ODLM Looks for National Exposure;
Invites Western Drivers to 2008 Shows

By James Baker

BLENHEIM, ON, CANADA- Canada's only dirt late model touring series, the "Ontario Dirt Late Models," has invited the top drivers from the western provinces to participate in the series' 2008 events. Included on the invite list are top late model drivers from Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The effort is the first step in eventually crowning a true Canadian national dirt late model champion.

Heading the list of invitees are Tom Nesbitt and Joel Cryderman, both from Thunder Bay, ON , Mike Balcaen of Winnipeg, MB, Ricky Weiss of St. Francois Xavier, MB and Dave Smith of Edmonton, AB.

The 68-year old Nesbitt, a 2005 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductee, began racing in 1959 and has won 601 features. Cryderman has won 175 main events and eight track championships in a career that began in 1979.

Balcaen is a six-time track champion at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND while Weiss captured the 2007 track title at Red River Co-Op Speedway in Winnipeg, MB. Smith was the 2007 track champion at Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, AB.

Also invited were Dave "Turk" Tyrchniewicz of St. Andrews, MB, Kevin Sexton of Lorette, MB, Mike McCaughan of St. Francois Xavier, MB, Shawn Holden of Winnipeg, MB, Scott Greer of East St. Paul, MB, Jeff Pritchard of Carman, MB, Les Pritchard of Winnipeg, MB, Tom Balcaen of Winnipeg, MB, Gord Hockevich of Winnipeg, MB, Terry Newhouse of Brandon, MB, Brad Cameron of Virny, AB, Stewart Hayward of Calgary, AB, Ed Turnbull of Estevan, SK, Danny Young of Thunder Bay, ON and Bob Slater of Thunder Bay, ON.

The 20 racers are "true warriors of the dirt."

With few western tracks running late models on a regular basis, many of these drivers are forced to travel 600 miles one-way to race in the United States on week-ends.

The "Ontario Dirt Late Models" opened their 2008 campaign with a "World of Outlaws Late Model Series" co-sanctioned show on June 20 at Ohsweken(ON) Speedway. Tim McCreadie of Watertown, NY captured the $10,000 to win, "Six Nations 50" at Ohsweken which is located on the Six Nations Reserve.

Chris Ross of Wallaceburg, ON led the "ODLM" with an impressive 12th place finish. Other "ODLM" finishers were Adam Ferri of Port Colborne, ON 16th, Ed Carley of Freedom, NY 18th, Andrew Reaume of Blenheim, ON 23rd and Chad Valone of Warren, PA 24th.

"Ontario Dirt Late Models" race coordinator Debbie Brush has scheduled a special two-race, holiday week-end show for the series in August. The "Civic Holiday Challenge" will open Saturday, August 2 at Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, ON with competition Sunday, August 3 at Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, ON.

Brush also announced that the "Civic Holiday Challenge" will offer a $1000 bonus to be shared
by the top three drivers in points from the two-day event.

The series returns to Glenn Styres' Ohsweken Speedway on Friday, August 29. The "ODLM" finale will be held at Brighton(ON) Speedway on Saturday, September 20.

Rules and other information regarding the "Ontario Dirt Late Models" can be obtained by visiting the series' website at: www.ontariodirtlatemodels.com
 

Canadian Late Model Racer - Chris Ross

By James Baker
 WALLACEBURG, ON, CANADA- Aspiring race drive Chris Ross lives in southwestern Ontario, a region that does not offer many opportunities to run a dirt late model.
 
 Few tracks there feature the late models as part of their weekly racing programs, leaving the "Ontario Dirt Late Models" series as the only avenue for an Ontario driver to race in his own province. The "ODLM" is Canada's only dirt late model touring series and has offered race dates at select Ontario tracks since 2003.
 
 Ross began his racing career in 2000 and has gained his share of success over the past eight years. The 27-year old Wallaceburg, ON resident started with a steel-block motor, limited late model and began racing with the now defunct "Great Lakes Late Models" series. He found victory lane often, winning four features at Ohsweken (ON) Speeedway and 11 main events at South Buxton Raceway in Merlin, ON from 2000 through 2003.
 
 Ross owned his first ride in 2000 but drove for his stepfather, Garry Lemesurier for the next six years.
 
 In 2003, Ross was crowned the champion of the "Great Lakes Late Models" and also captured the track championship at South Buxton Raceway.
 
 But Ross was not satisfied.
 
 It was always his dream to move on to bigger and better things in the dirt late model world. He had hopes of one day racing with the "World of Outlaws" and winning races in the United States.
 
 After several more developmental years, Ross moved up the ladder to the costly aluminum-block engines and into the very competitive arena of the super late models. In 2006, he began to travel to the states and raced at tracks like Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon, OH, the famous Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH, Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, MI and I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, MI.
 
 Success did not come easy at first, but Ross was one step closer to realizing his dream. He began to qualify for feature events at the tracks he visited and was opening eyes on the American racing scene.
 
 Enter 2008...the break-out season for Chris Ross.
 
 After a slow start early in the season, Ross won a feature event in a rare appearance at South Buxton Raceway.
 
 The win wasn't a season-maker, but it was a beginning.
 
 But the best was yet to come.
 
 In May, Ross traveled to Attica (OH) Raceway Park for a "World of Outlaws" late model series show. There he would be on center-stage with the best dirt late model drivers in the world.
 
 Ross appeared to be a sure transfer for the main event from his heat race, but got a little over-anxious and spun in a circle. However, the spin-out would only temporarily derail his dreams of making a "WOO" feature.
 
 The "World of Outlaws" late models had booked a Canadian tour and were set to open at Ohsweken Speedway along with the "Ontario Dirt Late Models." Ross was up to the challenge, and made the two and one-half hour tow to Ohsweken for the event.
 
 The determined Wallaceburg racer made the most of his opportunity and qualified for his first "WOO" feature by finishing fourth in his heat. Not to be out-done, he backed that up with a very impressive 12th place finish in the main event, finishing ahead of
 defending "WOO" champion Steve Francis and perennial favourite Chub Frank.

 Chris Ross had arrived.
 
 He had proven that he belonged on the same track with the best dirt late model drivers in the world on that night at Ohsweken.

 "It is definitely a dream come true," said Ross of his Ohsweken effort. "It was only about three or four years ago that I was watching these guys (the World of Outlaws) and just thinking how cool it would be to be able to race with them on a competitive basis."

 Ross knows that to fully realize his dream he will have to do more racing in the U.S. His plans for the rest of the season are to run Oakshade and all of the late model events at Eldora.

 That means Ross will probably not be racing much in Canada this season. He may run the "Ontario Dirt Late Models" series shows and the "Castrol Canadian Shoot-Out" at South Buxton Raceway, but his focus will remain across the border.

"I plan on running over there (the U.S.) as long as I can afford to do it," said Ross. "I am hoping to gain some sponsorship to help me along which is the ultimate goal. I have met some awesome people the past couple of years that have helped me a bunch, so I am very thankful for that. I'd love to run the "UMP Summer Nationals" one day. But you have to prove yourself this day and age and know the right people to get an opportunity like that."

 Ross has fielded his own racing team since 2007 along with his grandmother, Shirley "Grams" Ross and his uncle, Greg Ross. His crew is limited with just his uncle and Doug "Frosty" Frost wrenching on the car.

"The only thing that I can do at this time is just try to keep racing and gaining more experience to try to compete at this level," he said. "Even the local tracks that I race at like Oakshade are very tough. I feel that if I keep doin' this I will someday be able to win some races down the road."

 Like many other drivers, Ross has been bitten by the experience of racing at Eldora Speedway. With its long straight-aways and high-banked turns, Eldora can be an unforgiving and intimidating track to even the most experienced racers, but Ross feels that he has settled in at the big half-mile oval.

 "The first time I ran there I was so excited and nervous all wrapped up in one person," said Ross. "Driving around there is very intimidating even to this day. But I have tried to knock the wall down on more than one occasion so it doesn't really bother me as  much now. Now it's more thrilling than anything."
 
Ross calls Eldora his favourite track and speaks of his experiences there like a seasoned veteran.
 
 "I love going there," he said. "I wish I could race there every week. It is so tough because anytime you show-up there, you know there is goin' to be some big guys show-up and try to tame the place. You can learn so much by watching and racing with the guys who are really good around there."

Despite his recent successes, Ross is still not completely satisfied with his performance this season.

"This year has been really high, or rock bottom...we have really struggled this year with our new car(a Rocket  chassis)," he said. "We still have limited experience in this game and you pretty much have to unload fast off the trailer or you are behind. I am confident that we are goin' in the right direction and we will keep our heads up and drive on."

And goals remain for the future.

 "The first thing, I wanna win a feature in the U.S.," said Ross. "I don't care where it is. I'd love to win even just an ALMS (American Late Model Series) show at Eldora, that is a huge goal. If I ever got the opportunity to run a series like Lucas Oil or WOO, I'd jump all over it. I wanna make "The Dream" and the "World 100" (both Eldora Speedway races) and then if I can do that, I'll change my goal to winning them."

One thing is certain about Chris Ross

If determination is any factor...he'll reach his dreams.
 

Dover Ready For Return To Knoxville

By Team Dover Media
SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (May 14, 2007) -- Coming off his first career ASCS National Tour triumph aboard Mark and Lori Dover's Eckley-powered 3D Auto Transport No. 53 Eagle last Friday night at Oklahoma City's State Fair Speedway, Jack Dover is ready for his return to Knoxville Raceway this Saturday.

Dover competed as a rookie in the 410 division at Knoxville in 2007 and finished 14th in the Championship Cup Series points. Team Dover Motorsports owners Marc and Lori Dover were presented the 410 Car Owners of the Year at the 2007 Knoxville Raceway awards banquet.

Last weekend Dover increased his ASCS heat race win total to seven, a series best taking heat race wins at State Fair Speedway and Devil's Bowl Speedway. Following a sixth place feature finish at Devil's Bowl on Saturday, Team Dover made the 12 hour trip back to Nebraska to attend Jack's High School graduation.

With 15 races in the books so far in 2008, Saturday night at Knoxville will mark the first 410 race for Team Dover this season. A previous trip to Knoxville for the World of Outlaws and the Outlaw shows at Huset's Speedway and US 36 Raceway were on their schedule but all three fell victim to Mother Nature.

Knoxville Raceway is located on the Marion County Fairgrounds in Knoxville, IA, thirty miles southeast of Des Moines. From south Des Moines take the Highway 5 bypass to the Knoxville exit which will take you through the city of Carlisle. Follow Highway 5 to the first Knoxville exit (if ongoing road construction exists take the Highway 14 exit then turn left at that stop). From the first Knoxville exit proceed on what is Pleasant Street turning left at the first stop light onto Highway 14/Lincoln Street. The track is about 3-4 blocks to your left.

Jack and Team Dover Motorsports would like to thank their 2008 Sponsors: 3 D Auto Transport Inc., RMS, Trail Performance Powder Coating, Thorpes Auto Body, Eckley Racing Engines, Eagle Chassis, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, ATV Motorsports, Speedway Motors, Bell Racing, Butler Built Professional Seat Systems, Design 500 Racewear, FK Rod Ends, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, BR Motorsports, Pro Shocks, NOS Energy Drink and BA Photos.

For more information about Jack and Team Dover Motorsports please visit www.teamdover.com

 

TK’ Narrowly Misses Victory in Faria Memorial

By Richard Day
TULARE, CA (May 10) – Tim Kaeding and Tyler Walker gave the crowd at Thunderbowl Raceway an incredible show they won’t soon forget in Saturday’s Chris and Brian Faria Memorial.

The California duo exchanged slide job after slide job around the high-banked, 1/3-mile oval as they battled for the lead. Walker took the checkered flag scant milliseconds ahead of Kaeding, who was racing for his fourth straight victory at Thunderbowl.

“TK,” who loves racing with his father – defending Golden State Challenge King of California Series champion Brent Kaeding – passed him for the lead nine laps into the “A” Feature. Brent returned the favor a lap later, only to have Tim drive the #10 Tom Rolfe Trucking Maxim back into first place during the 11th lap.

Walker, who steadily gained on the Kaedings during the race’s middle stages, passed “TK” during lap 19 only to lose it to the 2002 Golden State Challenge King of California Series champion during a 22nd-lap restart.

Tim and Tyler brought the sellout crowd to its feet during the final eight laps, passing each other at least once every time around. Walker eventually won the 30-lap main event, while “TK” recorded his third straight second-or-better finish with the California-based sprint car racing series.

“We gave it a shot and just got beat by Tyler tonight," Tim said. “We had some changes in our crew this week and we’re just going go out the rest of the season and try to have some fun.”

Rolfe couldn’t have been much happier or proud of the driver he rehired last June.

“It was a heartbreaker, but it was one of the best races I’ve ever seen,” Rolfe said. “We started on the third row and Tim made his way to the front quickly. There were seven yellows though, and our tires glazed over. It was tough to get any momentum with all the yellows. We were a little faster in one and two, but Tyler was better in three and four. The fans couldn’t have seen a better race.”

Kaeding is hoping to present Rolfe with a hometown victory this weekend when the Golden State Challenge King of California Series runs the Dave Bradway Memorial at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico.
 

TK’ Shakes Off Crash, Heads to Eldora Speedway

By Richard Day

ROSSBURG, OH (April 9) – Tim Kaeding’s record-breaking performance in Saturday’s Golden State Challenge King of California race at Antioch Speedway included good and not-so-good news.

Kaeding’s evening started out with great news as he obliterated Antioch’s single-lap record with an 11.51-second trip around the quarter-mile bullring. There was more good news when his third-place finish in the Dash race gave him the second row inside starting position in the “A” Feature.

Midway through the race as “TK” gained on the leaders, the news turned bad. Tim clipped one of the big, white tires lining the infield in the second corner, causing Tom Rolfe Racing’s #10 J.F. McCray Plastering Maxim to flip end-over-end before digging in and slamming the nose of the car into the racetrack. Kaeding was visibly shaken and limped as he walked away from the car. After being transported to a nearby hospital for observation, there was more good news when he was released with a clean bill of health.

“We could have won that one,” Rolfe said. “We’re just glad Timmy’s OK and ready to race.”

Kaeding, who led the Golden State Challenge King of California and Silver Dollar Speedway point standings, will return to the World of Outlaws trail and race this weekend at historic Eldora Speedway.

Three consecutive top-10 finishes in the 37th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park had Tom Rolfe Racing running seventh in the World of Outlaws point standings in February. “TK” is a nine-time World of Outlaws “A” Feature winner.
 

Back In Nebraska - Dover Ready To Break The Ice

By Team Dover Media

SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (March 26, 2007) -- Following six ASCS races in Texas and Oklahoma during the month of March, Jack Dover will be back in action in his home state of Nebraska this weekend. Jack and Team Dover Motorsports will compete in the Ice Breaker Challenge featuring the Budweiser 360 Sprint Cars on March 29-30 at Eagle Raceway in Eagle, NE.

In 2007, Dover won the last two feature races atop the 1/3 mile high banked oval at Eagle Raceway. Following a victory in the Season Finale on August 31, Dover became the youngest driver to ever claim the Nebraska Cup on September 7 at the age of seventeen.

Dover will pilot his family owned, 3 D Auto Transport, Eckley powered Eagle and is looking forward to the weekend close to home. "We had two great runs at Eagle at the end of last year." Said Dover. "There will be a lot of good cars and drivers there for the Ice Breaker, hopefully we can pick up where we left off in 2007."

Gates open at 3:30pm and racing begins at 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday for the Ice Breaker Challenge. Eagle Raceway is located 12 miles east of Lincoln, NE (2 miles east of Eagle, NE) on U.S. Highway 34 ('O' Street) or 11 miles south of Interstate 80, exit 420 on Highway 63 to the intersection of Nebraska Highway 63 and U.S. Highway 34.

Jack and Team Dover Motorsports would like to thank their 2008 Sponsors: 3 D Auto Transport Inc., RMS, Trail Performance Powder Coating, Thorpes Auto Body, Eckley Racing Engines, Eagle Chassis, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, ATV Motorsports, Speedway Motors, Bell Racing, Butler Built Professional Seat Systems, Design 500 Racewear, FK Rod Ends, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, CMET Excavating and NOS Energy Drink.

For more information about Jack and Team Dover Motorsports please visit www.teamdover.com
 

EAST BAY RACEWAY PARK GEARS UP FOR 32ND ANNUAL WINTERNATIONALS

Tampa, FL 1/29/08

The entries continued to poor in for the 32nd Annual Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park. Top names in the O'Reilly American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) will kick off 17 nights of racing starting with their three-night series starting January 31 through February 2, 2008. Saturday night's 7th Annual Ronald Laney Memorial pays $10,000 and the winner will be crowned "King of the 360's". This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event with Gary Wright of Hooks, TX being the only repeat winner taking the inaugural event in 1999 and winning last years event. In addition, a field of approximately 50 FL Mini Sprints will be on hand each night.

The Lucas Oil Late Model DIRT Series invades East Bay's clay on Monday February 4 through February 9 with a complete show nightly for all cars. Each year nearly 90 cars have thrilled fans with two and three wide racing. Last year Jacksonville's Earl Pearson drove his Bobby Labonte owned car to his first-ever win at East Bay, while Scott Bloomquist ended a 17 year drought by capturing the 75-lap finale worth $12,000.

On Sunday, February 10, from 1pm - until 5pm Vintage Cars will have the spotlight. Vintage cars will get track time and there will be a Vintage style swap meet/flea market.

The 410 Sprint Cars see a change for 2008 as they will gear up for their 2-day event starting Monday February 11. Previous Pennsylvania Posse drivers Lance DeWease and Fred Rahmer will have to battle Indiana's Danny Smith and others both nights. The FL Mini Sprints will also be back in action with the 410's.

Open Wheel Modifieds get their chance to compete on East Bay's 1/3 mile clay beginning Thursday February 14, 15, and 16. This division brings the highest car counts to the Winternationals with an all-time record of 126 set in 2005. Although there have been no repeat winners in their $8,000 finale, Ray Guss, Jr. from Peoria, IL is entered as defending champion hoping to become the first two-time winner.

A fast growing class will wind up the Winternationals on Thursday February 21, 22, and 23. The NeSmith Crate Late Models will be in town to show the world how they do it "Crate Style". This will be their third appearance during the Winternationals and each year shows a steady growth in car counts. They will be joined by the Delaware based Team Mod-Lite Racing Series.

East Bay Raceway Park is located off I-75 at Exit 250. Take Gibsonton Drive west to Highway 41 North and follow the signs to the track. For ticket information call toll free 1-877-457-5611.
 

Team Dover Ready For The Chili Bowl Nationals

By Team Dover Media

SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (January 3, 2008) - With the 22nd edition of the Dodge Chili Bowl Nationals less than a week away, Team Dover Racing is ready to head to Tulsa. Trish Dover will be making her second Chili Bowl appearance and Jack Dover is set to make his first Chili Bowl start.

Though Jack is a Chili Bowl rookie, he is familiar with the Tulsa Expo Raceway. In 2004 he picked up a Golden Driller trophy as the Tulsa Shootout Restricted “A” Class Micro Sprint Champion. Jack is scheduled to qualify in Wednesday's Creek Nation Casino Qualifying Night.

Jack had a tough time finding a car that would accommodate his 6' 5" frame. A trip to Belleville, IL, on Thursday, December 27 landed him in the Anderson Motorsports No. 53, Dave Schmidt Truck Service, Bedrock Raceway, 3 D Auto Transport, RMS, Fontana Ford powered Spike chassis.

"I'm very excited to finally get to drive a Midget and to do it at the Chili Bowl makes it even better." Jack stated. "I can't wait to race at the Expo Center again." I'd like to thank Anderson Motorsports for the chance to drive their car and to all of their sponsors and mine for making this possible."

Trish will team with Scott Pierovich of Alamo, CA, in the Lance Pierovich No. 6p, Bob Wirth Mopar powered Good Guys Hot Rod Association, 3 D Auto Transport, RMS, Spike Chassis. Trish will qualify in Tuesday's Pre-Qualifying Night.

"I'm really looking forward to running the Chili Bowl again." Trish said. "I had a great time last year and met a lot of great people." This is the direction I want to go with my racing career and this experience is so very valuable."

Jack and Trish will become the second Brother-Sister team to compete in the history of the Chili Bowl Nationals, Zach and Stephanie Chappell were the first in 2002.

The 22nd Annual Dodge Chili Bowl Nationals takes place January 8-12, 2008 at the Tulsa Expo Raceway ¼-mile clay oval inside the newly renamed QuikTrip Center in Tulsa, OK.

To all the others that have made Team Dover's 2008 Chili Bowl possible, you know who you are and we thank you.

For more information about the Dodge Chili Bowl Nationals visit www.chilibowl.com

For more information about Team Dover visit www.teamdover.com

 

Old School Racing Launches Online Store

BY Matthew Blaylock

Mooresville, NC (December 19, 2007) – Fans can now purchase racing gear for the hottest new racing series to debut in years. The Old School Racing Champions Tour (OSRCT) has launched an online store where fans of racing legends can purchase official OSRCT merchandise.

“Adding a store so fans can wear OSRCT gear is just another step in the right direction as our series sets for its debut,” said OSRCT Managing Partner Gene Weaver. “The store is new for us but due to high demand by our fans we knew it was something that we had to do.”

Items currently in the store include T-Shirts and hats with new merchandise being added all the time.

The hats are gray and have the OSRCT logo on the front, Old School Racing on the side and Champions Tour on the back.

The shirts carry the OSRCT logo on the front and the inaugural 2008 season scheduled on the back. These great shirts are sure to be a collector’s item as the inaugural season can only be ran once.

Future items for the OSRCT store will include mouse pads, driver T-shirts, mugs and more.

Fans can check out the OSRCT Store at http://www.osrct.com/store.htm.

About the OSRCT:

The OSRCT is set to debut in May of 2008 with a 10 race schedule.  The OSRCT will field cars for such racing legends as Harry Gant, James Hylton, Geoff Bodine and David Pearson. To find other drivers set to compete in the OSRCT in 2008 or for further information about the series please visit the website at www.osrct.com.
 

Old School Racing Unveils Their First Car at PRI

Orlando, FL (December 6, 2007) – The Old School Racing Champions Tour (OSRCT) along with racing legends Jack Ingram, Dave Marcis, and Larry Pollard unveiled the first race car out of the stables of Old School Racing today at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando, FL.

The OSRCT car, reminiscent of one that David Pearson used to pilot in his hay-day, carried a gold No. 21 on the sides and the OSRCT logo on the hood. The unveiling was the official announcement of the Old School Racing Champion's Tour into the racing world. The car that was unveiled is set up identically to the vehicles that will take to the track when the green flag flies on the inaugural OSRCT season in May of 2008.

The OSRCT race car is stocked with a crate 450 horsepower engine and has 105 inch wheelbase. In addition the OSRCT race car also has removable nose and tail pieces that will make for quick and easy repair at the track.

“This is a huge day for us,” said Norm Weaver Managing Partner of the OSRCT. “To see the first race car unveiled and have some of racings biggest names do the honor just shows how huge this series will be.”

Having the car unveiled at the PRI show makes this even bigger for us. This is the largest racing trade show in the world and there was no better venue to unveil the first OSRCT hot rod.”

NASCAR racing veteran Randy LaJoie has headed up the safety initiatives on the OSRCT race cars. He has been responsible for much of the design and safety implementation the car currently has. LaJoie will continue to work to make the car the safest possible for the drivers, crews and fans.

“Safety is priority number one for the OSRCT,” added Weaver. “We want to make sure our drivers feel safe in each and every car that we put on the track.”

The debut of the OSRCT first “hot rod” is just the start of many big things to come. For more information refer to the Old School Racing website at www.osrct.com.
 

30-Cent Part Costs ‘TK’ $30K at Oval Nationals

LAKE PERRIS, CA (November 3) – Tim Kaeding was leading the 12th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals Saturday at Perris Auto Speedway when an injector spring broke and caused the #10 Tom Rolfe Trucking Maxim to slam into the fence, costing him the $30,000 first prize.

“We had a great racecar, but a 30-cent part – a spring on the injectors – broke and we were in trouble from there,” Tim said. “It’s definitely not the way we wanted to end the non-winged racing season. We were leading it with nine laps to go; the race was within in our grasp.”

Kaeding, the runner-up in Friday’s Preliminary Feature, started Saturday’s 40-lap main event outside the second row.

“We were good; we got right out in front real quick off the start,” Tim said. “Damion (Gardner) got by us about lap 10 or so and we followed him around for a while. There was a red on about lap 20 after I got the lead back from him in lapped traffic.

“We were just cruising around having fun and keeping the car going fast and straight. The next thing you know, I was either wide open or had no throttle at all. At that point, all I could do was hold on and pray. We were right up on the fence and we had the quickest car out there. I was just keeping it nice and straight and smooth and, from there, I started thinking, ‘Oh God, this is going to be ugly’ and we were in the fence crashing. I was just trying to keep it going straight and we got up into the curb and the throttle just stuck wide open and ran me up into the fence. I got it to stop, and once it stopped bucking and jumping, the pedal got stuck to the floor again and I said to myself, ‘Oh God, this is going to hurt.’ We were lucky to get it stopped and not get hit by anybody. There was no way we were going to go back out, so I just got out of the car and put my head down and walked into the pits.”

When asked if it helped his feelings any when his brother, Bud, won the race for the third time, Tim said, “No, not at all. I’m glad he won and I give him credit for running a great race, but it was our race to win.

“That’s just one of those things you don’t expect. You don’t expect a part like that to fail, but it was just a spring that broke. I just said, ‘OK, now we know to put new springs on more often and make sure we have extra ones.’”

Kaeding and his Tom Rolfe Racing teammates will be back in action Saturday in the Cotton Classic at Kings Speedway in Hanford, CA.
 

New Car and New Motor for Crane but This
Time It’s a Pro Late Model

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com 
Contact: Chris Ragle

Panama City, FL 11/5/07- After having to settle for the runner up position in the Blizzard series championship standings Ryan Crane will look to return to victory lane for first time this season; however this time it may not be in a super late model in which fans are accustomed to seeing him compete in. This time Crane will be piloting a brand new pro late model powered by a new Ford crate motor engine at this weekend’s World Crown 400 $10,000 to win special event at the Peachstate Speedway in Jefferson, Georgia.
.
It will be unchartered waters for Crane as the event will mark his debut in a pro late model but it won’t be his only start of the year behind this type of car as Crane will complete his season in not only the 40th Annual Snowball Derby super late model race on December 2nd but will look to make his first ever start in the 100 lap Allen Turner Snowflake 100 pro late model race on December 1st leading up to the event.

“We are excited about running this pro late model this year and what better place to run at than a big race like the World Crown 400. From what I’ve seen of the pro late models they put on just as good a show as the supers with about half the cost. So why wouldn’t you want to race something like that? This is a brand new car for us but we ran well there (Peachstate) earlier in the year at the PASS race in July so we have high expectations for the World Crown,” said Crane.

Crane and company tested his new machine last Wednesday at the Georgia speedway located just off Interstate 85 in Jefferson. The Ryan Crane Racing team will again test the ½ mile high banked oval on Thursday just prior to the World Crown event which kicks off Friday in hopes of making it one for one in his pro late model career.

'TK' Runs 15th in Oval Nationals Opener

By Richard Day

LAKE PERRIS, CA (November 1) – What a different 24 hours can make.

Tim Kaeding was the fastest driver on the racetrack in Wednesday's practice session for the 12th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals Presented by Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply at Perris Auto Speedway. The 2002 Golden State Challenge King of California Series champion was disappointed with his 15th-place finish in Thursday's opening-night "A" Feature.

“It was all I could do to hang on,” Tim said as he climbed out of the #10 Tom Rolfe Trucking Maxim. “I thought we were would be better, but there just no passing whatsoever. It was a follow-the-leader deal kind of like the (October 20th) Outlaws show. It would have been better if the bottom wasn't so good. You had to have your car really good to run around the bottom, but our car was a little too snug to run the bottom. We tried to run where the car would work better, but you really can't go anywhere when you're running on marbles. When everybody's in the groove and you try to make your own groove, it's not going to go very well. The corners are a lot more narrow than Vegas so, if you don't have your car just right, you're going to have a tough time here. It was a good considering we rolled the car in the trailer and didn't tear anything up.”

Although he was only the 22nd-fastest qualifier in the 67-car field, “TK” was the runner-up in the Second Heat Race.

“We had a second-place car in the heat race, and that's where we finished,” Tim said. "We ran third and fourth for a while and, after we got by them, we wanted to run down the leader (Cory Kruseman), but we were a straightaway behind."

Kaeding is looking forward to Friday's second preliminary program and hopes to secure a good starting position for Saturday's finale.

“Hopefully, we can run better Friday," Tim said. "We're going to try some different things. We're going to change the shocks a little bit to loosen the car up some. It would be great if we could pick up our qualifying and run better in the heat race and the feature so we can make the show Saturday.”
 

Hillier Qualifies Well in Outlaws World Finals

By Richard Day

CONCORD, NC (November 1) – Chad Hillier qualified for the third row of the Friday- and Saturday-night heat races Thursday when the World of Outlaws opened the Inaugural Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Hillier, on the verge of completing his first full season with “the greatest show on dirt,” circled the semi-banked, 4/10-mile oval in 12.803 seconds. The 112.474-MPH lap was 24th-fastest – .387 seconds off defending series champion Donny Schatz’s pace.

Chad’s second lap was slightly slower but, at 12.897 seconds, it was the 19th-fastest in the 48-car field.

“We were a little bit off in the first qualifying session,” Chad said. “The car was good, but the motor was down a hair. We just changed the fuel around a little for the second set and we were able to pick up a few spots. They gave everybody two laps in each session and, I think if you look at the lap times from the first time they went out to the second, they were almost identical.

“It’s hard to believe that with all those cars, including the late models, the track would stay that smooth. The track actually stayed fabulous all night; it was definitely an improvement over the way it was in the spring. The cars weren’t tearing up the track at all. The racetrack stayed nice and hard, but it was hooked up all night. It should make for some good racing this weekend, which is a good way to finish the season.”

The only driver to win championships in all three sprint car divisions at Skagit Speedway is pleased with his starting positions in the World of Outlaws’ last two racing programs of the 2007 season.

“We’re feeling pretty good,” Chad said. “We start on the third row in the heat races both nights, so we’re just going to go out and make the most of it. They’re inverting four and taking five to the feature, so all we have to do is run hard and pass a few cars and we’ll be sitting pretty good.”

DeWitt Industries Racing Team Incorporated invites racing fans to visit its website at www.dirt-inc.com  for news, results, sponsorship information and photographs. The team is sponsored by Jansma Construction, H.B. Jaeger, Fast Wings, Maxim
 

‘TK’ Gets Ready for ‘Vegas USAC/CRA Event

By Richard Day
LAS VEGAS, NV (October 23) – Three years had elapsed since Tim Kaeding drove a non-winged sprint car when he was crowned co-champion of the American Sprint Car Series’ Third Annual O’Reilly Sprint Bandits Tour ‘N Topless Midwest Swing in August.

Kaeding, who drove the #10 Tom Rolfe Racing Maxim to top-three finishes in all five races in the ASCS speedweek, will be among the drivers to beat in Saturday’s United States Auto Club/California Racing Association event at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“Hopefully, we can turn things around in ‘Vegas,” said Tim, who has run several World of Outlaws winged sprint car races at the half-mile oval. “We’ve had decent luck with the non-winged sprint cars, so we hope we can keep it going and try to get a good finish there. Then we’ll head to Perris (Auto Speedway) for the Oval Track Nationals.

“It will be only the seventh non-winged race in my career. In the Tour ‘N Topless Midwest Swing after the Knoxville Nationals, we had three seconds and two thirds so I can’t complain at all.”

Kaeding finished second in the TNT opener at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, NE, was the runner-up at Mid-America Speedway in South Coffeyville, OK, ran third at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, OK, and Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, KS, and was the runner-up in the Ron Shuman Classic to tie Robert Ballou for the series title.

“It will be a different kind of competition in Las Vegas though,” Tim said. “The guys from Tony Stewart’s and Kasey Kahne’s teams and all the guys who usually run out west will be there, so it will be entertaining. There will be a lot of good cars there, and we’ll just see how well we can do against them. I think we have a good non-winged program; we just don’t have as much experience as the other teams do.”
 

Kaeding Battles World of Outlaws at ‘The PAS’

By Richard Day

LAKE PERRIS, CA (October 20) – Although Tim Kaeding finished 21st in Saturday’s “A” Feature at Perris Auto Speedway, he showed what he and Tom Rolfe Racing are made of in the World of Outlaws’ star-studded First Heat Race.

Starting at the rear of the eight-lap race against Paul McMahan, Jason Meyers, series champions Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski, 1986 Rookie of the Year Johnny Herrera, 2000 Gumout Series titlist Craig Dollansky and Australian champion Brooke Tatnell, “TK” drove the #10 Tom Rolfe Trucking Maxim into fifth place to qualify for the main event.

“The highlight of our night came in the heat race,” Tim said. “It was pretty stacked, but we got into a transfer spot and stayed there. We wanted to advance farther, but racing with Steve Kinser and Craig Dollansky is tough. It was a hard-fought battle to get up there, I know that.”

Starting inside the 12th row in the 30-lap “A” Feature, Kaeding passed Brandon Wimmer and Chad Hillier early, then exchanged positions with World of Outlaws veterans Terry McCarl and Justin Henderson on his way to the 21st-place finish.

“We snuck by a couple of guys at the beginning of the race,” Tim said. “Trying to get more positions, you get some and you lose some. The track was good if you were up front but, starting in the back, you weren’t going to get by too many guys because you couldn’t create a top line.”
 

After Best Career USAR Finish, Ben Stancill Is Hungry For Victory

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com 
Jeff Goddard

Mooresville, NC 10/15/07- After narrowly missing a win in the Mark Brooks Memorial Bi-Lo 250 at Myrtle Beach Speedway, Ben Stancill has his eye on Victory Lane.

The young rookie from Ayden, N.C. is currently leading the Leavitt Championship Chassis Giveaway after his “back to the front” run in the most recent USAR Hooters Pro Cup Event. The Leavitt contest will award a brand new racing chassis to the driver who advances the most positions from their original qualifying position during the Championship Series.

Stancill, who rebounded from a 34th starting position to the second position at Myrtle Beach, is hoping to capitalize on the momentum this weekend at South Georgia Motorsports Park. The event will be the fourth race in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Championship Series.

“We know that we were capable of winning at Myrtle Beach.” Stancill explained “In fact, if it weren’t for the late race caution, we had it won. But, that’s racin’. We’ve known all season our team was capable of winning, and I know that Buggy and I work well together. If you ignore the bad luck we had early in the championship series, then we’ve had a very respectable top-5 season. So, after capturing the second place finish at Myrtle Beach, my next step is to get a win.”

Find out more info about Ben Stancill and his racing season in 2007 and beyond, by visiting his website at www.benstancill.com

The Stancill Motorsports Coloring Book is now available at the track. For more details about the coloring books, visit www.tracksidesouvenirs.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available for Ben Stancill for remaining 2007 events and the full 2008 season. Sponsorship packages are available for distribution and can be obtained by contacting Jeff Goddard with Tex Motorsports Marketing.  (www.texmotorsports.com) at jeffg1010@yahoo.com


Upcoming Event Details:
-USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series Dan Duncan Memorial Aaron’s 250 Presented by Gerry Kelley GMC Pontiac from South Georgia Motorsports Park
When: Saturday, October 20th, 7:00 pm
Track Facts: ½ mile semi-banked asphalt oval
Distance: 250 laps/125 miles
Gates Open: 3:00 pm
Pre-Race: 6:30 pm
Aaron’s 250: 7:00 pm

Broadcast Info:
-The USAR Hooters Pro Cup Mark Brooks Memorial BiLo 250 race from Myrtle Beach Speedway will be aired on the SPEED Channel on Wednesday, 10/17/07 @ 4:00 PM/ET or Friday, 10/19/07 @ 12:00 PM/ET

Quick Facts:
-Stancill currently sits in 19th position in the Championship standings, just 38 points out of the top-10.
-Stancill, who is a rookie, closed out the regular season in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Northern Division with a sixth place finish; missing the top-5 by only 42 points.
-Stancill finished second in the Northern Division Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Standings.
-Stancill has five top-10’s and two top-5’s this season, out of 10 races.
-Stancill is a ten-time champion on the Regional and National level in WKA Karting and INEX Legends cars.
 

John Stancill wins Asphalt Nationals, Claims National Title

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com 
Jeff Goddard

Mooresville, NC 10/15/07- It was a weekend John Stancill will remember for the rest of his racing career. The talented young driver from Ayden, NC would not only be victorious in the most prestigious Legends race of the year at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but he would also secure his National Championship title in the Semi-Pro Division.

Stancill had the look of a veteran from the time he rolled out of the trailer putting up consistently fast laps throughout the first day of practice. “We were pretty quick from the time we unloaded, just making a few adjustments,” stated Stancill. “We knew we had a fast car and our qualifying time was strong. We were in line for a front row starting position but Zach Zimmerly had a tech issue that allowed us to get the pole in the feature.”

Stancill would maintain the lead for the first half of the race, but as the second half progressed, his car developed a loose condition, allowing the #63 machine of Christian Pahud and the #94 of Zach Zimmerly to get around him. Although Stancill was able to keep up with the top two cars, it appeared that the Asphalt Nationals Championship was slipping out of Stancill’s reach.

However, the outcome would change after a late race restart. “On the last restart, Zach Zimmerly had the lead, with the #63 (Christian Pahud) car right behind.” Stancill explained “Going into one, the 63 dove underneath Zach’s car and sent him into the wall. He took the checkered flag, but they black flagged him for rough driving, allowing me to take the win.”

“It really was unfortunate for Zach (Zimmerly). He definitely had the best car. But, I guess that’s racin’. We’ve been in a similar situation and we’ll take the win. Especially in an event as prestigious as this one.”

The successful young rookie, who turned fifteen years old this week, will now turn his attention back to his school work . . . & next season. After capturing over 30 feature wins in 55 starts since February, the successful driver is a prime candidate for many driving opportunities in 2008.

The new champion stated “Right now, we aren’t sure which direction we will go. We’ve had a lot of success this season, but we know I need to move into some type of stock car in order to gain the experience. We will just have to wait and see what opportunities present themselves.”

The Stancill family is currently seeking marketing partners for the upcoming 2008 racing season. If you would like to team with a winner and a champion, contact us today! For more information on John Stancill’s career, visit his website at www.johnstancill.com  or contact Jeff Goddard with Tex Motorsports Marketing & Management at jeffg1010@yahoo.com


STARTS: 57 WINS: 32 TOP 5’S: 42 TOP 10’S: 50
 

Hillier Finishes 11th in Princeton Nationals

PRINCETON, MN (October 6) – There’s something about racing on quarter-mile tracks that brings out the best in Chad Hillier.

The Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year contender tied his second-best finish in a World of Outlaws “A” Feature Saturday when he drove the #5c DIRT Inc. Maxim into 11th place in the Polydome Princeton Nationals. Hillier’s second 11th-place finish of the season pushed him to within 14 points of fellow rookie Sam Hafertepe Jr. for 19th place in the World of Outlaws point standings.

“I think you just have a little more room for error and you can pick it back up (on quarter-miles),” Chad said modestly. “If you make a mistake on a half-mile, you lose three or four car-lengths and it’s really hard to get it back. On quarter-miles, you can ‘cowboy it up’ and get after it, plus it’s more of what I’m used to. For whatever reason, we’ve been better on smaller tracks.

“The motor ran great, the guys worked hard and, once we got something we ran decent with, we didn’t change it much. It was a good night.”

Hillier, the only drive to win championships in all three sprint car divisions at Skagit Speedway’s 3/10-mile oval, was the second-fastest driver in Saturday’s hot-lap session. He was only .04 seconds off Joey Saldana’s pace. Hillier recorded a similar time in the qualifying session and tied Chad Blonde for the seventh-fastest lap.

“We were good in hot laps, so we didn’t change much for qualifying,” Chad said. “Our first lap was a little iffy, but we drove the car where we needed to be on the second lap and got a good starting position for the heat race.”

Hillier started inside the second row in the Fourth Heat Race and passed 1995 Rookie of the Year Randy Hannagan on his way to a runner-up run and a spot in the Crane Cams Dash.

“We got going good in the heat after qualifying well and held our own in the dash,” said Chad, who finished fourth in the eight-lap race). “We hadn’t done that since Paducah (on April 6th when he set fast-time and ran sixth in the dash). It’s not that similar to Paducah, but they’re both high-banked. It’s a fun, little place to race.”

Hillier passed World of Outlaws points leader and eventual Polydome Princeton Nationals winner Donny Schatz during the opening lap and held him off for eight laps. He battled series veterans Jac Haudenschild and Steve Kinser throughout the second half of the 40-lap main event.

“The track got a little rougher in the feature than we expected,” Chad said. “We didn’t have the car set up for that, but we had a good night. We had a good start in the feature; we were really good. If could have maintained a little better, we could have moved up and had a better finish. We just started getting tight and, when I moved up, cars started getting under me. I had to move down off the cushion a little bit because it was rolling up on the right front. I moved down, but we were just too tight to run the bottom. The track was changing and a lot of guys were running the bottom, so you had to move down there. You had to run where the track was cleaned off. If you got out in the sand, it would slip the tires more. I was hoping it would stay green a little longer because guys would sneak under us on the restarts. We were holding our own until we starting having restart after restart. We were racing with really good cars up front.”

DeWitt Industries Racing Team Incorporated invites racing fans to visit its website at www.dirt-inc.com  for news, results, sponsorship information and photographs. The team is sponsored by Jansma Construction, H.B. Jaeger, Fast Wings, Maxim
 

Stancill Sets Sights on Myrtle Beach Speedway

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com
Jeff Goddard

Mooresville, NC 10/01/07- Ben Stancill and his DLP Motorsports team are looking to turn the tide on what has been a dismal Championship Series up until now. The young rookie entered the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Championship Series in sixth place in the points, but bad luck has caused him to drop significantly in the standings.

At the Mansfield event, Stancill lost an engine in qualifying forcing him to a backup car. And most recently, problems at Iowa Speedway forced Stancill to miss qualifying for the Soy BioDiesel 225 at Iowa Speedway. Unfortunately, the team had used up a provisional at Mansfield, forcing the #9 Stancill Farms team to pack up their gear and head back to North Carolina.

Stancill said “The team is focusing on momentum. During the middle of the regular season, we captured several top-10’s and two top-5’s. But, after this string of bad luck, we are looking for a way to recapture that positive momentum.”

As the team, heads to the Grand Strand to battle it out on the tough surface of Myrtle Beach Speedway, they will be aiming for a top-5 finish to get the team back on the right track, and looking ahead to 2008.

Find out more info about Ben Stancill and his racing season in 2007 and beyond, by visiting his website at www.benstancill.com 

Broadcast Info:
-The USAR Hooters Pro Cup Soy BioDiesel 225 race from Iowa Speedway will be aired on the SPEED Channel on Wednesday, 10/03/07 @ 4:00 PM/ET and Friday, 09/14/07 @ 12:00 PM/ET

Quick Facts:
-Stancill, who is a rookie, closed out the regular season in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Northern Division with a sixth place finish; missing the top-5 by only 42 points.

-Stancill finished second in the Northern Division Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Standings.

-Stancill has five top-10’s and two top-5’s this season, out of 10 races.

-Stancill is a ten-time champion on the Regional and National level in WKA Karting and INEX Legends cars.

Smith wins Fourth Annual Late Model Nationals; Alexander wins 305 Sprint Championships

By Stacy Ervin

Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wisconsin, won the Fourth Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals at the Knoxville Raceway on the Marion County Fairgrounds in Knoxville, Iowa, on Saturday, September 29, 2007. He garnered $35,000 for the career win, which saw him put on a dominating performance through the last half of the race.

The race had a tough time starting as Chris Spieker slowed to a stop in turn three before a lap could be completed. When it did go green, outside front-row starter and defending champion Brian Shirley took the lead and held off charges from polesitter Billy Moyer and third starter Steve Francis. Shirley hit lapped traffic on lap seven and continued to hold the lead until the 23rd circuit.

Shirley jumped the cushion in turn four on that lap and Moyer took over the lead. Moyer held on through heavy lapped traffic and soon faced a challenge from Smith, who started sixth. Smith led laps 28 and 29, but Moyer got the lead back on lap 30 in heavy traffic. The yellow flag came out the next time around for debris on the race track.

When the race resumed, Moyer continued to lead, getting back to lapped traffic on the 37th circuit. On the 47th lap, Smith wrestled the lead away in turn one and held it through lap 53. Smith jumped the cushion in traffic on the backstretch at that point and Moyer went back to the lead.

Moyer led laps 54 through 57 before he and Smith went three wide with Rick Eckert, who was being lapped, and Smith took the lead at the line. From there, Smith worked on building a substantial lead through traffic, gaining a half straightaway on Moyer by lap 63. By lap 78, Smith was lapping early leader Shirley in 10th place. By lap 84, Smith had lapped up to seventh place and looked to be cruising to victory.

But the yellow returned at lap 97 when Paul Glendenning spun in turn one, erasing Smith’s nine-second lead. However, Smith was able to hold off all the charges and get the victory.

Moyer finished second and Francis third. Darren Miller rocketed to fourth. Billy Drake made a late-race pass to get fifth. Brian Birkhofer, who won the inaugural event, finished sixth and was the last driver on the lead lap.

John Duty of Portland, Oregon, won the late-model C-Main. Jeep Van Wormer of Pinconning, Michigan, won the B-Main. Darrel DeFrance of Marshalltown, Iowa, transferred to the B-Main from the C and then raced to the final transfer from the B to the night’s main event.

Stacey Alexander came from 10th starting spot to win the 20-lap 305 Mid-States Sprint Championship. The Lacona, Iowa, native won $1,500 for his second-ever win at the hallowed half-mile. Alexander, who has been a longtime regular in the 360 division, won his first race during Thursday night’s preliminary qualifying event.

Outside front-row starter Marty Stephenson led the first lap of the event, but polesitter Jack Potter wrestled the lead away on lap two. Clint Garner took over the second spot from Stephenson on lap three and set his sights on Potter. The next time around, Stephenson got into the fence and lost a couple of spots before he coasted to a stop with a flat right-rear tire to bring out the yellow on lap five.

On the restart, Garner tried a slide job on Potter for the lead but did not make it work. And the red flag came out as John Kearney turned sideways in turn one, was hit in the right-rear tire by another car and was then T-boned by Josh Padellford, who flipped violently down the frontstretch.

When the race resumed, Potter held the point as Garner began to face a challenge from Alexander. Potter hit lapped traffic just past halfway and Alexander quickly disposed of Garner and stuck himself on Potter’s tail. When Potter got held up by a slower car on lap 15, Alexander got the lead in turn four and held on to it for the finish. Potter was second with Garner third. The only female competitor in the division this weekend, Trish Dover, ran a steady race to finish fourth.

The 305 A-Main was originally scheduled to see Rager Phillips start on the pole, but he blew his only motor on Friday’s qualifying night and was unable to return for the finale.

Kearney won the 305 B-Main, coming from his last-row starting spot and taking the lead at the halfway point.
 

Trish Dover Set For Knoxville Mid-States 305 Championship

By Team Dover Media Relations

SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (September 25, 2007) - This weekend Knoxville Raceway will cap off it's 2007 season with the Knoxville Mid-States 305 Championship and the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals. Nebraska's Trish Dover will be on hand with hopes of becoming the first female feature winner in the 54 year history of the "Sprint Car Capital of the World."

Driving her family owned Team Dover No. 9T Eckley powered Eagle Sprint Car she will make her third start in a 305 at Knoxville this year, the last coming on June 15. Dover has also raced in the 360 Sprint division three times at Knoxville this season, getting some valuable seat time at the famed 1/2 mile oval.

"It's been almost four weeks since I've raced and I'm looking forward to getting back in action at Knoxville," Dover said. "In the two 305 races I ran we were very competitive and racing with the 360s I feel has really improved my reaction time."

The action at the Knoxville Mid-States 305 Championship gets underway with qualifying on Thursday, September 27 and Friday, September 28. The weekend will conclude on Saturday, September 29 with C and B Feature action and the $1500 to win the Championship A Feature.

Trish Dover would like to thank her sponsors that have made the 2007 season possible: 3 D Auto Transport, Inc., RMS, Culver Construction, Langfeldt Overhead Doors, Trail Performance Powder Coating, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, Eckley Racing Engines, Eagle Chassis, Thorpes Auto Body, Chad Nolte Repair and The Sprint Car Forum.

For more information about Trish Dover please visit: www.TeamDover.com

MUSEUM-BENEFIT KNOXVILLE DIRT LATE MODEL AUCTION
SET FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON, SEPTEMBER 29

KNOXVILLE, IOWA (September 6, 2007) - The National Sprint Car Museum will again present the Knoxville Dirt Late Model Auction on Saturday, September 29, at 12 Noon on its second floor. The auction, which is free and open to the public, will benefit the non-profit National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, with a portion of the proceeds also supporting the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. The fourth annual fundraiser will feature unique, autographed memorabilia from the motorsports worlds of dirt late model, sprint car, and NASCAR stock car racing. Lynn and Chris Richard of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, will again be the featured auctioneers.

The auction is just one of the many activities surrounding the fourth annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals, September 27-29. The $220,000 event boasts an entry list including NASCAR superstars Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Kenny Schrader, and past champions Brian Birkhofer (2004), Scott Bloomquist (?05) and Brian Shirley ('06). Also entered are Josh Richards, Billy Drake, Steve Francis, Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, Rick Eckert, Chris Smyser, Jimmy Mars, Darren Miller, Tim McCreadie, Earl Pearson, Jr., Bart Hartman, Donnie Moran and many, many others.

Those seeking more information on the museum-benefit Knoxville Dirt Late Model Auction are urged to contact Tom Schmeh at 1-800-874-4488 or to visit the museum's web site at www.sprintcarhof.com.  Those interested in tickets for the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals are urged to call the track office at 641-842-5431 or visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com.
 

2007 Season Winding Down For Team Dover

By Team Dover Media Relations

SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (September 5, 2007) -- Jack and Trish Dover, the talented Brother-Sister team is in the midst of winding down their 2007 racing season. Trish plans to compete in the 305 Sprint Championship at Knoxville Raceway on September 27-29. Jack will finish off his season at the 34th Annual O'Reilly Winter Nationals at Devil's Bowl Speedway on October 12-13 followed by a trip to the 20th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Short Track Nationals at I-30 Speedway October 25-27.

Jack recently ended his rookie season in the 410 division at Knoxville Raceway with a 14th place finish in the Knoxville Championship Cup Series and 3rd in rookie points, His highest finish was a sixth place at the Mid Season Championship on June 30. Jack missed the A Feature on only two occasions in his freshman year at Knoxville.

Jack's success in his 360 during the last couple of weeks has be immeasurable, collecting victories in the last three races he has competed in. Jack warmed up with a runner up finish at the ASCS Midwest Region race at Crawford County Speedway in Denison, IA, on July 20. Jack then started his winning streak on August 14 at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, NE, with his first career ASCS feature win. Just four days later he captured the A feature at Eagle Raceway and then returned to Eagle for the Nebraska Cup on September 2. Once again Jack collected the A feature victory and went down in history as the youngest driver to ever win the most prestigious 360 Sprint Car race in the Cornhusker State. Jack has his sights set on win number four as he will fire things up on Friday September 7 at US 36 Raceway in Osborn, MO, for the final ASCS Midwest race of the season. He also hopes to lock in his second place position for the ASCS/Wesmar Racing Engines Challenge at Devil's Bowl Speedway on October 13.

Trish has her sights set on a goal before the season is over as well. She hopes to become the first female to ever win an A Feature at Knoxville Raceway at the end of September at the Knoxville Mid-States 305 Sprint Championship. Trish almost pulled off this feat at the beginning of the season as she was leading her first 305 race at the Sprint Car Capital of the World and had a tire go down with just three laps to go. So far in 2007, she has spilt her time between her 305 and her 360. Trish has claimed 2 A features wins in the 305 and raced in two ASCS Midwest Region events where she made the A Feature both times. She has competed in her 360 at Knoxville three times and even though she is not happy with her finishes, all seat time at Knoxville very valuable and it's only a matter of time before she is running up front in that division as well.

Team Dover would like to thank all of our sponsors who helped make this all happen for Jack and Trish: 3 D Auto Transport, Inc. Trail Performance Powder Coating, Keizer Wheels, Eckley Engines, Eagle Chassis, Langfelt Overhead Doors, Thorpes Body Shop, RMS, Chad Nolte Repair, NOS Energy Drink and Culver Construction.

Be on the lookout for up front racing and continued success from this young, talented sibling duo from Nebraska.

For more news, schedule information and photos please visit www.TeamDover.com

Gentile Heads Home to Grundy County Speedway
With Backing from Oval Engineering

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com 
Contact: Chris Ragle

Elwood, IL 9/6/07- After a string of bad luck Dave Gentile Jr. and his Lorz Motorsports team will look to use some home field advantage to turn things around. After finishing the last two events outside the top-15 Gentile will look for his luck to make a change for the better.

“We started the year off on a good note which is more than a lot of teams can say. However, we haven’t had the best finishes or the finishes I feel we are capable of over the last two races and that has really hurt us in our chances at the championship. We have moved down to third in the standings but we are only fifteen points out of the top spot so we still have a good chance but now would defiantly be a good time for a win,” stated Gentile, driver of the WMC Inc/Oval Engineering Ford Fusion.

This will be a special weekend for Gentile, a homecoming of sorts, as he will look forward to returning to his home track, the Grundy County Speedway in Morris, IL just thirty or so miles from Gentile’s hometown of Elwood, IL. In 2004 Gentile captured the Mid-American Sportsman championship at the track and is looking to carry that success over to the ASA series this weekend in the Bob Milner Memorial 125.

“I am really looking forward to racing at Grundy this weekend. I live only about thirty miles or so from the track and I will have a lot of family and friends in attendance. We also have a lot of local sponsors located near by that help us out throughout the year like Sign-A-Rama, Hero’s West Sports Grill, WMC Inc, and Fast Printing of Joliet, just to name a few. Oval Engineering has also stepped up to the plate as a co-primary sponsor for this weekend so it is a race I have been really looking forward to being so close to home so everyone can come out to the race and cheer us on, “said Gentile.

The Bob Milner Memorial 125 will take place on Sunday September 9th with qualifying to begin at 1:45 pm and the green flag to drop later that afternoon at 5:30 pm. For more information on the Bob Milner 125 and ASA series driver visit his website at www.gentileracingteam.com.  For marketing and sponsorship opportunities with Dave Gentile along with Lorz Motorsports team contact Chris Ragle with Tex Motorsports Marketing at cragle02@yahoo.com. 

Fogleman in a Forty-Six Team Field at Mansfield

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com 
Contact: Chris Ragle

Durham, NC 9/4/07- On a weekend when most of us celebrate a holiday of working by not working it wasn’t the case for Jay Fogleman and his JFco Motorsports clean team. Fogleman, driving The Works #4s, and teammate Jody Lavender piloting the #4n Greased Lightning Ford Fusion traveled to the Mansfield Motorsports Park in Mansfield, Ohio for race number one of the five race Hooters Pro Cup championship series.

The Works team led by veteran Hooters Pro Cup driver Jay Fogleman qualified in twenty-eighth position. After qualifying, the separation between the pole sitter and 32nd position, the last driver making the race on time, was .360 of a second. The JFco Motorsports battle plan was to use pit strategy to gain track position and get to the front. After just twenty-one laps into the event Fogleman brought his The Works Ford Fusion to the attention of his clean team crew for fuel and four tires. After taking on tires and fuel he was hoping the field would have to come in at a later time. Just a few laps later Fogleman had to return to the pits for leaking rear-end fluid on the track. The JFco Motorsports team did an excellent job of fixing the problem but it was as if there was no end in sight for the North Carolina based team as Fogleman would pit again on lap 100 because of a right front tire going down.

After battling from the rear Fogleman was running in fifteenth place when he again had to pit after a collision that partially tore off his right front fender. The JFco clean team quickly pulled the fender off his tire and tore off the brake duct hose that was left hanging in the incident. Finally Fogleman would take the checkered flag right behind his teammate finishing in the seventeenth position ending a long night of tight, competitive racing.

“Leaving Mansfield without our expected results, our The Works-Greased Lightning team is still strong and looking forward to racing in Iowa. Our goal is to finish within the top-10 in the series points and I really feel we can do so,” said Fogleman.

Be sure to keep up with all the excitement of the USAR Hooters Pro Cup championship series by visiting www.usarprocup.com  and visiting the JFco Motorsports drivers’ website at www.jodylavender.com  and www.jfcomotorsports.net  for all the latest info on Jody Lavender and Jay Fogleman.

About the Works®
The Works is a popular brand of high efficacy cleaning products at a good value. The Works makes toilet bowl cleaners, tub & shower cleaners, and drain openers. For more information please visit www.theworkscleans.com.

About Greased Lightning®
The Greased Lightning family of super-strength degreaser products tackle today's cleaning needs. From the kitchen and bathroom to the laundry room and garage, Greased Lightning products wipe out grease, grime and dirt, leaving your home sparkling clean and smelling fresh. For more information on Greased Lightning please visit www.greased-lightning.com.

Return of National TV, Parsons Record Chase Highlight USAC Silver Crown at DuQuoin

By Jay Hardin

Announcements flew in bunches this week about the upcoming Ted Horn 100 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and perhaps the most important was the decision to include the prestigious 100 mile dirt track classic on the USAC television schedule on the VS channel for 2007. Last year’s USAC Silver Crown event at DuQuoin was slated to be televised as well, but on the Outdoor Channel.

Television coverage of motorsports at DuQuoin has an off again and on again history, ranging from CBS television coming in 1976 for the Ted Horn 100, to NBC televising the 1979 race, to ESPN broadcasts during the 1980’s, Speed TV and their coverage of ARCA stock car events to the USAC coverage of recent years. With the improvements made to the “Magic Mile” and a powerful MUSCO lighting system race fans world wide should see a spectacular show of the September 2 race which is scheduled to be aired on October 27 at 3 p.m. Central Time on the VS. channel.

One of the drivers performing for that world wide racing audience will be celebrating a belated 63rd birthday at DuQuoin with a good chance of becoming the oldest driver ever to win a Silver Crown championship event, Speedway, Indiana’s Johnny Parsons turned 63 on August 26 and is a two-time winner of the Ted Horn 100 at DuQuoin. Parsons continues a long association with Benton, Illinois car owner Ricky Nix at DuQuoin.

Parsons, whose two wins came in 1992 and 1995, ran a strong 6th at Springfield and with a start at DuQuoin becomes the all-time leader in Silver Crown Series history for starts with 149. A two time USAC Silver Crown Series runner up, the 12 time Indy 500 starter has 23 Silver Crown starts at the "Magic Mile", tied with 1971 USAC Silver Crown and 1971 Ted Horn 100 winner George 'Ziggy' Snider. Parsons can break that record by making the 30 car field at DuQuoin this Sunday night.

The 63 year old Parsons is chasing another DuQuoin record, that of the oldest starter in Ted Horn 100 history, an honor currently held by Jim McElreath who was 64 when he ran the 1992 event. Parsons needs at least two more years to shatter that mark. One record that the two-time winner does hold is the 100-mile race record, set in 1992 which is also a world record for 100 miles on the dirt, the 56:03 winning time of Johnny Parsons on 1992 computes to an average speed of 107.047 miles an hour.

Tickets are going fast for the 57th Ted Horn 100 set on Sunday night September 2. Tickets can be obtained through Ticketmaster, the DuQuoin State Fair Box office at 618-542-1535 or at Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200.
 

Kid Rocket and Onwer Tony Stewart Part of 46 Car ARCA Enty List at DuQuoin

By Jay Hardin
The young man known simply as “Kid Rocket” in dirt late model circles has joined forces with two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion and 2003 Southern Illinois 100 winner Tony Stewart to debut the Tony Stewart Racing ARCA stock car in the 55th running of the Federated Car Care-Southern Illinois 100 at the DuQuoin State Fair on Labor Day. Nineteen year old Josh Richards of Shinnston, West Virginia joins an entry list for the Southern Illinois 100 that at this time has 42 entries with drivers representing nineteen different states, including nine drivers from Illinois, one female from Arizona and for the first time in DuQuoin history a native of France!

It was known for sometime that Richards, a veteran of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, Lucas Oil Late Model Series and the UMP Late Models was a strong possibility for a run on the “Magic Mile” at DuQuoin but that dream became reality this week as Stewart purchased a stock car from his own NASCAR owner Joe Gibbs and the car is currently being prepared by Tony Stewart Racing team members. Richards joins another youngster who has a similar background in the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) RE/MAX Series, Patrick Sheltra of Indiantown, Florida is also a veteran of the World of Outlaws and Lucas Oil late model series, Sheltra ran 4th at the Allen Crowe 100 on the Illinois State Fair one mile dirt oval on August 19 and comes to DuQuoin as a contender for the Federated-Southern Illinois 100.

Richards seeks to make his ARCA debut in the heavier cars on the big mile at DuQuoin and will be trying to make a field that is one of the most talented and diverse in the 57 year history of stock car racing on the Southern Illinois oval. The entry list, 46 cars strong at this time includes 8 time ARCA champ and 5 time Southern Illinois 100 winner Frank Kimmel, defending Southern Illinois 100 winner and NASCAR star Ken Schrader, former ARCA champ Bill Baird, current ARCA rookie Michael McDowell and former USAC star Josh Wise among the drivers looking to post a victory on the historic DuQuoin ‘Magic Mile’.

The 55th Federated Car Care-Southern Illinois 100 for the ARCA RE/MAX Series is slated for 1 p.m. Monday, September 3 at the picturesque DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster, the DuQuoin State Fair Box Office at 618-542-1535 or Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200.
 

Championship Run Is Now the Focus for JFco

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com
Contact: Chris Ragle

Durham, NC 8/29/07- When you have been racing for as long as you can remember experienced drivers get used to being in high pressure situations. For veteran USAR Hooters Pro Cup driver Jay Fogleman the pressure of competing in a five race championship shootout is almost irrelevant. However, the vibe of the excitement for championship possibilities can still be felt from the team who has competed in the series since 1998.

In the final three Southern series races Fogleman posted a 2nd place at Hickory, a 3rd place at Kenly and an eleventh place finish at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway to close out the regular season. Now fifty-nine drivers from all across the country will be separated by a mere 135 point margin from first to fifty-ninth, and will be looking for the 2007 USAR Hooters Pro Cup championship crown.

“The championship series is a totally different beast compared to racing during the regular season; it is such a tight five race series with some of the best short track drivers in the country competing so that makes the competition level out the roof. I know history has shown that you pretty much have to rank first or second going into the first race but I honestly feel that the way this The Works/Greased Lighting Clean team has come together we have a solid shot at taking home the trophy. Everyone that has been with this team has stuck together and I feel that’s what separates us from the competition,” stated Fogleman.

Jody Lavender, who piloted the #4n Greased Lighting Ford Fusion to one top-5 and eight top-10 finishes, in ten season starts ended up fourth in the northern division final standings. The championship series will now allow Jay and Jody of JFco Motorsports to act as true teammates, sharing information and technology as both drivers will be racing alongside each other for the remainder of the season.

Be sure to keep up with all the excitement of the USAR Hooters Pro Cup championship series by visiting www.usarprocup.com  and visiting the JFco Motorsports drivers’ website at www.jodylavender.com  and www.jfcomotorsports.com  for all the latest info on Jody Lavender and Jay Fogleman.

About the Works®
The Works is a popular brand of high efficacy cleaning products at a good value. The Works makes toilet bowl cleaners, tub & shower cleaners, and drain openers. For more information please visit www.theworkscleans.com.

About Greased Lightning®
The Greased Lightning family of super-strength degreaser products tackle today's cleaning needs. From the kitchen and bathroom to the laundry room and garage, Greased Lightning products wipe out grease, grime and dirt, leaving your home sparkling clean and smelling fresh. For more information on Greased Lightning please visit www.greased-lightning.com.

Gentile Heads to the Hawkeye State for ASA Clash

Tex Motorsports Marketing
www.texmotorsports.com
Contact: Chris Ragle
Elwood, IL 8/29/07- After traveling to Michigan, Dave Gentile Jr. and his entire Lorz Motorsports team were glad to be back home to say the least. The team struggled throughout the event at the Dixie Motor Speedway producing the team’s worst finish of the season, nineteenth and one lap down from the leaders. However, what’s in the past is in the mirror and focus is now on the future at the Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“We struggled quite a bit in Michigan so I was glad to get that place out of the way. That seemed like the first race all year that we really missed the setup and felt like we were in left field, but sometimes in racing your going to have nights like that you just have to make sure those nights are at a minimum. Everyone on this Lorz Motorsports team has worked really hard and I’m fortunate to be racing with such a good group of guys,” said Gentile Jr.

With the long trip to Iowa comes the question of whether or not Gentile will be able finish out the full season schedule? Companies such as WMC Inc. have helped out tremendously throughout the season but Gentile is in need of sponsorship to help finish out the season. With only three races remaining on the 2007 ASA Northern division schedule and Gentile sitting just a mere one point out of the championship lead, one has to think a company would love to jump onboard of a possible championship contender.

“We really need some help to finish out the season, but I know that we would be helping out any company that got involved with this team. If you sit back and look at the exposure we get both at the track and in magazines and the radio broadcast like Race Talk Radio, a return on investment can be easily met, I look at it more like a trade. We have a sport and an operation that is an excellent source of advertising that is seen by thousands of consumers on a weekly basis and companies are looking to get their name and product in front of those consumers, what better way than racing. Hopefully we’ll find the right marketing partner soon that would be beneficial to everyone involved,” stated Gentile.

For more information on Dave Gentile Jr. and his quest for the 2007 ASA Late Model Northern division championship and rookie of the year honors please visit his website at www.gentileracingteam.com.  If you have any interest in marketing your company or organization through motorsports with a winning team and driver please contact Chris Ragle with Tex Motorsports Marketing at cragle02@yahoo.com  or call 940.393.3167 to see how small of an investment is needed with the Dave Gentile Racing team to maximize your profits.

Minter Puts Together Strong Run in Houston

Richard Day

BAYTOWN, TX (August 18) – Despite suffering a flat tire in the First Heat Race, Kathryne Minter came back to put together a strong run from the rear of the field in Saturday’s American Sprint Car Series Gulf South “A” Feature at Houston Raceway Park.

Minter qualified for the main event with an outstanding run in the “B” Feature, then drove the #13m Concrete Crushing Company J&J past nine cars in the “A” Feature. The 13th-place finish pushed her into 14th place in the ASCS Gulf South standings and 227 points ahead of Landon Brown in their battle for the Rookie of the Year award.

“We were running pretty well and I was going to make the pass for third place, but I got pinched off between the car I was passing and the wall,” Kathryne said of her heat-race calamity. “My right rear tire hit the wall and it flattened the tire. The caution wasn’t long enough to allow us to change the tire in time to restart the race, so we had to start at the back of the ‘B.’ I wanted to move up as far as I could toward the front, and I finished fourth.”

Minter really impressed her sponsor, Concrete Crushing Company owner Keith Keene, who was in attendance at the semi-banked, 3/8-mile oval.

“My sponsor was there and he wanted to see me run the bottom of the racetrack,” Kathryne said. “It was torn up on the bottom and I knew everybody would be running down there. Our idea was to run the top of the racetrack and go around everybody, but my sponsor wanted to see me run the bottom of the track, so I had to compromise. We set the car up to run the bottom of the racetrack, but we ran more in the middle. I knew I needed to run where the other cars weren’t in order to pass them. Running in the middle, I had to drive it harder, but I was able to stay in the gas longer and run deeper in the corner than everybody else, so I was able to pass some cars. It was incredible when we went three wide going into (turn) two and I was in the middle of it all.

“(Crew Chief) Jim Osborn was working with us again, which was good. He really sets up the car great for me. He’s going to try to get to some more races with us this year. We’re also looking at some others who will stay with us next year. We need somebody who will make the commitment so we can run the ASCS on Tour races next year.”

Minter also took the time to appear on a Friday-afternoon radio show in Beaumont.

“It was great being a guest on Jack Piefer’s radio show on KLDI,” Kathryne said. “It was a really good interview.

“We were supposed to be on “The Sammy and Bob Show” (on ESPN Radio) Saturday morning, but that didn’t work out because Friday’s races (at Motorama Speedway in Beaumont) were rained out.”

Minter and the #13m Concrete Crushing Company J&J will be back in action Saturday at Cowtown Speedway in Fort Worth.

More information about Minter, including her “Kat’s Corner” and “Off-Track With Kathryne” columns, can be found on her website at www.mint13.com.  Fans can also check out Kathryne’s merchandise and request a free autographed hero card on her site. Kathryne Minter Racing invites fans to visit the team’s trailer after the races.