Series | Karnac Racing News

Shirley Captures First DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” Victory in 2013 with Thrilling Last Lap Pass at Peoria Speedway

071513_SN_Peoria PEORIA, Ill. — July 15, 2013 — Defending Summer Nationals champion Brian Shirley claimed his first victory of the six week-long tour Monday night after completing a daring last-lap pass on leader Mike Spatola exiting turn two en route to capturing the checkered flag at Peoria Speedway.

Shirley, of Chatham, Ill., started on the pole of the 40-lapper alongside Spatola and charged out to an early lead, but the quarter-mile track proved to be tricky, as Shirley hopped the cushion on lap 16 letting Spatola around him for the lead.

Shirley and Spatola continued to swap the lead back-and-forth for most of the race before Spatola finally pulled away on lap 30. Once again, though, the track bit the leader, this time getting Spatola and allowing Shirley and points-leader Brandon Sheppard to join the battle for the win. (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-17T16:06:16-04:00July 17th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Super DirtCar Series|Comments Off

Thomas Scores Second Win of 2013 Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals at Vermilion County Speedway

071413_MN_Vermilion DANVILLE, Ill. — July 14, 2013 — Ryan Thomas scored his second victory of the 2013 Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals in dominating fashion on Sunday night, leading every lap but the first one at Vermilion County Speedway.

Thomas, of Martinsville, Ind., becomes only the third repeat winner of the six-week 2013 season. Thomas started on the outside of Steven Brooks, of New Lenox, Ill., on the front row as the field thundered to the green flag. Brooks got the early jump on Thomas before surrendering the lead on lap 2 to Thomas, who made his move to the front in the low groove.

Thomas quickly extended his lead over Brooks, who had his hands full with Brian Lynn and Nick Allen. Brooks allowed Lynn by him for a few laps before finally recapturing the second position, but no one could catch Thomas, who had extended his lead over the field. Eventually Brooks had a chance to pass Thomas with two to go but could not pull even with him as Thomas held him off to capture the $1,000 checkered flag. (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-16T16:31:47-04:00July 16th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Super DirtCar Series|Comments Off

Babb Ties All-Time Win Record with Sixth DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” Victory at Vermilion County Speedway

071413_SN_Vermilion DANVILLE, Ill. — July 14, 2013 — Shannon Babb scored his sixth victory of the 2013 DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” on Sunday night in a thriller at Vermilion County Speedway to tie Billy Moyer’s record of 82 all-time wins.

Babb, of Moweaqua, Ill., might be a long shot to capture his fourth Summer Nationals title as the series is in its final week, but that won’t keep him from fighting for victories. Babb captured the pole-position over Frank Heckenast Jr., who pulled out to the early lead. The outside groove was the fast groove early on as the outside starting Heckenast shot around Babb, pulling fourth-place-starting Mike Spatola with him.

Babb was finally able to move his car to the faster groove and gain back ground on the leaders as red-hot Bobby Pierce joined the four-way battle for the lead. Babb muscled his way around second-place running Spatola on lap 11, setting his sights on leader Heckenast as the leaders approached lapped traffic. On lap 19 two cars racing side-by-side trying to stay on the lead lap slowed down the leaders enough to bunch the top four in the outside lane. Babb captured the lead on lap 22 and led for six laps before Spatola and Pierce went by. Babb recaptured the lead for good on lap 31. (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-16T16:29:34-04:00July 16th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Late Models, Super DirtCar Series, World of Outlaws|Comments Off

Harris Ends Kay’s Deery Streak at Dubuque

Harris1-640x320 DUBUQUE, Iowa (July 14) – Brian Harris returned to victory lane Sunday night at Dubuque Speedway, at the expense of the driver who had snapped his four-race Deery Brothers Summer Series winning streak.

Harris led most of the IMCA Late Model tour 50 lapper from the pole but the 12^th starting Justin Kay didn’t give up his own three-race streak easily.

They traded the front spot four times over the final seven circuits, with Harris gaining the edge for the final two go-arounds after Kay missed his mark in the first set of turns.

Finally able to get some breathing room after a side-by-side battle that lasted most of 20 laps, Harris beat Kay to the checkers by three car lengths for his fifth $3,000 checkers of the season.

Luke Merfeld, Ray Guss Jr. and Dan Shelliam completed the top five. Hard charger Jeff Aikey advanced a dozen spots to seventh. (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-16T16:26:28-04:00July 16th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, IMCA|Comments Off

2nd Annual Bryan Storer Memorial 115

2013_Bryan_Storer_Memorial_Flyer_one_page

This Saturday July 20th the FL United Promoters Series presents the 2nd Annual Bryan Storer Memorial 115 at Auburndale Speedway. This event is hosted by the Storer and Macy Families to commemorate the memory of Brian who raced for many years here in Florida. Last years inaugural event won by Daniel Webster who also was the last winner at Auburndale for the FUPS race on June 22nd will be on hand to defend his victory. He will be chased by FUPS regulars, points leaded Wayne Anderson, Jesse Dutilly, home track “Fast Man” Jonathan Guy, Billy Bigley Jr, Anthony Cataldi, Jake Perkins, Randy Anderson, and many more. The FUPS Legends & Bandolers will be joined by the Mod Mini’s, V-8 Bombers, Scramblers, and Street Stocks for the nights action.

The track will have open practice on Friday night from 5pm-10pm. with a cookout for everyone compliments of Auburndale Speedway. Sat. pit gates will open at 12pm., tech at 1:00, practice 2-5:15pm. qualifying at 6pm, racing at 7pm.. Sunday 7/21 will be the rain date for this event, this race the tire impound rule is in effect, plan on purchasing your tires from Auburndale Speedway. For more info stay tuned to www.floridauniterpromotersseries.com and like us on face book.

By Scott|2013-07-15T20:56:22-04:00July 15th, 2013|Featured, Florida United Promoters Series, Front Page News, Late Models|Comments Off

Pierce Captures Fourth DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” Victory in 2013 at 34 Raceway

071313_SN_Burlington (1) WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa – July 13, 2013 – Bobby Pierce claimed his second win in as many nights and his fourth win of the 2013 DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” season Saturday night as he lead the final 15 laps and held off Brian Birkhofer at 34 Raceway.

Pierce, of Oakwood, Ill., would have to pass fewer cars to capture this victory compared to the victory Fridaynight. Pierce started on the outside of row two, just behind the front row of points-leader Brandon Sheppard and Birkhofer, who grabbed the lead from Sheppard as the two drivers battled side-by-side for much of the early going. With Birkhofer and Sheppard putting on a show for the fans, the youngster Pierce was marching his way to the front. (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-14T18:06:00-04:00July 14th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Super DirtCar Series, World of Outlaws|Comments Off

Brad Sweet Earns Crown in 30th Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway

Californian Dominates for Second World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Win

071313_SP_KINGSROYAL ROSSBURG, Ohio. – July 13, 2013 – It was only a matter of time until Brad Sweet tasted victory lane at Eldora Speedway in World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series competition. However, no one would have guessed it would have been in one of the most prestigious races anywhere in dirt track racing, the Kings Royal.

Sweet, of Grass Valley, Calif., started outside of Brandon Wimmer for the 30^th running of the historic event and jumped out to an early lead in the 40-lap, $50,000-to-win race in his Kasey Kahne Racing Ollie’s Bargain Outlets ride. A three-car battle that included Wimmer and Donny Schatz prevented Sweet from running away.

On the final restart on lap 25, after a wreck involving Chad Kemenah and Paul McMahan battling for the fifth position, Sweet struggled at first to retake the lead as Schatz put the pressure on in his attempt to become a three-time Kings Royal winner. By the 27^th lap, though, Sweet had fully cleared Schatz and with 13 more clean laps through lapped traffic found himself crowned King.

“It’s unbelievable to win the Kings Royal,” said Sweet, who has narrowly missed out on winning a World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series event at Eldora several times, including Friday night when he finished second. “It’s still sinking in, but we’ve been fast here so I knew we could do it. I can’t thank my guys enough, Kasey Kahne Racing, Kasey Kahne himself for giving me this opportunity, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, my guys Dave, Eric, Rob and Willie. It was déjà vu on coming up to try to get around Sammy Swindell again to lap him. I know Donny’s going to be good and the first time we restarted I chose the top and he had me beat going into one and if he would’ve gone to the top it would’ve made it a much closer race.” (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-14T18:03:12-04:00July 14th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Sprint Cars|Comments Off

J-MAC SWEEPS RUMBLE ON THE GUMBO NATIONALS FOR NeSMITH CHEVROLET DLMS

470883_390392931079787_554674465_o GREENVILLE, MS – Justin McRee of Cottondale, AL swept the 3^rd Annual Rumble On The Gumbo Nationals at Greenville Speedway for the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Touring Division on Saturday night by taking his second straight victory driving the High Roller Race Cars Special.

J-Mac started fourth and took the lead on lap 14 from pole sitter and fast qualifier Johnny Stokes of Columbus, MS. McRee then checked out, and won the caution-free 50-lap race by over six seconds over Stokes, who finished second in the Bassett Hound Motorsports GRT.

“I just love this race track because last night it was slick and we could run the top, and tonight it was tacky and hammer down where we could use the bottom of the track,” McRee said. “I want to thank Wesley Washington and James Clolinger for giving us a great track to race on last night and again tonight. I just wish this place was a little closer to home.” (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-14T17:59:10-04:00July 14th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series|Comments Off

John Blankenship Dazzles at Lucas Oil Speedway’s CMH Diamond Nationals

WHEATLAND, MO (July 13, 2013) – John Blankenship dazzled the impressive crowd on-hand at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO tonight in the 7th Annual CMH “Diamond Nationals” co-sanctioned by the Lucas Oil MLRA. Blankenship took the point’s lead from Jimmy Owens last night, and came into tonight’s event a-top the points standings for the first time in his career. He and Owens had a fierce battle for the lead, until lap 28, when Blankenship finally put some distance between himself and the “Newport Nightmare”. Blankenship went unchallenged the rest of the way in the race that had no cautions.

Blankenship’s third LOLMDS victory of the season also marked his first-ever at the track. He took home $10,000 for the win and put an end to Owens’ reign over the facility. Owens entered the event having won six out of the last seven LOLMDS races at Lucas Oil Speedway, including 3 Show-Me 100’s.

Trailing Blankenship and Owens to the finish line were Tony Jackson, Jr., Earl Pearson Jr., and Steve Francis.

“I don’t know what to say,” said the winner in Lucas Oil Victory Lane. “To beat Jimmy here is just unbelievable! He has been so strong here; I didn’t think anyone was ever going to beat him here. Our car tonight, once we got going really was fast, to catch Jimmy and then to pass him says a lot about our team and this Rocket Chassis. We have come so close to winning here before, and to finally do it tonight in front of this big crowd, is just tremendous!” (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-14T17:48:19-04:00July 14th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series|Comments Off

Pierce Claims Third DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” Victory at Kankakee County Speedway

071313_SN_Burlington KANKAKEE, Ill. — July 12, 2013 — Bobby Pierce, much like his previous two wins, kept his car glued to the bottom of the track all night as he stormed from his row six starting position to claim his third win of the 2013 DIRTcar Summer Nationals “Hell Tour” on Friday night at Kankakee County Speedway.

Pierce, of Oakwood, Ill., started 11th, five rows behind the pole-sitter Matt Miller, of Whitehouse, Ohio. Miller, who has not won a “Hell Tour” event since 2008, was clearly in charge the first half of the feature. Pierce, locked to the bottom, needed 24 laps to reel in Miller before passing him for the lead with a little over half of the race to go. Pierce went on to lead the rest of the way and capture the $10,000 checkered flag in the 20^th race of the 2013 “Hell Tour” schedule at Kankakee County Speedway.

“I didn’t think I was gonna be able to do it from 11th,” said Pierce, a 16-year-old who continues his strong points year as he currently sits fourth in the standings with a week to go. “But I was watching the track and seen that the bottom was really coming in a lot. I knew that I was good down here last year when I got second so I just had to keep doing the same thing over and over again and hitting my marks.” (more…)

By Scott|2013-07-14T17:30:20-04:00July 14th, 2013|Featured, Front Page News, Late Models, Super DirtCar Series|Comments Off