Featured | Karnac Racing News

Poel Powers to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Gator Qualifier Victory

Michigan racer locks into Monday night’s $5,000-to-win Gator Championship
BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 16, 2013 – Jacob Poel made his first visit to the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment a memorable one by capturing the Gator Championship qualifier Saturday night at Volusia Speedway Park.

“We just swapped a motor out yesterday, after having one problem after another,” said Poel, of Spring Lake, Mich. “I ran third in the heat and I don’t know where we started in that feature but the car was just absolutely perfect. I don’t know really what else to say. It was an amazing feeling. I’m just glad to be able to come down here with all the people that have supported me and got me here.”

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By Scott|2013-02-17T08:07:58-05:00February 17th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Super DirtCar Series, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

John Wes Townley Goes to Victory Lane at Daytona; Gives Venturini Motorsports First Win at ‘World Center of Racing’

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Feb. 16, 2013) – Venturini Motorsports driver John Wes Townley took the checkered flag Saturday after an amazing sequence of events inside the finals 10 laps left him at the front of the Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real.

Townley won from the pole in what was the 50thannual ARCA Racing Series event at Daytona International Speedway.

“It’s one thing to win your first race in ARCA, it’s another to win at Daytona,” Townley said after the first win in the 31-year history of Venturini Motorsports at Daytona International Speedway.

“This is just a great day for Venturini Motorsports,” Townley said. “This is priceless. I almost wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. It’s a real honor.”

The final 49 laps were all under the green flag.

Kyle Larson finished second, Ricky Ehhrgot third and Frank Kimmel fourth. Sean Corr came in fifth. (more…)

By Scott|2013-02-17T05:40:32-05:00February 17th, 2013|ARCA, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off

Darrell Lanigan Is Unstoppable At Bubba Raceway Park

Jim Rouse, Ocala, FL – Once more the World of Outlaws Late Models and Bubba Army Hobby Stocks presented by Ferrea Racing Components took to the 3/8 clay oval for some hot action. The Hobby Stocks were fighting for some pride and cash while the 7th feature event for the World of Outlaws at Bubba Raceway Park would pay $10,000 to the winner. In the previous 6 events only former series champions had won- Darrell Lanigan the first 3 and the 6th, while Josh Richards won the 4th and Rick Eckert the 5th. Other series champions like Shane Clanton and Tim McCreadie were mighty quick on Friday as well as 3-time track champion Ivedent Lloyd, Jr. Would history repeat itself or would a fresh face visit Coors light Winner’s Circle at Bubba Raceway Park?

The Bubba Army Hobby Stocks presented by Ferrea Racing Components feature started with Brian Morgan jumping out to the lead over a handful of drivers like Devin Walker, Grady Christian, and Donnie Ashford. Walker would take over the top spot around the lap 5 mark and never look back as he strolled to a dominant win in the caution-free 20-lapper. “Shady” Grady Christian and Donnie Ashford had a nice tussle for 2nd and Christian held on just barely as those 2 went 3-wide with Kevin Durden for 2nd-4th. With Ashford in 3rd and Durden 4th after struggling most of the night it left Brian Morgan down in 5th place. Walker won a Winter Nationals event for the 2nd consecutive year and the #55 team was ecstatic. (more…)

By Scott|2013-02-17T05:32:55-05:00February 17th, 2013|Bubba Raceway Park, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off

Pearson Powers to Lucas Oil Victory Lane at East Bay

TAMPA, FL (February 16, 2013) – Earl Pearson Jr. rallied from a flat tire to win the $10,000 DART Winternationals finale for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at East Bay Raceway Park. Pearson pitted on lap 37 after suffering a right rear flat and restarted from the tail. He charged through the field, taking the lead from Don O’Neal on lap 52 and led the remainder of the race.

Driving for NASCAR’s Bobby Labonte, Pearson took the Lucas Oil Products and MAVTV sponsored Longhorn Chassis Chevrolet to Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the first time since July of 2010 at Tri-City (IL) Speedway. “It’s been a longtime, no doubt,” said the 4-time series champion who was all smiles from ear-to-ear. “This deal with Kevin Rumley came together just a few months ago and we have come out of the box running much better! I have to thank Steve Shaver, he was my crew chief this week, and everybody at Lucas Oil and MAVTV for their support! It feels great to be back in victory lane!”

Pearson’s win was the third of his career at East Bay and his 25th on the LOLMDS tour. Scott Bloomquist wound up second followed by O’Neal, Jared Landers, and Steve Francis.

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By Scott|2013-02-17T05:10:54-05:00February 17th, 2013|East Bay Raceway Park, Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series|Comments Off

Owens Overtakes O’Neal, Wins Day Race at East Bay

TAMPA, FL (February 16, 2013) – Jimmy Owens passed race leader, Don O’Neal on lap 16 and went on the take the $7,000 main event at East Bay Raceway Park Saturday afternoon. The race was originally scheduled for Thursday Night, but was rained out. The win marks the second victory at EBRP for the 2-time and reigning Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion.

O’Neal and Dennis Erb Jr. battled it out for the first 15 laps, with Erb officially leading lap 9. Erb had a flat on lap 15, bringing out the first caution of the race. Owens, who started fifth passed O’Neal on the outside after the restart. Owens then led the rest of the race and picked up his second career win at East Bay and the 37th series win of his career. O’Neal came home in second, followed by Eric Jacobsen, John Blankenship, and Vic Coffey.

“For a day race, the track was really great! The crew went out and worked it after the rain delay and there were enough crumbs out there to give everybody traction for the first part of the race,” said the driver of the Mike Reece-owned, Reece Monument Company, Bloomquist Race Cars Ford. “From where we started, I figured that I needed to get to the front before the track took rubber. I saw Erb running up top and I don’t know what happened to him. John (Blankenship) and I had a really good race for second. I was finally able to clear him and was able to catch O’Neal and pass him for the lead.” (more…)

By Scott|2013-02-16T21:28:41-05:00February 16th, 2013|East Bay Raceway Park, Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series|Comments Off

Pittman Roars to World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series Season-Opening Victory

UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by SummitNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit continues Saturday evening

BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 15, 2013 – There were hugs, smiles and high fives. Then, a hop onto the back of his car, where Daryn Pittman let out a yell that reached the edges of Volusia County as the confetti blanketed his new ride.
An extremely happy Pittman gave his NASCAR-star boss, Kasey Kahne, a grin as they celebrated on the frontstretch at Volusia Speedway Park Friday night following Pittman’s World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series season-opening victory in front of packed grandstands.

“We were stout from the time we unloaded and we were just lucky enough to come out on top,” Pittman said. “I’m as happy as I’ve ever been driving a race car.”

The 42nd annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment was the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series season debut for Pittman, who got the call near the end of last season to compete for Kasey Kahne Racing.

“They built a really strong team over the offseason and it’s fun to watch,” Kahne said. “I’m glad we were able to get him in our car. I think he’s done really well for a long period of time and now hopefully he can do really well all year for us.

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By Scott|2013-02-16T08:30:37-05:00February 16th, 2013|Artic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions, Featured, Front Page News, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Hoffman Wheels to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Victory Friday Night

Defending Gator Champion Holds off Charging Florida Native Kyle Bronson to Claim Modified Money

BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 15, 2013 – Nick Hoffman inherited the lead after Matt Cooper of McKenzie, Tenn., had mechanical issues on lap 11, and drove to his first win of the 2013 UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment on Friday night at Volusia Speedway Park.

“I got a pretty good draw and I’m not usually good at the draw deal, said Hoffman, of Mooresville, N.C. “Cooper got the jump on me and he was running right through the middle, but once I found the cushion I knew we’d be in pretty good shape. It was just hard to keep control of it and hit your marks every lap.”

Hoffman, who drew the pole position for the 20-lap main event, battled side-by-side with Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., for the victory with Bronson finishing second. Bronson started 10th and charged to third in only four laps. Bronson also finished as the runner-up to Rodney Sanders on Tuesday’s opening night of the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals.

“We got pretty lucky he showed me the top,” Hoffman said. “The next restart I just went up top and blazed the cushion and I felt like it was pretty much game over after that.”

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By Scott|2013-02-16T08:11:01-05:00February 16th, 2013|Artic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions, Featured, Front Page News, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Lanigan STILL On A Roll In The World Of Outlaws

Jim Rouse, BRP Media Ocala, FL – It’s the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and the Bubba Army Hobby Stocks presented by Ferrea Racing Components turn to take to the 3/8 mile track of Bubba Raceway Park and the action is as hot as Darrell Lanigan’s 2012 season.

Our Hobby Stock drivers sent what Grady Christian called “6 of the best in Florida” and they all went at it for a $1000 prize. Kevin Durden dominated the first 13 laps but when it came to crunch time he had plenty of good company on his back. Going into turn 3 Sean Monoghan dove for 2nd and lost it all as his #51 broke loose to set-up the Green White Checkers. Durden had Tim Gay, winner last time out, and “Shady” Grady Christian trailing and when Gay fell off the pace it let Christian squeeze right into 2nd from starting position #6. Gay actually brought the yellow out as he was unable to exit the track which left “Big KD” to hold off “Shady Grady” and Brian Morgan. Christian seized the opportunity and forgot about the berm in turn 1, held his ground, and escaped the leader. Car #36 led just half a lap but it was the most important part and Grady Christian earned a cool $1000. Durden was a disappointing 2nd while Brian Morgan, Hunter Gustafson, and Devin Walker rounded out the top 5, respectively.

For the 6th time the World of Outlaws Late Models made the trip to Bubba Raceway Park and every driver was trying to make the trip worth it, especially with $7000 on the line. Action started off quickly when Josh Richards, Mike Marlar, and Darrell Lanigan all broke the track record set by Lanigan 364 days ago. Richards won the Ohlen Racing Shocks Fast Qualifer Award with a 13.771 (98.03 MPH) that probably won’t last very long with the way the track has been progressing. The 4 heat races were quite simple as the top 4 of each would lock-in to the A Main feature- Richards, Marlar, and Lanigan all won their heats from pole and Brady Smith won the fourth from the outside pole. The B Main races were quite entertaining as local driver and WoO Rookie of the Year candidate Dillon Wood charged to 2nd and earned the 20th starting spot. Wood joined Ivedent Lloyd, Jr. and Mark Whitener as the Local Representatives. (more…)

By Scott|2013-02-16T06:48:31-05:00February 16th, 2013|Bubba Raceway Park, Featured, Front Page News, Late Models|Comments Off

Don O’Neal Dazzles at East Bay, Wins Main Event

[imagebrowser id=24]TAMPA, FL (February 15, 2013) – Don O’Neal captured his 15th career win at East Bay Raceway Park tonight after taking the lead on lap 39. Doug Drown and O’Neal had a hard fought battle, exchanging the lead several times during the main event. O’Neal captured $10,000 for winning the first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points event of the season.

Drown led the majority of the 50-lap main event and held the top spot until O’Neal chased him down in lapped traffic. Drown fought back hard, closing to within a car length of O’Neal near the end of the race, but came up short in his bid for a first ever LOLMDS win. Pierce; the 16-year-old, second generation driver; held his own, finishing third. He was followed by the Optima Batteries Hard Charger, Earl Pearson Jr., who drove his way from the 18th starting spot to claim fourth, just ahead of Dennis Erb Jr.

“That was a thrilling race, the fans could not have asked for a better feature! We changed so many things on this car, and it was perfect in the end,” said the winner, O’Neal. “I got up to second and we (Drown) raced hard for the lead, I would get by him, then he would come back around me”. The 48-year-old O’Neal piloted the Optima Batteries and Jay Dickens-powered MasterSbilt House Car.

Drown is racing at East Bay for the first-time in his career this week and was excited with his runner-up finish. “Hats off to Don, he drove a great race! I thought we were going to get it for a moment. I looked over at the scoreboard and saw the 71 behind me, and I thought maybe I could him hold him off, but he is obviously one of the best drivers in the country. Just to run with these guys is quite an honor,” exclaimed the elated driver. (more…)

By Scott|2013-02-16T06:37:37-05:00February 16th, 2013|East Bay Raceway Park, Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series|Comments Off

MATT COOPER LEADS ALL 75 LAPS IN EAST BAYS OPEN WHEEL MODIFIEDS SATURDAY

Jean Lynch for East Bay Raceway Park – Pulling off the biggest win of his career, Matt Cooper out of McKenzie TN drove the race of his life, staring out in front of the 26 car field through 11 caution periods and a mandatory fuel stop Saturday night to close out the 14th Annual Open Wheel Modified portion of the 37th East Bay Raceway Park Winternationals.

“This is the biggest win of my life,” he said in victory lane collecting the $5,000 check for his first-ever win at East Bay driving for his father Ronnie Cooper sponsored by Ronnie Cooper Trucking.

His brand new Mark Bush Racing Bandit car with a Mullins engine was the class of the field, performing flawlessly staying in front all the way having no trouplle pulling away on each and every restart and seemingly getting faster as the laps couned down to 75.

Even more remarkable on the lap 37 fuel mandatory fuel stop, his pit crew surprised him with the news that his Hoosiers had such good tire wear, that he could run as hard as he wanted to the end. (more…)

By Scott|2013-02-10T22:03:56-05:00February 10th, 2013|East Bay Raceway Park, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off