National | Karnac Racing News

This Weekend’s Events at Atomic and Brownstown Postponed

BATAVIA, OH (March 15, 2017) – This weekend’s events at Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, OH and Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN have been postponed. With the forecast for mixed precipitation and unseasonably cold temperatures at both venues, Speedway and Series officials have agreed to postpone the events.

The 3rd Annual Buckeye Spring 50 will now take place on Thursday, April 20th. The event will feature a complete program of: Miller Welders Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win main event. The Open Wheel Modifieds will compete for $1,000-to-win.

The Thursday, April 20th event at Atomic Speedway precedes a trio of events that includes: Sharon Speedway (Hartford, OH) on Friday, April 21st; Hagerstown Speedway (Hagerstown, MD) on Saturday, April 22nd; and concludes with Port Royal Speedway (Port Royal, PA) on Sunday, April 23rd.

For more information, visit www.atomicspeedway.net.

The 20th Annual Indiana Icebreaker – now dubbed The Tribute to Steve Barnett – sets up an action-packed doubleheader at Brownstown Speedway on Friday-Saturday, September 22nd-23rd.

The Tribute to Steve Barnett on Friday, September 22nd will include a complete program of: Miller Welders Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 30-lap, $7,000-to-win main event. The action will ratchet up on Saturday, September 23rd with the 38th Annual Jackson 100 – featuring a full program of: Miller Welders Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 100-lap, $15,000-to-win main event.

For tickets and more information, visit www.brownstownspeedway.com

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:29-04:00March 15th, 2017|Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off

Lucas Oil Late Models Return to Action Next Week

BATAVIA, OH (March 10, 2017) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will resume competition next week with a visit to Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, OH on Friday, March 17th – followed by Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN on Saturday, March 18th.

A strong contingent of local and regional standouts are expected to battle the elite drivers of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in the 3rd Annual Buckeye Spring 50. In 2016, Jonathan Davenport claimed his second Buckeye Spring 50 victory over Brian Shirley, Jimmy Owens, Mike Marlar, and Darrell Lanigan.

The Friday, March 17th event at Atomic Speedway will feature a complete program of: Miller Welders Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win main event. The Open Wheel Modifieds will compete for $1,000-to-win.

The Atomic Speedway season opener will award a minimum of $10,000 on Friday night, but carries the potential to award even more if the super late model car count exceeds 75 entries. “To kick off the year with a major Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event like this is really special,” Brad McCown, promoter of Atomic Speedway explained. “With that said, we would like to do something even more for the drivers that plan to make the trip to Atomic Speedway on March 17th. If the total car count reaches a minimum of 75, we will bump the purse from $10,000-to-win to $12,000-to-win, as well as guarantee $1,000 to each main event starter. We want this event to be massive; give the fans something to talk about for a long time.”

For tickets and more information, visit: www.atomicspeedway.net. (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:30-04:00March 10th, 2017|Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off

Wednesday’s Event at East Bay Raceway Park Canceled

TAMPA, FL (February 15, 2017) – Wednesday night’s Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series-sanctioned, Wrisco Industries Winternationals – presented by E3 Spark Plugs at East Bay Raceway Park has been canceled. Despite tireless efforts to work the track following a band of heavy rain in the afternoon, Speedway and Series officials have been forced to cancel the event.

The 41st Annual Wrisco Industries Winternationals will continue with a $7,000-to-win program on Thursday night. The event will be a complete show with Miller Welders Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a $7,000 to win, 45-lap main event.

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:30-04:00February 16th, 2017|East Bay Raceway Park, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off

Richards Takes Tuesday’s Wrisco Industries Winternationals Victory

TAMPA, FL (February 14, 2017) – Josh Richards took the lead from Davey Johnson on lap five of the 25-lap main event on Tuesday night at East Bay Raceway Park during the 41st Annual Wrisco Industries Winternationals – presented by E3 Spark Plugs. Richards had to fight off fellow West Virginia driver, Tim Dohm for his seventh career win at “The Clay by the Bay.”

Richards, in the Best Performance Motorsports, Rocket Chassis, Dargie-powered entry earned the outside front row for the main event after a last-lap pass on Austin Hubbard in a pivotal heat race number three.

Hubbard in the Mid-Coastal Siding, Trinity Logistics, Rocket Chassis came home in third followed by Devin Moran in the Tye Twarog, Rocket Chassis and David Breazeale in the Henderson Motorsports, Moyer Victory Race Car who rounded out the top five.

“We made a lot of changes from last night, we worked our way back to seventh last night, so tonight was a whole lot better. The pass on Austin [Hubbard] on the final lap of that heat race was crucial. Davey [Johnson] started off good. We stayed right with him until we were able to get around him.” (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:30-04:00February 16th, 2017|East Bay Raceway Park, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off

Sheppard Takes Opening Night at Wrisco Industries Winternationals

TAMPA, FL (February 13, 2017) Defending Dirt Track World Champion, Brandon Sheppard picked up his first career East Bay Raceway Park victory on Monday night during the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series-sanctioned Wrisco Industries Winternationals – Presented by E3 Spark Plugs. Sheppard – who started fourth on the grid – drove the Mark Richards Racing, Valvoline, Rocket Chassis’ House Car to the win after taking the lead on the fifth lap.

Trailing Sheppard across the finish line were Earl Pearson Jr., Devin Moran, Kyle Bronson, and Brian Shirley.

Shirley led the first four circuits of the 25-lap main event until Sheppard came from the outside of the second row to take over the top spot. Sheppard then held off Pearson, who had started seventh, for the victory. It was Sheppard’s fifth career LOLMDS win.

“It’s good to finally get a win at East Bay. We have been coming here for several years and to do it on opening night this year feels great. In a short race like this you must get to the front as soon as you can. The car was good all night long. We could pass cars low and high and then we finally cleared Shirley. It was a good race up front. This Rocket XR-1 Chassis is just fabulous and the Durham Race Engine was flawless.” (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:30-04:00February 14th, 2017|East Bay Raceway Park, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off

Richards Grabs Rhino Ag Super Bowl of Racing Finale

WAYNESVILLE, GA (February 11, 2017) – In his first career-season competing full-time on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Josh Richards won Saturday Night’s Rhino Ag Super Bowl of Racing presented by General Tire finale at Golden Isles Speedway. Richards took the lead on lap three and never looked back. The victory marks his 13th career LOLMDS victory, and his first win after having joined the Best Performance Motorsports Team last November.

Richards led defending series champion Scott Bloomquist’s Reece Monument Company, Crop Production Services, Sweet-Bloomquist Chassis and Brandon Overton’s Chip Stone, Longhorn to the finish line by several car lengths. Bloomquist and Overton had a spirited race for most of the 60-lap main event as Overton tried several times to get by Bloomquist. Brian Shirley finished in fourth, followed by the 2015 LOLMDS National Champion, Jonathan Davenport.

“I don’t know what to say right now. Thanks to all of fans for their support. It [switching race teams] was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. I have always wanted to work with Randall [Edwards]. I can’t thank these guys enough for this opportunity. It’s great to win the second night out in this car. Everything is new on this ride and we are just trying to get acclimated to it,” said the 28-year-old in Lucas Oil Victory Lane.

Rebounding from the previous night – where Richards had started on the front row, but faded to sixth at the finishn- he was elated for a better outcome. “I made an adjustment that I didn’t realize I had made last night and it definitely cost us. I was kicking myself afterward because I had done it by accident. We’ve really had a good car all weekend, I’m glad that I didn’t make the same mistake tonight. I can’t thank these guys enough for having faith in me!” (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:30-04:00February 14th, 2017|Front Page News, Golden Isle Speedway, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off

Overton Grabs First Career Lucas Oil Victory at Golden Isles

WAYNESVILLE, GA (February 10, 2017) The Rhino Ag Super Bowl of Racing – Presented by General Tire kicked off the 2017 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season on Friday night at Golden Isles Speedway.

When race leader Billy Moyer Jr. left the main event with 13 laps to go, Overton inherited the top spot and went on to win his first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event.

Overton held off fellow Longhorn Chassis driver Tim McCreadie in the Sweeteners Plus entry at the finish. Jimmy Owens ran third in the E3 Spark Plugs, R&W Motorsports, Rocket Chassis. Completing the top five were Brandon Sheppard and Jonathan Davenport.

“I hate it for little Billy, but sometimes that stuff happens. We will take it any way we can get it. You never know what’s going to happen at the end of a race at this place. I want to thank Chip Stone, Randy Weaver, and all my sponsors for making this possible. This is a great way to start our season,” said Overton.

“It’s great to win here in my home-state. There was a really good crowd here tonight – the most I think I have ever seen here on a Friday Night. We look forward to coming back tomorrow night and getting our team another win. Thanks to Longhorn Chassis, Cornett Racing Engines, Mission Transport, CrossFit by Overton, Outlaw Racing Southeast, and A.F. Stone Professional Medical Services.” (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:30-04:00February 14th, 2017|East Bay Raceway Park, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off

Friesen’s Big-Block Modified Roots Helped Create NASCAR Ride

friesen-nascar-story By Clayton Johns (CONCORD, N.C.) — Jan. 11, 2017 —One of the biggest stars of the Super DIRTcar Series will race full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series come 2017. Sprakers, NY driver Stewart Friesen has partnered with Chris Larsen to create Halmar Friesen Racing for his first full-time foray into NASCAR Racing, he announced Monday. Tommy Baldwin Jr. will be the team’s crew chief.

“We got our feet wet in it last year and the opportunity came to team up with Tommy Baldwin and his operation so it was a no-brainer for us. We combined forces and I’m really looking forward to it,” Friesen said.

Friesen made his NASCAR Truck Series debut last July at Eldora Speedway, NASCAR’s only race on dirt. The ride was supposed to be a one-time deal, but quickly blossomed into five more races for Friesen before the end of 2016. It led to the formation of his new team, which will be based in Mooresville, NC.

“We had just planned to do Eldora and have some fun with it, but it kind of lit a fire under everyone and the decision was made to try and do more,” Friesen explained. “We really learned a lot and met some great people along the way. Now we’ve kind of upped our game to the next level.” (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:14:14-04:00January 11th, 2017|Front Page News, National, Super DirtCar Series|Comments Off

Saldana to Park It in 2017

Will drive the No. 17 for Matt Wood and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

111716_scs_saldana CONCORD, N.C. – Nov. 28, 2016 – Joey Saldana is not only carrying on his family legacy into the 2017 racing season, but also living out the legacy left by the late Bryan Clauson. Saldana teamed up with Matt Wood and NASCAR star Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to pilot the Elk Grove Ford/ Roth Investments No. 17 racecar in the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series tour next season – an aspiration of Clauson’s since he first hopped into a 410 Sprint Car.

Saldana finished the 2016 season with Dennis Roth and Roth Motorsports amassing five wins, 31 top-five and 62 top-ten performances with 10 quick times in 81 points races. Saldana is nearing the 100-win milestone heading into his 18th consecutive season with the series; he stands at 99 wins, a mark that has taken the 1996 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year 19 seasons to build.

Saldana has finished within the top five in series championship point standings three of his last four seasons full-time. Roth Motorsports, which began its first World of Outlaw season in 1995, expected to carry its team’s momentum into the following season. However, a series of unfortunate events prompted Roth to take a step back and not field the No. 83 car in 2017. Saldana, 43, said he still has plenty of gas left in the tank but worried that this may have been “it.” (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:14:14-04:00November 29th, 2016|Front Page News, National, Racing News, Sprint Cars|Comments Off

LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL DIRT SERIES 2017 SCHEDULE REVEALED!

2016news_10-26 WAYCROSS, GA (October 26, 2016) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series – widely acknowledged as the nation’s premier dirt late model tour – announces a record-breaking 2017 schedule.

The ambitious 2017 schedule, which includes 54 events at 35 different venues across 22 states – begins with the February 10th-11th Super Bowl of Racing at Golden Isles Speedway, and concludes on October 20th-21st at Portsmouth Raceway Park for the 37th Annual Dirt Track World Championship, which is set to offer a $100,000 top prize for the third consecutive year.

The 2017 schedule will feature 15 events that will pay $12,000-to-win, along with 11 crown jewel events that will pay $20,000-to-win (or more). The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction some of most prestigious dirt late model events of the season, including: Bad Boy 98 ($20,000-to-win); Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 ($30,000-to-win); Clash at the Mag ($20,000-to-win); Silver Dollar Nationals ($53,000-to-win); Sunoco North/South 100 ($50,000-to-win); COMP Cams Topless 100 ($40,000-to-win); Hillbilly Hundred ($25,000-to-win); Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals ($40,000-to-win); Jackson 100 ($20,000-to-win); Pittsburgher 100 ($20,000-to-win); and the season finale – Dirt Track World Championship ($100,000-to-win). (more…)

By Scott|2017-06-05T21:12:30-04:00October 26th, 2016|Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, National|Comments Off