Outlaws Know Quick Start at Volusia Key to Championship Race

by Kyle Luetters

CONCORD, N.C. — Points. In motorsports, those numbers are what separate champions from the rest of the field. The past two years on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series tour, the margin between title contenders has never been closer for a longer period of time.

Those points earned on the first night of the season Feb. 11 at Volusia Speedway Park are just as important as the points that will be earned on Nov. 5 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in the season finale. Last year at the DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio, Tony Stewart Racing’s Donny Schatz and Steve Kinser put themselves in the title chase with Jason Meyers, Joey Saldana and Jason Sides by topping the World of Outlaws events during the 12-night kickoff to the 2011 dirt track racing season.

Meyers needs a strong start at Florida to begin his title defense because Schatz and Kinser, with 24 championships between them, know what it takes to win a crown. And nobody will be as motivated as Saldana, who is trying to give car owner Kasey Kahne his first World of Outlaws crown.

All that leads into a breakdown of the Outlaws, by their 2010 finishing order, entering the season opener Feb. 11 at Volusia:

Can Jason Meyers pick up where he left off in Charlotte? Meyers dominated the World Finals in November, capturing both A-mains to become the first Californian to win the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championship. A single-car operation that prides itself on its teamwork and dedication to winning against bigger multi-car teams, the Elite Racing Team with Meyers behind the wheel won’t rest on its 2010 accomplishments, which led to Meyers being named Driver of the Year by the North American 410 Sprint Car Poll. Determined to repeat like the champions before him, Meyers knows he will need a strong effort at Volusia to continue the momentum he had at the end of last season.

Donny Schatz had a huge surge down the stretch last season to close within striking distance of Meyers at the World Finals and carried it into the winter with big wins in Australia. In the past, that combination has led to a strong start for Schatz at Volusia, where he earned a World of Outlaws victory last season, and could spell trouble for the rest of the field as the North Dakota native aims for his fifth title. A new-look color combination on the #15 machine might be just the spark he needs.

Steve Kinser was rejuvenated last season, coming ever so close to an unreal 21st championship and refueling the legend for another title run. Kinser earned a victory last season at Volusia on the series’ second night and that momentum combined with his new Tony Stewart Racing ride helped keep the King of the Outlaws at or near the points lead throughout the season. A resurgent Kinser created a buzz everywhere the Outlaws raced, highlighted by his spectacular Kings Royal last-lap victory. Nobody knows the value of a strong start more than Kinser, and he’ll no doubt be ready to roll Feb. 11.

Ask many experts and Joey Saldana is their pick to win his first World of Outlaws championship in 2011. The Kasey Kahne Racing driver was atop or near the top of the standings for nearly the entire 2010 season, winning a series-high 13 races, before a freak accident in the fall at Eldora cost him a night of racing and made it almost impossible to have a shot at the title. Saldana is one of the best racers at Volusia every February, finishing on the podium seemingly every night. Another strong start by Saldana and it could be trouble for the rest of the Outlaws in ’11.

Jason Sides started coming on strong at the end of the 2009 season and had a breakout year in 2010, winning on tracks requiring many different skills and finishing in the Top Five in points for the first time in his career. That success will no doubt raise Sides’ expectations this year. To contend he knows a fast start is crucial, and he has continued to put the pieces in place to be a threat to win every night. Don’t be surprised to see Sides, one of the most fan friendly drivers in Sprint Car racing, take the next step toward a title this season.

Paul McMahan’s 2010 season will be one he never forgets. He took over the Kasey Kahne Racing #91 Great Clips ride after Cody Darrah was injured in an off-track accident and turned in one of the best seasons of his stellar career. McMahan was tied with Meyers to lead the series with 10 quick times and tied with Schatz to lead the series with 8 pole positions. McMahan moves into the #83 car this year in a partnership between Kasey Kahne and longtime car owner Dennis Roth. A strong showing at Volusia will guarantee an even bigger battle for the World of Outlaws title in 2011 as the series races its way west in March to McMahan’s – and Roth’s -native California.

Every season opener at Volusia, Craig Dollansky is one of the drivers keep an eye on. A quick start in 2009 launched him to the top of the standings and he’ll look to duplicate that performance as he begins his second season in the Big Game Treestands #7 car. One of the most intense drivers in the pits, Dollansky is primed to attack the championship race this season after a strong winter of competition Down Under.

Lucas Wolfe is ever so close to winning his first World of Outlaws race, and Volusia is exactly the type of big, fast track where he can accomplish that feat. A native of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and the 2008 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year winner, Wolfe set three track records in 2010 as he’s progressed up the standings in each season he’s toured with the Outlaws. Kerry Madsen earned his first World of Outlaws win during the 2008 DIRTcar Nationals, this might be the year Wolfe does the same thing.

The World of Outlaws 2001 champion Danny Lasoski will unveil a new ride at Volusia, and his competitive edge will no doubt make him a force.

He’s had success in the past and if anybody knows the importance of starting fast and finishing strong it’s Lasoski.

Kraig Kinser , the 2005 Knoxville Nationals champion, moves into the #6 Casey’s General Stores car in 2011. A fast start at Volusia will be the spark he needs to climb into the wide-open championship race.

Like Wolfe, Sam Haferetpe Jr. also is on the verge of his first World of Outlaws victory. The Texas native topped time trials six times last year to go with three pole positions and three track records. He’s fast everywhere but seems especially quick on the big, high-speed half-miles like Volusia. A victory at Volusia could launch Hafertepe’s career to the next level.

Always a fan favorite, Jac Haudenschild earned five World of Outlaws victories in 2010. He enters Volusia, where he’s gone wheel-to-wheel for some of the most exciting finishes in recent years, knowing he’s one of the drivers everybody will be watching. His high-side racing style combined with the fast top-side at Volusia makes the Wild Child a threat to win on every night.

Chad Kemenah knows how to get around Volusia, having raced to victory on opening night in 2006. The Ohio native and four-time O’Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series champion came one strong in the fall and will look to carry that momentum into the DIRTcar Nationals.

No driver progressed more in 2010 than Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year winner Ben Gregg. Following a year on the road with Outlaws, Gregg will no doubt put that experience to work at Volusia.

Canadian Toni Lutar fulfilled a life-long dream in 2010, touring with the World of Outlaws at every event. Like Gregg, the experience will help Lutar take on the expected huge field of Sprint Cars at the DIRTcar Nationals.

Cody Darrah will be the front-runner for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award. An injured knee sustained in a car accident on his way to the track for the 2010 opener prevented Darrah from climbing into his Kasey Kahne Racing ride. A year later, Darrah is ready to restart his career with the Outlaws. Only 21 years old, Darrah has already earned a World of Outlaws victory at his home track of Williams Grove in 2009, a season when he turned heads with his on-track performance and caught the eye of Kasey Kahne. Everybody is eager to see how Darrah will compete in 2011, but no one doubts he’ll be one of the fastest racers on the tour right off the trailer at Volusia.

So will Meyers be able to make it two in a row? Can Schatz add a fifth trophy to the display case? Will Kinser get his coveted 21st crown? Or will Saldana, Sides, Dollansky, McMahan or another Outlaw win their first title? The story of the 2011 season begins Feb. 11 at the 40th DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park. Tickets are available by calling the event ticket hotline at 386-985-4402 or by clicking the Buy Tickets button at www.DIRTcarNationals.com, the official online home of the DIRTcar Nationals that includes news, directions and lodging information.

By Scott|2011-01-29T15:36:47-05:00January 29th, 2011|Featured, Front Page News, Series, Upcoming Events, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Russell King Aims To Put Frustrating Sophomore Campaign On World of Outlaws Late Model Series Behind Him

by Kevin Kovac, World of Outlaws Late Model Series PR Director

Tour’s 2009 Rookie of the Year Ready To Start Fresh During 40^th DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH On Feb. 14-19 At Volusia Speedway Park

BARBERVILLE, FL – Jan. 26, 2011 – Good riddance, 2010. Hello, 2011.

That’s Russell King’s simple mindset as he prepares for the upcoming World of Outlaws Late Model Series campaign, which kicks off with 50-lap events on Thurs., Feb. 17, and Sat., Feb. 19, during the 40^th DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park.

Coming off a miserable 2010 season in which he failed to show the progress he expected after winning the WoO LMS Rookie of the Year award in 2009, King, 21, of Bristolville, Ohio, is staring squarely at what he considers a make-or-break year. He feels he must improve on the road with the Outlaws or begin considering another line of work.

“The first year (following the WoO LMS) we ran good sometimes even though we didn’t know a lot (about dirt Late Models),” said King, who excelled on the western Pennsylvania/eastern Ohio big-block Modified circuit before tackling the WoO LMS schedule with less than two-dozen career dirt Late Model starts under his belt. “We seemed to be making some strides at the end of the (2009) season so last year I thought we’d continue to get better because we actually knew some stuff, but we got worse. We had a horrible season.

“Last year was real frustrating,” he added. “I want to be way further ahead than where I am right now. My mom and dad spend a lot of money for me to do this deal, so we have to be more competitive this year if I’m going to keep doing this fulltime.”

King appeared to be on an upward trajectory in 2009, registering eight top-10 finishes – including a late-season stretch of four top 10s in five races – en route to the national tour’s top rookie honor. He capped his year with a $12,000 triumph away from the WoO LMS at McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa., proving that his Outlaw education had served him well.

But King experienced a disheartening 2010 season. He managed just two top-10 finishes, led the circuit in DNFs (13) and finished out of the points-fund money (11^th in the standings). Only a shining moment in the mid-summer WoO LMS event at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park – he won his first-ever tour heat race and impressively led laps 1-11 of the A-Main before a scrape with a lapped car started him on a fall from contention – provided King some solace.

“Attica pretty much kept me from hanging myself off the lift-gate of my trailer halfway through the year,” quipped King, who settled for a 13 ^th-place finish at Attica after a mid-race tangle forced him to restart at the rear of the field.

Despite his demoralizing performance in 2010, King’s confidence is not shaken. He feels good about the state of his family-owned program, which features two Rocket cars (one he debuted last year and a brand-new machine) and a freshened stock of Custom engines.

“I’m staying positive and I’m real focused,” said King, who displayed his new King Bros. Racing. No. 56 in the DIRTcar Racing booth during last weekend’s Motorsports 2011 Race Car & Trade Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. “I feel like we’re the best prepared that we’ve ever been and I feel like I’m more serious mentally than I’ve ever been.

“The mental aspect is half of this deal right now because everybody’s got good race cars and good motors, but sometimes with the Late Model I don’t have that killer instinct to keep digging like I used to in the Modified. When I raced Modifieds I didn’t care who I lined up against or how the car felt – I just had that drive to keep going.

“I just want to get back to having fun like when I was racing Modifieds, just at a different level. It’s a big psychological deal for me.”

In an effort to make himself even sharper behind the wheel, King recently began working with a personal trainer to whip his burly frame into better condition. He’s also made a move to buoy him on the technical side, contracting veteran mechanic Robby Allen to provide valuable set-up assistance. Allen, who will remain crew chief for 2010 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Austin Hubbard this season, began working with King late last year and will continue advising the young driver in 2011.

“I’m excited about working with ‘Hog’ this year,” King said of Allen, who is best known for his successful stint as Rick Eckert’s chief mechanic. “He’s smart and he’s not afraid to answer my questions. The first night I worked with him last year we went to Roaring Knob (in Markleysburg, Pa., for a non-Outlaw event) and I ran fifth. I’ve been talking to him once or twice a week ever since, and last week he was at my shop and we scaled the cars.

“I feel like working with Robby has already helped us make a bunch of gains. I’m confident my race cars are better because he’s changed some stuff on them. You know, my car’s the same as Josh’s (WoO LMS champ Josh Richards) and all of them (with Rockets), but the problem is, Josh is like 160 pounds and I’m 260. We had to change things around to get the (weight) percentages where they needed to be without getting the car too heavy. I never really thought about that, but every little thing matters in dirt Late Model racing.”

King, who proposed to his high-school sweetheart, Ashley Jackson, last month in a manner that he admitted was “pretty romantic for a guy like me” (he popped the question on sleigh ride in Ohio’s Amish Country), does not currently have a fulltime mechanic. He’s content overseeing all aspects of his team’s preparation with help from, among others, his father, Rex Sr., and younger brother, Rex Jr. (both big-block Modified regulars); his cousin Mark Bates; and veteran crewman Bobby Bachman.

“I’m back to doing a lot of the stuff on the car myself like I did with the Modified,” said King, who has set an October 2012 wedding date. “It makes me feel better at night that I know what’s been done to my stuff.

“My goal this year is just to be competitive everywhere we go,” he continued. “I feel like we can do that.”

King will start his 2011 quest for redemption in the Sunshine State. He’ll hit the track for the first time on Sun., Feb. 13, in a DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned event at Ocala (Fla.) Speedway before moving on for six consecutive nights of DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH action at the half-mile Volusia oval, which also hosts DIRTcar UMP shows on Feb. 14, 15, 16 and 18 in addition to the season-opening, $10,000-to-win WoO LMS programs on Feb. 17 and 19.

The DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH will provide a serious challenge for King, who recognizes that the event draws one of the most talented dirt Late Model fields of the season. While the track holds a special place in his heart – he made his big-block Modified debut there in February 2004, one month before his 15^th birthday – it hasn’t treated him well. He’s had an especially tough go in his two seasons of dirt Late Model competition at Volusia, entering 10 events (six UMP, four WoO LMS) but only making two A-Main lineups (a pair of 24^th-place WoO LMS finishes in 2010).

“Realistically, when there’s 75 to 80 good cars there, I’d just like to make all the shows and get a couple top 10s,” said King, whose career-best WoO LMS finish is a ninth, on July 10 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. “If we can get off to a good start like that, I think it would help set the tone for the rest of the season.”

The DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH is a 12-night short-track blockbuster that also includes the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (Feb. 11-13); the O’Reilly All-Star Sprint Car Series (Feb. 9-10); the Super DIRTcar Series for big-block Modifieds (Feb. 16-19); and the UMP Modifieds (Feb. 8-15).

For more information on the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH – including special pricing on advance-sale tickets and details of the ‘Free Pit Pass With Every Ticket’ offer that allows fans to get up-close-and-personal with the race teams every night of the DCN – visit www.DIRTcarNationals.com or call 704-795-7223 or 386-985-4402.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

By Scott|2011-02-03T20:35:43-05:00January 27th, 2011|Front Page News, Series, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Volusia Adds Bulrush Dash For Non-Qualifiers To All Six Nights Of Late Model Action

Drivers who fail to earn a coveted starting spot in a DIRTcar Late Model A-Main during February’s 40^th annual DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park will have a chance for a unique prize with the addition of the ‘Bulrush Dash’ to the 2011 schedule of events.

Named after the tall grass-like plants that surround the “Gator Pond” beyond the backstretch of the lightning-fast half-mile oval located just 20 minutes outside of Daytona Beach, the “Bulrush Dash” will cap all six nights of Late Model action during the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH. Programs contested under DIRTcar’s UMP sanction are set for Feb. 14, 15, 16 and 18, and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series takes center stage on Feb. 17 and 19.

The top-five non-transfers from each evening’s B-Mains who have not yet qualified for an A-Main during the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH will earn berths in the “Bulrush Dash”, a 12-lap, 15-car sprint that will run after the headline feature. A $300 prize and trophy will go the winner of the race each night.

“With another big, tough field of Late Models expected for the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH there’s going to be some drivers who don’t have an opportunity to compete in a feature event,” said DIRTcar UMP director Sam Driggers. “We’ve created the ‘Bulrush Dash’ as a way to thank those racers for their participation by giving them a shot at some extra track time and money.”

Each “Bulrush Dash” will boast a payoff of $2,300, including $250 for second place, $225 for third, $200 for fourth and $175 for fifth. Finishing positions 6-10 will receive $150, $140, $130, $120 and $110, respectively, and the remainder of the starters will earn $100 checks.

Last year’s DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH attracted an average of 64 cars over four nights of racing. Of the nearly 80 different drivers that entered at least one event (two of the four scheduled DIRTcar UMP shows were rained out), 36 competitors did not crack the starting lineup of an A-Main.

The Late Model portion of the 40^th DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH will pay out over $230,000 in purses. The DIRTcar UMP A-Mains on Feb. 14, 15 and 16 will offer $7,000 top prizes, and $10,000 first-place checks will be on the line in the UMP finale on Feb. 18 and the pair of 50-lap WoO LMS cards on Feb. 17 and 19.

The DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH is a 12-night short-track blockbuster that also includes the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (Feb. 11-13); the O’Reilly All-Star Sprint Car Series (Feb. 9-10); the Super DIRTcar Series for big-block Modifieds (Feb. 16-19); and the UMP Modifieds (Feb. 8-15).

Tickets are available at www.DIRTcarNationals.com or by calling 704-795-7223.

For more information on DIRTcar Racing and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, visit www.DIRTcar.com and www.worldofoutlaws.com.

By Scott|2011-01-18T12:29:17-05:00January 18th, 2011|Series, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Sprint Cars Kick Off 40th Anniversary on February 8 at Volusia

The most exciting dirt track racers on the planet invade Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park Feb. 8-19, 2011 for the 40^th Annual DIRTcar Nationals, just a few miles from Daytona Beach.

The stars and cars from the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and the All-Star Circuit of Champions get the action started with DIRTcar UMP Modifieds during the first week of racing. Then on the second week, World of Outlaws Late Models and Big-Block Modifieds from the Super DIRTcar Series race to the checkered flag to complete 12 thrilling nights of intense high-speed action, including double features every night.

The Free Fan Pit Pass will be back in 2011, giving fans a unique experience to see the drivers and crews up close as they prepare to tackle one of dirt track racing’s biggest and fastest ovals — all for the same price as general admission.

Plus, off the track, don’t miss the DIRTcar Nationals Midway — a race fan’s mega mall right behind the main grandstands with the newest apparel and souvenirs plus a wide variety of food from steak to pork chops to ice cream. There’s definitely something for everybody at the DIRTcar Nationals.

Will Kasey Kahne Racing’s Joey Saldana, the current World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series leader, defend his DIRTcar Nationals crown during the opening Sprint Car week? Can Josh Richards win the World of Outlaws Late Model Series opener yet again? Will Brett Hearn and Matt Sheppard come up big in the Super DIRTcar Modifieds? Make plans now to reserve a spot in the campground and in the stands at the huge half-mile oval on State Road 40 about 15 miles west of Ormond Beach and Interstate 95.

Call 386-985-4402 to reserve your spot to see history, or visit www.VolusiaSpeedwayPark.com and www.DIRTcarNationals.com for the latest breaking news on the biggest dirt racing event every February.

By Scott|2011-01-18T12:08:45-05:00January 18th, 2011|Series, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

2010 Champions Crowned at Volusia Speedway Park

by BJ Cavin- VSP Media

BARBERVILLE, FL- The 2010 racing season is now part of the history at Volusia Speedway Park as 60 drivers in 6 divisions had their names called on Saturday night in recognition of their exploits on the clay. In addition to crowning champions and awarding trophies, Volusia Speedway Park General Manager Tonya Moschell took time to personally thank many members of her hard working staff who have contributed to the success of the south’s fastest half mile, plus show appreciation to a long list of sponsors and friends of the speedway which made regular Saturday night racing possible in 2010. Dinner was furnished by Dom’s Bar-B-Que, and entertainment came courtesy of several top racers who were “volunteered” for some fun and laughs, mostly at their own expense. (more…)

By Editor|2010-11-15T03:10:30-05:00November 15th, 2010|Front Page News, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Volusia Racers Finish Strong in UMP DIRTcar Rankings

by BJ Cavin- VSP Media

BARBERVILLE, FL- As fall weather signals an end to the racing season across the United States the final national and regional rankings for UMP DIRTcar sports some names familiar to Volusia Speedway Park race fans. Volusia racers typically feature prominently in the rankings as the racing season begins quite early in Florida, but as the season progresses and racers from northern regions get more track time under their belts, it becomes progressively more difficult for Florida racers to maintain top positions. But some manage to do just that despite the fact that many northerners are racing three or four times a week, compared to one or two races per week for racers from Florida dirt tracks.

The UMP DIRTcar national rankings for the factory stock division, known as V8 Thunder Stock at VSP, finds Scott Mooers ranked 4th overall, with Chad Scranton holding down the 28th spot with Luke Sadler just behind in 30th place. Regionally their numbers are even better, with Mooers in 3rd place, Scranton in 18th place and Sadler in 19th. Scranton did not get a full season in at VSP in 2010, and were it not for his delayed charge to dominance he probably would have finished much higher. Sadler struggled early in the season and failed to finish a number of races, and yet still managed to all but match Scranton’s final numbers.

Another Volusia racer posting impressive numbers nationally was Casey Feaster, as he wound up ranked 15th in the final UMP DIRTcar sport compact division, known as the 4 Cylinder Challengers at VSP. Feaster’s regional ranking is even more impressive, as he drove his car to a 3rd place finish for 2010. But Feaster had company in the regional rankings as Tony Laporta recovered from a late start and drove to a 13th place finish.

Philip Brown posted an impressive 26th place finish nationally in the UMP Stock Car rankings, better known as the Street Stocks at VSP. The regional rankings were loaded with familiar names in 2010, as Brown posted a 3rd place ranking and Tim Hughes followed in 4th place. Bubba Christian wound up in the 7th spot while Mike Tovet finished 10th, Marc Maresca was 11th, and Trevor Gamble was 12th. Mick Kulak also made the poll with a 20th place showing.

The UMP DIRTcar Sportsman rankings ended with VSP’s Aaron Barsness holding down the 31st spot nationally, and 3rd in the region. Joining Barsness in the regional rankings were Stanton Mills, Shaun Daugharty, Matt Mcgillivray, and Steve Shead, all ranked in the top ten. Paul Shead and Dan Lane appear in the top 20, at 14th and 16th place respectively.

Other Volusia racers made their mark on the UMP regional rankings in the Modified Division, as Jeff Mathews led the way in the 1st place spot. Mathews had plenty of local companionship at the top, as Jamie Carter, Kent Corbin, Kyle Bronson, Wayne Hammond, and Garret Stewart, all held the top six positions in the final rankings. Larry Burkins was 9th, Jamie Smith was 11th, and Larry Mott finished in the 17th spot.

And the UMP DIRTcar Late Model regional rankings find Joe Kump holding the 11th spot, compared to Ivedent Lloyd who finished in 13th place regionally. Donnie Chappell’s season long rise through the rankings at VSP served him well, as he topped out in 15th place on the regional chart, and despite David Clegg’s mid season disaster at Ocala that crushed his shot at a championship run, he still posted a 20th place finish in the region.

So with the 2010 racing season in the books, Volusia Speedway Park will honor these racers and others this Saturday night during the VSP Night of Champions Banquet. The number of racers from Volusia Speedway Park posting impressive numbers both regionally and nationally is some thing to be very proud of according to VSP General Manager, Tonya Moschell, and Volusia’s fans can look forward to yet another season of top quality racing from the south’s fastest half mile in 2011.

By Jane Smith|2010-11-13T08:52:25-05:00November 11th, 2010|Upcoming Events, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Ivey Takes UDLMCS Fall Nationals at VSP

by BJ Cavin- VSP Media

BARBERVILLE, FL- Saturday night’s action at Volusia Speedway Park marked the final weekend of racing action in 2010, and what better way to end the year than with the United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series Fall Nationals as they brought in some of the finest dirt late model racers in the region. And in addition to top notch late model racing, VSP race fans were treated to an encore, non points feature from the Taylor Racing Products Sportsman Division, the Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants Thunder Stocks, and the 4 Cylinder Challengers.

All Photos Courtesy of JimJonesPhoto.com (more…)

By Jane Smith|2010-10-17T15:34:37-04:00October 17th, 2010|Front Page News, Race Results, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Final Points Night Crowns Champions at Volusia

by BJ Cavin- VSP Media

BARBERVILLE, FL- The racers in all six divisions at Volusia Speedway Park came together on Saturday night in order to close the door on the 2010 racing season, and to recognize those who had overcome the obstacles and become divisional champions. And while most of the points races had been all but decided coming into the night, it allowed those at the top of the heap to turn it loose and go for wins, rather than play the conservative game in order to secure the big trophy at the season ending banquet.

Joe Kump has held onto the top spot in the Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Late Model points standings for a while now, but coming into Saturday’s feature event the Lake Helen racer’s math told him that he needed to finish 12th or better in order to secure a points championship. Meanwhile Donnie Chappelle had something else to prove coming into the night, as his race team had overcome a season’s worth of shortcomings to emerge as the team to beat down the final stretch. Both were up to the challenge, as Kump concreted himself into VSP championship history with a fourth place finish, and Chappelle dominated the race to notch another win, plus show that he would be a force to be reckoned with in 2011. Ivedent Lloyd followed Chappelle for the second spot while Jason Davis wrapped up the third spot. John Kellum had a strong run and finished in the fifth spot behind Kump. (more…)

By Jane Smith|2010-10-03T18:30:51-04:00October 3rd, 2010|Front Page News, Race Results, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Top Gun Sprints Invade Volusia with Martin Coming out on Top

The Top Gun Sprints made their third visit of 2010 to Volusia Speedway Park on Saturday September 18, 2010. There were 22 cars at the track to give fans three heat races and a 25 lap feature race.

Shane Kreidler in the 13H car had the pole for the start of the first heat race. Shane took the lead on the start and led all 8 laps for the win. The 1 of Tim George had the pole for the start of the second heat race with Tony Agin in the 38 car on the outside. It was the 38 that made the better start and took the race lead and led from start to finish taking the heat win. Bruce Durden in the 17D car had the pole for the start of the third and final heat race, but it was Shawn Murray in the 22 coming from outside pole to the lead and took the heat win.

The 24 of Danny Martin had the pole for the start of the feature race event, with the 13H of Shane Kreidler alongside. After a parade lap, the race went to green and it was Danny Martin in the 24 car that took the lead. The first caution of the night came on lap 17 when the 30X car driven by DJ Peeples stopped with mechanical problems and was took to infield. The race got back to green with the 24 of Danny Martin out front and never looked backed and took the checkered flag, followed by Shawn Murray in the 22 car, A.J. Maddox in the 81 car, Bruce Durden in the 17D car, and Ryan Partin in the 14 car rounding out the top 5.

The staff and racers of the Top Gun Sprints would like to thank everyone for their support and hope to see you next race at East Bay Raceway on October 9^th.

Top Gun Sprints

Volusia Speedway Park, September 18, 2010

Heat #1

1) 13H Shane Kreidler (Jupiter, FL)

2) 83 Mark Ruel Jr. (Jacksonville, FL)

3) 83B Bob Auld (Largo, FL)

4) 11D Ashlyn Durden (Jacksonville, FL)

5) 47W Kyle Welchance (Sebring, FL)

6) 99 Dan Jones (Valrico, FL) DNS

Heat #2

1) 38 Tony Agin (Fort Myers, FL)

2) 24 Danny Martin (Sarasota, FL)

3) 1 Tim George (Veince, FL)

4) 17 Mark Chicca (Port Orange, FL)

5) 02 Gene Lasker (Tampa, FL) DNS

6) 71 Steve Stone (Orlando, FL) DNS

Heat #3

1) 22 Shawn Murray (Jacksonville, FL)

2) 14 Ryan Partin (Orlando, FL)

3) 81 A.J. Maddox (Seffner, FL)

4) 15 Rocky Sullivan (Plant City, FL)

5) 30 DJ Peeples (Wesley Chapel, FL)

6) 17D Bruce Durden (Jacksonville, FL)

Feature

1) 24 Danny Martin; 2) 22 Shawn Murray; 3) 81 A.J. Maddox; 4) 17D Bruce Durden; 5) 14 Ryan Partin; 6) 1 Tim George; 7) 13H Shane Kreidler; 8) 99 Dan Jones; 9) 15 Rocky Sullivan; 10) 47W Kyle Welchace; 11) 11D Ashlyn Durden; 12) 30X DJ Peeples; 13) 83 Mark Ruel Jr.; 14) 17 Mark Chicca; 15) 83B Bob Auld;

The 99 of Dan Jones, 02 of Gene Lasker, 71 of Steve Stone did not take the start of the feature race.

By Jane Smith|2010-09-20T15:04:51-04:00September 20th, 2010|Race Results, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off

Martin Dominates Top Guns at Volusia

by VSP Media

All Photos Courtesy of JimJonesPhoto.com
BARBERVILLE, FL- Saturday night’s crowd at Volusia Speedway Park saw plenty of high speed excitement as the Top Gun Sprint Car Series made a final 2010 appearance on the south’s fastest half mile. Adding to the action were three of VSP’s top divisions, including the Budweiser Modifieds, the Taylor Racing Products Sportsman cars, and the Daytona Sportswear Street Stocks. And at intermission fans saw a full field of dachshunds hit the clay in the dog-eat-dog action of the Wiener Nationals, where local favorite, Willy, successfully defended his championship.

The Top Gun Sprints arrived at Volusia Speedway Park with their points battle locked in a dead heat at the top. Ryan Partin had held the top spot until the series’ last battle at Ocala and VSP, but after those races Tim George had pulled even with Partin at the top of the points. But the dominant force back in July was Danny Martin, who snared wins at both Ocala’s tricky 3/8ths mile, and at Volusia’s fast and wide half mile, on consecutive nights, and Martin had not lost any of that dominance over the past couple of months. (more…)

By Jane Smith|2010-09-19T16:38:45-04:00September 19th, 2010|Front Page News, Race Results, Volusia Speedway Park|Comments Off