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NICK NERI OUTLASTS SUPER LATE MODEL FIELD AT AUBURNDALE SPEEDWAY

It was a chilly night for race fans at Auburndale Speedway Saturday but some good, hot racing kept most of them from thinking just how cold it was in the grandstands.

The Super Late Models were the feature attraction and, although just eleven showed up to do battle, battle they did in a race that had several twists and turns.

Palmetto’s Nick Neri led a very close field in time trials with a lap of
13.629 seconds just ahead of the 13.656 lap of Jon Guy and Jesse Dutilly’s lap of 13.685. Neri drew a six for the inversion placing Becca Monopoli on the pole for the 100-lap chase flanked by local shoe Ron Lofquist.

The start would not be a good one, though. Going into turn one, Dutilly had to check up a bit and was hit by third starter Steven King sending Dutilly’s machine hard into the turn one wall. Dutilly was none the worse for wear himself but his car was badly damaged and he actually walked the full length of the track from turn one to turn four where King was parked under the red flag. Dutilly had some “choice words” for King then walked back to the pit area.

When the race finally got started, Monopoli zipped out front only to see the caution fly on lap three for a Paul White spin off turn four. King got the jump on Monopoli after the restart, took the top spot and began to pull away from the field. Lofquist began to fall back losing third to Guy on lap six and fourth a lap later to George Gorham, Jr. Neri was moving forward after a slow start taking fourth from Gorham on the 18th lap while Guy breezed by Monopoli for second on lap 22. By now King was racing in a different zip code and looked to have the field covered. King’s big lead was erased on lap 45 when the caution came out although there was no incident or debris on the track.

During the driver’s meeting the competitors had been told that if 40 green flag laps were run consecutively that a “competition caution” would be thrown.
This would prove to be King’s eventual undoing after his early dominant performance. Guy blasted to the front on the restart while Neri got by Monopoli for third. The lead trio then began to put on a great nose-to-tail show for the fans with no one willing to give an inch while Matt McCrary charged by Monopoli (who was out of brakes) for fourth on lap 74 just before the two leaders, Guy and King, got together coming off turn two with both being sent to the rear for the restart.

Neri was now the leader and he clearly had the fastest car on the speedway as he pulled away from now second place McCrary. The final yellow flag flew on lap 88 as White went into a spin courtesy of King while Guy also spun to keep from being involved. King dropped out at this point.

Neri easily led the final 12 circuits to score his first career Auburndale Speedway victory while McCrary’s steady driving netted him a nice runner-up finish. Despite running most of the race with no brakes, Monopoli took third spot followed by Guy and White. Lofquist was sixth and Charles Kopach seventh, the last two cars still running as all seven finishers were on the lead lap at the end. King was credited with eighth ahead of Gorham, David King and Dutilly.

Chris Spring began defense of his 2018 Modified Mini Stock title by winning a hard fought 25 lap feature. Spring won the first heat but it was second heat winner Mike Rudder who took the early lead before he and Spring bounced off each other and spun out on lap 16. Spring continued but Rudder was done for the night.

Bryton Prevatt took over the lead and the race would then become a great battle between Prevatt, Mike Kerrivan and Spring who made a late charge to put his “Black Duece” in victory lane. Kerrivan was a close second over Prevatt, Kenny Nurse, Jr. and Clint Holmes. Jimmy McLeod took sixth with Jimmy Wood seventh and the last car still running. Rachelle Rudolph was eighth, victim of two blow right rear tires. Rudder was credited with ninth and Kelly Hahn was tenth after dropping out early. Mike Prevatt and Donnie Ezell did not start.

2018 V-8 Bomber champion James Wright III won the heat race which earned him pole position for the 25 lap feature. That was pretty much all she wrote as Wright led all the way to take the win and start defense of his title. “We are going to try and take another championship although I will probably miss a couple of nights this year,” said Wright in victory lane. “I was in Alabama working all week and my dad worked on this car all week and it was really running great in the cold weather,” he said.

Jody Gill debuted his new “K-9” Camaro with a fine second place finish. Gill, who is a local K-9 police officer, had been credited earlier in the week as he and his dog captured a man suspected in a string of local bank robberies.
Danny Burchfield took home third spot ahead of Phil Ellis and Roy “Bubba”
Healey. Ronnie Abney, Jr, was sixth followed by Brandon Love, Jimmy McLeod, Kyle Case, Jesse Killinger and Travis Todd who was the only driver unable to finish.

The 25 lap Legend Car feature was a real barn-burner that saw several cautions and numerous lead changes before Noah “Little Gator” Cornman took over on lap
22 and raced to a popular victory. “That was an awesome race,” said Cornman in victory lane and his comments were echoed by second place Jarrett Wagman who also led many laps before having to settle for the runner-up spot.
Defending track champion Jim Smith claimed third spot while Brandon Taylor took fourth ahead of Ryan DiVagno and Brandon Hershey. Seth Adams was running third as the white flag came out but his car developed problems and he ended up seventh. Kyle Pitts took over Bob Wilson’s car for the night but he dropped out early and was credited with eighth. Wagman won the heat race.

Maria Martins took the lead on lap ten and went on to win the 20-lap Mini Cup feature race. The young lady driver also won on opening night last year then was shut out the rest of the season, mostly due to a series of mechanical failures. “I don’t want a repeat of last year,” she said after taking the victory. “We want to win more races this year and hopefully the championship too,” she said.

Veteran Russell Bush came home second followed by 2018 Mini Cup champion Douglas Herrin, Jr. who came back from a big heat race wall-banger to get a podium finish. Heat winner Bryton Horner was fourth followed by Clay Samuels and Wilson Martins, Jr.

Driving a “throw-back” Dale Earnhardt black #3 Mini Stock similar to the one his dad drove in the class a few years back, Chris Narramore, Jr. won the Q Mini Stock heat then easily captured the feature race that was combined with the Scrambler class. Freddie Martin kept things close but had to settle for second over David McCaig, Oscar Coulter, Colin Hardin, William Kerns and Guy Kolmel.

The Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association was also in the house and the DAARA Sprint Cars put on their usual great show with Robert Campbell of Tarpon Springs leading most of the way to score the victory in his beautiful midnight blue creation. “My uncle Steve Campbell restored this car from the ground up and boy is it a pleasure to drive,” said Campbell. “My dad (long-time Sprint Car owner Harry Campbell) never let us kids drive his cars since he had some really good drivers in the seat (the likes of Dave Scarborough, Frank Riddle and Jan Opperman), so it’s really cool to get to be behind the wheel of one of these things now,” he continued.

Duane LeCornu made his Sprint Car debut in a “new” restored car and drove to an impressive second over veteran Sprint Car shoe Stan Butler. “Guess we are gonna have to get some new tires to keep up with these guys,” joked Butler after the race. Merle Strickland took fourth with Chris Hahn, Bob Wolpert, Louis Brashear and John Parrish rounding out the finishers.

The DAARA Stock Car feature fell to Cush Revette, Jr. of Tampa who was driving his Bobby Allison tribute car 1955 Chevy #312. Heat winner Steve Slaughter brought his coach-bodied Modified home a close second. Steve Parrish took third in a six-cylinder-powered Modified ahead of Darren Nichols, Richie Iversen, David Glenn, Ken Jeffres and Dan Hayes.

By Scott|2019-01-29T15:38:36-05:00January 29th, 2019|Auburndale Speedway, Local, Racing News|Comments Off

LUCAS LEE SCORES BIG WITH FIRST CAREER WINTERNATIONALS VICTORY

The lessons learned on Friday night paid big dividends for Tennessee racer Lucas Lee, who outpaced the 24-car field in the 75-lap Modified A-Main to close off week one of the 43^rd annual Winternationals.

Lee had struggled to start the week, but went back to basics before the Friday night event. The result was a second place run to Kyle Bronson and some valuable lessons from the 30-lap main. Regretfully, the early week struggles took their toll as Lee ended up missing the top six in points who were locked into the feature…by just one point.

Lee would win his heat race to earn the seventh starting spot, but by lap 10 he had moved to fourth. Polesitter Ivedent Lloyd Jr. rocketed off to a big lead in the early stages, leaving Wednesday feature winner Bryan Bernhardt and Wisconsin’s Kevin Adams to fight it out behind him. Lee was able to pick his way past the duo to move into second. With 20 laps down, Lee reeled in Lloyd and sat ready to make the move. Lloyd had an issue on a lap 24 restart, but Lee had been passed by fellow Tennessee speedster Shon Flanary who gained the lead. The lead would be short lived as Lee swept back on lap 40, just before the fuel break.

Lee’s first challenge in the next segment would come from Devin Dixon, who was making a bid to be the first driver to win a final night of Modified racing in Winternationals. The 2006 & 2012 champion would lead a single lap with Lee getting back out front. From there, the eventual winner would stretch out and never see another challenge.

“We just rode it out for the first half,” said Lee in Victory Lane. “Devin (Dixon) showed us a little bit and Buzzy (Adams) showed us some and we were able to get it moving. We had a good car now that we finally figured it out and I listened to what the crew guys were saying. They’re pretty and I’m glad we could get the win.”

Despite a 21^st place finish in the final event, two-time feature winner Kyle Bronson would capture the overall points.

Mike Potosky and Jimmy Lennex won their respective B mains. Heat race winners were Lee, Roger Crouse, Mavrick Varnadore and Dale Kelley.

Alabama’s Richie Stephens scored his third consecutive feature event in Street Stocks, outdueling Dennis Williams in the 40-lap feature. Stephens, who left immediately after the feature to head home to the National 100, was the early leader but lost the position on a restart to Williams. Stephens was able to get back up front on lap 28, but Williams had one more run. Stephens settled in and left Williams to battle Shan Smith and Scotty Kay as the three would trade spots through the final laps.

The 43^rd annual Winternationals will continue on Jan. 31 with Stingray Performance Crate Late Models, Top Gun Sprints and V-8 Warriors/Thunderstocks squaring off for three nights.

Saturday – Jan. 26

MODIFIEDS

A-MAIN: Lucas Lee (12), Devin Dixon (313), Phillip Cobb (03), Mavrick Varnadore (4), Jimmy Lennex (8), Kevin Adams (40), Doug Horton (33H), Shon Flanary (98), Gordy Gundaker (11), Curt Myers (1M), Eric Moon (18). Steve Meyer Jr. (1A), Dale Kelley (22), Jeff Mathews (33), Roger Crouse (15), Ivedent Lloyd Jr. (311), Bryan Bernhardt (B69), KC Burdette (44KC), Michael Turner (127), Devin Moran (2A), Kyle Bronson (1B), Mike Potosky (M20), Bill Roberts (5R), Shane Burrows (70B)

B-MAIN: Mike Potosky (M20), Doug Horton (33H), Patrick Hoffman (308), Chris Wilson (17), Michael Cherry (17C), Seth Geary (7G), Tom Sigler (19), Pat Passanise (19P), Nathan Huffingham (N8), Dennis Haven (96), Drew Bender (29B), Roger Jackson (1J), Brett Kennard (5M), Phillip Cobb (03)

B-MAIN: Jimmy Lennex (8), Bill Roberts (5R), Chad Williamson (96c), Brad Goff (41), Dustin Thayer (10T), Eric Moon (18), Chad Roush (32), Brad DeYoung (7), Corey Partin (99), Dean Noseworthy (60X), Joey Lee (662), Jayson Good (85)

POINTS: Kyle Bronson – 261, Kevin Adams – 243, Devin Dixon – 242, Lucas Lee – 226, Bryan Bernhardt – 224

STREET STOCKS

A-MAIN: Richie Stephens (69S), Shan Smith (90), Scotty Kay Jr. (69K), Dennis Williams (24), Justin Rodgers (95), Brian Morgan (9), Tim Powers (44), John Bradley (57), Jason Harrison (69H), Henry Burnside (31), Chris Combs (14), Jim Baker (69X), Rich Livernois (71), Josh Sigler (19), Thomas Pratt (22), Robert Tyler (99), Joel Andrews (56)

POINTS: Richie Stephens – 124, Scotty Kay Jr. – 104, Dennis Williams – 96, Tim Powers – 96, Shan Smith – 95

By Scott|2019-01-27T05:40:56-05:00January 27th, 2019|East Bay Raceway Park, Local, Racing News|Comments Off

Three-Time Champion Nick Hoffman Leads Stellar Field of Modifieds to Florida

BARBERVILLE, FL – Jan. 25, 2019 – As usual, the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds will kick off 12 straight nights of racing at Volusia Speedway Park on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The busiest division in Florida during the month of February, and perhaps the most competitive of all, will take on the legendary half-mile, high-banked dirt oval for seven straight nights from February 5-11. The UMP Modifieds will race in 10 total features in the chase for the 2019 DIRTcar Nationals title while celebrating their 15th year at the event.

Over the past 14 years, the UMP Modified division has produced 46 different feature winners along with 10 different champions. Car counts have averaged in the 70s with 111 feature races conducted. Only three drivers have captured more than one championship, and it wasn’t done for the first time until 2013, when NASCAR legend Ken Schrader accomplished the feat.

No driver, though, has been more successful at DIRTcar Nationals than three-time defending Champion Nick Hoffman. The 26-year-old has ascended to the status of “Best Gator” with a record 14 wins. The Mooresville, NC resident scored his first ever DIRTcar Nationals feature on February 20, 2012, the inaugural Gator Championship night, and the first of what would be three Gator Championship night wins for him.

Single victories in 2013 and 2015 set the stage for the past three seasons of domination by the driver originally from Belleville, Illinois. Four feature wins each in both 2016 and 2017, as well as three more in 2018 have propelled the driver of the popular #2 Elite Chassis entry to the last three DIRTcar Nationals titles.

“Man, this is so awesome. To win a Big Gator is pretty special no matter how many times you do it,” said Hoffman on stage at Volusia in 2018 after winning his third consecutive DIRTcar Nationals title. “These championships are so hard to come by, and to be able to do it three years in a row says a lot about this car and this team. There’s so many people that make this happen, and I truly can’t thank everyone enough.”

Hoffman stands alone as a three-time DIRTcar Nationals champion in his division. Only Schrader (2008 & 2013) and NASCAR shoe Ty Dillon (2012 & 2014) have more than one DIRTcar Nationals title. Seven other drivers have single championships.

The 2018 battle for the Big Gator was a good one between Hoffman and Kyle Strickler. On opening night, NASCAR star David Stremme ended a winless streak that stretched back to 2015 with his second career DIRTcar Nationals victory. Hoffman responded by winning the next two nights. A pair of first-time feature winners emerged in Larry Mott and Frank Paladino; Tyler Nicely ended a two-year drought with a feature win; and Strickler closed out the busy schedule ending another three-year winless streak with his first Gator since 2015.

Big Gator Qualifier nights would see Nicely strike first with his second feature win of the week and third of his career, while Hoffman bagged win #3 and career victory #14 the next night. On the final night of competition, Strickler stopped Hoffman’s bid for a third straight Gator Championship night win by scoring the final night feature payday, his second feature win of the week and fourth overall of his career. However, Hoffman had accumulated enough points over the seven straight nights of racing to secure his third straight overall championship.

Heading into the 48th annual DIRTcar Nationals, Hoffman will once again lead the charge, with plenty of competition from two-time 2018 feature winners Strickler and Nicely. With a single win in 2018, Stremme will look to add to his totals and chase after his first DIRTcar Nationals title, while Clarklake, MI veteran Brian Ruhlman, who went winless in 2018 after collecting single victories in 2017 and 2016, works to end a mini-slump and compete for his first championship at Volusia.

Two former NASCAR stars who always make life difficult for the UMP Modified contingent are Schrader and Kenny Wallace. Schrader has two career victories at the DIRTcar Nationals, but it’s been a long time — six years to be exact — since the two-time DIRTcar Nationals Champion (2013 & 2008) took the checkered flag. It’s been even longer for Wallace. After his three-win year of 2012, the Arnold, MO veteran has gone winless at Volusia but is still tied for seventh all-time in career DIRTcar Nationals feature wins with four. He shares that mark with Strickler.

NASCAR Xfinity Series star Justin Allgaier also has a single win at Volusia in 2016, and he would love to snap that skid as his Daytona schedule allows. Two-time NASCAR Gander Mountain Truck Series Champion Matt Crafton has made infrequent appearances at Volusia over the years and is still in search of his first Gator. So is Stanley, NC rising star Taylor Cook, a two-time winner in the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals, as that elusive first Volusia victory has also, so far, eluded him.

After DIRTcar Nationals, the UMP Modified teams turn their attention to the remainder of the 2019 racing season and the widely popular Summit Modified Nationals.

Tickets for the 48th Annual DIRTcar Nationals can be purchased here.

By Scott|2019-01-26T17:35:00-05:00January 26th, 2019|Racing News, Upcoming Events, Volusia Speedway Park, World of Outlaws|Comments Off

DIRTcar Late Models Kick Off Week Two of DIRTcar Nationals to Set Stage for World of Outlaws

BARBERVILLE, FL – Jan. 25, 2019 – When those in the motorsports world think about the start of any racing season, their minds automatically revert to palm trees and warm temperatures of Florida in February. Dirt track fans’ minds wander to the famous Gator Pond at the World’s Fastest Half-mile, Volusia Speedway Park.

The first week of DIRTcar Nationals caters to the open-wheel fans, while the second week indulges full-fender fans with two action-packed nights of DIRTcar Late Models followed by four straight nights of the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models.

In 2018, Jonathan Davenport scored his first career feature win at Volusia in what would be the lone DIRTcar Late Model feature. The next night was won by Mother Nature before the World of Outlaws Late Models took the field.

2006 World of Outlaws Champion Tim McCreadie kicked things off with his first feature win in a Super Late Model at Volusia since 2013 and sixth of his career. It was also his first World of Outlaws triumph since 2015. Later in the week, McCreadie would bag a second Gator with the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds and eventually the 2018 DIRTcar Nationals crown.

The next night, on February 15, 2018, Dale McDowell won his first Volusia feature in 19 years (February 13, 1999), ending the longest drought in DIRTcar Nationals history. His only other triumphs came in 1999 and 1998.

To wrap up the week, 2004 World of Outlaws Champion Scott Bloomquist grabbed career win #12 and first since 2016, while 2017 World of Outlaws Champion Brandon Sheppard bagged his only Volusia triumph of 2018 and second of his career.

With three second place finishes, one fourth place, and even one 25th place run, Chris Madden walked away with the Big Gator as the 2018 DIRTcar Nationals Champion — for the first time. The Gray Court, SC star later went on to place third in the chase for the 2018 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Championship with eight feature wins, 25 top fives and an astounding 33 top 10s in 40 starts.

The premier cars and stars in the full-bodied world mark the month of February as a time to establish their mark and show what the future could hold for the rest of the season. Since that game-changing day of February 14, 2005, when York, PA veteran Rick Eckert collected the first-ever DIRTcar Late Model feature win at DIRTcar Nationals, there have been 23 different winners in the 41 races conducted.

Since 1972, there have been 215 overall dirt Late Model features conducted at Volusia Speedway Park.

Whatever date you begin from, however, the same name tops the list. Six-time DIRTcar Summer Nationals Champion and National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Billy Moyer leads the way with 19 overall career wins at Volusia, including 10 since 2005, with six of those coming in DIRTcar Late Model competition.

His last DIRTcar Late Model checkered flag came in 2012, while his last overall victory at Volusia came in a Word of Outlaws Late Model race a year later in 2013. The Batesville, AR legend scored his first victory at Volusia back in 1985. In 2016, his son, Billy Moyer Jr., joined him on the winners list as the second father/son combination to score feature wins after Jack Boggs (1981) and his son, Jackie Boggs (2004).

Fellow National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Scott Bloomquist is second all-time in career wins at Volusia with 12; while four-time World of Outlaws Champion Josh Richards, also a four-time DIRTcar Nationals Champion, has 10 trips to Victory Lane. Four of Richards’ victories came in a DIRTcar Late Model, and the last three DIRTcar Nationals titles for Richards propelled the Shinnston, WV superstar to eventual World of Outlaws crowns (2016, 2013 & 2010).

Between 1972 and 1976, Wayne Shugart recorded nine victories, which has stood the test of time all these years later at fourth all-time in career feature wins. Jack Boggs and Don O’Neal are tied for fifth at eight victories apiece with O’Neal winning the 2017 finale, a World of Outlaws event, on February 25 — his first win at Volusia since February 15, 2011. That win broke a tie with 2011 World of Outlaws Champion Rick Eckert, who last visited the winner’s stage on February 17th, 2006, some 12 years ago. Eckert stands alone in seventh with seven wins.

2015 World of Outlaws Champion Shane Clanton has been the one to beat in recent seasons having captured two DIRTcar Nationals titles in 2015 and again in 2017. Only Richards briefly stopped that string in 2016. The Zebulon, GA standout has scored all six of his DIRTcar Nationals feature wins since 2015 with one of those coming in a DIRTcar Late Model event, while the other five have been in World of Outlaws competition. His first DIRTcar Nationals title in 2015 propelled him to his eventual World of Outlaws championship that same year. Clanton is tied for eighth all-time overall at Volusia with six, sharing that honor with Larry Moore, Freddie Smith and McCreadie who collected win #6 in 2018.

With car counts in the 50s and up, DIRTcar Nationals sets the tone for the remainder of the season.

Moyer leads all drivers with six DIRTcar-only feature wins, while Richards is tied with Bloomquist for second all-time in DIRTcar Late Model-only victories with four. McCreadie stands alone in fourth with three wins, as five drivers are tied for fifth all with two victories apiece.

After DIRTcar Nationals, the DIRTcar Late Model teams shift focus to the remainder of the 2019 season. Many of the teams will look ahead to the 34th annual DIRTcar Summer Nationals Hell Tour starting on Wednesday, June 12 at Peoria Speedway (IL). The schedule features 28 races over 32 days covering about 3,800 miles from Illinois to Indiana, down to Tennessee, back to Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin and Michigan before finally crowning at champion on Saturday, July 13 at Oakshade Speedway (OH).

New in 2019, fans will be able to follow the entire tour LIVE on DIRTVision with a Late Model Fast Pass when the event isn’t at their home track. Know the stories before you get to the track by following along every night!

By Scott|2019-01-26T17:30:06-05:00January 26th, 2019|DIRTcar, Racing News, Upcoming Events|Comments Off

American Flat Track Adds Key Personnel to Competition and Administrative Departments

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 24, 2019) – As it gears up for its most-anticipated season to date, American Flat Track (AFT) is bolstering its Competition and Administrative departments with key hires.

Bringing with him over a decade of motorsports experience and eight years of emergency services experience, Ramin Shute-Mahini will serve as Race Director for American Flat Track. Shute-Mahini currently holds the position of Event Director for the Arizona region of the National Auto Sports Association. Concurrently, he serves as Manager of Emergency Services at ISM Raceway – formerly Phoenix International Raceway – in Avondale, AZ coordinating all emergency services for its facility.

“Ramin will bring more than a decade of experience in race control and emergency services to the sport,” said Joey Mancari, Chief Competition Officer of American Flat Track. “That experience will prove invaluable as we continue to scale American Flat Track in the coming seasons.”

AFT also welcomes Becky Cunningham into the position of Controller. With 22 years of experience under her belt, Cunningham has found her niche in bolstering financial growth for rapidly-growing enterprises.

Former Chief Competition Officer Chris Carr has elected to step away from AFT to pursue other opportunities with the sport.

“I have been deeply involved with flat track my entire life,” said Carr, “and I look forward to transitioning into a new role within the community.”

American Flat Track will kick off its 2019 season with its bar-banging DAYTONA TT in appropriate fashion – during the wild Bike Week festivities in Daytona Beach. The 2019 DAYTONA TT happens Thursday, March 14 once again under the lights of the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Tickets start at just $35 and are available now at www.americanflattrack.com.

For more information about American Flat Track and to keep up-to-date with the latest news about the sport, please visit www.americanflattrack.com.

About American Flat Track:

American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events at FansChoice.tv and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

By Scott|2019-01-25T23:30:51-05:00January 25th, 2019|National, Racing News|Comments Off

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2019 SEASON OPENER ONE WEEK AWAY!

BATAVIA, OHIO (January 25, 2019) – The first race of the 2019 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season is just one week away.

The nation’s top dirt late model drivers will assemble in Waynesville, Georgia to battle in the RhinoAg Super Bowl of Racing presented by General Tire. This blockbuster weekend will take place Thursday, January 31st through Saturday, February 2nd at Golden Isles Speedway.

The action will get underway with an open practice for all competing divisions on Thursday, January 31^st before the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series takes center stage on Friday and Saturday.

Both events will be championship points-earning events, which include a full program, highlighted by a 50-lap, $12,000-to-win main event. The Golden Isles Speedway Late Models and Enduros will also compete in a complete program each night.

Golden Isles Speedway is located off Highway 82 in Waynesville, GA, just 12 miles west of I-95 at Exit 29. For tickets or more information, visit: www.gisdirt.com or call the track office at (916) 386-0061.

By Scott|2019-01-25T23:21:50-05:00January 25th, 2019|Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Racing News, Upcoming Events|Comments Off

BRONSON BLASTS TO WINTERNATIONALS WIN

For the second consecutive night, a home state racer stood in Victory Lane after the Modified main event at East Bay Raceway Park’s 43^rd annual Winternationals.

Fast qualifier Kyle Bronson, who also earned the honor on opening night, backed up his achievement with a stellar victory in the 30-lap A main. The road to victory was far from an easy one.

For the second night, Bronson drew an inversion of four, putting the fast qualifiers in the second row for their heat races. In Bronson’s case, it meant he would barely qualify for the A-main and that meant a starting spot of 19^th for the feature.

The main stayed green for the first nine laps before a number of cautions started to appear. Early race leader Phillip Cobb saw his advantage wiped out by a charging Devin Dixon, who shot to the front on lap five. Wednesday night winner Bryan Bernhardt slipped to second on the next lap to become the challenger to Dixon. While those two were running steady laps, position battles were found all throughout the field. Bronson worked into the top 10 by the mid-race point and then moved to the high side for his assault on the lead packs. In short order, Bronson found himself dueling with Ivedent Lloyd Jr. for third, a battle that stretched over six laps before Bronson could move on. With four laps to go, Bronson, who stayed committed to the rim-riding all around the track, swept out front as Dixon soldiered on at the bottom. Bronson was able to break clear and cruised on to the win.

“We had a good car tonight and that really helps your confidence,” said Bronson. “Drawing that 4 made it really difficult for us, but our guys are working their tails off to get this car to be good. It drove like a dream. When I was able to get close to the front, I could smell. It’s good to win and I want to get what I can to put myself in a good position to do well the rest of the week.”

Shon Flanary and Eric Moon earned starting spots in the A by winning the 12-lap B features. Heat races were won by Lloyd, Wesley Duboise, Cobb, Dale Kelley and Curt Myers.

Alabama racer Richie Stephens became the one to beat in the 15-lap Street Stock main, going wire to wire for the victory. Heats were captured by Scotty Kay Jr. and 2018 East Bay Street Stock champion John Bradley.

Night #3 of the 43^rd annual Winternationals will serve as a crucial contest for a number of Modified racers who are seeking one of the six guaranteed starting spots for the 75-lap finale. Points will be added up after the feature, so a good finish could vault a driver into a better place.

THURSDAY – Jan. 24

MODIFIEDS

A-MAIN: Kyle Bronson (1B), Devin Dixon (313), Kevin Adams (40), Bryan Bernhardt (B69), Ivedent Lloyd Jr. (311), Jeff Mathews (33), Phillip Cobb (03), Bill Roberts (5R), Brad Goff (41), Mike Potosky (M20), Chad Williamson (96c), Jimmy Lennex (8), Eric Moon (18), Shane Burrows (70B), Doug Horton (33H), Wesley Duboise (12), Curt Myers (1M), Roger Crouse (15), Lucas Lee (12L), Dale Kelley (22), Shon Flanary (98), Patrick Hoffman (308), KC Burdette (44KC), Mavrick Varnadore (A1)

B-MAIN 1 (Top 2 Transfer): Shon Flanary (98), Patrick Hoffman (308), Chris Smith (88), Michael Turner (127), Steve Meyer Jr. (1A), Corey Partin (99), Chad Roush (32), Nathan Huffingham (N8), Dean Noseworthy (60X), Brad DeYoung (7), Chris Wilson (17), Gary Bentley (A-1), Tim Prince (6P). DNS – Dustin Thayer (10T), Dave Baldwin (6B), Gordy Gundaker (11)

B-MAIN 2 (Top 2 Transfer): Eric Moon (18), KC Burdette (44KC), Seth Geary (7G), Jayson Good (85), Bill Howard (47), Drew Bender (29B), Matt Altiers (2A), Tom Sigler (19), Brett Kennard (5M), Gary Eicher (29), Roger Jackson (1J), Kenny Carlson (21c), Dennis Haven (96), Joey Lee (662)

STREET STOCKS

A-MAIN: Richie Stephens (69S), John Bradley (57), Scotty Kay Jr. (69K), Justin Rodgers (95), Tim Powers (44), Brian Morgan (9), Jim Baker (69x), Josh Sigler (19), Shan Smith (90), Thomas Pratt (22), Ca;vin Cook (69C), Chris Combs (14), Dennis Williams (24), Henry Burnside (31), Joel Andrews (56), Richard Livernois Sr. (71), Rob Brillhart (77B), Robert Tyler (99), Jason Harrison (69H)

By Scott|2019-01-25T22:57:09-05:00January 25th, 2019|East Bay Raceway Park, Local, Racing News|Comments Off

World of Outlaws Return to Texas with Early Season Stops at Cotton Bowl and LoneStar

CONCORD, NC – January 24, 2019 – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will return to Texas for a pair of crucial early season races at Cotton Bowl Speedway Friday, February 22nd and LoneStar Speedway on Saturday, February 23rd. With the addition of a new title sponsor and new driver and team combinations, The Greatest Show on Dirt will have a new look in 2019, both on and off track, making the February races that much more important as teams attempt to establish momentum for the 2019 season.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will make its third visit in its 41-year history to Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, TX with Brad Sweet scoring the inaugural win at the semi-banked 3/8th oval in 2016 and David Gravel sweeping the program, including setting a new track record, a year ago. While Sweet will return in 2019 to his Kasey Kahne Racing No.49, Gravel begins a new adventure this season taking over the reins of the Jason Johnson Racing No.41.

“We were really good at Cotton Bowl last year and hopefully that translates this time around. Everyone wants to get a good start to the season, especially this year. These early season races are where we establish momentum and I’m looking forward to what the JJR team can do right out of the gate,” Gravel said in anticipation of returning to Cotton Bowl.

The following night the Series will trek to Kilgore, TX for its 13th appearance at LoneStar Speedway, dating back to 1984. 10-time Series Champion Donny Schatz is the most recent winner after last year’s event at the 1/3rd-mile high-banked oval was rained out.

A strong car count is expected for both Texas races. In addition to the 13 full-time World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series regulars, Kasey Kahne, Terry McCarl, Mason Daniel and a cast of others have both Cotton Bowl and LoneStar Speedway on their schedules. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Texas natives 2018 All-Star Champion Aaron Reutzel and 2018 ASCS Gulf South Champion Channin Tankersley make an appearance as well.

The Greatest Show on Dirt will return to Texas for the final time in 2019 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, TX. Tickets for both Cotton Bowl Speedway and LoneStar Speedway are on sale now. If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com

By Scott|2019-01-25T22:16:06-05:00January 25th, 2019|Racing News, Sprint Cars, Upcoming Events|Comments Off

FASTRAK in the Hoosier State: Movieland Speedpark becomes FASTRAK Sanctioned

Carnesville, GA – Movieland Speedpark in Chandler, IN will be FASTRAK weekly sanctioned for the Pro Late Models in 2019. The track, which is being operated by Reno Fontana will open with a test and tune on April 12, with the first racing night slated for April 19.

“I was born and raised in the Chandler area,” said Fontana, “I won my first bracket race at the dragstrip when I was 16 years old and my first victory at the dirt oval came in 1970 at the age of 17. So when the chance to buy the Chandler track presented itself, I jumped, and here I am today as the new owner.”

Fontana, now residing in Southern California, has plans to turn the now “Movieland Speedpark” into one of the finest community centers in the Tri-State area, with plans that span beyond motorsports.

The FASTRAK Pro Late Models will run on Friday nights at the 3/8^th mile oval in 2019. Teams will have the opportunity to race for the $5,000 to win FASTRAK VP Racing Fuels National Weekly Championship. Drivers who become FASTRAK members and compete in a minimum of 10 races will be eligible for the 2019 FASTRAK World Challenge at Beckley Motorsports Park on October 5^th and 6^th. The newly formatted FASTRAK World Championship will pay $2,000 to win on Friday and $5,000 to win on Saturday along with a $5,000 to win points fund for the top 10 drivers through the two nights. Additionally, drivers at Movieland Speedpark will compete for a FASTRAK Divisional Championship, which has $1,000 in point money per track within the division.

“Building this class in the tri-state area is our main focus,” said FASTRAK Executive Vice President DJ Irvine, “FASTRAK offers a host of benefits to the drivers and great championship point funds to compete for. I’m truly excited about Movieland Speedpark joining the FASTRAK family.”

FASTRAK members also receive $100,000 of participant accident medical insurance through Mutual of Omaha, which is included in their membership. Additional crew members can be added to the policy for just $20 per year. FASTRAK hosts a first-class Night of Champions banquet each year to honor all champions from the previous year. This year’s banquet was in Kingsport, TN.

The 2019 FASTRAK World Championship will pay $50,000 to win and $2,050 to start at Virginia Motor Speedway on September 13^th and 14^th. The race is the single richest Chevrolet Performance Late Model race in the history of the class. The FASTRAK World Championship will also be broadcasted tape-delayed on MavTV and available as pay-per-view on Speed51.com.

“We are excited to be partnering with FASTRAK and bringing late model racing, on a weekly basis, to the area,” continued Fontana, “We believe FASTRAK is the perfect fit for us.”
Check out the official website for the FASTRAK Racing Series at www.fastrakracing.com and continue to follow our social media networks for the FASTRAK Racing Series. Like and Follow our Fan Page on Facebook plus follow @FASTRAK_SE and/or @FASTRAK_MOV on Twitter to get up to the minute news and details as they become available. FASTRAK can be found on Instagram @fastrak_racing.

The 2019 marketing partners for the FASTRAK Racing Series are Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, AFCO “The official shock of the FASTRAK Racing Series”, VP Racing Fuel “The official fuel of FASTRAK”, VP Racing Lubricants, Speed51.com “The official video home of FASTRAK”, Basey’s Site Work, LLC, TNT Race Cars, Arizona Sport Shirts, Simpson Safety Equipment, Rockauto.com, and Thomas Clarke Performance

By Scott|2019-01-25T22:16:25-05:00January 25th, 2019|Fastrak Late Model Series, Racing News, Regional|Comments Off

Premier Regional Touring Series Makes Mark on the Deep South

HUNTSVILLE, AL – Series Director Charles Raymond Evans III and The ULTIMATE Deep South Super Late Model Series are finally ready to unveil the inaugural season’s schedule.

With the massive support found for this first season of competition, it has made the ULTIMATE brand the premier regional Super Late Model Series in the South.

Starting at ECM Speedway and progressing to the season ending 3 race $10,000 to win and $1,000 to start weekend at 105 Speedway, the Series has put Late Model racing back on the map in this region.

Included on the schedule is a race in every state in the region, a first for any Series competing currently in the Deep South.

This has already proven to be a shift in the ideologies of track owners and promoters. As we work to grow our brand and racing as a whole, this new mindset is sure to grow as well. The Series would like to thank each and every track that we are working with this season and we look forward to adding more throughout the year, as well as the legions of fans and drivers that we will meet. It is sure to be a 2019 to remember. For more information on the ULTIMATE Deep South Super Late Model Series visit www.ultimatesupers.com or call (256)684-5623. ULTIMATE Deep South Supers are also on Facebook at ULTIMATE Deep South Super Late Model Series.

The ULTIMATE Super Late Model Series would like to recognize their series partners for the 2019 season which include: American Racer, Hoosier Race Tires, Arizona Sport Shirts, DirtonDirt.com, Speed51, Trevor Moon, and Thomas Clarke Performance Web Design.

By Scott|2019-01-21T19:31:17-05:00January 21st, 2019|Racing News, Regional, ULTIMATE Super Late Model Seires|Comments Off