would move him to the runner up position but caution would halt the action and put him back to third.
With half the laps scored, a caution brought the thirteen remaining machines back to a single file format with Sievert at the helm over Ralph Markham, Provenzano and Williams. Scott Schmitt’s surge to the front was noted as he had charged from the tail of the grid to his fifth place running position. After the green dropped, Provenzano took his ride low for a second place challenge. The run for second was heated with the two putting forth a great show of talent while Sievert flew comfortably as the pace setter.
During Lap 22, Provenzano found an extra boost of power and flew around Ralph Markham. His sights were set on the leader and just as he began challenging Sievert for the point caution stopped their fight. Even though two laps were under his belt, the officials put Provenzano’s ride back to third for the restart.
“They (the officials) said I passed before the cone on the restart before that one so I had to go back to third,” Provenzano explained of the call. “I may have passed before the cone. I didn’t think I did but I might have.”
His return to the third place position, with seven laps remaining, may have been the fuel he needed to get himself charged up. Just after the green, Provenzano took over second and started working towards the lead.
Ralph Markham fell off his pace with smoke billowing out of his power plant. It was an evening filled with smoke which ended several drivers nights too early in multiple classes.
Sievert’s powerful charge in the lead had only been challenged once late in the race until Provenzano tried his luck with three laps to go. He couldn’t do it. But as the duo came off the final turn for the final time, it was Provenzano testing his horsepower.
Provenzano narrowly took the scripted victory as they ended with him just inches ahead of Sievert at the finish line. Saturday’s win gave Provenzano a perfect scorecard for the weekend. He had back to back victories with a win at Kankakee Speedway the night before.
Schmitt’s hard charging efforts earned him a third place finish. Nine cars were remaining at the end of the thirty laps. Roger Markham earned fourth in front of Aaron Schmidt, Williams, Dan Doherty, Lake Knutti, and John Piccatto.
With the points chase nearly over, Mike Glynn came into the night fourteen points in front of Ralph Markham but a blown engine earlier in the heat action denied him a chance for another title. Ralph’s win in the dash and heat added to his total but with a scored position of tenth he trailed new points leader Provenzano at the completion of the nights racing.
Sievert started last and worked his way up to the leaders during the dash action. The race was close but Ralph crossed the checkers first with Provenzano in third. Ralph ran flag to flag in the first heat race beating out Sievert, Roger Markham and Dan Doherty. Provenzano’s run in the heat race scored him the win ahead of Schmitt, Williams and Randy Manos.
Seventeen UMP Modified’s signed in for competition. Vince Cooper recorded a big night winning his heat and the feature races in his quest for another track title.
Cooper powered his way into the lead early for the ten lap heat contest beating out third place starter Joe Adam, Nathan Balensiefen and Dale Lueth. At the beginning of the second Mod heat Mark Novorlsky hit the pit exit safety barrels that are filled with water with such force it looked like a geyser shooting in the air on impact. The damage done to the area stalled the action but the racer exited the car on his own. Once back to racing, it was pole sitter Phil Line holding off Justin McCoy for the win. Brock Bauman took third over Brad Carrington.
Thirteen cars made the call for their feature. McCoy and Cooper were front row partners ahead of Line and Balensiefen. Just after the green was signaled, Cooper darted to a comfortable lead in front of McCoy. Cooper’s high flying ride sent him as close to the barrier walls as he could get nearly skimming the concrete. He flew solo leaving McCoy to fend off Balensiefen.
McCoy and Balensiefen put on some door to door action with Balensiefen moving to second briefly. Cooper claimed the win as McCoy took second over Line and Balensiefen. Adam, who had been sent to the tail after being involved in a yellow early, worked his way back up to a fifth place finish. Tom Knippenburg took sixth in front of AJ Dixon, Lueth and Coy Williams.
Twenty one UMP Street Stocks were on hand. Jimmy Partipilo continued his winning ways with a heat victory over David McKenney, Randy Lucas, and Duane Peterson. Steve Lewis scored the second heat win with Roger Rickels, Gary Schmitt, and Mike Hughes trailing.
Partipilo has been the dominator this season with his ability to wheel his way to the winners circle week after week. His dues paid dividends with winning all but one feature thus far in the season. As the man to beat, he has been chased all season long but Saturday his streak was broken by a man who has finished runner up to him numerous times.
Partipilo and Lewis started the event side by side on the front row. Partipilo took the point from the pole quickly using a high line but Lewis stayed right with him. During the tenth lap of the circuit, Lewis was challenging him when contact by the pair was made as the crossed under the flag stand.
The exchange did not end in Partipilo’s favor as he fell back to second. Lewis hit the gas hard and outpowered the hard charging Partipilo to score the win. McKenney collected third in front Rickels, Jaime Balensiefen, Schmitt, Peterson, Alex Clubb, Hughes and Steve Schwemlein.
Jim Ellison worked his way up the pack in the UMP Hornet division to claim his feature win. He trailed race leader Eric Wilson until Wilson fell off the pace during the eleventh lap.
With twenty three taking their positions on the grid the track was full of the racey four cylinder machines. Ellison flew solo until the final lap beating out Asa Robart, Allen Provenzano, Chad Williams, Alex Clubb, Andrew Sharwarko, Rick Zifko, Mark Sutton, Jim Wilson, Allen Line, Harold Reiter, JR Brown, Rick Wagner and Anna Cain.
Sharwarko beat out Wilson, Allen Line, and Williams in the first heat contest. Robart won the second preliminary event in front of Jerry Legner, Provenzano and Zifko. Phil Burdette scored the third heat win ahead of Ellison, Wilson and Nick Clubb.
Next week, the speedway will host the Nothern Allstars Late Model Series paying $2,000 to win. The UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks and UMP Hornets will also be in action.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 07/25/09
UMP Late Models – 18 Cars
Dash: Ralph Markham, Brett Sievert, Mike Provenzano, Mark Larson
Heat One: Ralph Markham, Brett Sievert, Roger Markham, Dan Doherty
Heat Two: Mike Provenzano, Scott Schmitt, Ed Williams, Randy Manos
Feature: 1. Mike Provenzano, 2. Brett Sievert, 3. Scott Schmitt, 4. Roger Markham, 5. Aaron Schmidt 6. Ed Williams Sr., 7. Dan Doherty, 8. Lake Knutti, 9. John Piccatto, 10. Ralph Markham, 11. Ande Bivens, 12. Jeff Small, 13. Greg Wagner, 14. Mark Larson, 15. Jon Small, 16. Randy Manos
UMP Modifieds – 17 Cars
Heat One: Vince Cooper, Joe Adam, Nathan Balensiefen, Dale Lueth
Heat Two: Phil Line, Justin McCoy, Brock Bauman, Brad Carrington
Feature: 1. Vince Cooper, 2. Justin McCoy, 3. Phil Line, 4. Nathan Balensiefen, 5. Joe Adam, 6. Tom Knippenberg, 7. AJ Dixon, 8. Dale Lueth, 9. Coy Williams, 10. Don Cole, 11. Wally Forsythe, 12. Brad Carrington, 13. Brock Bauman
UMP Street Stocks – 21 Cars
Heat One: Jimmy Partipilo, David McKenny, Randy Lucas, Duane Peterson
Heat Two: Steve Lewis, Roger Rickels, Gary Schmitt, Mike Hughes
Feature: 1. Steve Lewis, 2. Jimmy Partipilo, 3. David McKenny, 4. Roger Rickels, 5. Jamie Balensiefen, 6. Gary Schmitt, 7. Duane Peterson, 8. Alex Clubb, 9. Mike Hughes, 10. Steve Schwemlein, 11. Aaron Near, 12. Jake Miller, 13. Justin Hamm, 14. Marty Gradert, 15. Gabe Koncor, 16. Dan Patnoe, 17. Darren Matthews, 18. Randy Lucas, 19. Karl Hayes, 20. Tony Provenzano
UMP Hornets – 25 Cars
Heat One: Andrew Sharwarko, Eric Wilson, Allen Line, Chad Williams
Heat Two: Asa Robart, Jerry Legner, Allen Provenzano, Rick Zifko
Heat Three: Phil Burdette, Jim Ellison, Jim Wilson, Nick Clubb
Feature: 1. Jim Ellison, 2. Asa Robart, 3. Allen Provenzano, 4. Chad Williams, 5. Nick Clubb, 6. Andrew Sharwarko, 7. Rick Zifko, 8. Mark Sutton, 9. Jim Wilson, 10. Allen Line, 11. Harold Reiter, 12. JR Brown, 13. Rick Wagner, 14. Anna Cain, 15. Eric Wilson, 16. Chad Breitbarth, 17. Freddie Thatcher, 18. Shannon Mudro, 19. Jason Wagner, 20. Jerry Legner, 21. Jeremy Rotramel., 22. Phil Burdette, 23. Josh Larson
The LaSalle Speedway located in LaSalle, IL is proud to announce that Thursday July 9 the UMP Summernationals will make a stop at the LaSalle Speedway along with NASCAR Stars Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace. The $6,000 to win 40 lap Super Late Model feature event will feature local drivers taking on the best touring drivers. The yearly series runs over a 30 day period and pays over three-quarters of a million dollars in prize money. Track Enterprises and the LaSalle Speedway will bring the cars and stars of the UMP Super Late Model tour into LaSalle’s ¼ mile high banked oval.
The UMP Summernationals tour has quickly become one of the most anticipated dirt Late Model tours in the Nation. Many of the top stars will be racing Thursday night as they attempt to make as many events as possible on this year’s tour. Some of the top local drivers like Mike Marlar, Don O’Neal, Dennis Erb Jr., Randy Korte, and Eddie Kirchoff of Wyoming will be joining the touring drivers in what is expected to be one of the most competitive and largest car counts of Late Models to date at the LaSalle Speedway.
Along with a 40 lap Late Model feature, racing will also include the always thrilling UMP Open Wheel Modifieds.
The pit gates will open at 4:00 P.M. with Grandstands opening at 5 P.M. Qualifications will begin at 6:30 P.M. with racing scheduled to begin at 7:30 P.M. Tickets will be $20.00 for adults; children 11-6 for $5.00; and children 5 & under will be admitted for free. For more information please call 217-764-3200 or 815-223-6900 or visit our website.
Highway to Hell – NASCAR and Dirt Stars come out to play at La Salle Speedway
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – The United Midwest Promoters DIRTCar Summer Nationals tour is bar none the most grueling tour in motor sports. Twenty seven races in thirty one days in what has become a summer focal point for racing fans. The intense schedule combined with top level talent, local favorites, and big paychecks creates one of the hottest venues in the Midwest. To top that, two NASCAR stars have put their names in the hat to compete Thursday night at La Salle Speedway.
NASCAR veterans Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader have made the Illinois Valley speed arena one of their scheduled stops. According to their websites they will be competing on the ¼ mile high banks for the $6,000 special event. The NASCAR Sprint Cup race this weekend is at the Chicagoland Speedway less than sixty miles away from the dirt roots so many still have a true passion for.
Wallace and Schrader are both originally from Missouri and currently reside in Concord, North Carolina. The duo came from dirt track racing at an early age. Even though both have earned their living as NASCAR racers, television personalities, and team owners, they can wheel a dirt late model with the best talent in the country. The addition of the two will only heighten the excitement of what is already expected to be one of the most exciting stops of the tour.
In 2007, Schrader placed thirteenth in his showing at La Salle but earned new fans in the process. His light hearted charm and approachable demeanor scored big with those wanting to rub shoulders with a legend.
The Summer Nationals series is a race enthusiasts dream as the superstars kick up the dirt through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee in their own version of Survivor. The contenders from across the nation and crew members are on an island of sorts with a different backdrop in the dog days of summer. They are forced to build alliances, learn new ways to survive, use make shift work shops sometimes in parking lots, challenged beyond normal expectations, and fight to the finish for their slice of the pie in what might be considered a dirty job.
The 21st running of the Summer Nationals has been dubbed the “Hell Tour”. After La Salle’s July 9th race, only two races are left with a great deal still on the line. La Salle’s track design and multi groove racy surface sets the stage for what might be yet another barn burner. So far in the tour, the racing has been second to none, the points chase is tight, fans have followed in person and taken up more bandwidth than racing sites can handle.
Not surprisingly, tempers have flared leaving drivers to display frustrations in bad boy fashion creating a buzz and debates of wrong vs. right. One such incident was captured on video and camera to be shared repeatedly on the net. Much to the surprise of all involved, SPEED Channel’s Dave Despain replayed the clip involving a romp by Steve Sheppard Jr. on the hood of Dennis Erb Jr.’s hood during the opening of a recent episode of Wind Tunnel.
The over three-quarters of a million dollars in prize money this tour brings is monumental especially in our current economical state. The tour has seen some of racings finest battle for the checkers with local hotshoes not only surviving but winning. Jason Feger, a former regular at La Salle, has been at the top of his game all season long. Feger scored two wins in the tour with a current ranking of third in the overall points standings behind former La Salle track champ and two time defending Summer Nationals champion Erb. Erb’s back-to-back titles have made him the man to beat but as history has presented itself he won’t go out without a full throttle battle.
Currently leading the points chase is another Illinois standout, Randy Korte. The three are in a tight points challenge with an expected earning, according to sources, of approximately $25,000 to the crowned champion.
Thursday nights win will net the victor $6,000 for the 40-lap main event promoted by Track Enterprises and La Salle Speedway. The UMP Modified drivers will compete as well for their $500 feature.
Adult general admission price is $20.00, children 6 – 11 is $5.00. Pit passes are $35.00.
The pit gates will open at 4:00 pm with grandstands opening at 5:00pm. Practice starts at 5:30 pm, Time Trials at 6:30 pm, Racing begins at 7:30 pm.
July 4....Rain
UMP SUMMERNATIONALS AND NASCAR NIGHT SET FOR LASALLE
SPEEDWAY APPEARANCE JULY 9TH
The LaSalle Speedway located in LaSalle, IL is proud to announce that Thursday
July 9 the UMP Summernationals will make a stop at the LaSalle Speedway along
with NASCAR Stars Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace. The $6,000 to win 40 lap Super
Late Model feature event will feature local drivers taking on the best touring
drivers. The yearly series runs over a 30 day period and pays over
three-quarters of a million dollars in prize money. Track Enterprises and the
LaSalle Speedway will bring the cars and stars of the UMP Super Late Model tour
into LaSalle’s ¼ mile high banked oval.
The UMP Summernationals tour has quickly become one of the most anticipated dirt
Late Model tours in the Nation. Many of the top stars will be racing Thursday
night as they attempt to make as many events as possible on this year’s tour.
Some of the top local drivers like Mike Marlar, Don O’Neal, Dennis Erb Jr.,
Randy Korte, and Eddie Kirchoff of Wyoming will be joining the touring drivers
in what is expected to be one of the most competitive and largest car counts of
Late Models to date at the LaSalle Speedway.
Along with a 40 lap Late Model feature, racing will also include the always
thrilling UMP Open Wheel Modifieds.
The pit gates will open at 4:00 P.M. with Grandstands opening at 5 P.M.
Qualifications will begin at 6:30 P.M. with racing scheduled to begin at 7:30
P.M. Tickets will be $20.00 for adults; children 11-6 for $5.00; and children 5
& under will be admitted for free. For more information please call 217-764-3200
or 815-223-6900 or visit our website.
www.trackenterprises.com
Clubb drives away with 4 Cylinder special at La Salle; Bell gets first victory
By: Betty Glynn
"Mike Provenzano (M27) charges to the inside of Rich Bell (21B) at La Salle
Speedway June 20th. Bell went on to win his first UMP Late Model feature race at
La Salle Speedway."
"Cody Clubb (23) races side by side with Allen Line (22) during the 4 Cylinder
Hornet special at La Salle Speedway on June 20th"
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La Salle, IL – Cody Clubb swept the 4 Cylinder Hornet division in front of a packed house for the Jeff Perry Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday at La Salle Speedway. The Morris driver shined with an easy heat race victory and a full throttle charging feature run.
Twenty six contenders took the track by storm as the last event of the night. Their ability to travel the first thirteen laps uninterrupted was only stopped due to debris on the racing surface. They seemed to outshine the big dogs by putting forth some great side by side action even though there were so many drivers on the track at one time.
“That was the most enjoyable feature I’ve seen thus far,” track owner Kerry Izzo told the drivers during an unexpected meeting after their race. “Excellent show I can’t thank you enough and I would give each and every one of you the winner’s money if I could.” She closed her meeting with three words that summed up their efforts. “Great job guys.”
Jamie Deford and Allen Line were the front row hosts on the feature grid with Cody Clubb and Rick Zifko rolling up in the second row. Allen Provenzano and Asa Robart took their spots in row three. By the third lap on the scoreboard, it was Cody Clubb commanding the field in front of Deford. The pair outdistanced their competition for the early laps. The Lap 13 caution brought everyone back to together but it didn’t take Cody long to outdistance himself leaving some great racing between Deford, Zifko, Phil Burdette and Robart.
Cody claimed the checkers with Deford second in front of Zifko. Burdette managed to take over fourth during the final laps leaving Robart in fifth followed by Nick Clubb, Mike Morrow, Jerry Legner, John Provenzano, Allen Line, Mark Sutton, Matt McCarty, Allen Provenzano, Justin Heath, and Jason Wagner.
Line, Cody and Zifko each won the heat races.
The UMP Late Model class hosted nineteen contenders. Rich Bell earned the pole position after the dash victory with Ralph Markham as his front row challenger. Lil’ John Provenzano and Mark Larson were in the second row.
Bell took off with Ralph Markham close behind and Lil’ John on his tail. The early laps were caution plagued and hard to get momentum for the racers. During the eighth lap of the circuit, seventh place starter Mike Glynn flew into second behind Bell. Glynn ran a lower line and began to test Bell’s run but caution slowed the chase. After the restart, Glynn could catch him in the corners but Bell was faster on the straight aways. The twenty-five lap main pace was too much for many of the drivers as the same cars seemed to be bringing out the caution.
During Lap 18, Mike Provenzano had positioned his eighth place starting machine on the back bumper of Glynn. Glynn moved up and Mike Provenzano seized the opportunity to chase down the leader. Running in fourth was Ralph Markham with Keith Piano close behind him. Piano’s start closer to the rear of the grid was a challenge in its own right just to avoid trouble.
In the closing laps, Mike Provenzano gave it all he had but Bell was faster to the finish for his first win at La Salle. Mike Provenzano scored second in front of Glynn, Ralph Markham, Piano, Roger Markham, Mark Larson, Zack Busch, and Ed Williams Sr.
Roger Markham held off brother Ralph to win the first heat event while Bell and Glynn were third and fourth. Lil’ John outdistanced Williams for heat two with Larson and Greg Wagner crossing the line behind them. Bell took home the Rhyne Engine dash victory ahead of Ralph Markham, Lil’ John and Larson.
The UMP Modified’s struggled from the time the green flag dropped until the checkers. They just didn’t seem to be able to score a lap without caution. Several complete restarts was a sign of the times for the eighteen car field. Getting the first three laps on the board was more like a marathon.
Dale Lueth and Justin McCoy led the pack with Vince Cooper and Jason Bahrs in row two. Lueth was fast out of the blocks leading from the pole. During Lap 7, Lueth was leading when he killed the engine ending his lead. Cooper now sat at the helm with McCoy, Tom Knippenberg, Stan Vervynck, Don Cole, Phil Line, and Felicia Collins following.
Cooper kept his ride lower on the track while McCoy charged higher looking for a faster groove. The duo distanced themselves from the pack dodging the lapped traffic.
Cooper won the twenty lapper over McCoy. Lueth moved his way back up the pack from the tail into fourth behind Line. Vervynck took fifth in front of Bahrs, Mike Marden and Knippenberg.
Lueth won the first heat contest with Knippenberg, Matt Gremminger and Collins trailing. McCoy took home the second heat victory over Cooper, Bahrs and Joe Adam.
Steve Lewis and Justin Rutledge rolled into the front of the grid for the UMP Street Stocks main event. When the flagman signaled the start, it was all racing for the twenty one drivers. They put on a great action packed contest flag to flag.
Lewis and Jimmy Partipilo raced each other hard in the front of the pack. Lewis led the first ten laps uncontested until Partipilo caught up to his back bumper and brought their action door to door. On the back straight away of Lap 12, Partipilo took over the point. A caution one lap later gave Lewis a chance to regain the lead.
Partipilo took off fast leaving Lewis to hold back Roger Rickels and Mike Hughes. Eighteen cars remained in action with three laps to go.
Partipilo returned to the winners circle for the second week in a row. Lewis scored a strong second in front of Hughes, Rickels, Jamie Balensiefen, Matt Ramer, Marty Gradert, Rutledge, David McKenney, Tim Provezano, Alex Clubb and Nick Clubb.
Jay Mesarchik won the first heat while Partipilo won the second.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 06/20/09
Late Models – 19 Cars
Rhyne Competition Engines Dash: Rich Bell, Ralph Markham, Lil’ John Provenzano, Mark Larson
Heat One: Roger Markham, Ralph Markham, Rich Bell, Mike Glynn
Heat Two: Lil’ John Provenzano, Ed Williams Sr., Mark Larson, Greg Wagner
Feature: 1. Rich Bell, 2. Mike Provenzano, 3. Mike Glynn, 4. Ralph Markham, 5. Keith Piano, 6. Roger Markham, 7. Mark Larson, 8. Zack Busch, 9. Ed Williams Sr., 10. Ande Bivens, 11. Jeff Small, 12. Lake Knutti, 13. Lil’ John Provenzano, 14. Jon Small, 15. Travis Mahoney, 16. Jim Loomis, 17. Seth Dauber, 18. Greg Wagner, 19. Dan Doherty
UMP Modifieds – 18 Cars
Heat One: Dale Lueth, Tom Knippenberg, Matt Gremminger, Felicia Collins
Heat Two: Justin McCoy, Vince Cooper, Jason Bahrs, Joe Adam
Feature: 1. Vince Cooper, 2. Justin McCoy, 3. Phil Line, 4. Dale Lueth, 5. Stan Vervynck, 6. Jason Bahrs, 7. Mike Marden, 8. Tom Knippenberg, 9. Felecia Collins, 10. Don Cole, 11. Nathan Ultch, 12. Brad Carrington, 13. Ryan Kortage, 14. Nathan Balensiefen, 15. David Wagner, 16. Matthew Gremminger, 17. Jeff Anderson, 18. Joe Adam
UMP Street Stocks – 21 Cars
Heat One: Jay Mesarchik, Steve Lewis, Justin Rutledge, Nick Clubb
Heat Two: Jimmy Partipilo, Nathan Balensiefen, David McKenney, Matt Ramer
Feature: 1. Jimmy Partipilo, 2. Steve Lewis, 3. Mike Hughes, 4. Roger Rickels, 5. Jamie Balensifen, 6. Matt Ramer, 7. Marty Gradert, 8. Justin Rutledge, 9. David McKenney, 10. Tim Provenzano, 11. Alex Clubb, 12. Nick Clubb, 13. Randy Lucas, 14. Karl Hayes, 15. Darryl Matthews, 16. Mark Gradert, 17. Danny Deutsch, 18. Steve Schwemlein, 19. Keith Lucas, 20. Rick Koltveit, 21. Jay Mesarchik
UMP Hornets – 26 Cars
Heat One: Allen Line, Mike Morrow, Jerry Legner, JMark Sutton
Heat Two: Cody Clubb, Nick Clubb, John Provenzano, Allen Provenzano
Heat Three: Rick Zifko, Jamie Deford, Asa Robart, Phil Burdette
Feature Special: 1. Cody Clubb, 2. Jamie Deford, 3. Rick Zifko, 4. Phil Burdette, 5. Asa Robart, 6. Nick Clubb, 7. Mike Morrow, 8. Jerry Legner, 9. John Provenzano, 10. Allen Line, 11. Mark Sutton, 12. Matt McCarty, 13. Allen Provenzano, 14. Justin Heath, 15. Jason Wagner, 16. Anna Cain, 17. Todd Breitbarth, 18. Cheyenne Hernandez, 19. Josh Larson, 20. Paul Smith, 21. DJ Kilanowski, 22. Chad Williams, 23. Bill Whalen, 24. Alex Clubb, 25. Jeremy Rotramel, 26. Clayton Bicker
Provenzano launches LaSalle Speedway opener in style
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – Mike Provenzano, of Marseilles, scored his first Late Model victory at La Salle Speedway Saturday night with a full moon hiding behind the clouds. The former Kankakee Motor Speedway track champion had been absent from the Illinois Valley track until the new rules for division brought him back to his old stomping ground. His season opener win launched the 2009 points chase.
The Late Models format includes a number draw for the heat position, along with a passing points system which determines the dash and feature grid. The top six passing point’s earners duke it out in the Rhyne Competition Engines sponsored dash event to decide the top six starting spots of the main event.
Jason Jaggers and Roger Markham earned the front row starting positions in front of Provenzano and Ed Williams Sr. A pair of former track champions, Roger Markham and Keith Piano, rolled into the third row. Just after the start line it was Jaggers pulling away from Provenzano with Ralph, Roger, Mike Glynn and Piano.
Jaggers and Provenzano quickly started to distance themselves from the other sixteen contenders while brothers Ralph and Roger battled for third. During the eighth lap of the circuit, Provenzano pulled up next to Jaggers for a shot at the lead. His first attempt was successful and he managed to pull ahead by a nose length before the next lap was scored. Glynn was catching Ralph from a low line and made his pass during the beginning of Lap 12 but a caution halted any chance of side by side racing between the two. The final single file restart returned the field to the previous lap standings.
From then on the twenty five lap feature event was mostly uneventful with too much distance between the first and second place cars for any real action up front. Glynn’s low line run was not enough for a powerful highside charge by Ralph.
Provenzano didn’t have to protect his lead as he flew solo to the checkers ahead of Jaggers, Ralph, Glynn, Rich Bell, Piano, Aaron Schmitt, Busch, Ed Williams Jr., John Piccatto, Jim Loomis, Ed Williams Sr., Roger Markham, John Small, Jeff Small, Wagner, Knutti, and Travis Mahoney.
Jaggers secured his pole with the dash win while Roger Markham, Provenzano and Ed Williams Sr. crossed the finish line behind him. Provenzano was uncontested in the first heat race with Ralph Markham, who came from the tail of the grid, finishing in second. Roger Markham and Piccatto crossed third and fourth. Ed Williams Sr. won the second heat from the front row outside over Piano, Glynn and Jaggers.
Reigning Open Wheel Modified track champ Vince Cooper started his twenty lap feature event in the same place as Provenzano on the grid and finished in much the same order. Cooper was unstoppable from the end of the second lap on. He took command from pole sitter Brad Stewart to lead by more than a quarter of the track’s distance at times.
During the early laps, Cooper was all alone while Joe Adam, Matthew Grimerger, Jason Anderson and Dale Lueth gave chase. Several cautions during their main brought the action back into a single file format but without hesitation Cooper flew his machine on a solo mission.
Ninth place starter Nathan Balensiefen charged his way to the front by Lap 11. With four laps unscored a side by side challenge between second place runner Adam and Grimerger ended in Grimerger’s favor.
Cooper cruised to an easy win over Grimerger, Adam, Balensiefen, Tom Knippenberg, Lueth, Justin McCoy, Travis Kohler, Mike Marden and Mark Vervynk.
Cooper won heat number one over McCoy, Adam, and Marden. Brad Stewart won the second in front of Grimerger, Lueth and Anderson.
Steve Lewis swept the Street Stock division winning both his heat and feature races. Lewis carried the field of seventeen flag to flag for the fifteen lap main event. Rick Koltveit ran a strong second finishing in front of Jimmy Partipilo, Randy Lucas, Alex Clubb, Gary Schmitt, David McKinney, Matt Ramer, Roger Rickels, Darryl Matthews, Jay Mesarchik, Mark Gradert, and Steve Schwemlein.
Jeff Semmens won the first heat finishing in front of Koltveit, Partipilo, and Lucas. The Street Stock’s last heat race might have been led by the full moon affect. A six car pile up betweens turns one and two ended with Nick Sell leaving the clay oval on a stretcher and quite a few cars done for the night. Sell spent the night in ICU with a concussion but was released the next day. During the final lap, Lewis made a last minute pass and a quick slide in front of Alex Clubb to steal the win. Marty Gradert and Mesarchik topped off the top four.
A fight to the finish ended with Phil Burdette putting forth a dramatic finish en route to victory circle for the Hornet division. Nick Clubb ended the event in second over Mike Morrow, #0, Asa Robart, Larson, Brown, Seitz, Legner, Alm, DJ Kilanowski, and Breitbarth.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 06/06/09
Late Models – 18 Cars
Rhyne Competition Engines Dash: Jason Jaggers, Roger Markham, Mike Provezano, Ed Williams Sr.
Heat One: Mike Provezano, Ralph Markham, Roger Markham, John Piccatto
Heat Two: Ed Williams Sr., Keith Piano, Mike Glynn, Jason Jaggers
Feature: 1. Mike Provezano, 2. Jason Jaggers, 3. Ralph Markham, 4. Mike Glynn, 5. Rich Bell, 6. Keith Piano, 7. Aaron Schmitt, 8. Busch, 9. Ed Williams Jr., 10. John Piccatto, 11. Jim Loomis, 12. Ed Williams Sr., 13. Roger Markham, 14. John Small, 15. Jeff Small, 16. Wagner, 17. Knutti, 18. Travis Mahoney
UMP Modifieds – 16 Cars
Heat One: Vince Cooper, Justin McCoy, Joe Adam, Mike Marden
Heat Two: Brad Stewart, Matthew Grimerger, Dale Lueth, Jason Anderson
Feature: 1. Vince Cooper, 2. Matthew Grimerger, 3. Joe Adam, 4. Nathan Balensiefen, 5. Tom Knippenberg, 6. Dale Lueth, 7. Justin McCoy, 8. Travis Kohler, 9. Mike Marden, 10. Mark Vervynk, 11. Don Cole, 12. Brad Carrington, 13. Brad Stewart, 14. Paul Smith, 15. Jason Bahrs, 16. Jason Anderson
UMP Street Stocks – 23 Cars
Heat One: Jeff Semmons, Rick Koltveit, Jimmy Partipilo, Randy Lucas
Heat Two: Steve Lewis, Alex Clubb, Marty Gradert, Jay Mesarchik
Feature: 1. Steve Lewis, 2. Rick Koltveit, 3. Jimmy Partipilo, 4. Randy Lucas, 5. Alex Clubb, 6. Gary Schmitt, 7. David McKinney, 8. Matt Ramer, 9. Roger Rickels, 10. Darryl Matthews, 11. Jay Mesarchik, 12. Mark Gradert, 13. Steve Schwemlein, 14. Matt Hughes, 15. Jeff Semmens, 16. Justin Rutledge, 17. Danny Deutsch
UMP Hornets – 21 Cars
Heat One: Mark Sutton, Jamie Deford, Phil Burdette, Mike Morrow
Heat Two: Harold Reiter, #51, Nick Clubb, Chad Williams
Feature: 1. Phil Burdette, 2. Nick Clubb, 3. Mike Morrow, 4. #0, 5. Asa Robart, 6. Larson, 7. Brown, 8. Seitz, 9. Legner, 10. Alm, 11. DJ Kilanowski, 12. Breitbarth, 13. Cain, 14. Deford, 15. Mark Sutton, 16. #51, 17. Reiter, 18. Williams
Unzicker is the Monster of the Midwest at La Salle Speedway
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – El Paso racer Ryan Unzicker had forty laps to prove himself as the top monster Thursday night at La Salle Speedway. With a stacked field of nineteen contenders to outrun, he made a mad dash for the lead during the first lap and fought off some heavy hitters to score his big victory. With the likes of Dennis Erb Jr., Jason Feger, Eric Smith and Kevin Weaver rolling up behind him he had to earn his first victory at the Illinois Valley speed arena and a coveted place in the record books the hard way.
The Monster Midwest Dirt Late Model Series race kicked off the 2009 season. The season opener boasted twenty eight Late Model drivers along with twenty two UMP Modified cars as their support division.
First up was qualifying with young gun Brandon Sheppard, of Berlin, charging hard for the fastest timed lap. His quick time guaranteed his pole position of the first of three heat races. On the front row outside of Brandon sat Daren Friedman. Rolling into row two was Eric Smith and Steve Dimmick. Brandon Sheppard was fast out of the blocks and took control early on. He captured the checkers with Smith, Friedman, Scott Schmitt and Richie Hedrick behind him.
Dennis Erb Jr. scored the second heat race win over Unzicker, Joe Harlan, Michael Kloos, Mike Mataragas and Jayme Zidar. Unzicker led for the first three laps until Erb used a low line to steal the lead for the first and final time.
The third heat race winner was former La Salle regular Feger. He took command from the pole and traveled in his own zip code until the checkers dropped ten laps later. Steve Sheppard Jr., Frank Heckenast Jr., Kevin Weaver, Ted Loomis and Jimmy Dehm completed the top six finishers.
Zidar, Bell, Dehm, Mike Glynn and Mike Provenzano earned the transfer positions from the semi feature race of ten laps.
At 9:21 pm the thunder of Late Models returned to the area’s largest outdoor sports venue. Twenty contenders all with one thing in mind – winning. On the front row was pole sitter Unzicker next to Steve Sheppard. Steve’s son Brandon held the inside of row two with Feger as his second row partner. Smith and Erb rolled into the next row ahead of Friedman and Harlan in row four.
When the flagman signaled the green, Unzicker wasted little time taking the helm with Steve Sheppard in second and Feger already powering up the outer rim of the track. Brandon Sheppard had some problems navigating turns one and two bringing out a yellow before the first lap was scored.
For the restart, it was Unzicker over Steve, Feger, Erb, Smith, Friedman and Harlan. While Unizicker chose a lower line Feger lived up to his nickname of the Highside Hustler working the highest groove at full throttle. During the fifth lap out, he found himself a little too close to the unforgiving concrete barrier. After skimming his back side off the turn two wall the right side tire went flat. A trip pitside placed him back at the tail of the seventeen remaining cars.
By Lap 11, Unzicker had started to distance himself from Steve Sheppard and Erb as they battled side by side for second. Erb took over the runner up position setting his sights on Unzicker who seemed to be on auto pilot lapping traffic with ease. During Lap 22, Smith challenged Steve Sheppard for the third running position forcing door to door combat. While they battled, Unzicker and Erb pulled away to a comfortable lead. Feger was thundering his way up front using the rim again.
Twenty four minutes after starting the event, a caution slowed the pace for the final time. Now the field was back together for a six lap shootout. In single file format, Unzicker still held the lead over Erb, Smith, Friedman, Brandon Sheppard and Feger. The leaders hit the gas hard with a duel ensuing between Unzicker and Erb. With three laps to go, Erb grabbed the lead but an unrelenting Unzicker brought the action back side by side. On the final lap, Unzicker had charged his way back to the number one position for the final time.
A caution late in the race can change the outcome but can create some added excitement for the fans. “I think the caution at the end could have changed things. I hated to see Unzicker loose after leading the whole race but it was great racing and a good show for the fans,” Monster Midwest promoter Don Hammer explained post race.
Unzicker took home the $2,000 check and trophy over Erb. Smith put forth a solid performance scoring third place. Feger was still coming on strong charging his way back from last to an impressive fourth place finish. Friedman crossed under the checkers in sixth ahead of Weaver, Brandon Sheppard, Heckenast, Provenzano, Harlan, Dehm, Steve Sheppard, and Bell as the final finishers. Seven contenders were already pitside for the final laps.
Jeff Leka led flag to flag en route to the first heat race for the UMP Modified division. Mike Spatola claimed second in front of Chad Osterhoff and Kevin Hastings. Dale Lueth and Tommy Duncan duked it out for the win in the second heat race. Lueth prevailed the victor over Duncan, McKay Wenger and Nathan Balensiefen.
Twenty two Modified drivers made the call for twenty lap main. Leka and Lueth rolled in front with Spatola and Duncan staking claim to row two. Osterhoff and Wenger were in row three. Lueth and Leka came around the first turns fast and furious when Leka slid up into Lueth’s higher run. Lueth kept the high trek but hit some rough ground and fell back a few positions. Unlucky for Lueth contact with Balensiefen ended with Lueth being pushed hard down the front stretch signaling caution and forcing the pair to the rear of the field.
By Lap 5, Spatola had moved his speed plant up to the door of Leka. Leka opened the door and Spatola took over the lead for the final time. Wenger stole third as Leka slipped back. A caution with three to go brought the pack back together but after the restart second place runner Wenger appeared to break something in the front end when his machine didn’t turn left and ended his night in the turn three wall.
With a green, white, and checkers finish Spatola led the pace to the end. Spatola won the $1,000 prize over Osterhoff, and Leka. Starting tenth on the grid, Alan Weisser scored a big finish on his sixteenth birthday with a strong fourth place finish. Kevin Hastings finished fifth over Justin McCoy, Ray Bolinger, Thad Wilson, Jeremy Nichols, Balensiefen, and Duncan.
June 6th the regular weekly racing program at LaSalle Speedway gets underway with Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks and 4 Cylinder Hornets.
La Salle Speedway Scoreboard Results 05/28/09
Monster Midwest Series Late Models – 28 Cars
Fast Qualifier: Brandon Sheppard
Heat One: Brandon Sheppard, Eric Smith, Daren Friedman, Scott Schmitt, Richie Hedrick, Mike Provenzano, Steve Dimmick, Brian Crebo, Aaron Schmitt, Derek Chandler
Heat Two: Dennis Erb Jr., Ryan Unzicker, Joe Harlan, Michael Kloos, Mike Mataragas, Jayme Zidar, Rich Bell, Mike Glynn, Roger Markham
Heat Three: Jason Feger, Steve Sheppard Jr., Frank Heckenast Jr., Kevin Weaver, Ted Loomis, Jimmy Dehm, Ed Williams Jr., Joe Burba, Scott Brewer
Semi Feature: Jayme Zidar, Rich Bell, Jimmy Dehm, Mike Glynn, Mike Provenzano, Scott Brewer, Roger Markham, Joe Burba, Steve Dimmick, Brian Crebo, Derek Chandler, Aaron Schmitt, Ed Williams Jr.
Feature: 1. Ryan Unzicker, 2. Dennis Erb Jr., 3. Eric Smith, 4. Jason Feger, 5. Daren Friedman, 6. Kevin Weaver, 7. Brandon Sheppard, 8. Frank Heckenast Jr., 9. Mike Provenzano, 10. Joe Harlan, 11. Jimmy Dehm, 12. Steve Sheppard Jr., 13. Rich Bell, 14. Mike Mataragas, 15. Scott Schmitt, 16. Michael Kloos, 17. Richie Hedrick, 18. Ted Loomis, 19. Mike Glynn, 20. Jayme Zidar
UMP Modifieds 22 Cars
Heat One: Jeff Leka, Mike Spatola, Chad Osterhoff, Kevin Hastings
Heat Two: Dale Lueth, Tommy Duncan, McKay Wenger, Nathan Balensiefen
Feature: 1. Mike Spatola, 2. Chad Osterhoff, 3. Jeff Leka, 4. Alan Weisser, 5. Kevin Hastings, 6. Justin McCoy, 7. Ray Bollinger, 8. Thad Wilson, 9. Jeremy Nichols, 10. Nathan Balensiefen, 11. Tommy Duncan, 12. Mike Marden, 13. Mark Vervynk, 14. Tom Knippenberg, 15. Mark Novorolsky, 16. McKay Wenger, 17. Joe Adam, 18. Jim Farris, 19. Dale Lueth, 20. Gabe Menser, 21. Donovan Lodge
Izzo hopes to energize the La Salle Speedway in 2009
By: Betty Glynn
La Salle, IL – A former three time track champion of the La Salle Speedway has taken his game to a new level in 2009. Joe Izzo wheeled a race car around the high banked ¼ mile dirt track for many years as a competitor. He visited victory circle frequently and scored big wins on his home turf, as well as other venues. He knows first hand the passion and dedication it takes for a driver to build their race team into a well oiled machine. The season doesn’t start in May and end in September for drivers in any division. As a matter of fact, the average racer dedicates months of intensive labor building and preparing their cars, buying, selling, and even bartering for their equipment.
In addition, they still have to work at searching for sponsors to support their racing addiction. Joe knows it is so much more than just pulling into the grounds on Saturday nights at the Illinois Valley’s largest outdoor arena. He has also witnessed the hard work and dedication it requires to run the business end of the speedway. After fifteen years of racing, three track championships in La Salle alone, big victories on the road, and memorable celebrations like winning during speedweeks in Florida, and the Kevin Roderick race he is ready to move on to his new venture as promoter.
“I think I bring a good past and I know what it takes as an ex-racer. I also understand what is involved to keep the track a success. I come from a good family that has been in the business my whole life,” Joe explained during a recent interview.
Without a doubt, he has always been at the scene of the family business. During the past several years, he could be found behind the wheel of the heavy equipment preparing the track surface for racing. He was also a constant figure in the infield making sure things kept moving. What is different for this former racer is that he is now the man-in-charge with big goals and big shoes to fill. During the early years of the Izzo ownership of La Salle Speedway, it was his parents, Tony Sr. and Kerry, who operated the business until Joe’s sister Kerrianne took over the helm. She made it her business to build on their family’s success.
To Kerrianne’s credit, she secured various national traveling series, hosted several televised racing events, brought in celebrity entertainers, and continued to build on their regular weekly program. She has since moved out of state but will still be there for support and help as the track’s Facility Manager. This season will be completely different from Joe’s days of wheeling a race car but similar in the fact he is still a big part of the show. The family has shifted gears and he will be running the day to day operations of the track.
“I have so many plans for the future of the Speedway. We are even planning some events for our youngest fans like big wheel and tootsie roll races. The La Salle Speedway is a family venue with something for everyone.”
He appears to be off to a good start with a schedule that has some of the
most sought after series that bring the best of talent in dirt track racing.
To get the wheels rolling, the racing springs into action with one of the
season’s big events on Saturday, May 16th. The Lucas Oil Late
Model Dirt Car Series Spring Shootout paying $10,000 to the victor will top
the venue. The Open Wheel Modified’s will compete as well.
Tennessee’s Scott Bloomquist leads another legendary dirt standout Billy
Moyer, of Arkansas, by sixty points in the premier touring series. The
hall-of-famer’s are bar none two of the toughest stars in the dirt track
world. As of press time both had the La Salle stop on their website
schedules. They are not alone as numerous national drivers continue to add
the venue to their racing schedules. Dennis Erb Jr. and Jason Feger are two
former La Salle regulars who have gained both popularity and big victories.
They return Saturday to their former stomping ground for a chance at the
large payday.
During the first eleven events this year, there have been nine different
winners thus far. This race will mark the seventh visit to La Salle’s speed
arena with seven different winners in their record books. The Pit Gates will
open at 1:00, grandstand gates at 5:00, qualifying at 6:30 with racing at
7:30.
The special event general admission price for adults will be $25.00, children age 11 and under are free. Pit passes are priced at $35 and skybox seats cost $30.
A mere twelve days later, the Monster Midwest Tour, along with a $1,000 Modified show, is scheduled to make its debut on May 28th. If that weren’t enough in a twelve day span the new promoter will be married in between the two tours.
The regular weekly racing program will kick off their season on June 6th with the Late Models, Open Wheel Modified, Street Stock and 4 Cylinder Hornet classes. There are some changes on tap for the Late Model class with rules available on their website or by calling the track office. One of the changes is the return of the dash.
“When I was racing, I always liked having the dash. I think the fans also really looked forward to the top six cars racing for the checkers. For now, we are not going to qualify and will be using the passing points system but I am thrilled to bring back the dash,” the new promoter said.
Throughout the 2009 season their schedule offers a wide variety of events for those who have a need for speed. Included in the lineup is the UMP Summer Nationals, two NALMS races, and the Illinois Fall Nationals. The schedule and divisional rules can be found on their website at www.lasallespeedway.com
In a period where difficult times have fallen upon many in the area, Izzo’s enthusiasm about a bright future for La Salle Speedway is a refreshing change of pace.
“I’m looking to energize the La Salle Speedway. We have the best fans, drivers, and staff at La Salle - we are going to have a great year. We are keeping the prices for our weekly program so that everyone can come out and have a fun family night together.”
