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2011 Champions Crowned At Highland
HIGHLAND IL (Sept 10^th, 2011) The season finale at the Highland speedway brought old favorites to the winners circle, and crowned several new champions. It was St. Louis Auto Racing Fan Club night presented by Lee’s Loans of Highland IL.

Becker Jewelers Super Late Models:
Leaving no doubt in anybody’s mind, Michael Kloos was sending a message to the Super Late Model field at Highland that he was back by finishing the 2011 season with a near runaway feature win. Kloos swept the nights racing events by winning his heat, the dash and feature.
The Trenton Tornado lead from the drop of the green flag and was looking to lap the majority of the Highland field. On lap 20 Kloos change his line; he had been running on the high side of the Highland ¼ oval when suddenly in turns one and two, he dropped to the bottom of the turn. In turns three and four he went back to the high side. The change in his driving line allowed second place, and the 2011 Points Highland Champion, Chad Zobrist and Tim Manville, driving the number 33, a chance to make up the large lead Kloos had acquired. Kloos managed to keep the 6K of the Gerstner Racing Team out front for a season ending win. Zobrist gave a great effort but had to settle for second in the race, Manville crossed the stripe third, and Matt Taylor and John Beck, a pair of central Illinois racers was fourth and fifth respectfully. Kloos later said in a post race interview that he was havening issues with the throttle linkage and that’s why he had to adjust his driving style.
Chad Zobrist had clinched his third Highland Speedway Championship in a row before the night had begun. The “Highland Bulldog” is the only repeating Champion this year at Highland.

Steve Schmitt Modifieds;
Scott Weber claims in every victory lane interview he can’t believe he won a feature at the Highland Speedway, but maybe someday he’ll realize he may be the man to beat when pulls into the pit gate of the Speedway. Weber, lead the 20 lap main event from the start. Brian Bielong started from the pole, but Weber jumped to the front immediately. On lap 14 Bielong made his move to the front as the two ran side by side. A caution at lap 17 put the field into a single file restart and Bielong couldn’t get gain his momentum back and followed the 4J of Weber to the checkers, Newly crowned Steve Schmitt Modified Champion Dean Hoffman place third, former track Champ Chris Smith was fourth and the E55 of Chad Sellers rebounded from a first lap mishap to place fifth.

Pro Late Models:
Rick “The Salty Dog” Salter driving the USA 1 Pro Late Model claimed his first win in that division, The Salty Dog held off Jordan Bauer, Mark Oller, who claimed yet another Championship in a different division( he has crowns in the old Street Stock class and in the Super Late Models). Bobby Martintoni ran third, and John Cory rounded out the top 5.

Sportsmen:
Fitting the winning car of the Sportsmen division carried the number 911, Jon Ripperda captured the win with the 1S of Steve Stevenson finishing Second, Rob Eilers in the 3E placed third, Scott Ponder was fourth and The 2011 Sportsmen track Champion Rob Lee rounded out the top five.

Factory Stock:
Jake Hewett sealed his fate of the becoming the 2011 Factory Stock by winning the makeup feature prior the start of the regular nights events.
In the night cap Cale Hartnagel from Millersburg captured his first Factory Stock feature of his young career, Stephen Fohne, was next Jeff Buss who had a shot at the Championship only to come up one position short, finished third, Zach Hoffman was fourth and Tim Haeffner were you top five finisher.

Sport Compacts:
Sage Thornville captured his first win at Highland in the makeup feature from a few weeks back. Rob Shaw captured the night cap, Trevor Isaak, the 2011 Sport Compact Champion was second, Bret Eilerman, Bobby Funderburk and Josh Bauer rounded out the top five.

The 2011 50^th Anniversary season comes to a close, Prompter Scott Kuhn would like to thanks all the Fans, Racers and Sponsors that made the season possible. An announcement with information of the Highland Speedway 50^th Anniversary banquet will be forth coming please watch the tracks website HighlandSeedway.com or on Facebook at Facebook/HighlandSpeedway.

Lee’s Loan Championship Night at the Highland Speedway
HIGHLAND IL (September 10^th 2011) It’s Lee’s Loans Diamond Dig Championship Night at the Highland Speedway this Saturday (Sept 10). The drivers in all divisions will have their last chance of earning points for the 2011 50^th Anniversary season at the Speedway as well the ladies in attendance will have a chance to “dig” for gold on the front straight during intermission.

In the Becker Jewelers Late Models, defending Champion Chad Zobrist has a 157 point lead over Mike Schulte and a 175 point lead over third place Paul Bailey, expected to race at the speedway for the honor of winning the last race of the 2011 50^th Anniversary Championship season is Mark Faust, Michael Kloos, Rick Salter plus more of your Highland favorites.

In the Steve Schmitt Modifieds, Mike Harrison will not be returning as Champion in 2011 as Dean Hoffman sits in first place with a 77 point lead over Steve Lach, Brian Bielong sits in third 140 points out. Harrison who is the current UMP point’s leader sits in 14^th this season at Highland.

In the Pro Late Model Division Mark Oller looks to add another Championship in a different division at the Speedway as he has a 95 point lead over Bobby Martintoni and a 301 point lead over Travis Horner.

The Sportsmen division Rob Lee leads the way in front of Steve Stevenson and Nathan Schmitt.

The Factory Stock class is down to the wire as they will run a makeup feature to start their night. Currently Jake Hewett sits just 23 point ahead of Jeff Buss and only 47 points ahead of third place T J Eilers. The championship will definitely come down to the last lap of the season.

The Sport Compact Division also has a feature to make up which could shake up the current standings, While Trevor Isaak has a 114 point lead over second place Jordan Suhre, the battle for positioning in the rest of the Sport Compact Divisions will come down to the last feature of the season.

The evening activities will start early. Hot Laps will be at 5:45 and racing will start at 6: pm sharp.
It’s Lee’s Loans Diamond Dig Championship Night, the final race of the 2011 Anniversary season at the Highland Speedway.

Babb Dominates at Highland, Harrison & Shaw Also Winners
Highland, IL (August 25, 2011) – Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL takes night one of the Tri-State Trifecta at Highland Speedway Thursday night. Babb led every lap from his outside pole starting position and earned $5,000 for his efforts. Babb also picked up his second career win with the MARS series.
Scott James of Greendale, IL started eighth in the feature, but was unable to catch Babb in the closing laps and settled for second. Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR was the races Rod End Supply Hard Charger as he rallied from his fourteenth starting position to finish third. Jason Feger of Bloomington, IL and Brandon Sheppard from Berlin, IL rounded out the top five.

Steve Schmitt Modifieds:
Mike Harrison of Highland IL led from green to checker to add another win to a very dominating season, Chris Smith from also from Highland just caught Tyler Diebert at the line for second. NASCAR star Kenny Schrader was forth and the 42 of Steve Lach was fifth.

Sport Compacts:
Rob Shaw led from the start and took home the honors in the Sport Compact division

Information:
Up next for the MARS vs. UMP Tri State $15,000 Trifecta will be Friday night at the Paducah International Raceway, and the “mini” series concludes Saturday at I-55 Raceway in Pevely MO.
The Highland Speedway resumes Saturday September 10 with a season ending Championship night, also on the agenda will be make up features for the Factory Stocks and Sport Compacts.
For more information about the MARS Racing Series visit their web site marsracingseries.com, for more information about the Highland Speedway visit their web site at highlandspeedway.com or on Facebook. You can also get up to date race information on your phone by texting highland to 91011.

MARS / UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature
1 18B Shannon Babb
2 81 Scott James
3 21 Billy Moyer
4 25F Jason Feger
5 B5 Brandon Sheppard
6 14 Brad Looney
7 21jr Billy Moyer, Jr
8 33M Tim Manville
9 00S Jesse Stovall
10 27S Mike Schulte
11 75 Terry Phillips
12 96T R. C. Whitewell
13 27M Rodney Melvin
14 81C Kevin Cole
15 56 Tony Jackson
16 B12 Kevin Weaver
17 24 Ryan Unzicker
18 78 Chad Zobrist
19 81X Matt Miller
20 00K Randy Korte
21 1RS Rick Salter
22 25L Steve Lance, Jr

UMP Steve Schmitt Modified - Feature
1 24H Mike Harrison
2 15 Chris Smith
3 84 Tyler Deibert
4 9 Ken Schrader
5 42 Steve Lach
UMP Sport Compact - Feature
1 18R Robert Shaw
2 24 Sage Thornhill
3 9X Trevor Isaak
4 6 Ryan Emig
5 63 Bret Eilerman

50^th Year Celebration, Vintage Race Cars & Delaware Restarts Highlight This Weekend Racing Action At Highland Speedway
HIGHLAND IL (August 17, 2011) Next Saturday August 20th it’s the second part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Highland Speedway (The original event date was rained out). The night will feature drivers from yesteryear returning to the Speedway. Also on the card, the Gateway Vintage Racing Club will bring their nostalgic racers to compete on the famed Highland quarter mile.
Retired drivers from the 1990’s and up are invited to attend this event. Drivers from prior years attended the first of the two scheduled events and a packed house enjoyed seeing and meeting the drivers from yesteryear that paved the way for what the Highland Speedway is today.

The biggest addition to the race card that night will be the restarts in all divisions. The “Delaware” style restarts will be used. This is where instead of the cars being realigned after a yellow flag single file, the leaded will be out front, the second place driver can choose if he would like to line up high or low on the restart the third place car will be opposite alongside the second place car. The balance of the field will restart side by side. According to promoter Scott Kuhn “ restarting the races this way keeps from stretching the filed out into a “freight train” keeping the competition exciting for the fans and challenging for the drivers.” Kuhn continued “The fans asked for the Dash’s and we brought them back and they (the Fans”) love it. They have asked we try the “Delaware Restarts” and what better night to bring a bit of nostalgia back by doing this”

The following Thursday, August 25 it’s the MARS vs. UMP DIRTcar Late Models the event is presented by Kettle River Furniture, with Great Giveaways. The racing will feature Becker Jewelers Late Models, Steve Schmitt Modifieds & Factory Stocks (UMP Sport Compacts)

For more information about the Highland Speedway visit the website at highlandspeedway.com on face book at facebook/highlandspeedway and by joining the tracks text messaging system by texting highland to 91011.

Dillan White Travels From Kentucky to Score Big At Highland
Harrison, Martintoni, Rob Eilers, and The Isaaks All Win
HIGHLAND IL (August 13, 2011) Summertime at the race track has memories for all of us, especially when you’re part of the Highland Speedway JR Fan Club. This past Saturday night Dippin Dots and a long list of sponsors hosted the JR Fan Club night making memories for another generation of race fans. Not only did the young race fans receive a large “goodie” bag, at the intermission over $400 in coins were spread on the front straight of the Speedway and the race was on who could pick up the most change.
Also on the nights racing events were the Scott Wernle Memorial, Scott himself a father and supporter of racing lost his life in a farming accident and this is the second year of honoring his memory.

Becker Jewelers Late Models:
Aaron Kleine and Dillon White of Crofton, Kentucky captured heat wins and Paul Bailey held of White for the Dash win. Sitting alongside of Bailey on the front row of the night cap, the driver from Kentucky would work his way to the lead early in the feature and never looked back on his way to the win, Chad Zobrist, Rick Salter, Frankie Martin, and Paul Bailey rounded out the top five.






Steve Schmitt Modifieds:
Darrell Hewlett of Breese was on fire in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds enjoying his best night since returning to racing. The former Street Stock Champion won his heat in convincing fashion. Other heat winners were the 24h of Mike Harrison and the E55 of the “Racing Realtor” Chad Sellers. In the dash redraw Hewlett grabbed the number one pill and started on the pole alongside the 15 of former Modified Champion Chris Smith. In one the best dash races of the season Hewlett held off a hard charging Mike Harrison who started “shotgun” on the field.
While the 75 of Hewlett was having a great night having a former UMP and track Champion like Mike Harrison starting alongside you is challenging. Hewlett gave a great effort but the 24H of Harrison was too much for the entire Highland field of drivers and scored his 19^th overall feature win of the season. Dean Hoffman finished second, Darrell Hewlett finished in third, Chris Smith and Chad Sellers were the top five.

Scott Wernle Memorial Sportsmen:
Obermark Elevator in Highland added bonus money for the race which Honored Scott for the second year a full field of Sportsmen drivers from around the region filled the pits.
Robbie Eilers in the 3E and Jon Ripperda in the 911 were heat winners. The 25 lap feature was won by Eilers with Ripperda, Nathan Schmitt, Ryan Eilers and Russell Eilers were the top five in the Scott Wernle Memorial for the Sportsmen.

UMP Pro Late Models:
Bobby Martintoni and Mark Oller captured the heat wins in the Pro Late Model division.
The Feature looked to be a battle of two former track Champions but a flat rear tire put Oller on the trailer for the night and Rick Salter in the USA 1 in position to put pressure on the cagey veteran. Martintoni wasn’t intimidated and held on for the win, Salter was second John Cory, Jason Zobrist, and the 9STAR of Jordan Bauer were the top five.

Factory Stock:
Austin Isaak was the champ in the Factory Stock’s, Steve Steele, T J Eilers, Tim Haeffner, and Michael Ripperda, Jr were second through fifth respectfully.

Sport Compacts:
Trevor Isaak led the Sport Compacts to the checked flag, Bobby Funderburk, Chad Burgess , Robert Shaw and Jordan Suhre were the next five to finish.

Upcoming Events:
Next Saturday August 20^thit’s the second part of the 50^th Anniversary Celebration at the Highland Speedway. The night will feature drivers from yesteryear returning to the Speedway. Also on the card, the Gate Way Vintage Racing Club will bring the nostalgic racers to compete on the famed Highland quarter mile.
The biggest addition to the race card that night will be the restarts in all divisions. The “Delaware” style restarts will be used. This is where instead of the cars being realigned after a yellow flag single file, the leaded will be out front, the second place driver can choose if he would like to line up high or low on the restart the third place car will be opposite alongside the second place car. The balance of the field will restart side by side. According to promoter Scott Kuhn “ restarting the races this way keeps from stretching the filed out into a “freight train” keeping the competition exciting for the fans and challenging for the drivers.” Kuhn continued “The fans asked for the Dash’s and we brought them back and they (the Fans”) love it. They have asked we try the “Delaware Restarts” and what better night to bring a bit of nostalgia back by doing this”
Thursday, August 25 - MARS vs. UMP DirtCar Late Models Presented by Kettle River Furniture with Great Giveaways Featuring Becker Jewelers Late Models, Steve Schmitt Modifieds & Factory Stocks (UMP Sport Compacts)
For more information about the Highland Speedway visit the website at highlandspeedway.com on face book at facebook/highlandspeedway and by joining the tracks text messaging system by texting highland to 91011.
(Photo Credit – Photo Billy)

Top Finishers for August 13, 2011
UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models
1 54 Dillan White
2 78 Chad Zobrist
3 1S Rick Salter
4 25 Frankie Martin
5 81 Paul Bailey
6 11K Shannon Kuhn
7 22 Dan Jacober
8 12T Dave Thornton
9 16H Mike Hammerle
10 27S Mike Schulte

UMP Steve Schmitt Modified
1 24H Mike Harrison
2 1D Dean Hoffman
3 75 Darrell Hewlett
4 15 Chris Smith
5 E55 Chad Sellers
6 25 Brett Korves
7 42 Steve Lach
8 84 Tyler Deibert
9 751 Jimmy Cummins
10 24J Jacob Steinkoenig

UMP Pro Late Model
1 48 Bobby Martintoni
2 USA1 Rick Salter
3 20 John Cory
4 87 Jason Zobrist
5 9STAR Jordan Bauer
6 96 Matt Koch
7 CRCL7 Andy Casper
8 N59 Chad Evans
9 42 John Lansford
10 9T Travis Horner

UMP Sportsman Scott Wernle Memorial
1 3E Robbie Eilers
2 9-11 Jon Ripperda
3 19S Nathan Schmitt
4 3 Ryan Eilers
5 8E Russell Eilers
6 1S Steve Stevenson
7 88 Rob Lee
8 88S Scott Drew
9 7 Dennis Ponder
10 23 Dennis Wernle

UMP Factory Stock
1 6I Austin Isaak
2 379 Steve Steele
3 8T T J Eilers
4 0 Tim Haeffner
5 15 Michael Ripperda, Jr

UMP Sport Compact
1 9X Trevor Isaak
2 97 Bobby Funderburk
3 77 Chad Burgess
4 18R Robert Shaw
5 26 Jordan Suhre

Highland Speedway Returns to Racing with Madison County Fair Race
Highland IL (July 25, 2011) – Celebrating 50 years of racing and tradition this season at the Highland Speedway, the Madison County Fair race holds the honor as the longest running big event at the track.
With a history of drawing some of the biggest name drivers in the Midwest, names such as Ed Dixon, Mark Gansmann, Shannon Babb, Jason Feger, Kevin Weaver, Randy Korte, Rodney Melvin, Mark Faust, Paul Bailey, Chad Zobrist, the list goes on and on have raced at this prestigious event.

This Wednesday evening the tradition returns to the Speedway as its fair week in Madison County. In between all the events that make a Midwestern fair a fun and exciting event the UMP event brings to the “arena” wheel to wheel dirt track racing. The Becker Jewelers UMP Late Models will be competing for $3000 first place prize money. This kind of purse will likely draw a few of the aforementioned drivers.

In the Steve Schmitt UMP Modified Division drivers such as current UMP National point’s leader Mike Harrison, Scott Weber, Brian Bielong, Dean Hofmann, Steve Lach, are expected to compete for a $700 first place purse.

Also on the card for the evening are the UMP Sportsmen, UMP Factory Stocks and the Kidz Mods.

The nights events start with the pit gates opening at 3pm, grandstand at 5:30 P.M. and racing to get underway at 6:30pm. Admissions are $20 for Adults, Box seats - $25, Children - $10, Kids under 7 - free and Pits - $35. Pits open at 3:00 P.M. racing starts at 6:30 P.M.

There will be NO RACING this Saturday July 30^th at the Highland Speedway; racing resumes August 6 with “Topless Night” - Becker Jewelers Late Models, Steve Schmitt Modifieds, Sportsman and UMP Pro Late Models Take Your Roof Off
For more information about the Highland Speedway visit the tracks web site at Highland Speedway.com or on Facebook/Highland Speedway also keep up to date with the happenings at the track on your cell phone by sending Highland to 91011.

Kloos, Lee Double Up, Bielong, A. Heck, Isaak Hortsmann and Buss Score Big at Highland

Highland IL (July 9 2011) Racing returned to the Highland Speedway after the rains wiped out the features on June 22 and the track took the 4^th of July weekend off.
It was Daum Crop Insurance Night and double features for the Becker Jewelers Super Late Models, the UMP Sportsmen and the UMP Factory stocks kicked off a night full of racing.
Becker Jewelers Late Models
The makeup feature from June 22 had a rocky start with as a spin in turns 3 and 4 left several racers leaving on the hook and a complete restart for the rest of the field. The race went for a long green run with the 6K of Michael Kloos leading the way. At the Midway point “Fast Frankie” Martin moved around Kloos and led for several laps as Kloos went searching for a faster line around the Highland quarter mile. Martin’s lead soon vanished as Kloos found the right groove and moved back around Martin for the win. Martin crossed the stripe in second, Mark Faust, Chad Zobrist and Paul Bailey finished third through 5^th respectfully.
The regular night of racing for the Becker Jewelers Super Late Models began with the heat races, Matt Weidner in the Circle 7, “The Undertaker” Bobby Dauderman, and the “Highland Bull Dog” Chad Zobrist taking wins. The Dash went to Dauderman. Chad Zobrist, Weidner, Aaron Kline and Billy Laycock compiled the rest of the Dash finishers.
Dauderman and Zobrist started the feature event on the front row. Zobrist jumped to an early lead in the opening laps of the event. Kloos in the Gerstner Racing 6K again went looking for the fastest way to the front. Paul Bailey looked like he would be a contender for the win. Bailey went to the high side of the track and moved from the middle of the field to the front looking for the lead. The battle at the front consisted of Kloos, Zobrist and Bailey. When the double checkers flew Kloos captured his second Becker Jewelers Trophy for the evening, Zobrist finished second, after a great effort Bailey ended in third, Weidner fourth and Mark Faust fifth.
Steve Schmitt Modifieds
Heat wins in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds went to Brian Bielong, Scott Weber and Tyler Diebert. Patrick Lawson won the B-Main. The dash win went to the 1D of Dean Hoffman, Bielong was second. Steve Lach, Diebert, Weber and Chad Sellers finished out the dash field.
The feature was all Bielong as the number 70 took control of the race from the drop of the green flag. A caution on lap 17 allowed Weber and Hoffman to catch up but looking like he was shot out of a cannon Bielong left the field in his dust and raced home for the win, Weber, Hoffman, Lach and Diebert were the top five finishers.

UMP Pro Late Models
Aaron Heck and Mark Oller won their respective heats. Young Aaron Heck went on to win the night cap holding off two veterans of the sport, Dick Taylor and “The Italian Stallion” Bobby Martintoni. Andy Casper and Oller were the top five finishers.
UMP Sportsmen
Rob Lee had a double win evening in the Sportsmen division. Lee started out the evening by taking the June 22 make up feature over Mike “Wahoo” Jones, Russell Eilers, Rick Johnson, and Steve Stevenson.
In the regular evening events Lee and Jones captured heat wins, as mentioned Rob Lee went on to win his second feature for the night, Brian Bielong doing double duty in the Melton family 115 was second. Stevenson, Johnson and Nathan Schmitt completed the top five.
UMP Factory Stocks
Jeff Buss captured the June 22 Factory Stock feature with Zach Hoffman. Tim Haeffner, Jake Hewitt and Shaun Hortsmann were your top five finishers. The regular night events included Michael Ripperda Jr, Austin Isaak, and Horstmann taking heat wins. Hortsmann came back in the feature event to take the win with Ripperda Jr, Isaak, Hewitt and T J Eilers completing the top five finishers in the UMP Factory stock Feature.
UMP Sport Compacts
Trevor Isaak and James Southers were victoreious in the Sport Compact Heat races and Isaak was the leader to the checkers in the feature, Christian Lee, Chad Burgess, Rick Viviano and Bobby Funderburk were the next five cars to cross the finish line.
Next week at the Highland Speedway is Helvetia Sharpshooters Fan Appreciation Night. $1.00 Hot Dogs and Beer plus double feature’s in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds, UMP Factory Stocks and the UMP Pro Late Models divisions.
Big events coming to the Highland Speedway that you won’t want to miss id on July 27^th the Madison County Fair Race and on August 25^th, Kettle River Furniture presents MARS vs. UMP DIRTcars for the Becker Jewelers Late Models.
For more information about the Highland Speedway visit the tracks website at Highland Speedway.com on Facebook at Facebook/Highland Speedway or by utilizing the tracks text service, simply send Highland to 9 10 11.
(Photos by Photo Billy)

TOP TEN FINISHERS:
Make-up Features from June 25^th
UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 6K Michael Kloos
2 25 Frankie Martin
3 51 Mark Faust
4 78 Chad Zobrist
5 81 Paul Bailey
6 1S Rick Salter
7 22 Dan Jacober
8 11K Shannon Kuhn
9 49 Steve Leach
10 12 Rick Standridge

UMP Sportsman - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 88 Rob Lee
2 17 Mike Jones
3 8E Russell Eilers
4 92J Rick Johnson
5 1S Steve Stevenson
6 19S Nathan Schmitt
7 6 Justin Ketrow
8 115 Aaron Melton
9 268 Chuck Johnson DNS
10 12 Julie Robertson DNS
UMP Factory Stock - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 101 Jeff Buss
2 1Z Zach Hoffman
3 0 Tim Haeffner
4 6 Jake Hewitt
5 54 Shaun Hortsmann
6 15 Michael Ripperda, Jr
7 8T T J Eilers
8 6I Austin Isaak
9 52 Tim Koch
10 29 Stephen Fohne
JULY 9 Feature Winners:
UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 6K Michael Kloos
2 78 Chad Zobrist
3 81 Paul Bailey
4 CRCL7 Matt Weidner
5 51 Mark Faust
6 18 Bobby Dauderman
7 9 Aaron Kleine
8 10 Andy Pryor
9 82 Billy Laycock
10 25 Frankie Martin
UMP Steve Schmitt Modified - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 70 Brian Bielong
2 4J Scott Weber
3 1D Dean Hoffman
4 42 Steve Lach
5 84 Tyler Deibert
6 55V Brad Venhaus
7 E55 Chad Sellers
8 56 Dane Gundaker
9 38 Stephen Flannery, Jr
10 14 Jeremy Thoele
UMP Pro Late Model - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 56 Aaron Heck
2 24 Dick Taylor
3 48 Bobby Martintoni
4 CRCL7 Andy Casper
5 67 Mark Oller
6 42 John Lansford
7 59 Danny Jolly
8 20 John Cory
9 V50 Justin Vosholler
10 73 CJ Simpson
UMP Sportsman - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 88 Rob Lee
2 115 Brian Bielong
3 1S Steve Stevenson
4 92J Rick Johnson
5 19S Nathan Schmitt
6 3 Jake Hewitt
7 88S Scott Drew
8 45 CJ Simpson
9 17 Mike Jones
10 8E Russell Eilers
UMP Factory Stock – Feature
1 54 Shaun Hortsmann
2 15 Michael Ripperda, Jr
3 6I Austin Isaak
4 6 Jake Hewitt
5 8T T J Eilers
6 1Z Zach Hoffman
7 379 Steve Steele
8 101 Jeff Buss
9 29 Stephen Fohne
10 36 Eric Harris
UMP Sport Compact - Feature
Finish Car No Driver
1 9X Trevor Isaak
2 47 Christian Lee
3 77 Chad Burgess
4 121V Rick Viviano
5 97 Bobby Funderburk
6 26 Jordan Suhre
7 21M Willy Myers
8 48 Joe Wagner
9 63 Bret Eilerman
10 81LE Lacey Egbert

Make Up Features Highlight Next Two Weeks of Racing at Highland
Highland IL (July 5, 2011) Racing Action returns to the Highland Speedway this coming Saturday July 9^th with the Daum Crop Insurance Night. Kicking off the night will be three of the make up features from the June 25 rain out. The Becker Jewelers Late Models the UMP Sportsmen and the UMP factory stocks will run their makeup features this week, while the Steve Schmitt Modifieds, UMP Pro Late Models and the UMP Factory Stocks will race their features on July 16^th, the Helvetia Sharp Shooters Fan Appreciation Night.
The Race for the Becker Jewelers Cup is at the half way point in the Becker Jewelers Super Late Models and UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models and Mike Schulte from Summerfield IL has a narrow 2 point lead (353) over 4 time Track Champion Chad Zobrist (351) racing out of Highland IL. Paul Bailey (322) from Pocahontas IL sits third, Dan Jacober (315) driving three different cars is 4^th and Highland’s Randy “King Kong” Korte (290) sits 5^th. “Fast” Frankie Martin (238), Mark Faust (233), Matt Weidner (201), Brian Wolfmeier (180), and Rick “The Salty Dog” Salter” (170) rounds out the top ten.
Dean Hoffman leads the way in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds with 400 points, Stve Lach from Brownstown IL follows in second with 340 points. The Racing Realtor Chad Sellers from Breese IL is in third with 333 points, Jeremy Thole is 4^th with 313 points and Brett “The Kid” Korvis from Belleville IL rounds out the top five in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds.
The UMP Pro late Model leader board shows multi track Champion Mark Oller in first with 423 points and the Veteran driver from Livingston IL “the Italian Stallion” Bobby Martintoni is second with 337, Daniel Heck from Mt. Vernon IL is 3^rd with 316 points, Nick “at Night” Lyons is 4^th with 291 points and Travis Horner is 5^th with 254 points.
Rob Lee is leading the UMP Sportsmen with 445 points, Jake Hewitt is on top in the UMP Factory Stocks with 423 points and Trevor Isaak is the front runner in the UMP Sport Compacts at 428 points.
Don’t forget Highland Speedways 50^th Anniversary Program Book and T-Shirts are now available get yours before they run out.
For more information about the Highland Speedway visit their web site at HighlandSpeedway.com like us on Facebook/highlandspeedway and keep up to date with all the happenings about the Highland Speedway on your cell phone by sending Highland to 91011.

Scott James Scores UMP Becker Jewelers Late Model Summer Nationals Win
Kenny Schrader Tops Steve Schmitt DIRTcar Modified Field









HIGHLAND, Ill. - June 22, 2011 - Scott James is making the most of the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Hell Tour, surging to his second consecutive win worth $5,000 Wednesday night at Highland (Ill.) Speedway.
The driver from Lawrenceburg, Ind., drove the Scott Riggs owned #81 to the win over Quincy, Ill. native Mark Burgtorf who challenged late in the 40-lap main event. The win will extend James' point lead over third finishing Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., who challenged James early on. James also won a heat race after starting on the pole courtesy of a quick time effort in group five of time trials.
Tim Lance of Bloomfield, Ill., would finish the night in the fourth spot after a heat race win earlier in the night while overall fast timer and third heat race winner Doug Drown of Wooster, Ohio rounded out the top five.
Ken Schrader is quickly becoming the favorite to win the inaugural DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals after capturing the $1,000 payday Wednesday night at Highland (Ill.) Speedway.
The victory is the second in three races during the month long Summit Modified Nationals for the NASCAR veteran originally from Fenton, Mo. Schrader held of a charging Steve Latch of Brownstown, Ill., who climbed from a sixth place starting spot to finish second. Scott Weber of Festus, Mo. would finish third. Mt. Olive, Mo., driver Tim Hancock and Troy, Ill. pilot Dean Hoffman would round out the top five.
Heat race winners were Schrader, Weber, John Demoss of Bloomington, Ind., and Hancock. Brett Korves of Swanson, Ill., and Kelby Simmons, of Mason, Ill. won B-Mains.


DIRTcar Summer Nationals Hell Tour Statistical Report; Highland Speedway; Highland, Ill.; June 22, 2011

A-Main (40-Laps): 1. Scott James, 2. Mark Burgtorf, 3. Shannon Babb, 4. Tim Lance, 5. Doug Drown, 6. Jason Feger, 7. Dillan White, 8. Ryan Unzicker, 9. Kevin Cole, 10. Matt Miller, 11. Frankie Martin, 12. Brian Shirley, 13. Dennis Erb Jr., 14. Clay Baumann, 15. Brandon Sheppard, 16. Donny Walden, 17. Rusty Schlenk, 18. Kent Robinson, 19. Jeep Van Wormer, 20. Rick Salter, 21. Mike Schulte, 22. Randy Korte. B-Main winner: Baumann. C-Main winners: Jack Sullivan, Jay Sparks. Provisional starters: Shirley, Erb, Schulte, Walden.

Heat 5: Shannon Babb, Rick Salter, Matt Miller, Frank Martin, Donnie Walden, Billy Moyer Jr., Tanner English, Shannon Kuhn, Matt Weidner.

Heat 4: Scott James, Rusty Schlenk, Ryan Unzicker, Mark Voigt, Chad Zorbrist, Jim Moon, Dan Jacober, Jason Riggs, Gary Christian.

Heat 3: Doug Drown, Kevin Cole, Randy Korte, Mark Faust, Kevin Weaver, Michael Kloos, Dennis Erb Jr., Mike Schulte, Paul Bailey, Bobby Pierce.

Heat 2: Mark, Burgtorf, Jason Feger, Brandon Sheppard, Jeep VanWormer, Steve Casebolt, Brian Shirley, Rick Standbridge, D.J. Cygan, Simon McNab, Brent Helmkamp.

Heat 1: Tim Lance, Dillan White, Kent Robinson, Clay Baumann, Rusty Griffaw, Ryan Little, Jack Sullivan, Jay Sparks, Steve Leach.
Time trials (unofficial)
First group
Tim Lance (48), Brimfield, Ill., 14.486
Dillan White (54), Crofton, Ky., 14.768
Kent Robinson (7r), Bloomington, Ind., 14.866
Rusty Griffaw (16), Festus, Mo., 14.870
Dewayne Kiefer, (0), Saint Geneviene, Mo., 14.965
Clay Baumann (77), Highland, Ill., 15.027
Ryan Little (38L), Springfield, Ill., 15.481
Jay Sparks (7s), Metamora, Ill., 15.501
Steve Leach (49), Staunton, Ill., 15.651
Jack Sullivan (1), Greenbrier, Ark., 15.687

Second group
Mark Burgtorf (7B), Quincy, Ill., 14.850
Jason Feger (25), Bloomington, Ill., 14.937
Rick Standbridge (12), Collinsville, Ill., 15.067
Jeep Van Wormer (55), Pinconning, Mich., 15.080
Brian Shirley (3s), Chatham, Ill., 15.113
Steve Casebolt (c9), Richmond, Ind., 15.165
Brandon Sheppard (5B), New Berlin, Ill., 15.368
Brent Helmkamp (31), Greenville, Ill., 15.745
D.J. Cygan (10), Saint Jacob, Ill., 15.861
Simon McNab (49w), Perth, Australia, 16.535

Third group
Doug Drown (12), Wooster, Ohio, 14.197
Kevin Cole (81c), Christopher, Ill., 14.308
Mark Faust (51), Breese, Ill., 14.357
Randy Korte (00), Highland Ill., 14.457
Kevin Weaver (B12), Gibson City, Ill., 14.599
Mike Schulte (27s), Summerfield, Ill., 15.042
Bobby Pierce (32), Oakwood, Ill., 15.087
Michael Kloos (6k), Trenton, Ill., 15.176
Dennis Erb Jr. (28) Carpentersville, Ill., 15.316
Paul Bailey (81), Pocahontas, Ill., 15.456

Fourth group
Scott James (81), Lawrenceburg, Ind., 14.328
Rusty Schlenk (91), Jackson, Mich., 14.495
Ryan Unzicker (24), El Paso, Ill., 14.538
Mark Voigt (30), Marine, Ill., 14.594
Chad Zobrist (78), Highland, Ill., 14.651
Gary Christian (58x), Broken Bow, Okla., 14.973
Jim Moon (1m), Zionsville, Ind., 15.068
Dan Jacober (22), Highland, Ill., 15.298
Jason Riggs (81jr), Harrisburg, Ill., 15.393

Fifth group
Shannon Babb (18), Moweaqua, Ill., 14.632
Matt Miller (7), Waterville, Ohio, 14.748
Rick Salter (1), Albers, Ill., 14.954
Tanner English (96), Benton, Ky., 15.005
Frank Martin (25m), DuQuoin, Ill., 15.195
Donnie Walden (1w), Towanda, Ill., 15.197
Billy Moyer Jr. (21jr), Batesville, Ark., 15.255
Matt Weidner (7), Highland, Ill., 15.256
Shannon Kuhn (11), Highland, Ill., 15.619
Lenny Garson (25), Pochontas, Ill., 17.652
Steve Thorsten (7t), Chebanse, Ill., no time

Summer Racing Action Heats Up in St. Louis

The 2011 Summer Nationals Rolls Into The Highland Speedway June 22
Highland IL (June 20th, 2011) - The UMP (United Midwestern Promoters) Summer Nationals, rolls into the Highland Speedway this Wednesday June 22. Known as the Hell Tour for its torturous schedule, the series attracts some of the biggest drivers in the sport. Names like Jason Feger, Shannon Babb, Ryan Unzicker, Dennis Erb and Brian Shirley will invade the Speedway to compete against Highland Speedway Becker Jeweler Late Model regulars, Chad Zobrist, Randy Korte, Michael Kloos, and Mark Faust.




This year the Summer Nationals tour will be accompanied by the UMP DIRTcar Summit Modifieds, a racing series similar to the series for the Super Late Models. Kenny Wallace, “The Herminator” will be on hand competing in his UMP DIRT Modified. Wallace, the youngest member of the famous St. Louis Wallace racing family, is an avid dirt racer and competes across the country in his Modified when not racing on a national level in one of NASCARS professional divisions or working as an on air personality for cable TV’s Speed Channel.

Also on the schedule for the nights events are the UMP Factory Stocks and the UMP Sport Compacts divisions.

The pit gates open at 3:00pm, the grandstands open at 5:00pm, Qualifying for both the Super Late Models and DIRTcar Modifieds begins at 6:30 and racing begins directly after. Cost for the pits is $35, and general admissions for the Grandstands are $25 and kids under 11 are free with a paid adult.

Information about the Speedway is on the tracks website Highlandspeedway.com. Don’t forget to “Like” the Highland Speedway on Face Book and instant track information can be found by using the tracks text messaging service; text Highland to 91011.

Coming up June 25^th besides a regular night of exciting UMP racing, it will be “Christmas In June” mega Bike Give Away. Members of the Speedways Jr fan club will be eligible to win a free bicycle. Membership to the Jr Fan Club is free; simply sign in at the table behind the Grandstand ticket booth upon entering the racetrack.

Billy Moyer Takes Round One of Tri State Challenge At Highland
HIGHLAND IL ( June 3, 2011) The first stop on the NALMS (Northern All Stars Late Models) Tri State Challenge is in the books and Batesville AR’s Billy Moyer lead flag to flag for the $5000 check. The High Side Hustler Jason Feger of Bloomington IL was overall fast qualifier. Heat wins went to Moyer, Mike Spatola, Highland regular Mark Faust and the Mowekwa Missile Shannon Babb.


The 21 of Moyer lead all forty laps of the main event, never challenged by any other competitor. Faust hung in for the first part of the race, but faded back as Moyer ran a blistering pace. By lap 10 Moyer had caught the back half of the field and started to slice and dice his way through. Mike Spatola moved into the number two spot as Feger worked his way into the top five. By lap 16 Feger positioned himself into the number 2 spot but by now Moyer had nearly a straight away lead. At lap 26 the first caution of the race came out for a slowing Randy Korte. This gave an opportunity for Feger and Babb to see the rear of Moyer’s 21 racer. As soon as the green flag flew Moyer looked like he was shot out of a cannon. Several short yellows brought the field back together, and each time the Batesville AR driver took command of the race leaving the two Central Illinois drivers, Feger and Babb to duke it out for second. When the double checkers flew Billy Moyer took home the $5000 check and the first win of the Tri State Challenge. Fri Night the Challenge continues at the Paducah International Raceway Iin Paducah KY and on Saturday night it concludes at The I-55 Raceway in Pevely MO. Feger won the battle for second over Babb, Spatola finished third and Highland regulars Faust and Michael Kloos finished fifth and sixth respectfully.


Scotty Weber starting on the outside pole got the trophy in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds, finishing ahead of Dean Hoffman, Brett Korvis, Steve Lach and Gabe Menser. Wes O’Dell won the dash and O’Dell, Hoffman and Weber picked up heat wins.


Zach Hoffman won in the F/S,


and Kyle Swip won in the S/C
The month of June will be a busy month as June 11^th and the 18^th we will be honoring past racers from the Speedway. Week 1 of the 2 weekend celebration we’ll be Honoring Drivers from 1962-1990, and Week 2 the drivers from 1991-2009 will be honored. If you were a driver at the Highland Speedway during these two eras please contact Promoter Scott Kuhn about being a part of this event. Both big weekends are sponsored by Excell Bottling of Breese makers of SKI the Official Soda of the Highland Speedway.
On June 22 the “Hell Tour” UMP Summer Nationals will be at the Speedway this is a Wednesday night event and we round out the month of June with “Christmas in June” the Jr Fan Club Mega Bike Giveaway presented by the Highland Optimist Club.
For More information about the Highland Speedway visit our website at highlandspeedway.com on Facebook at Facebook.com/highland speedway or get up to the minute racing information by text by sending Highland to 91011.
NALMS Tri State Challenge Results
Fast Qualifiers by group
Group 1: Feger (Overall fast qualifier)
Group 2: Moyer
Group 3: Kloos
Group 4: Babb

NALMS / UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature (Top Ten)
Finish Car No Driver
1 21 Billy Moyer
2 25F Jason Feger
3 18 Shannon Babb
4 89S Mike Spatola
5 51 Mark Faust
6 6K Michael Kloos
7 54 Dillan White
8 21JR Billy Moyer, Jr
9 1W Donny Walden
10 24 Ryan Unzicker
UMP Steve Schmitt Modified - Feature (Top Ten)
Finish Car No Driver
1 4J Scott Weber
2 1D Dean Hoffman
3 25 Brett Korves
4 42 Steve Lach
5 G1 Gabe Menser
6 55V Brad Venhaus
7 84 Tyler Deibert
8 44 Jim Werner, Jr
9 87 Wes O Dell
10 24J Jacob Steinkoenig
UMP Factory Stock - Feature (Top Ten)
Finish Car No Driver
1 1Z Zach Hoffman
2 15 Michael Ripperda, Jr
3 54 Shaun Hortsmann
4 52 Tim Koch
5 6 Jake Hewitt
6 8T T J Eilers
7 9X Trevor Isaak
8 29 Stephen Fohne
9 36 Eric Harris
10 18 Jerry Thompson
UMP Sport Compact - Feature (Top Ten)
Finish Car No Driver
1 11 Kyle Swip
2 24 Bob Zbinden
3 63 Brett Eilerman
4 17 Mike Bourland
5 97 Bobby Funderburk
6 18R Robert Shaw
7 47 Christian Lee
8 9X Trevor Isaak
9 21J Jeff Santel
10 9T Travis Horner

Faust Takes Armed Forces Night Honors At Highland

  Highland IL –( May 21.2011) - Racing resumed at the Highland Speedway after a week off for the recent rains that have plagued the Midwest. It was the Scott Credit Union Armed Forces Night presented by Casey’s General Stores. A large group of military personnel took advantage of being admitted to the raceway for free and they were recognized by the crowd for the dedication and sacrifice for our country.
In the Becker Jewelers Late models, Rick “The Salty dog’ Salter and Matt Weidner grabbed the heat wins and Chad “The Highland Bulldog” won the Dash, with Mark Faust running second.
The finish of the dash set up the line up for the first three rows of the feature. The line up had Zobrist and Faust sitting up front, Weidner and Kevin Cole in row two, and Salter and Paul Bailey in the third row. At the drop of the green flag Faust jumped to the high side and looking like he was shot out of a cannon, took command of the race, leading the entire 25 lap event. One scary moment for Faust came as he was closing in on lap traffic and the 37 of Brian Wolfmeier in between turns 3 just in front of the leader went into the turns a little bit too hard and looked like he was going to collect the leader. Faust reacted quickly and avoided contact with Wolfmeier and held off Cole for a trip to the Casey’s General Stores Victory Lane. Cole was second, Zobrist, third, Bobby Dauderman ran fourth and Mike Schulte finished in the fifth spot.

In the Steve Schmitt Modifieds the heat wins went to Chad Sellers, Steve Lach and Brett Korves. Winning the dash was Lach and setting up the line up for the Feature was Lach and Korvis in the front row, Sellers and Darrell Hewlett in row two and Jimmy Cummins and Brian Bielong in row three.
The Modifieds had a rough time getting things started as they tried three times to get the event started and each attempt resulted in someone bringing out the yellow flag. As per track rules they reverted to single file formation and Dash winner Steve Lach leading the way.
Lach jumped to a quick lead and had put quite a distance between himself and second place Korvis. A caution for a spinning car on lap 14 closed Lach’s lead. At the drop of the green Lach again regained his lead and held on for his second win of the season. Chad Sellers, Dean Hoffman, Korves and Cummins finished second through fifth respectively.

Nick Lyons again put on an impressive show in the Pro Late Models driving the number 8 of the Kerher Brothers Roofing. Lyons held of Mark Oller taking home the trophy. Two veterans ran second and third Dick Taylor and Bobby Martintoni, and young gun Daniel Heck rounded out the top five.

Rob Lee grabs another Sportsmen trophy, Bobby Funderburk ended his dry spell in the Sport Compacts with a victory, and Steven Fohne found the Casey’s Victory lane to his liking in the Factory Stocks and Kaley Gibson won the KidzModz.

Next week is a regular night of racing presented by the Madison County Fair Association. Thursday June 2 is the first stop on the Tri State Challenge, the Northern All Star Late Models vs. the Becker Jewelers Late Models of the Highland Speedway.

Don’t forget to “Like” the Highland Speedway on Face Book. Information about the Speedway is on the tracks website Highlandspeedway.com. Instant track information can be found by using the tracks text messaging service; text Highland to 91011.
 
 TOP TEN
UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 51 Mark Faust
2 3C Kevin Cole
3 78 Chad Zobrist
4 18 Bobby Dauderman
5 27S Mike Schulte
6 R1 Matt Weidner
7 11K Shannon Kuhn
8 81 Paul Bailey
9 25 Frankie Martin
10 37 Brian Wolfmeier

UMP Steve Schmitt Modified - Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 42 Steve Lach
2 E55 Chad Sellers
3 1D Dean Hoffman
4 25 Brett Korves
5 19 Jimmy Cummins
6 55 Marty Smith, Jr
7 84 Tyler Deibert
8 2 Patrick Lawson
9 00 Steven Ellison
10 14 Jeremy Thoele

UMP Pro Late Model - Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 8BALL Nick Lyons
2 67 Mark Oller
3 24 Dick Taylor
4 48 Bobby Martintoni
5 55 Daniel Heck
6 52 Billy Knebel, Jr
7 9STAR Jordan Bauer
8 96 Matt Koch
9 9T Travis Horner
10 87 Jason Zobrist DNS
 
UMP Sportsman - Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 88 Rob Lee
2 1S Steve Stevenson
3 23 Dennis Wernle
4 9-11 Jon Ripperda
5 115 Aaron Melton
6 92J Rick Johnson
7 6 Justin Ketrow
8 1G Len Garson
9 20 Tracy VonRohr
10 19S Nathan Schmitt
 
UMP Factory Stock - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 29 Stephen Fohne
2 6 Jake Hewitt
3 101 Jeff Buss
4 8T T J Eilers
5 15 Michael Ripperda, Jr
6 52 Tim Koch
7 4J Zack Jordan
8 54 Shaun Hortsmann
9 6I Austin Isaak
10 9X Trevor Isaak
 
 Sport Compact - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 97 Bobby Funderburk
2 63 Brett Eilerman
3 9X Trevor Isaak
4 77 Chad Burgess
5 6S Jordan Suhre
6 24 Justin Suhre
7 11 Kyle Swip
8 48 Joe Wagner
9 7S Kate Smith
10 121V Rick Viviano

KidModz
 Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 11K Kayle Gibson
2 0 8 Cole Sellers
3 99 Logan Mitchell
4 01J Joey Gibson
5 14 Zane Ulmer

‏

Scott Credit Union Armed Forces Night Presented by Casey’s General Store
 
HIGHLAND IL – ( May 17 2011) - Coming up this Saturday May 21 at the Highland Speedway it is the Scott Credit Union Armed Forces Night Presented by Casey’s General Store. All Military with a valid ID will receive FREE admission to the Speedway, also there will be special give a ways provided by your local Casey’s General Stores.

All six UMP Divisions will be in action after a week missed due to weather. Currently in the Becker Jewelers Super Late Models, Randy “King Kong “ Korte leads the points standing followed by Paul Bailey, and Mike Schulte, Dan Jacober and last year’s Champion Chad “The Highland Bulldog” Zobrist.
Leading the way in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds is Dean Hoffman driving the 1D, next is Jeremy Thole, “The Racing Realtor” Chad Sellers is sitting in third, Former Street Stock Champion Darrell Hewlett  is fourth and Steve Lach is currently in the fifth position.
.
 







Multi Highland Speedway Class Champion Mark Oller leads the way in the UMP Pro Late Models, next is veteran Bobby Martintoni, Matt Santel, Daniel Heck, and Jordan Bauer round out the top five


Rob Lee leads the UMP Sportsmen, Jeff Buss is currently on top in the Factory Stock Division and Trevor Isaak leads the way in the Sport Compacts.
Don’t forget to “Like” the Highland Speedway on Face Book. Information about the Speedway is on the tracks website Highlandspeedway.com. Instant track information can be found by using the tracks text messaging service; text Highland to 91011.

Korte, Hoffman, Lyons, Lee, Hoffman, and Suhre Take Top Honors At Highland
(May 7, 2011) HIGHLAND IL - You can always expect the unexpected when it’s the Grapperhaus Metals Night of Destruction at the Highland Speedway. In past years local drivers would make attempts to roll over cars or vans, some rolling the cars over and starting them back up and going again and some ending badly with not making a “rollover” and just destroying the car beyond use. This year Promoter Scott Kuhn went out and sought a “Professional” Stunt driver, Johnny Crash from Yazoo City, Mississippi and his side kick Sneaky Pete. The two world renowned drivers took late model sedans and rolled them numerous times. The highlight of the intermission show was when Johnny Crash attempted to jump a 12 passenger van over his motor home using the Casey’s Victory Lane as his launching pad. Things didn’t go quite as planned as the big van landed in the middle of the motor home destroying it and leaving the greatest stunt man ever to perform at the Highland Speedway homeless and looking for a ride back to Mississippi.
Changes were made this week to the Highland Speedway racing lineup.  The Dash’s in the Becker Jewelers Late Models and The Steve Schmitt Modifieds were added after a several year absence. The changes proved worthy of the addition as the fans were on their feet cheering on the six fastest drivers in each of the two divisions. The line up for the dash is determined by heat race finishes. The top two drivers from each heat pulled pills for their starting position in the Dash and their finish in the Dash set the first three rows of the night cap.
In the Becker Jewelers Late Models heat winners Chad Zobrist, Randy “King Kong” Korte, and Fast Frankie along with runners up Nick “At Night” Lyons, Brian Wolfmeier and Kerry Gaultney. The Highland Bull Dog Chad Zobrist pulled the number one pill and sat on the pole. Zobrist last years points Champion looked like the “Bulldog” of old and took the checker flag guaranteeing him a pole start in the Becker Jewelers Late Models Feature, Wolfmeier finished second and Korte third.  

The start of the feature had Zobrist and Wolfmeier side by side. After only two laps in the feature unfortunately a yellow flag came out for the 23 of Mark Bohnenstiehl, aligning the field into single file on the restart. By lap 4 the 00 of Korte starting from the third spot on the restart made the pass for the lead, looking to avenge his second and third place finishes of the first three weeks of the season. The Highland veteran was on a mission. By lap six the leaders were catching the back of the field. Korte put on a driving show as he was slicing and dicing around the back markers. On lap 12 all alone running in second, something went wrong with the 78 of Zobrist, resulting in a single car spin in turn two. The restart had the 00 of Korte in the lead with several lap cars between him and the second place car of Wolfmeier and the balance of the field. “King Kong” immediately jumped out to a sizable lead and lasted several late lap cautions and restarts to bring the Double 0 into the Casey’s General Stores Victory Lane for the first time in 2011. “Fast” Frankie Martin, Matt Weidner, Wolfmeier, and Gaultney finished second through fifth respectfully
.

The line up for the Steve Schmitt Modified dash pitted heat winners Mike Harrison, Dean Hoffman, and Brian Bielong with heat runner ups, Marty Smith Jr, Steve Ellison, and last week’s feature winner Steve Latch. On the redraw Smith Jr and Ellison sat side by side on the front row. Smith Jr held off a hard charging Dean Hoffman for the win, setting up the lineup for the Steve Schmitt Modified feature.
The top four rows featured the finest Modified drivers in the Midwest, Smith Jr and Hoffman in row one and Bielong and Harrison in row two. By lap 5 Hoffman grabbed the lead; Harrison in the 24 was next and the 70 of Bielong putting pressure on the front runners ran in the third position.. The top three drivers put on a show positioning themselves against each other while dealing with lap traffic. The scariest moment for the leader’s occurred on lap 17 just as Harrison made his move into the lead. A three car pileup in front of the leaders brought out the yellow. Harrison and the 1D of Hoffman slid into the pile up with Harrison sustaining the most damage. Not being the cause of the yellow, the 1D and 24 were put back into position from the previous completed lap in which Hoffman was still the leader.
In a three lap three car shoot out Dean Hoffman lasted a hard charging Mike Harrison and Brian Bielong to put the 1D into the Casey’s General Stores Victory Lane for the first time in 2011.


In the Pro Late Model Division Nick Lyons in the Kehrer Bros Roofing number 8 held off last week’s winner Mark Oller.




Rob Lee found the Casey’s Victory Lane again in the Sportsmen,


 







Justin Suhre was the best of the field in the Sport Compacts












Zach Hoffman was victorious in the Factory Stocks.











Next week at the Highland Speedway is the Scott Wernle Memorial for the Sportsmen racers. Don’t forget to “Like” the Highland Speedway on Face Book. Information about the Speedway is on the tracks website Highlandspeedway.com. Instant track information can be found by using the tracks text messaging service; text Highland to 91011.   
(Photo Credit; Photo Billy)

TOP TEN
UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature
 Finish  Car No  Driver
 1       00K     Randy Korte
 2       25      Frankie Martin
 3       R1      Matt Weidner
 4       37      Brian Wolfmeier
 5       21      Kerry Gaultney
 6       51      Mark Faust
 7       78      Chad Zobrist
 8       81      Paul Bailey
 9       27S     Mike Schulte
 10      51R     Danny Ripperda
 
UMP Steve Schmitt Modified - Feature
 Finish  Car No  Driver
 1       1D      Dean Hoffman
 2       24H     Mike Harrison
 3       70      Brian Bielong
 4       14      Jeremy Thoele
 5       42      Steve Lach
 6       55      Marty Smith, Jr
 7       19      Jimmy Cummins
 8       84      Tyler Deibert
 9       55V     Brad Venhaus
 10      75      Darrell Hewlett
UMP Pro Late Model - Feature
 Finish  Car No  Driver
 1       8BALL   Nick Lyons
 2       67      Mark Oller
 3       48      Bobby Martintoni
 4       20      John Cory
 5       55      Daniel Heck
 6       59R     Aaron Heck
 7       52      Billy Knebel, Jr
 8       17X     Matt Santel
 9       9STAR   Jordan Bauer
 10      87      Jason Zobrist
UMP Sportsman - Feature
 Finish  Car No  Driver
 1       88      Rob Lee
 2       8E      Russell Eilers
 3       92J     Rick Johnson
 4       19S     Nathan Schmitt
 5       115     Aaron Melton
 6       6       Justin Ketrow
 7       X       Dennis Wernle
 8       18      Jimmy Miller
 9       23      Kyle Roberts
 10      1G      Len Garson
Factory Stock - Feature
 Finish  Car No  Driver
 1       1Z      Zach Hoffman
 2       8T      T J Eilers
 3       101     Jeff Buss
 4       29      Stephen Fohne
 5       29H     Ron Hartnagel
 6       6I      Austin Isaak
 7       6       Jake Hewitt
 8       15      Michael Ripperda, Jr
 9       52      Tim Koch
 10      64      Brian Crawford
UMP Sport Compact - Feature
 Finish  Car No  Driver
 1       24      Justin Suhre
 2       97      Bobby Funderburk
 3       14      Eldon Hemken
 4       9X      Trevor Isaak
 5       21M     Willy Myers
 6       11      Kyle Swip
 7       47      Christian Lee
 8       121V    Rick Viviano
 9       33L     Caleb Lintezenich
 10      81LE    Lacey Egbert

Kloos Claims NALMS VS Becker Jewelers Late Model Crown At Highland
 

(April 30, 2011) Highland Speedway - The sun came out and the sounds of high octane thunder replaced what Mother Nature had been providing for the last two weeks. The site was the Highland Speedway and the event was the battle of the Northern Allstars Late Models VS the Highland Speedway Becker Jewelers Late Models in the Bud Light Metro East 30 Presented by Budweiser.

From Alexander Illinois, Brandon Sheppard sat on the pole with Matt Weidner from Breese IL on the outside. The top five rows was a collection of who’s who’s in Super Late Model racing from the Midwest. Ryan Unzicker and Steve Sheppard, who set the fastest overall qualifying time at 13.907 sat in row two, third row consisted of 14 year old driving sensation, Bobby Pierce and NALMS Rookie of the year contender Mike Spatula from Manhattan IL. Rodney Melvin from Logan IL and Highland favorite Randy Korte occupied the fourth row, and buried back in the fifth row sat two Highland regulars Michael Kloos and MarkFaust.

 

The race at the front consisted of Brandon Sheppard leading the first ten laps, by lap 14 a caution waved with Unzicker in the lead, Brandon Sheppard had slipped to second, Korte was in third, Steve Sheppard was now in fourth and young Pierce fell back to fifth. The leaders all stayed on the top side of the track trading leads and positions. Working all alone on the bottom was Kloos who by lap 18 had made it to third place. While Unzicker and Korte battled on top side of the track, Kloos stayed true and worked the bottom and by lap 28 had taken the 6K to the lead. Korte and Unzicker battled between themselves for the second spot with Unzicker edging out the double 0 of Korte, meanwhile Kloos surged forward and won the race to the checkers. Brandon Sheppard and Rodney Melvin came home fourth and fifth respectively.














Steve Lach captured his second career win by taking home the honors in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds. Lach ended the 2010 season with his first victory and stared 2011 the same way. Finishing second was 2 Tim Hancock, third place went to the 1D Dean Hoffman, Scott Weber, and Brian Bielong finished out the top five.
Mr. Smooth, Mark Oller lead the Pro Late Models to checkered flag, ahead of   Nick Lyons driving the 8BALL of Joe Keherer, Tom “Cat” Carson, John Cory and “The Italian Stallion” Bobby Martintoni finished second through fifth.

Steve Stevenson won in the Sportsmen division, Jake Hewett was the top of the Factory Stock field and Jordan Suhre claimed the Sport Compact honors.

Next week is the Grapperhaus Metals Night of Destruction, Roll over contest plus all six divisions. To top off the next weeks racing excitement will be the return of the dashes for the Becker Jewelers Late Models and the Steve Schmitt Modifieds.
For more information about the Highland Speedway visit the tracks web site at Highland Speedway.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/highlandspeedway. Sign up today for instant messaging to your phone by texting Highland to 91011.
 UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 6K Michael Kloos
2 24 Ryan Unzicker
3 00K Randy Korte
4 B5 Brandon Sheppard
5 27R Rodney Melvin
6 32X Bobby Pierce
7 5S Steve Sheppard, Jr
8 B12 Kevin Weaver
9 89 Mike Spatola
10 81 Paul Bailey
UMP Steve Schmitt Modified - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 42 Steve Lach
2 1 Tim Hancock
3 1D Dean Hoffman
4 4J Scott Weber
5 70 Brian Bielong
6 19 Jimmy Cummins
7 25 Brett Korves
8 55V Brad Venhaus
9 01 Brett Cygan
10 75 Darrell Hewlett
UMP Pro Late Model - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 67 Mark Oller
2 8BALL Nick Lyons
3 36 Tom Carson
4 20 John Cory
5 48 Bobby Martintoni
6 87 Jason Zobrist
7 01 Casey Montague
8 17X Matt Santel
9 94 Ed Lenhardt
10 9STAR Jordan Bauer
UMP Sportsman - Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 1S Steve Stevenson
2 8E Russell Eilers
3 3E Robbie Eilers
4 88 Rob Lee
5 6 Justin Ketrow
6 19S Nathan Schmitt
7 3 Bob Zbinden
8 92J Rick Johnson
9 1G Len Garson DNS
UMP Factory Stock - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 6 Jake Hewitt
2 101 Jeff Buss
3 29 Stephen Fohne
4 8T T J Eilers
5 64 Brian Crawford
6 52 Tim Koch
7 53 Justin Leichsenring
8 6I Austin Isaak
9 2 Joe Joyce
10 9X Trevor Isaak
UMP Sport Compact - Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 26 Jordan Suhre
2 9X Trevor Isaak
3 11K Kyle Swip
4 21M Willy Myers
5 14 Rodney George
6 95 Dayton Racer
7 48 Joe Wagner
8 28J Rick Viviano
9 81LE Lacey Egbert
10 7S Kate Smith

NALMS Presented by Budweiser
April 30th

 
NALMS Rescheduled for This Saturday Night After Last Week's Rainout





(April 25, 2010) Highland Speedway -The NALMS tour has been rescheduled to come back this week to go head to head with the Becker Jewelers Late Models in a showdown at Highland Speedway with a full lineup of action in all divisions during a special night of action presented by Budweiser. The NALMS (Northern Allstars Late Models Series) are a touring series bringing to the Highland Speedway the top names in UMP DIRTcar racing.

Some of the drivers that have competed in the past are 2009 UMP Champion and 2010 NALMS Champion; Jason Feger, Dennis Erb, Ryan Unzicker, 2010 UMP Champion; Rusty Schlenk, and 2010 Rookie of the Year; Dillan White, plus Highland favorites; Randy “King Kong” Korte, Mark Faust, Chad Zobrist. Paul Bailey, Michael Kloos, and this past week’s winner Mike Schulte.

Be sure to get there early as this promises to be a night full of exciting racing. The Grandstand opens at 5:00 pm with racing to start at 6:00 pm, Pit Gates open at 3:00 p.m.

For more information about the Highland Speedway visit the tracks web site at highland Speedway.com or the tracks Face Book page; facebook.com/highlandspeedway and for more information about the Northern Allstars Late models visit www.northern-allstars.com

Highland Rained out April 16^th - Next Week The NALMS presented by Budweiser

 

(April 16, 2010) Highland Speedway - The race for April 16^th has been cancelled due to the weather.
Coming up next week the full lineup of Highland Speedway favorites and just added to the schedule,
The NALMS presented by Budweiser.

The NALMS (Northern Allstars Late Models Series) are a touring series bringing to the Highland Speedway the top names in UMP DIRTcar racing.
Some of the drivers that have competed in the past are 2009 UMP Champion and 2010 NALMS Champion; Jason Feger, Dennis Erb, Ryan Unzicker, 2010 UMP Champion; Rusty Schlenk, and 2010 Rookie of the Year; Dillan White, plus Highland favorites; Randy “King Kong” Korte, Mark Faust, Chad Zobrist. Paul Bailey, Michael Kloos, and this past week’s winner Mike Schulte.

Be sure to get there early as this promises to be a night full of exciting racing. The Grandstand opens at 5:00 pm with racing to start at 6:00 pm

For more information about the Highland Speedway visit the tracks web site at highland Speedway.com or the tracks Face Book page; facebook.com/highlandspeedway and for more information about the Northern Allstars Late models visit www.northern-allstars.com

Schulte Holds Off Korte For First Victory in 2011

(April 10, 2011) Highland IL - This past Saturday evening was a solemn occasion for many of us that have called the Highland Speedway home for over the last 50 years. One of the last active Racing Legends of The Speedway, Chris Bargetzi, driver and of recent years owner of the 441 Late Model succumbed to injuries he received on Friday while working on his property in rural Madison County. A tribute was held before the races which included his grandson driving the 441 around the speedway plus being the only car on the track for the playing of the National Anthem. Chris’s family was on the front straight away joined by all the Highland Officials.

Mike Schulte proved determination is what it takes to winning in racing as he came from a second row starting position to catch and pass for UMP and Highland Champion Randy “King Kong” Korte for his first win the Becker Jewelers Late Model Division. Dan Jacober in Chris Bargetzi’s 441 was third, heat winner Paul Bailey was fourth and Daniel Ripperda in the 51R rounded out the top five.
 
In the Steve Schmitt UMP Modifieds it was a battle of nutrition, as several of the front runners fell out of contention through the course of the race. Dean Hoffman back behind the wheel of his own 1D Modified spun on lap 2. Restarting on the tail of the field he slowly moved the yellow racer up towards the front of the line. With 2 laps to go he caught and passed leader, Chad Sellers in the E55.Sellers had been control of the lead for almost half of the 20 lap feature. Just as Hoffman made his move around Sellers the yellow flag came out and the lineup was reverted back to the last completed lap. This put the Racing Realtor on the point with Hoffman at his rear spoiler. The final two laps Sellers hit the after burners and held on for the victory.   Hoffman was second, Heat winner Jeremy Thole, was third, Tyler Diebert followed in fourth and Darrell Hewlett rounded out the top five. Scott Weber was the other heat winner.

In one of the closest races of the evening, Daniel Heck ran down the winner of the second heat, the 36 of Dustin Korte and held off a hard charging Mark Oller, the winner of the first heat, to win his first UMP Pro Late Models Feature of 2011.. In a race won by inches, Heck had just enough as the 67 of Oller fell short, Korte ran third, The Italian Stallion Bobby Martintoni was 4^th and Jason Zobrist finished in 5^th.

In a last lap pass Jeff Buss won the UMP Street Stocks,











Rob Lee took home the honors in the UMP Sportsmen Division
Trevor Isaak Winner in the Sport Compacts










Photo credit - Photo Billy, used by permission)

Next up at the Highland Speedway is the Larry Tires/WRP Speed Shop night. To keep up with all the action of the Highland Speedway visit the tracks website at Highlandspeedway.com or on Face Book at Facebook.com/HighlandSpeedway
Highland Speedway April 9^th Top Ten
UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 27 Mike Schulte
2 00K Randy Korte
3 441 Dan Jacober
4 81 Paul Bailey
5 51R Danny Ripperda
6 23B Mark Bohnenstiehl
7 1S Rick Salter
8 92K Brant Kehrer
9 78 Chad Zobrist
UMP Steve Schmitt Modified - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 E55 Chad Sellers
2 1D Dean Hoffman
3 14 Jeremy Thoele
4 84 Tyler Deibert
5 75 Darrell Hewlett
6 68 Andy Oswald
7 19 Jimmy Cummins
8 808 Kelby Simmons
9 38 Stephen Flannery, Jr
10 76 Eric Goetter
UMP Pro Late Model - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 55 Daniel Heck
2 67 Mark Oller
3 36 Dustin Korte
4 48 Bobby Martintoni
5 87 Jason Zobrist
6 59R Aaron Heck
7 18 Randy Myers
8 10C DJ Cygan
9 17X Matt Santel
10 30 Ryan Seger
UMP Sportsman - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 88 Rob Lee
2 3 Ryan Eilers
3 8E Russell Eilers
4 92J Rick Johnson
5 115 Aaron Melton
6 19S Nathan Schmitt
7 79 Jon Huegen
8 6 Justin Ketrow
9 1S Steve Stevenson
10 1G Len Garson
UMP Factory Stock - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 101 Jeff Buss
2 8T T J Eilers
3 6 Jake Hewitt
4 54 Shaun Hortsmann
5 6I Austin Isaak
6 15 Michael Ripperda, Jr
7 29 Stephen Fohne
8 9X Trevor Isaak
9 53 Justin Leichsenring
10 64 Brian Crawford
UMP Sport Compact - Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 9X Trevor Isaak
2 45 Kyle McMahon
3 97 Bobby Funderburk
4 63 Brett Eilerman
5 11 Kyle Swip
6 47 Christian Lee
7 48 Joe Wagner
8 121V Rick Viviano
9 00 Ryan Emig
10 249X Justin Suhre

Kloos Holds Off “King Kong” Korte to Start the 2011 Season at Highland

Lynn, Weber, Eilers, Ripperda and Suhre All Winners

(April 4, 2011) HIGHLAND IL – The excitement of returning to the race track for another year and add to the equation it’s the 50^th year of racing, the buzz in the pits and the grandstand at the Highland Speedway were reaching unexpected levels. For those of us who have spent the winter here in the Midwest we know the winter was full of surprises including more snow and rain than we have had in a few years. Now you have a spring with limited days of sunshine and very few windows of opportunities for doing track work, you know Promoter Scott Kuhn and his track crew had their work cut out for them. Add to the fact that late last fall the track was reshaped with a lot of dirt repositioned you soon realize that the odds were stacked against the Highland track crew. With that being said, the track crew worked long hours when the weather permitted and had prepped a raceable track under the circumstances for the season opener presented by 97.5 FM The Rock.The fans were treated to great side by side finishes that has made racing at the Palace of Power famous for the last 50 years.
 

The much talked about return of Randy Korte, from Highland IL, lived up to all the hype. Korte and long time Highland favorite Michael Kloos, of Trenton IL, driving for Gerstner and Sons Racing out of Breese IL, started on the front row of the Becker Jewelers UMP Super Late Model Feature.  Racing alongside each other, when Kloos would take the lead  the 6K faithful would come to life and as soon as the 00 of Korte would grab the lead all the King Kong fans would shake the grandstands, it all came down to the final lap with Kloos on the inside and Korte trying to move to the outside of the 6K taking a shot at the double checkers, but in the end Korte found himself just short of the finish line in second as Michael Kloos, The Trenton Tornado kicked off the 2011 season with a win, Korte was second, Paul Bailey from Pocahontas IL, Mike Schulte from Summerfield IL, and Chad Zobrist out of Highland IL, rounding out the top 5 in the Becker Jewelers Super Late Models.

Brian Lynn, The 2010 track Champion for the Lincoln Speedway made the journey from his Mason City IL home south and found the friendly confines of the Highland Speedway to his liking. Lynn held off the Highland regulars in the Steve Schmitt Modified division and kicked off the 2011 season at the Highland Speedway with a win. Scott Weber from Festus MO in the 4J, was runner up, Brett” the Kid” Korves from Belleville followed in third, the Racing Realtor, Chad Sellers from Breese IL was fourth and Brownstown Il’s, Steve Lach completed the top 5.

Scott Weber doing double duty climbed into his famous 8 Ball Black Pearl Pro Crate Late Model and immediately returned to his winning ways. The 2010 UMP National Champion jumped out to an early lead while the 01 of Casey Montague from Lebanon IL made a valiant effort at the Champ but came up short in the newest class added to the Highland Speedway schedule. DJ Cygan from St. Jacob IL, Dustin Korte out of Highland IL and Matt Santel from New Memphis Il filled out the top five.


Russell Eilers from Highland IL the Speedway’s 2010 Sportsmen Champion grabbed the checker flag in the first feature of the season finishing just ahead of Rob Lee from Sorento IL, his brother ryan Eilers, Justin Ketrow from Trenton IL, and Rick Johnson from Glen Carbon.

The UMP Factory Stocks (formally known as the Highland Street Stocks) had Michael Ripperda of Highland IL outlasting Jeff Buss from Carlyle IL, Stephan Fohne and Jake Hewett from Troy IL and Shaun Hortsmann from Highland IL..



In keeping in line with the UMP, the Speedway’s governing body, the class formerly known as the Factory Stocks and Hornets will be called the Sport Compacts and collecting the first Sport Compact victory in 2011 was Jordan Suhre, from Alhambra IL, second was Justin Suhre also from Alhambra, Kyle McMahon from Mt. Vernon IL followed in third, Trevor Isaak from Highland IL, and Jacob Rexing from Brighton IL, finished fourth and fifth respectively.


Next up at the Highland Speedway is Steve Schmitt Motors night, April 9^th. To keep up with all the happening of the Highland Speedway visit the tracks web site at HighlandSpeedway.com or on Face Book at Facebook.com/highlandspeedway. New in 2011 is our text messaging program, simply text Highland to 9 10 11 to have all the latest information about the Highland Speedway right on your cell phone. (Normal text messaging rates apply)

(Photo Credits - Photo Billy Used by permission)
UMP Becker Jewelers Late Models
Feature  
Finish Car No Driver
1 6K Michael Kloos
2 00K Randy Korte
3 81 Paul Bailey
4 27 Mike Schulte
5 78 Chad Zobrist
6 25 Frankie Martin
7 441 Dan Jacober
8 51R Danny Ripperda
9 18 Bobby Dauderman
10 12 Rick Standridge
11 37 Brian Wolfmeier
12 CRCL7 Matt Weidner
 
UMP Steve Schmitt Modifieds
 Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 72 Brian Lynn
2 4J Scott Weber
3 25 Brett Korves
4 E55 Chad Sellers
5 42 Steve Lach
6 75 Darrell Hewlett
7 14 Jeremy Thoele
8 81WIL Ricky Huebner
9 71 Tyler Deibert
10 808X Bob Simmons
11 19 Jimmy Cummins
12 6 Brock Bauman
13 42W McKay Wenger
14 00 Steven Ellison
15 01 Brett Cygan
16 70 Brian Bielong
17 99K Dustin Knerrer
18 808 Kelby Simmons
19 55 Jeff Sparks
20 1D Dean Hoffman
21 55V Brad Venhaus
22 38 Stephen Flannery, Jr
  UMP Pro Late Model
Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 8BALL Scott Weber
2 01 Casey Montague
3 10C DJ Cygan
4 36 Dustin Korte
5 17X Matt Santel
6 18L Brent Lewis
7 9T Travis Horner
8 9STAR Jordan Bauer
9 67 Mark Oller
10 94 Ed Lenhardt
11 55 Daniel Heck
12 30 Ryan Seger
13 4 Jason Suhre
14 54 Bob Simpson
15 59R Aaron Heck
16 48 Bobby Martintoni
17 57 Michael Kloos
UMP Sportsman
   Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 8E Russell Eilers
2 88 Rob Lee
3 3 Ryan Eilers
4 6 Justin Ketrow
5 92J Rick Johnson
6 45 CJ Simpson
7 1G Len Garson
8 19S Nathan Schmitt
9 115 Aaron Melton
10 1S Steve Stevenson
  UMP Factory Stock
 Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 15 Michael Ripperda, Jr
2 101 Jeff Buss
3 29 Stephen Fohne
4 6 Jake Hewitt
5 54 Shaun Hortsmann
6 53 Justin Leichsenring
7 33 Troy Bunfill
8 6I Austin Isaak
9 17C AJ Cline
10 64 Brian Crawford
11 8T T J Eilers
12 36 Eric Harris
13 29H Cale Hartnagel
14 18 Jerry Thompson
15 9X Trevor Isaak
16 6A Amber Casey
17 5H James Hale
18 52 Tim Koch
19 441 Cody Ventimiglia
20 1G Zach Gili
21 4J Zack Jordan
22 1Z Zach Hoffman
UMP Sport Compact
  Feature 
Finish Car No Driver
1 26 Jordan Suhre
2 24 Justin Suhre
3 45 Kyle McMahon
4 9X Trevor Isaak
5 17R Jacob Rexing
6 47 Christian Lee
7 33L Caleb Lintezenich
8 02 Vince Shehorn
9 63 Brett Eilerman
10 7S Kate Smith
11 48 Joe Wagner
12 121V Rick Viviano
13 11 Kyle Swip
14 81LE Lacey Egbert
15 17X Joey Haun
16 18 Sean Boyce
17 17W Brent Weaver
18 55J James Southers
19 81 Scott Egbert

50 Years of Racing Starts This Saturday At The Highland Speedway
Randy Korte To Make His Highland Return
(March 29 2011) Highland IL -The 50^th year of racing at one of the most famous racetracks in the Midwest starts this Saturday night April 2^nd. Opening Night at the Highland Speedway presented by 97.5 FM The Rock. The Moose Man, Bruce Loyd, host of 97.5 The Rock’s Motor Racing Monday will be broadcasting live from 5pm to 7pm. The nostalgia and history that has made the Highland Speedway what is today will be brought to life once more.

The Becker Jewelers Super Late Models return to the Speedway with Chad Zobrist of Highland IL, set to defend his title. Looking to put himself at the top of the point’s leader board is Mark Faust from Breese IL, a former Highland Champion and past UMP Champion.  You cannot forget the group of Highland regulars that are expected to return in 2011, From DuQuoin IL, “Fast” Frankie Martin, Pocahontas IL’s Paul Bailey, Michael Kloos from Trenton IL, Mike Schulte from Summerfield IL, and Highland’s Michael Jacober, all hope to dethrone the number 78 of Zobrist as the Highland Speedway Becker Jewelers UMP Super Late Model Champion in 2011.

The 2011 season also marks the return one of Highland’s longtime favorite drivers, Randy Korte; Korte, from Highland IL, missed much of the 2010 season with health issues is ready to make his Highland comeback this Saturday night.  “Kong Kong” Korte will be at the wheel of the famed 00.

The battle of the UMP Steve Schmitt Modifieds was won last season by Mike Harrison from Highland IL, but Summerfield IL veteran Brian Bielong who was runner up to Harrison hopes to change things. Harrison, who was also the 2010 UMP Modified National Champion, is expected to return to defend his Championship.  Also doing battle in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds will be the Racing Realtor Chad Sellers from Breese IL, Scott Weber of Festus MO, Steve Lach from Brownstown IL and Brett “The Kid” Korves from Belleville IL are just of the few expected to make a run at the title in the Steve Schmitt Modifieds.

Ryan Eilers along with veterans Rick Johnson and Rob Lee will be looking to knock Ryan’s brother Russell off the top of the UMP Sportsmen division at Highland in 2011. Russell Eilers who finished 7^th in the UMP Sportsmen National Points chase, dominated much of the season in 2010 at Highland and hopes to be on top in 2011 when the dust settles.

Brad Venhaus of Aviston IL, won three Championships in 2010, two track Championships, (one here at Highland) and the prestige’s UMP National Championship for Street Stock racecars (UMP Factory Stock). Trying to regain his title in 2011 will be no small task with the likes of Michael Ripperda Jr, Stephen Fohne, Jeff Buss, and Tim Koch plus the balance of the Highland regulars all looking to reach the top in 2011.
If having two National Champions competing at your race track on a regular basis (Modified & Street Stock) isn’t telling you Highland drivers are quality of the first class kind, Highland’s Jordan Suhre finished third in the National Points chase (UMP Sport Compact). Suhre will be defending his Highland title (Factory Stock or Hornet), against Trevor Isaak, Austin Isaak, Justin Suhre, and Bobby Funderburk.

New in 2011 The Highland Speedway will bring in a 6^th class, the UMP Pro (Crate) Late Models, Former Highland regular Bobby Martintoni from Livingston IL will lead the list of drivers competing for the first ever Highland Pro Late Model Title. Expected to compete in 2011 are the Heck Brothers, Aaron and Daniel from Mt.Vernon IL, Former UMP Pro Crate Late Model Champion Bobby Dauderman from Alhambra IL, also another long time Highland fan favorite, St. Jacob IL’s Tom “Tom Cat” Carson, Last year’s 2010 UMP National Pro (Crate) Late Model Champion Scott Weber, past Highland track Champion Mark Oller and the list goes on.

The excitement is building as Promoter Scott Kuhn is working behind the scenes to bring the Highland Speedway fans the most exciting racing season they have seen in years.
The list of big events include the NALMS/UMP Tri State Challenge on June 2^nd, The UMP Summer Nationals June 22^nd, The Madison County Fair Race on July 27^th and the MARS vs The UMP dirt car series on August 25^th.

You can follow all the racing action on the tracks web site highlandspeedway.com or their Facebook page at facebook.com/highlandspeedway and new for 2011 have messages, updates, and chances to win prizes and tickets to the Highland Speedway sent right to your phone by texting HIGHLAND to 91011.

Photo Credit Photo Billy

Casey's General Stores Named Official Convenient Store of the Highland Speedway  

 
Highland IL (March 18, 2011)- Scott Kuhn is pleased to announce that Casey’s General Stores has come aboard as a Major Sponsor for the 2011 race season at the Highland Speedway. Casey’s General Stores has over 400 locations in Illinois alone and centers on states in the Midwest.. Promoter Kuhn said “Casey’s are heavily involved in Motorsports, sponsoring several racing series and major race teams and to have them partner with us in our Golden Anniversary year, is a privilege and honor. He added,” they believe in grass roots racing and we are proud to name them the Official Convenient Store of the Highland Speedway.”

About Casey's
In 1959, Founder Don Lamberti leased a store from his father on east 14th and Broadway in Des Moines, Iowa. After nine years of operating this old country store, which he remodeled into a convenience store, Don's gas supplier and friend Kurvin C. Fish, suggested that Don buy the Square Deal Oil Company.
Don followed his advice and purchased the service station with a three-bay garage in Boone, Iowa. Using the knowledge from his store in Des Moines, Don converted the gas station into a convenience store. The Boone store was named "Caseys" by using Kurvin C. Fish's initials.
The third store was built in another small community with a population of only 1,500 - Waukee, Iowa. This was the first Casey's built totally from scratch and proved to be the best store yet. At this point, Don realized he was on to something and decided to establish the stores in communities with a population of 5,000 or less.
Through the years, Casey's success has been attributed to our clean stores, restrooms, and the friendly employees who pride themselves in customer service. Casey's customers have come to know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful, and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food items, and a clean environment in which to shop.
Corporate Stores: 1618
To find out more about Casey’s General Stores and the closest one to you check them out on line at www.caseys.com.
For more information about the Highland Speedway visit them on line at highlandspeedway.com and on Facebook at Facebook.com/highlandspeedway

Excel Bottling Returns To Celebrate 50 Years of Racing

“SKI The Official Soda of The Highland Speedway”

(March 2, 2011) Highland IL – Scott Kuhn Promoter of the Highland Speedway is proud to announce that the Excel Bottling Company of Breese IL is returning to the Speedway for the 2011 season as the Official Soft Drink provider of the Highland Speedway and Excel’s flagship soda SKI is the Official Soda of the Highland Speedway.
Said Kuhn “Ski is the fan favorite here at the Speedway and with this being our 50^th year of racing we couldn’t be more pleased to have Excel Bottling on board as they are celebrating their 75^th year in business!”
To mark this tremendous occasion, Excel Bottling is Presenting Highland Speedway’s 50^th Year of Racing Celebration – A night honoring our retired drivers.
A celebration of this size could not be held on just one night of racing. The celebration will be held June 11^th and June 18^th.
It will be a night full of exciting UMP races featuring UMP Super Late Models, UMP Steve Schmitt Modifieds and all the support classes that race weekly at the Speedway, including, new for 2011, The UMP Pro (Crate) Late Models In addition, there will be drivers from the by-gone era of the speedway on hand, plus other activities celebrating 50 Years of Racing are being planned.
Kuhn added” We are proud to have such a fine family run business like the Excell Bottling Company support The Speedway, as we look forward to more families attending the races this year.”
The 2011 season at The Speedway will kick off with a car show at Larry’s Tire / WRP Speed shop on Popular Street in Highland on March 26, from 11 am to 4 pm, a test and tune is scheduled for Sunday March 27^th, and the opening night of the 2011 racing season at the Highland Speedway Celebrating 50 years of Racing will be April 2, presented by WDLJ 97.5 FM The Rock.
For more information visit the tracks web site at www.highlandspeedway.com or on Facebook/highland speedway.com

Highland Speedway Named UMP Track of the Year for 2010

Jan 8^th 2011 (Springfield IL) Scott and Gina Kuhn would like to thank the UMP (United Midwest Promoters) for naming The Highland Speedway the 2010 UMP Track of The Year and to all their Racers, Fans, Sponsors and The Highland Speedway Track Crew in helping the Speedway achieve such a great honor .

 Everyone is looking forward to 2011 and 50^th Anniversary of the Highland Speedway

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HIGHLAND SPEEDWAY 2011 RULES MEETING