Series | Karnac Racing News

Strickler Tops NASCAR Stars In DIRTcar Nationals Thriller

Austin Dillon, Kenny Wallace pace field early during Volusia opener

021114_DCN_Graphic_600x400 BARBERVILLE, Fla. — Feb. 11, 2014 — On a night when NASCAR superstars invaded Volusia Speedway Park to race DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, it was Kyle Strickler battling back against Jeff Babcock on Tuesday to claim the first victory of the 43rd Annual DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

Austin Dillon and Kenny Wallace paced the field early in the 20-lap main event, but Strickler and Babcock worked their way to the front, swapped the lead back and forth before Strickler finally powered to the lead for good with two laps to go in the opener of the 12-night event.

“Usually on a racetrack this fast you don’t see racing that good,” said Strickler, of Mooresville, N.C. “Jeff and I hung out at Eldora and he’s a hell of a racer. I knew he would race me clean. This is probably one of the fastest racetracks I’ve raced on. It’s an amazing feat for us to come down here and do this well right off the bat.
As fast as Dillon and Wallace were early in the A-main, it was impressive the way Strickler and Babcock continued to push forward.

“They put their race suits on just like we do,” Strickler said. “The stuff they do on Sunday is completely different. I commend those guys for coming out, Kenny Wallace, Ken Schrader, the Dillons. If you look at the speed charts they were way out in front of us in the beginning, but the track came to us, the car came to me.” (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-12T16:49:15-05:00February 12th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, Race Results, Super DirtCar Series, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Eddie Carrier Jr Sweeps First Night of East Bay Winternationals

Carrier East Bay 2014 TAMPA, FL – Eddie Carrier Jr. made a clean sweep of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series racing action on Monday Night at East Bay Raceway Park. Carrier set a new track record during Miller Welders Time Trials, won his heat, and led all 25 laps for the victory in his Carl Grover Motorsports/Rocket Ford.

Carrier earned his first career win at East Bay over Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Brian Shirley, and Billy Moyer, Jr. Carrier’s Salt Rock Express is powered by a Grover Race Engines

“If we didn’t win tonight, we may never have another chance like this. When you set a new track record, win your heat, and lead every lap in the feature, it’s really awesome. It says a lot about our race team. My car owner, Carl Grover and my dad (Eddie Carrier Sr.) have been so instrumental in my career, I can’t thank them enough. This car has been so good out of the box this year, Rocket Chassis worked real hard at the end of last year on this design and this year it’s been superfast,” said the winner.

The younger Moran held his own for most of the distance, fighting off challenges from several drivers. “To run second with this group of drivers says a lot,” said the 19-year-old. “My dad (Donnie) told me to be patient. To out run guys like Billy Moyer, his son, Sheppard, and everybody else here… wow is all I can say.” (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-11T06:21:54-05:00February 11th, 2014|East Bay Raceway Park, Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Race Results|Comments Off

‘Salute to the King’ plus Pittman’s title defense kick off Friday at Volusia Speedway Park

WoO_STP_SC_LOGO_SHADED_300-copy BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 10, 2014 – The World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series kicks off the 2014 season onFeb. 14 during the DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park.

This also marks the beginning of Steve Kinser’s “Salute to the King” tour marking the 20-time champion’s final run at a series title. Four of Kinser’s 576 World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series A-main victories have come at Volusia, including two in 2011.

Last season’s eventual champion, Daryn Pittman, earned the victory on opening night at Volusia in his Kasey Kahne Racing Great Clips car. This time around, Pittman will begin his title defense on the fastest half-mile dirt oval in the country.

The World of Outlaws STP Sprint Cars compete Friday (Feb. 14), Saturday (Feb. 15) and Sunday (Feb. 16) for three nights in the 12-night DCN line up with the World of Outlaws Late Models, the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds and UMP DIRTcar Modifieds.

WHEN· Friday through Sunday, Feb. 14-16, at Volusia Speedway Park. Grandstands open at 5 p.m. nightly with hot laps and qualifying at 6 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE· Volusia Speedway Park is located just 15 miles west of Ormond Beach on S.R 40. From I-95, take exit 268 west on State Rd. 40. From Highway 17, take S.R. 40, 5 miles east of Barberville. Click on the link for a map (http://goo.gl/maps/9BH8h) (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-10T19:23:41-05:00February 10th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, Racing News, Sprint Cars, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Francis Dominates Finale at Golden Isles Speedway

Francis Golden Isle WAYNESVILLE, GA (February 8, 2014) – Steve Francis wins the final Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event of the Georgia Boot Super Bowl of Racing. Francis displayed his dominance as he led all 50 laps of the main event. The win at Golden Isles Speedway marks his 14th career series win.

Francis became the third different winner of the weekend, crossing the finish line ahead of Eddie Carrier Jr., Earl Pearson Jr., Scott Bloomquist, and Brandon Sheppard.

“I can’t say enough about this Barry Wright Race Car. It handled so well all night long. The only concern I had, was coming off turn four a few times was jumping the cushion and losing my momentum. I had to make sure I got into that corner the best I could,” said the winner.

“I think all weekend long, the track was in good condition and made for a great show for the fans. We could race anywhere on it. We had a lot of fun out there tonight. It was a great point’s night, and a really good start to the season.”

Francis and his Clint Bowyer Racing Team have set their sights on winning the title in 2014. “I have to thank Clint for giving me this opportunity. He gives us what we need, the Clements Racing Engine had plenty of horsepower and it’s great to win for Georgia Boot and everybody associated with them.” (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-10T19:08:37-05:00February 10th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Race Results|Comments Off

FITZGERALD POWERS TO NeSMITH CHEVROLET DLMS BRUNSWICK WIN

Jason Fitzgerald of Middleburg, FL drove the M&M Transport Refrigeration GRT to victory on Friday night in the Super Bowl of Racing Presented By Rock Auto.com for the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, GA. (Heath Lawson Photo)

BRUNSWICK, GA – Jason Fitzgerald of Middleburg, FL drove the M&M Transport and Refrigeration GRT to a convincing victory Friday night at the Super Bowl of Racing Presented By Rock Auto.com for the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series at Golden Isles Speedway. Fitzgerald took the lead on the second lap and never looked back for his first series career win.

Jeremy Faircloth of Swainsboro, GA finished second in the CJR Forestry Warrior and Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC was third in the Tri-County Race Track Special. Walker Arthur of Forest, VA took the fourth spot in the Cecil B. Arthur Beef Farms Special and Chris Noah of Rainbow City, AL was the Rookie of the Race after a fifth-place effort in the Old Man’s Garage Special.

Robert Diekemper of Bloomingdale, GA took the sixth spot in the Baird Transport Special and Mack McCarter of Gatlinburg, TN was seventh in the CVR Race Cars Special. The defending NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Champion Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, TN started 21^st and finished eighth in the NeSmith Chevrolet Special.

Fast Qualifier Jacob Anderson of Murphy, NC finished ninth in the Scrapy’s Metal Special. Anderson out-qualified the 43-car field with a lap around the 4/10-mile clay oval in 16.319 seconds. Mark Whitener of Middleburg, FL rounded out the top ten in the Dave’s Towing Special.

The preliminary ten-lap B-Main Races were won by Noah, Arthur, Jak Kicklighter of Savannah, GA in the Kicklighter Construction Special and Montana Dudley of Phenix City, AL in the Eiland Pools Rocket. Dudley was unable to start the main event after breaking an axle in his B-Main winning effort.

Anderson and Fitzgerald battled side-by-side for the lead for the first two laps of the 30-lap main event before Fitzgerald took the lead. Donald Brasher of Burlington, NC trailed the lead duo in the Mega Plumbing Rocket followed by Faircloth and Cook. The first of six caution flags came out on lap four when Dalton Cook stalled the Wrap Tech Signz Special in turn four. (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-10T19:03:44-05:00February 10th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, Race Results|Comments Off

Madden Wins Friday Night’s Running of the Georgia Boot Super Bowl of Racing

Chris Madden Golden Isle WAYNESVILLE, GA (February 7, 2014) – Chris Madden earns the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series main event victory on Friday Night at Golden Isles Speedway. Madden was dealing with a rapidly deflating right-rear tire in the final two laps of the Georgia Boot Super Bowl of Racing.

“I felt the tire going flat under the caution. I’m not sure if I ran over something to cause it to go flat, or if it was just worn out. I don’t know, but we were lucky to hold Don O’Neal off,” said Madden in Lucas Oil Victory Lane, “I have to thank my crew; this Bloomquist car ran terrific all day.” Madden claimed a sixth place finish in the afternoon race won by Jonathan Davenport.

“It was a little tedious there in traffic; our car was good getting into the corners, but a little tight off of them. I thought I had left the door open a little bit for whoever was behind me. With all the laps on the track today, you just have to be patient. I have to thank Clements Racing Engines, Century Plastics, Henderson Amusement, East Coast Entertainment, Hamrick’s of Gaffney, Xtreme Customs Cycles and Cushman Paint and Body Shop,” continued an excited Madden. (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-10T18:57:44-05:00February 10th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Race Results|Comments Off

COOK TAKES NeSMITH CHEVROLET DLMS SEASON OPENER AT GOLDEN ISLES SPEEDWAY

Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC celebrates his win on Friday afternoon in the Super Bowl of Racing Presented By Rock Auto.com 2014 season opener for the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, GA. (Heath Lawson Photo)

BRUNSWICK, GA – Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC took the lead with five laps to go and drove the Tri-County Race Track Special to victory in the 2014 NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series season opener on Friday afternoon in the Super Bowl of Racing Presented By Rock Auto.com at Golden Isles Speedway.

Cook started ninth and moved up to the second spot by lap eight. When early race leader Walker Arthur of Forest, VA began to encounter lapped traffic with ten laps to go, Cook closed in and made up a half straightaway deficit. Arthur pushed up the banking in turn one on lap 26, and Cook dove underneath to take the lead.

“I couldn’t catch Arthur until he got into that lapped traffic because until then, it seemed like we were running the same speed,” Cook said. “He tried to lap a car on the outside and the lapped car moved up in front of him. That opened the door for me to take the lead.” (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-10T18:51:40-05:00February 10th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, Race Results|Comments Off

Davenport Dominates Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Opener at Golden Isles

Davenport - Golden Isle WAYNESVILLE, GA (February 7, 2014) – Former Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Jonathan Davenport of Mt. Airy, NC dominated the season-opener Friday afternoon at Golden Isles Speedway. Davenport set a new track record in time trials, won his heat, and led all 25-laps of the first main event for the Georgia Boot Super Bowl of Racing. The win marked his third career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory. Davenport’s other LOLMDS victories were in the state of Virginia at Winchester Speedway and Virginia Motor Speedway both during the 2010 season.

“I can’t thank Kevin [Rumley], Leroy [Rumley], and Longhorn Chassis enough. This deal just came together at the end of last year, I have driven for them before but to come together so quick with this car, it says a lot about this team.”

Davenport was unchallenged for a majority of the $5000 to win event, which was the first LOLMDS race at Golden Isles Speedway since 2008. Last year’s series rookie of the year, Billy Moyer Jr. ran second for the first 11 laps until yielding to Brandon Sheppard. Moyer then lost another spot a few circuits later to Earl Pearson Jr., who took over the third spot. (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-10T18:41:13-05:00February 10th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Race Results|Comments Off

DIRTcar Nationals ‘Six Pack Challenge’ Voting Closes

Six Super DIRTcar Series, six DIRTcar UMP Modified Drivers Entered into Special Races During the Two-Week Event Feb. 11-22 at Volusia Speedway Park

BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 4, 2014 – Voting has closed in the DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment “Six Pack Challenge” with six Super DIRTcar Series drivers and six DIRTcar UMP Modified drivers earning positions to compete in the special six-lap dashes during the Feb. 11-22 event at Volusia Speedway Park.

Drivers eligible to compete in the DIRTcar UMP Modified Six Pack Challenge on Tuesday, Feb. 18, are Jeff Babcock, Steven Brooks, Matt Westfall, Kody Weisner, Kenny Wallace and Nate Zimmer.

Drivers eligible to race in the Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Six Pack Challenge on Friday, Feb. 21, include Peter Britten, Mario Clair, J.R. Heffner, Bruno LaPage, Dave Rauscher and Matt Sheppard.

The two Six Pack Challenge races are six-lap dashes worth $500-to-win and $100-to-start.

Voting was closed ahead of schedule when officials determined electronic “vote bots” were being employed to manipulate the contest. Without a way to create a fair and level process once the voting was compromised on behalf of several drivers, some unknowingly, officials decided to cut short the contest on Tuesday and revert to totals from before the manipulation was detected. (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-05T00:32:28-05:00February 5th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, Super DirtCar Series, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS Tries Again For Season Opener At Golden Isles

CARTERSVILLE, GA – The NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series will try once again to open their 2014 season this Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a trio of $2,500-to-win races during the Super Bowl of Racing Presented By Rock Auto.com at Golden Isle Speedway in Brunswick, GA.

The teams are ready after five straight rainouts last week at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, FL, and the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series did get a glimpse of what’s to come for the 2014 title chase for the $20,000 Championship and the run for the NeSmith Cup, as over 40 teams were on the grounds at Bubba Raceway Park.

Although they get did not get to turn a competitive wheel during the week, they’re equipment is fresh and ready to go for the Golden Isle Speedway races. The Thursday and Friday events will each be 30 laps in length, and the Saturday night race will be a 50-lap race.

The 2013 NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Champion Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, TN will be back to defend his title. The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Inductee had three wins last season, and will be looking for his 18^th series career win at Golden Isles Speedway. (more…)

By Scott|2014-02-05T00:03:28-05:00February 5th, 2014|Featured, Front Page News, NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series|Comments Off