Eagle Raceway Sales Rumor Denied

Brad Brown posted a rumor on his site, IBRACN.com that All-Stars President Guy Webb is purchasing Eagle Raceway.

Note: Brad stated clearly on his site that this was a RUMOR, and e-mailed me on Monday to gather information. At the time I didn't have anything to report. This information came late Tuesday (1-31-06).

From the site:

I reveived an email stating that Eagle Raceway is in the process of being sold. The buyer.....All-Star Circuit of Champions President/Owner Guy Webb and the X-Plex Group. Guy Webb and the X-Plex (click on X-Plex for more info on them) have teamed up to buy several different dirt tracks around the U.S., mainly in the midwest, to help promote the sport of sprint car racing. More

After speaking with Eagle Raceway Owner Craig Cormack late Tuesday afternoon, he said that a sale to Webb was touched upon shortly after the October announcement that Eagle Raceway was for sale. However, nothing has transpired since. A call to Full Throttle Entertainment - Eagle Raceway's management - confirmed that Eagle Raceway will run their program as scheduled in 2006.

If (BIG IF) Webb is looking to apply the X-Plex concept at Eagle, he's probably going to need more land. Much of the ground used for parking and surrounding the facility is leased. There have also been zoning discussions regarding residential development in surrounding areas as well. It's not going to affect Eagle Raceway as is, but could be an issue for large scale non-residential interests.

Thank you from Mark Burch Motorsports

After Mark Burch Motorsports and Terry McCarl won Saturday's Ronald Laney Memorial King of 360's race at East Bay Raceway this past weekend, Mark wanted to send a thank you letter to the people that helped propel them to victory:

From Mark Burch Motorsports, Lincoln NE 1/30/06

First and foremost: Ronald Laney was a fierce competitor. I must admit I enjoyed his company off the track more than I did on it. That is only because he was one tough racer behind the wheel of a sprint car. He had an infectious smile, a big heart and is still sorely missed. It is an honor to win an event of this magnitude and we dedicate this win to his family and friends.

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the success we enjoyed last weekend at the 360 Winter Nationals. The competition was unbelievable. There were 81 cars of which most of them were capable of winning the race. The deciding factor for us though, was the TMAC factor. Having a driver like Terry McCarl was the difference that separated us from the rest of the pack. Props go to Greg Wilson for running a clean race and being smart enough to hound us at the end – he never gave up. Tim Montgomery is always a factor and guys like Jason Sides, Gary Wright, Tim Shaffer, Danny Smith and Travis Rilat are great competitors as well. Jesse Hockett proved why they call him the “Rocket” and had me worried! It’s an honor to race with them all and a privilege to emerge as the champs.

All of our families, sponsors and manufacturers made it possible for us to succeed and I am going to list everyone I can think of. Thanks to: Terry, Lori, Austin and Carson McCarl; Mari, Parker and Sailor Burch; Daryl Burch; Keith & Shirley Sanmann, Marvin Brees, Steve Fitzpatrick, Tim, Tammy & Tally Engler, Brian and Alex “Wojo”; Tyler Vrba; Randy & Sheila Burnett, Dick Morgan, Wayne Lewis, Doug & Jeri Wolfgang, Phil & Vivian Beerhaulder, Jay & Kristi Eckley, Allan Holland, and Brian & Jean Schnee. Our Sponsors: Engler Machine & Tool, Big Game Tree Stands, Burnett Landscaping & Rock, Sheila Burnett Realty, Morgan Farms, Wolfweld Chassis, Weld Wheels, Huggins Cams, Pro Shocks, S & S Welding and Hawkeye’s Head Porting Service. Our Manufacturers: Manton Pushrods, Hoosier Tyres, Outlaw Disc Brakes, Harris Decals, VMAC Hubs, Birdcages and Tachs, KSE, Total Seal, Dyers Rods, JE Pistons, Franklin Rear Ends, Rosy’s Raceland, Fast Wings, Schoenfeld Headers, Barnes Pumps, Pro Pans, Brodix, CNC Blocks Northeast, Kings Cranks, Saldana Tanks and Radiators, Waterman Pumps, Superior Bearing, CV Products, ISKY and Conroy Pneu Control and some I am probably forgetting. We could not have done it without you!

Our motto is “The only way to have fun is to win. And, the only way to win is to have fun!” We had an awesome time, some very intense racing and a lot of fun. Although Ronald has passed on, his spirit lives on through the competition and sportsmanship of an event titled “The King of the 360’s”, an event that encompasses everything Ronald was about. Our team is humbled and proud to wear the 2006 title in his honor.

Sincerely, Mark Burch – 1m

Women for Racing annual Bowl-a-Thon

2006 Women for Racing annual Bowl-a-Thon

Do you like to make money before and after you spend it on your race car??? Well we have an easy way for you to earn money at the beginning and the end of the race season. Maybe this is your first year, you never wanted to give it a try, or you just didn’t know how much money you can make from a little bit of fun.

Link - dirtdrivers.com

Micro Sprint and Go-Kart Swap Meet

Featuring the “Roll-Over Simulator” (please bring your own helmet)

Sunday, February 5th
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lincoln Auto Auction
I-80 & Hwy 6 Interchange (Waverly Exit)
Lincoln, NE

Open to the public-FREE Admission!

$20.00 per spot for vendors-bring your own table
Proceeds go to Region 6

For more information, please call:
Larry Fitchner: 402.786.2142
Sherri Olsen: 402.944.2889

NRP new walls and catch fencing

NRP is making improvements for 2006, including the addition of a new front stretch wall and catch fence outside turn three. Check out pics on their home page: http://www.neracewaypark.com/

Safety improvements are ALWAYS a good thing.

Burch, McCarl Win Ronald Laney King of 360s Memorial

American Sprint Car Series: "Lonnie Wheatley, GIBSONTON, Fla. (January 29, 2006) – Terry McCarl is in the proverbial catbird’s seat after topping the opening leg of East Bay Racewaya Park’s 30th Annual Winter Nationals by racing to victory lane in Saturday night’s O’Reilly ASCoT presented by Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Ronald Laney Memorial in the finale of the Eighth Annual “King of the 360’s”."

ElbowsUp.com :A busy week for the Midgets ending with the Midget Nationals

ElbowsUp.com :: View topic - A busy week for the Midgets ending with the Midget Nationals: From Marty Boyer: "A Busy week for the Midgets leading up to the Belleville Midget Nationals - 6 races in 8 days

7/22 @ Dodge City, KS at DCRP 3/8 - AIMS/SMRS/RMMRA midgets

7/23 @ Dodge City, KS at DCRP 3/8 - AIMS/SMRS/RMMRA midgets

7/25 @Wichita, KS at 81 Speedway 3/8 - USAC National & Western Midgets

7/25 @ McCool Junction, NE at Junction Mtr Speedway - POWRi midgets

7/26 @ McCool Junction, NE at Junction Mtr Speedway - POWRi midgets

7/28 @Belleville, KS at Belleville High Banks 1/2 - USAC National & Western Midgets

7/29 @Belleville, KS at Belleville High Banks 1/2 - USAC National & Western Midgets "

I wonder how the races running along Highway 81 on the 25th will affect car counts. Given last year's car totals @ JMS when the USAC boys: 1.had the night off before Belleville and 2. didn't run the night before at Eagle — the 7/26 show at JMS should be a good show car-wise.

However, I hope the POWRi Midgets running alone on the 25th bring more to the first night of JMS than the paltry 19 car showing at Eagle Raceway last year when they ran under the Gateway midget series banner.

Where the new series does have some to offer, the midget field is still not so vast car counts shouldn't be a concern. It's still half a year away though.

However, in May there's a great night for open wheel fans: on Friday May 25, it's POWRi Midgets along with ASCS Midwest 360 sprints. The following night has the POWRi migets replace the late models in the weekly show.

Burch & McCarl Win East Bay Friday Feature

American Sprint Car Series: "McCarl Takes Night Two of East Bay’s ASCoT “King of the 360’s”"

Another great night for Lincoln's Mark Burch and crew. With the win, he will sit on the pole position for Saturday night's championship A feature.

Mike Chadd had a better showing than Thursday, with an 18th place finish in the A feature.

Big night for Burch, tough night for Chadd in K.O.360 Opener

Lincoln, NE owner Mark Burch and Terry McCarl had a great night, in the ASCS King of 360s Opener at East Bay Raceway in Florida. After drawing number “100” out of a possible “100”, McCarl stormed from the tail of Thursday night’s last heat race to take then win then raced from sixth to second in his Qualifying race to earn Thursday night’s pole position. A runner-up finish behind Travis Rilat still allowed McCarl to amass the most points for the night.

Lincoln's Mike Chadd ran 7th in the third heat and failed to start the second Last Chance race Thursday night. Lets hope the team has better luck.

Link - ASCSRacing.com

Former Eagle Raceway GM signs NRP to new marketing venture

By Jason Orth – Heartland RaceNews.com

LINCOLN, NE (January 27, 2006) – Craig Weidner, former Eagle Raceway General Manager announced this week the formation of RPM - Raceway Promotions Marketing. His first partner in the new venture is Greenwood’s Nebraska Raceway Park, where he will handle marketing for the Lincoln area.

“After Eagle Raceway’s closure I set out to start my own marketing business and keep in touch with the racing community and business clients I met while General Manager,” Weidner said.

Plans are also in the works for RPM-sponsored monthly road trips to Knoxville Raceway. Heartland RaceNews.com will have dates and times as they become available.

Developing story - further information will be posted as it becomes available.

MILLER: The Copper World Classic: 1977-2006, RIP

SPEEDTV.com: "MILLER: The Copper World Classic: 1977-2006, RIP"

"It's tough to say what's more discouraging and maddening. Watching those new turds that are being called Silver Crown cars or witnessing the ruination of the Copper World Classic.

Both subjects were on display this past weekend at Phoenix International Raceway and what an embarrassing display it was."

At first, I thought that this was a good idea. But now I've seen these cars from the side, I guess I'll describe the whole deal with a made up word:

Fupid.

Think "fugly" and go from there.

Made-up race words & updates

• As a writer, I know that it's tough to come up with synonyms for words used often in articles. God knows I lean on "event" a little too much. After the WoO race in June, VP of PR Chris Dolack and I were joking about how in 2005 he's never had to come up with so many different ways to say "taking rubber." With that in mind, I really hate the phony word "speedplant" instead of racetrack. "Speedplant" sounds more like what they grow in Colombia. Maybe it's just the fever putting me in a bad mood. Back to the chicken soup.

• I'm working on an editorial regarding Monday's news of Toyota's entry into NASCAR's Nextel Cup series. I know it's not "Heartland," but it's an interesting development in auto racing.

• Of course, it's the slow season but I'll update with tidbits as often as I can.
  

Harris Decals Debuts Wraps on Lundgren Modified

Check out Nate Lundgren's 2006 modified at Saturday's Columbus Swap Meet.

Maybe this year Nate finally has some GOOD luck roll his way.

http://www.harrisdecals.com/wraps/nathanlundgren.asp

Little Sunset Speedway accepted as a WKA Master Track

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com: "It's official! Little Sunset Speedway has been accepted as a WKA Master Track!

We've been working hard on this project since early December in Reno, NV at the Promoter's Workshops and thanks to the hard work of all of those involved we were finally successful in obtaining WKA sanctioning for our track and weekly racing program as well as obtaining a Heartland Dirt Series Race scheduled for July 28th thru the 30th."

WDRL Releases 2006 Sked

Link-WDRL: Three First-time venues dot this year’s PolyDome Late Model Series slate

By Tom Lathen

Gilman City, MO) The WORLD Dirt Racing League PolyDome Late Model Series has unveiled it’s 2006 schedule, with three first-time venues included on the slate.

Among the first-time venues for the popular Gilman City, Missouri based series are a late April date at the prestigious Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, and mid-summer dates at Boone County Speedway in Albion, Nebraska, and Viking Speedway in Alexandria, Minnesota."

NE Motorplex closing

I do realize this is "old news" in the cyber-world, but I wanted to bring up a point about racing...

JournalStar.com: "Lincoln man closing Dodge County raceway
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
FREMONT — A disagreement over the division of costs for improvements at Nebraska Motorplex apparently will lead to the closing of the Dodge County raceway.

Owner Greg Sanford of Lincoln told the Fremont and Dodge County Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board this week that he’s shutting down racing at the facility located between Hooper and Scribner.

At issue, he said, are improvements mandated by the National Hot Rod Association. The NHRA is requiring Sanford to make about $500,000 in improvements, including concrete guardrails and enhanced sound and lighting systems.

Sanford said he wouldn’t make those improvements unless he could pave a 1¼-mile gravel road from U.S. 275 to the racing facility. "

It is a shame that the people in Dodge County can't see the value of this type of venue. But the dinner train rolls on! (sarcasm)

Cass County saw the value - unfortunately it led to a tax on tickets, but they did pave the road from Hwy 34 to the Eagle parking lot.

One request to the readers: All the tracks need help. I'd like to see everyone get out to a weekly show outside your home base once this year. Bored on a Friday? Go see the late models at Butler County. Saturdays - think of what you could do. Maybe one track rains out - go to another one!

Let's put track prejudices aside just a little bit and throw a bone in for the good of racing, 'cause we need all we can get. Who knows, maybe you might enjoy it!

Today's picture

Here's a shot of sprint car prodigy Jack Dover on Sept, 2, 2005 running in the 305 division at I-80 Speedway. ©2005 Jason Orth

Oliver Motorsports 305 Sprint on The Brew 96.1 FM Jan 20th

From Oliver Motorsports:

Papillion, NE January 18, 2006 – Oliver Motorsports has teamed up with 96.1 The Brew for the 2006 race season at I-80 Speedway to run in the 305 Sprint Car division. Oliver Motorsports is to be a guest on 96.1’s The Morning Brew with Mookie and Michelle Friday January 20^th, 2006. They will be on the air live to discuss the car, current partners and available opportunities for partnerships. As well they will be giving away some passes to I-80 Speedway to be used in the months of April or May. For further information please contact Michael Oliver at 402-578-3152.

Thanks IB!

I want to thank Brad Brown (AKA: IBRACN) for giving me some pub (even including the HRN logo!) on his site, IBRACN's RACN SEASON.

Brad's a great ambassador and a positive voice for the sport and he's got a great page to keep up on the latest sprint car news and rumors. If you're a sprint car fan you should have his page bookmarked as one of your favorites.

Eagle Raceway announces Sprint & Tuner (Hornet) point fund

"In an effort to reward all classes for supporting Eagle Raceway, a point fund has been established for the Sprints and Tuners(Hornets)." Link - Eagle Raceway.com

Beatrice Speedway HOF Daytona 500 party

"The Beatrice Speedway Hall of Fame committee will be holding a Daytona 500 party/fundraiser to help raise funds for it's projects. The Daytona 500 party will include door prizes, raffles, drink specials and more" link - dirtdrivers.com

Indiana Governor's Motorsports Initiative Will Only Increase "Culture of Noise"

Now, I'm trying to be positive on this site. Despite my sarcasm, in the end this is just too funny...

In contrast to Dick Berggren's brilliant piece on short track racing, I found this bit of unintentional comedy while surfing the forums at TJSlideways.com.

In a June 3, 2005 article on Collegenews.org, DePauw University Assistant Political Science Professor Ted Reuter tells us why motorsports are contributing to our decay.

Two things really made me laugh:

"In addition, motorsports encourage inappropriate driving behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, and road rage. A recent survey by the Public Agenda Foundation found that sixty percent of respondents often encounter reckless or aggressive drivers, and that eighty-eight percent often encounter people who are rude and disrespectful. A survey by the Steel Alliance found that 57 percent of Miami drivers admitted to four or more "aggressive" acts in the previous month (including honking their horns, making inappropriate gestures, or tailgating)."

Man, I haven't made a reach like that since I was a 4-year old trying to get into the cookie jar. I don't know what academic standards are like at DePauw, but I know that even a junior high teacher would give an "F" to a baseless claim like that.

And more insight:

"Motorsports are consistent with the Hoosier state's health problem. At the Bloomington Speedway, I observed numerous individuals sitting around eating junk food and smoking."

NO WAY! People eat junk food at entertainment venues? I was going to start my prunes and whole wheat diet at the Icebreaker Challenge. So much for that!

I wonder if DePauw's Blackstock Stadium serves tibouli and alfalfa slaw for the football games? Come to think of it, I haven't seen low-fat-Italian-vinaigrette-marinated tofu cubes next to the Milk Duds at the movie theater either.

Yikes.

Belleville 2006 Sked

from http://www.highbanks.org/

2006 Schedule of Events

Sun Jun 18 ... O'Reilly NCRA Late Model Series and Street Stocks, plus Cruisers on short track
Sun Jul 2 ... O'Reilly NCRA Late Model Series and O'Reilly NCRA Modified Series, plus Cruisers on short track
Tue Jul 25 ... NFTRA Motorcycles
Thu Jul 27 ... O'Reilly NCRA 360 Sprint Series
Fri Jul 28 ... 29th Annual Belleville Midget Nationals
Sat Jul 29 ... 29th Annual Belleville Midget Nationals
Sun Sep 3 ... O'Reilly NCRA Late Model Series and O'Reilly NCRA Modified Series, plus Cruisers on short track

This 2006 schedule is tentative. Dates may be added or changed

"Official Logo"

Here's my proposed logo for the new site...

Butler County Motorplex Banquet Jan 28

From Butlercountymotorplex.com

BCM'S banquet will be Saturday January 28th at the New World Inn in Columbus Nebraska.

Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m.
Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
Awards: 7:00 p.m.
DJ will follow Awards till midnight.

Banquet tickets are $20.00 each. To order tickets mail check or money order to Butler County Motorplex, 275 "O" Street, David City, NE 68632. Include your name, address, phone number, number of tickets needed and the amount you have enclosed. Please order on or before January 21st.

TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

If you have any questions contact
Charlotte at 402-209-0921 or 402-873-3202.

Link issues.....

seem to be having a tough time with Firefox loading the right side navigation bar on the initial visit to this page, hit refresh and my contact info comes back up. I'll see what's up. Internet Explorer seems to be OK, though.

A must read article

This is an editorial from Dick Bergrren on the state of short track racing. It's VERY pertinent to the state of affairs now, and hits home with the mention of Eagle Raceway. This should be required reading for anyone pulling up to a short track in 2006.

http://www.chargerchassis.com/images/dickberggren.jpg

Sprint car scheduling conflicts

Now that the track and series schedules are starting to come out, there are a few dates of note:

On Saturday April 8, Nebraska Raceway Park will host the second of a two-day ASCS Midwest Regional 360 Sprint Race. Just ten miles to the south, Eagle Raceway opens its season with the Icebreaker Challenge, featuring Sprints and Modifieds.

In August, the Wingless 410 Sprint Bandits return to NRP on Tuesday August 15. The same night, about an hour away, the National Sprint Tour races at Junction Motor Speedway.

Here's the links to the schedules
NRP: http://www.neracewaypark.com/2006%20Schedule/2006%20I80%20Schedule.htm
Eagle Raceway: http://www.eagleraceway.com/schedule/scheduleview.asp
Junction Motor Speedway: http://www.junctionmotorspeedway.com/2006_schedule.htm

All I'll say is this: tracks across SE Nebraska struggled last year. This leaves me scratching my head.

Editorial: Sprint Car Racing and the Cola Wars?

By Jason Orth

Some of you kids may not remember this, but one of the notable events in the 1980’s was the start of the “Cola Wars,” the battle fought between soft drink giants Coke and Pepsi. They called each other out by name, staged “challenges” in shopping malls and parks, and introduced a flurry of new products; the biggest releases wound up colossal failures.

Why cola? Well, I’ve tired of the CART/IRL comparison so I’d try something different. And frankly, I think this comparison is even more fitting.

In 1985, Coca-Cola stunned the world with the release of “New Coke.” It was a totally reformulated version of their timeless classic. None other than 80’s TV luminary Bill Cosby greeted us on our screens with promises of a product that was new and better than the original. Being the spokesman for New Coke would prove to be his worst role since Ghost Dad.

The World of Outlaws 2006 style is eerily similar. It’s a total reformulation with several new faces, led by perennial podium finishers Craig Dollansky and Donny Schatz. Could it be better than the original? Yeah, it tastes kind of like Coke, but it’s different and several fundamental problems remain. Tracks are rubbering up quickly with the big, soft tires rendering many A features a single file pace lap with the race being determined by whose tire blows up last. Lineups put the fast cars up front, their order only slightly jumbled by two dashes which often amount to glorified hot-lap sessions.

The Outlaws still lack a major series title sponsor (like Pennzoil) and questions of DIRT’s financial future are still unanswered. While they’ve improved their media presence thanks to Chris Dolack (one hard-working SOB), they still are broadcasting on second-tier cable networks and are being placed into further obscurity by NASCAR’s juggernaut. Their recently released schedule has many “To Be Announced” dates, and misses many major markets. As of today (Jan. 9), there are no Texas races, and few shows west of the great plains. DIRT is still not turning any profit, and is hampered by a struggling Late Model series.

There are some positives here though. The Outlaws are getting fresh young faces such as the second Mike Woodring gender-stereotype-busting prodigy Becca Anderson and young Justin Henderson, though after an up-and-down stint in 410s raced weekly 360’s at Eagle Raceway in 2004. Even “young” guns such as Schatz and Joey Saldana became series veterans. Middle of the pack drivers such as Randy Hannagan see the dollar signs of a point fund check unlike any other they’ve received and flocked to full time slots with the New Outlaws. Though Kraig Kinser’s and Erin Crocker’s departures to NASCAR may seem like a loss to the Outlaws, I actually think this was a boon as it shows that the path to fame and fortune can run through the winged 410 ranks and not just midgets or Silver Crown.

Unfortunately, New Coke died a violent death. A sales disaster, Coca Cola was blasted by loyal customers through letter-writing campaigns. Shortly after, Coke Classic – the new name for the old standby was released and New Coke eventually vanished to the dark catacombs of Coca Cola history. Will fans revolt? Will this new formula be able to stand on name alone?

Anyone remember 1992's Crystal Pepsi? Yes, same great Pepsi taste, with a new look. It’s kind of like the “National Sprint Tour,” don’t you think? The racers you’ve come to love like Kinser, and Lasoski in a new package. The hottest news in dirt track racing in 2005 was “the split,” where several of the Outlaws “Mean 15” core group bolted from the series to follow Brian Healey and his National SprintCar League, all wrapped up nicely in a Richard and Kyle Petty package. The NASCAR legends stood shoulder to shoulder with the legends of dirt and declared that they were the future of sprint car racing.

It looked like a tempting package, the Petty name could overcome the World of Outlaws brand and of course there was the perceived “upgrade path” for its young drivers. What a deal! But outside of the press conference what else was there? Promises by Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne to field cars, but precious little else. No infrastructure, no plan, no tracks (save for the obvious) and within months, the NSL folded without ever running a show.

Several of the “former” Outlaws begged to be let back in, but DIRT said no – their spots had been taken. They were welcome to run, but would receive none of the perks of the Mean 15: no tow money, no guaranteed point fund money, etc.

Coming to the rescue was super-promoter Fred Brownfield. A former racer, entrepreneur and promoter of the popular Northwest Tour, Brownfield gathered the snubbed defectors and formed the National Sprint Tour.

But they too lack title sponsorship, TV packages and their schedule is a bit smaller than WoO seasons of the past (not that it's a bad thing). Problems aside, they are led by one of the nation’s best promoters who understands the business of racing, not only from a racer’s standpoint, but also the fans and sponsors. And, recognizing the escalating costs of 410 racing, NST drivers and owners have publicly stated they are willing to make sacrifices to help get the series rolling.

There are several other questions to ask of 410 sprint car racing.

What about the incredible costs of motors and tires?

How do you fill fields now that you’re split in two?

What incentive do locals have to fill the fields anyway?

Will the racing improve?

What do you do about the biggest expense: TRAVELING (which by the way will plague the ASCS national tour just as hard as any other group)?

Where does this leave us fans? In a crowded entertainment market with minor league baseball, basketball and football teams, home theaters, junior’s soccer games, two income families and precious little free time, it’s going to be tough for either group. Can the New Outlaws still carry the weight, even though the championship winning drivers are gone? Will the NST be able to build a new league on talent alone?

Now, New Coke and Crystal Pepsi never competed directly against each other, and it would be a hell of a reach to say that because failed soft drinks and current sprint car leagues have some similar traits, it’s an indication of their futures.

At least I hope it isn’t….

-Jason

Welcome!

Revised Sept 2014

As you can see by my April 2 2014 post, this site is on hiatus indefinitely. Emails sent to my @heartlandracenews.com address are no longer being answered and the mailbox will be closed soon.

Thanks again for the readership, and there may be plans to renew the site in the future. I'm still making it out to a few races a year and plan on increasing that count next season. Take care.

(Revised Feb. 2009)


Welcome to Heartland Race News.com!

My name is Jason Orth, and I’m the editor, staff, and head bottle washer of this new site. The goal of Heartland Race News is to provide a “one-stop” outlet for Southeastern Nebraska /Eastern Iowa tracks, race teams, and sanctioning bodies to get information to fans. Along with that, I’ll include race reports, photos and commentary.

After three years and talking to readers, the main goal of this site is being fulfilled: getting people to leave just their own track's sites/message boards and generate interest in what's going on in the rest of the area.

This site's intended purpose is as an informational outlet and I don't claim to be a journalist, but out of professionalism, I strive to adhere to traditional journalistic standards: reporting/relaying factual information, clearly distinguishing news from editorial, providing balanced content and operating in a professional manner. If it's good, I'll say so, if it's bad I'll say so, so long as it is an accurate depiction of events. Remember, I want racing at ALL TRACKS to succeed, if there's no racing, there's no site.

The goal is not to compete with some of the other websites on the net, but to complement them. The focus is not on any one class, but all classes of racing at those tracks: Sprints, Mods, Stocks, Karts, 4-Cylinders, whatever.

It’s free to send information, and I’m looking for any type of info you find interesting to race fans. Is there an upcoming race? Perhaps you want to congratulate a driver or a crew member? Maybe it’s a new sponsor for your track or car? We may even have a few interviews here and there. I’m looking for content that promotes racing, keeps people interested and the people and businesses that support it.

Heartland Race News wants to keep things thoughtful, positive, and promote racing in a time when our sport really needs it.

What’s my goal?

Well, if you thought it was making money, you’re kidding yourself. This site is not my "day job." There isn’t a lot of money to be made here. But, what I want to do is get out and enjoy racing and do what I liked best, writing and taking photos. By doing this site, I wanted to stay informed of what’s going on and for the first time in 20 years, don’t have to work at a track or on a car on a summer Saturday!

And who are you?

I’ve been around racetracks for nearly all of my 39 years on this Earth. I remember being a fan of late models at Mid-Continent (now Mid-Nebraska) Speedway when I was a little kid, then moving to Lincoln and watching the birth of the 360 Sprint class at Midwest Speedway and Eagle Raceway. From there my father, Dean Orth owned several sprint cars I had the privilege to work on: the #98 of Dennis Diekmann, to the Mike Cacak-piloted #30d, the “caution sign” Cliffs Notes #4A driven by Joe Wade and Ed Bowes, and various “BK” cars, the #4BK of Lonnie Jensen up to the #1BK driven by Don Droud, Jr. on the NCRA Outlaw Sprint tour in 1996.

In 1997 I went to the “third” side of the fence when my father and Craig Cormack took over Eagle Raceway. I started at the pit gate and moved on to scoring & lineups and writing press releases and race recaps. In 1998 I worked for the track on a part time basis. My dad left Eagle after the 1999 season, but I stayed on.

In 2002 I became a full time employee at Eagle Raceway as the Assistant General Manager and PR Director. In 2004, in addition to Eagle duties I wrote releases and compiled points for the World of Outlaws Sprint series, while Craig was the Outlaws' VP of Race Operations. For three years, Eagle Raceway was my full-time, put-bread-on-the-table job.

Craig Cormack closed Eagle Entertainment, LLC in 2005 and leased the track. From there, I decided that for once I would enjoy the races and get my Saturday nights back. So now I do the part I enjoyed the most, but didn’t always have time for.

The Format?

I’m going to work with a “blog” format. If you’ve been to hoseheads.com, you’ll see what I mean. A blog is a list of articles, sometimes the full text, or sometimes just summaries with links to the article. This format is a good way to keep current content on top and it’s easy for a one-man show to operate. If this grows enough, I may start an email list, and perhaps one day a print or PDF version. But for now we’ll keep it web-site based.

How often will you update?

I plan on updating as much as possible. As this is not my full time job, updates will be as my schedule dictates. For the three years I've done this I've had 1300+ posts, averaging about a post per day. Obviously that's balanced more toward racing season than the off season.

How do I get material posted?

Send me an email (the address and link is on the top right-hand corner of the page). I’ll take a look at it before posting.

That said, not everything that gets emailed will automatically be posted. I don’t want to post unsubstantiated rumors, slams, or things not race-related. Giving a shoutout to your crew chief for making a great setup call is one thing, but telling us his dog had puppies is something else. Sending me information about the point leader getting DQ’ed is OK, but an anonymous email telling me that a dirty SOB is a cheater is not.

The obligatory disclaimer:

Neither I nor Heartland RaceNews.com accepts liability for errors or delays provided by original or third-party sources, or mistakes made on site. All material is copyright Heartland RaceNews.com unless otherwise noted. Material not copyrighted by Heartland RaceNews.com is used under the fair use guidelines of the U.S. Copyright Code and does not endorse, sponsor, or verify the content provided by third parties and leaves all liability to the originating presenter of the information.

Bottom line: it's up to you to check the dates, times, location, etc. I post what is presented for consumption. Mistakes, delays or problems may arise. It happens.

How can I place an ad?

I’m not going to post free classifieds, but if you want to buy ad space, send me an email and we’ll talk.

As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, please email me!

Jason