Thayer County Running!

Looks like one track will get its races in this weekend.

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com: "Radar and the crew are getting the pits dried out as we speak. Looks like it will be a go. Pray for no rain!

Mods, Stocks, Hobbys & Cruisers will be running tonight. Pits open at 4:00 racing at 6:00.

If rain happens to hit, we will post as soon as possible."

Rainouts...

I'll just add to this list. I think it will be a long one.

FYI, I'll try to get to this when I can, but your best source is to contact the tracks directly.

Butler County - Rained out April 28
Little Sunset Speedway - Rained out April 28
The Speed Bowl - Rained out April 28

Beatrice Speedway - Rained out April 29
Eagle Raceway - Rained out April 29
I-80 Speedway - Rained out April 29 and April 30
Mid-Nebraska Speedway - Rained out April 29, plus practice April 30 rained out
Wavelink Raceway Park - Rained out April 29

The Pace Lap - Fri. April 28, 2006

Each week I’m going to do a piece titled “The Pace Lap.” It will be a review of past races mixed in with some commentary – essentially an editorial that doesn’t focus on just one subject: tidbits, random thoughts and whatnot.

The Pace Lap – Friday April 28, 2006

Opening night troubles, cutting laps, first wins and…

• No matter how many races you run before, it always seems like opening night of weekly racing has plenty of bumps and hiccups. I-80’s Joey Sparano reported that 33 yellow flags bogged down racing action, and the Hobby Stock A feature saw a lap 2 crash that left only eight cars remaining. Eagle Raceway’s opening night saw a smooth but dusty track and good racing until the Modified A feature when James Kleinheksel’s car became scrap after a crash involving him, the wall, and Matt Richards. The Sprint A feature saw six yellow flags in the first four laps and had five laps shaved off to keep races within the 11PM soft curfew.

On the subject…I’m all for cutting laps if things get out of hand. I don’t care what class you are and what race. There’s a point when running more laps just makes the class look worse and it’s bad for the fans. Some message board postings took issue with the call because they felt if time limits became an issue toward the end of the night, the sprints (the last class to run) would always take the hit. I hope and believe that any class that has an excessive number of stoppages will get its laps cut, as stated in the track’s rules (Sec. K, #7). But last Saturday the sprints had their troubles, and they got their laps cut.

Things should straighten out soon though.

• It never occurred to me that Nick Bryan’s Eagle Raceway sprint B feature win was the first time the Lincoln, NE driver was the first across the finish line. It’s nice to see anyone get their first victory, be it a heat race, B feature or the A.

• While on the subject of first wins, Harry Nixon grabbed his first A feature victory in the B-Modified division Saturday night at I-80.

• The first two Hornet/Tuner/Sport Compact/4-Fun races held at Eagle Raceway (the 2005 Fall Jamboree and last Saturday’s race) have been won by women. Lacey Tuttle took last September’s victory with Adrian Dover winning one for the ladies on Saturday.

• Eagle Raceway is starting its specials early. As a show of thanks to the drivers, those who raced Saturday will get free pit admission, and fans get $2 off pit admission on April 29. Also, Roger Hadan told me that he’s sent free admission tickets to the race teams' primary sponsors.

• NASCAR Nextel Cup star Carl Edwards was seen milling about the I-80 pits Sunday in support of his brother Kenny, racing a Grand National Late Model at the Greenwood, NE track this season.

• Scott Wisdom made note that Dave Trauernicht of Beatrice has been racking up the wins. He has five A feature victories this season, including wins at US 30 and Butler County last week. With that in mind, Johnny Saathoff took wins at Beatrice and Thayer County as well. Some things never change...

• On the other hand…Scott Bivens and Bruce Divis have been missing from Eagle’s winner’s circle. It’s been nearly two years for Divis and longer for Bivens. On Saturday both ended the drought, with convincing wins in their A features.

• It was a rough night for the 96kx sprint of Adam Gullion. After the preseason team with Jamey Wiese broke up this month, they had troubles all night, pulling off before they could even take a green flag. Let’s hope Gullion gets the gremlins out soon.


Next week’s Pace Lap may be pretty slow going given the forecast for the weekend but until then, I’ll see you at the track!

-Jason

This weekend

Do your "anti-rain" dance this weekend...

(Listed in alphabetical order. Check track websites for additional information)



Beatrice Speedway – Saturday April 29 - IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Limited Modifieds, Factory Stocks and Hobby Stocks and Sport Compact. The feature winners of the IMCA Modified; IMCA Stock; IMCA Hobby Stocks; Limited Modified and Factory Stocks will each receive a $100 bonus, from the Ron Eaton Memorial Fund. Races 6PM.

Butler County Motorplex - Friday April 28 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Limited Late Models. Racing at 8:00 pm

Eagle Raceway– Saturday April 29 - 360 Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks, 4-Fun Tuners (Hornets). Front gate opens 5:30PM, races at 7PM.

I-80 Speedway - Sat. April 29 NASCAR Weekly Racing series featuring Crate Late Models, B-Modifieds, ProAms, Pro & Novice Hornets. Races at 7PM. Sunday April 30, NASCAR Weekly Racing featuring Super Late Models, Grand National Late Models, Pro Modfieds and Hobby Stocks. Races at 6:30PM

Junction Motor Speedway - Saturday April 29 - Weekly racing featuring Late Models, Modifieds, Stocks, Hobby Stocks, 2-man Cruisers and 4-Cylinders. Races at 7PM.

Mid-Nebraska Speedway – Saturday April 29- Grand National Late Models, I.M.C.A. Modified, I.M.C.A. Hobby Stock, Happy Hornets, Wild & Wacky Cruisers. Races at 7PM

Thayer County Speedway - Sundary April 30 - IMCA Modifieds, Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Sport Compacts

The Speed Bowl - Friday April 28 - IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Stocks and Cruisers. Races at 8PM

US 30 Speedway - Friday April 28 - Modifieds, Hobby Stock, Street Stock, 4-Fun & Limited Late Models. Races at 8PM.

Wavelink Raceway Park - April 29th and 30th with the first no points races for both the Go-Karts and the Micro Sprints. Saturday hot laps for the Go-Karts will be at 6:30 p.m., races to follow. Sunday hot laps for the Micro Sprints will be at 5:30 p.m., races to follow

Wavelink Raceway Park

Wavelink Raceway Park: "The 2006 race season will begin this weekend (April 29th and 30th) with the first no points races for both the Go-Karts and the Micro Sprints.

Saturday hot laps for the Go-Karts will be at 6:30 p.m., races to follow. Don't forget to register for points and reserve you number for $25.00.

Driver Registration: $25; $20 additional class
Pit Pass: $15

Sunday hot laps for the Micro Sprints will be at 5:30 p.m., races to follow. If you have not yet joined the NMMA, you may do so at the track.

Driver Registration: $25 each class
Pit Pass: $15

We have several new drivers this year in both the Karts & Sprints as well as some exciting class changes as some of our returning drivers move up. Make sure you come check out the action this weekend!!!

Grandstand admision for WRP this season is as follows:

Adults: $5
Children (8-12): $3
7 & under: FREE"

Bryan Racing tidbits

Rhonda Bryan, mother of Nick Bryan, driver of the #6 sprint car at Eagle sent me this talking about the ups and downs of racing and shows the community spirit of weekly racing. This is what the show is about.

I'd love to have more of these letters...feel free to send them to me: jason@heartlandracenews.com

Hi Jason,

Thought you might be interested to know some tidbits from our race team! Not sure how to put this into the right words but if we weren't having bad luck, we would of had no luck at all.......amazing how things turn around....

With two new sponsor's and a new Eagle Chassis and new color scheme gearing up for the new 2006 racing season opener at Eagle this is how things have gone.

On the night before Autograph we get the motor back, bolted it in and attended the event. The following Sat after the guys finished the plumbing and fired up the motor only to find we had major motor's problems. Motor was pulled and took back to the builder. Needless to say we just got the motor back this last Friday April 21st.

After a bout with the flu this week, Nick headed out to the track. Pushed off to warm up the motor & his drive shaft broke. Special Thanks goes to Mike Boston for loaning Nick and Bernie a drive shaft. Without Mike doing a good deed Nick's first win would have not been possible. Plagued with problems the team kept busy working to make sure they were going to race! They got the rear-end back in and off to the heat race. Nick got a cut in his tire at the end of the heat, also had to put on new valve cover casket's due to oil leaking. The luck of the draw gave Nick the pole on the B feature!! Nick knew his left rear was going down. The left rear was going flat when he took the checkers for his "FIRST" ever victory.

Kudos to Mike Boston for loaning the drive shaft and to the team member's whose effort's helped Nick win his first race!! Nick was disappointed in not being able to complete the "A" feature.....better luck next time!

Rhonda

$2 off April 29 Eagle Raceway Admission

Eagle Raceway: "Eagle Raceway, 'America's Home Track,' is proud of their race fans for the support on the opener April 22nd. A huge crowd of fans flocked to Eagle Raceway to witness a great night of racing. To show our appreciation, on April 29th, race fans will receive $2 off front gate admission and fans 13 and under will be FREE! Gather your family and friends together for a night full of high speed action and see the central plain's best dirvers go for the checkered flag! This Saturday night's special event is All Faith's Night at Eagle Raceway! See pastors and youth leaders race for a share of the 50/50 raffle funds. Gates open at 5:30 pm, racing starts at 7:00 pm. Come experience why Eagle Raceway is 'America's Home Track!'"

Eagle Raceway gives April 22 drivers free pit admission Saturday April 29

Eagle Raceway is throwing a bone to drivers based on an agreement before the season. If a certain number of paid adults attend the previous week's race, drivers would be admitted for free.

Eagle Raceway: "As a thank you from Full Throttle Entertainment and in keeping our agreement with the drivers, all drivers that competed on April 22nd, will be admitted into the pits on April 29th for Free!! Although a little short of the agreed number of paid adults, we are very proud of the drivers for doing a great job on an opening night and would like to show our appreciation. Thanks for being patient while we iron out the wrinkles while striving to make Eagle Raceway 'America's Home Track!'"

Mix of old and new win Eagle openers

Note: This article was written as a courtesy to Eagle Raceway. - Jason

By Jason Orth - Heartland RaceNews.com

Eagle, NE (April 22, 2006) – A new promoter, two new classes and a great crowd of eager fans kicked off 2006 at Eagle Raceway Saturday night. After a two-week delay to the start of the season, racing kicked off full force with over 110 cars on MDS Pharma Services Meet ‘n Greet night.

The 4-cylinder Tuner classes are spreading like wildfire at Nebraska tracks and Eagle Raceway welcomed 15 new racers. Adrian Dover, older sister of sprint car rookie Jack Dover drew pole position for the 10 lap A feature. Though nervous she didn’t show it on the track where she dominated each circuit to win over Mike Kennedy and Kevin Kuker.

The Hobby Stock A-main greeted fans with a photo-finish as Brian Cudly started outside pole of the 15-lap race and held off Brian Wulf and RJ Macku to take his first win at the 1/3-mile track.

Scott Bivens slipped past pole-sitter Terry Hurt midway through the 20-lap IMCA Modified A feature as the David City driver returned to Eagle Raceway after a two-year hiatus. Six-time champion Mike Meyer won a late race battle with Robert Brinkman to take second place.

Several yellow flags dogged the early laps of the Sprint A feature, and officials shaved off five of the scheduled 25 laps. It didn’t matter to two-time champion Bruce Divis as he started on the pole and led each lap to take his first win since May 3, 2003. Terry Holliman ran strong in second with Jeff Griffis taking home third.

Next Saturday it’s All Faiths night at Eagle Raceway with pastors and youth group leaders sharing in the 50/50 raffle prize. Fans will also receive $2 off admission at the front gate, with fans 13 and under getting in for free.

Championship Sprints

A Feature
1) 24W Bruce Divis
2) 23 Terry Holliman
3) 3 Jeff Griffis
4) 13F Larry Pinegar, II
5) 14 Josh Riggins
6) 2 Don Droud Jr.
7) 71 Tige Jensen
8) 53 Jack Dover
9) 56 John Cressman
10) 18 Ryan Roberts
11) 14G Gene Ackland
12) 77 John Klabunde
13) 44 Doug Lovegrove
14) 76 Jay Russell
15) 1 Cori Eckley
16) 84 Toby Chapman
17) 8b Bobby Becker
18) 6 Nick Bryan
19) 82 Jason Danley
20) 51 Mike Boston


IMCA Modifieds

A Feature
1) S56 Scott Bivens
2) 2M Mike Meyer
3) 1 Robert Brinkman
4) 27 Clint Homan
5) B9 Sean Burkland
6) 24T Terry Hurt
7) V45 Rick Gropp
8) 52 Sean Manning
9) 10K Don McCown
10) 8 Larry Goertz
11) 7 Bob Ruisinger
12) 11A Ed Raines
13) 21 Phil Penney
14) 11X Steve Devitt
15) 3 Chris Alcorn
16) 82 Brad Koehn
17) 5ST Dan Wayman
18) 1R Matt Richards
19) 7w James Kleinheksel
20) 19 Scott Anderson


IMCA Hobby Stocks

A Feature
1) 57 Brian Cudly
2) 86 Justin Wulf
3) 1R RJ Macku
4) M70 Rick Munson
5) 98 Daniel Jackson
6) 14 Ron Novak
7) 28B Rick Bradley
8) 5H Pat Huggins
9) 26x Ron Allen
10) 70 Earl Schmitt
11) 94 Mike Hansen
12) 3K Jerry Keaton
13) 7L Lance Todd
14) 91 Rex Schreiner
15) 3c Colby Johnson
16) 42 Rob Brown
17) 11X Kenny Humpal
18) 92 Don Hall Jr.
19) 10 Brad Schreiner
20) 40 Mike Mass


Tuners (Hornets)

A Feature
1) 01 Adrian Dover
2) 85 Michael Kennedy
3) 1 Kevin Kuker
4) 62 Justin Busboom
5) 44 Jack Prall III
6) 00 Barry Kinnersley
7) 2 Dan Rhiley
8) 0 Rich White
9) B32 Brian Haller
10) 0k Maynard Kinnersley
11) 2k Kyle Schamp
12) 3 Nic Bonney
13) 67 Jack Pratt Jr.

Lightning Leon Zeitner Takes Opening Night Checkers at I-80 Speedway

Foote, Bauer, and Swanson Also Visit Victory Lane.

By Joey Sparano

(GREENWOOD, NEB., 04/23/06)- On a night that would see a total of 33 caution flags, Leon Zeitner would survive nine of them to take the NASCAR Dodge Super Late Model "A" feature win. Zeitner, who would start on the outside front row, jumped to an early lead over Scott Koskovich and Ron Tex Jr. Tex's night would end on lap four when contact from the #33 of Jeff Tilley sent his #8x into the turn three and four wall. The race would see three more cautions, but Zeitner would hold on to take the victory. Scott Koskovich would finish second, Joe Kosiski third, Jason Hobsheidt would come from the 12 hole to finish fourth, and Ed Kosiski came home fifth.

The Home Pride Modifieds saw Brian Foote come home with the victory after starting on the pole position. Foote would hold on to the lead after five early race cautions. He would then set sail to a big lead until the final caution flew with two to go for the #72 of Mike Lineberry. Foote would pull away on the green, white, checkered finish to take the win. Mike Meyer, J.C. Wyman, Justin Clark, and Jonnie Wyman would round out the top five.

The Grand National division would see outside front row starter Dave Cook take the early lead over Joey Bauer Jr. and Mike Merrill. On lap nine Merrill would try to pass Bauer for second, in doing so he would make contact with the lap car of Laini Schwartz causing himself and Schwartz to spin. Cook would keep the lead until lap 15 when he would get trapped behind Schwartz's car in turn two. Both Bauer and the #17 of Dave Livingston would sneek by. Livingston would make one last charge, but the 2005 I-80 Speedway Champion Joey Bauer Jr. would take the win. Livingston would finish second. Jody Krug, Dave Doll, and Brian Scott rounded out the top five.

The NRP Hobby Stocks would see pole sitter Justin Leach loose control of his car going into turn one on the opening lap causing half the field to get sideways and wreck. There would be only eight cars remaining after the second lap, but the action was hot and heavy in the front. The #M70 of Rick Munson and the 16th place starter Jeremy Swanson would trade the lead every other lap. Swanson made the last pass with less than two to go to take the victory. Tom Myers would make it pass Munson for second, Munson would take third, Bob Kracher would get fourth, and Greg Houdesheldt finished fifth.

I-80 Speedway Results From 04/23/06

Dodge Super Late Models

"A" Feature: 1) 62 Leon Zeitner, 2) 80 Scott Koskovich, 3) 53 Joe Kosiski, 4) 19d Jason Hobsheidt, 5) 9 Ed Kosiski, 6) 24 Bryant Goldsmith, 7) 77 John Nicholson, 8) 26jr Corey Zeitner, 9) 00 Clint Benson, 10) 4 Russ Haden, 11) 1L Mike Wallace, 12) 28 Billy Leighton Jr., 13) 21 Mike Nanfito, 14) 33 Jeff Tilley, 15) 4d5 Rob Wagner, 16) z62 Justin Zeitner, 17) 92 Josh Most, 18) 58 Keith Mander Jr., 19) 35j Jeff Smyser, 20) 1m Todd Bell, 21) 8x Ron Tex Jr., 22) 82 Robbie Andersen, 23) 71 Joe Julian, 24) 44z Alonzo Grosse, 25) 44 Troy Daly, 26) 69j Jay Norton, 27) 89 Jerry Warner.

Home Pride Modifieds

"A" Feature: 1) 43 Brian Foote, 2) 2m Mike Meyer, 3) 4 J.C. Wyman, 4) 74 Justin Clark, 5) 44 Jonnie Wyman, 6) 52s Jerimiah Sillman, 7) 3x Mike Johnson, 8) 20m Mark Leiting, 9) 69x Bill Bader Jr., 10) 53 Staci Stava, 11) 75j Jesse Robinson, 12) 3r Rodney Stopak, 13) 72 Mike Lineberry, 14) h1 Lowell Holland, 15) 87 Steve Robertson, 16) 95 Lucas Robinson, 17) 1r Matt Richards, 18) 27 Clint Homan, 19) 33r Larry Robinson Jr., 20) 3L Bub Lerette, 21) 21J Jeremy Leiting, 22) 1s Scott Carlson, 23) 82 Chris Anderson, 24) 1c Nick Carlson, 25) 3 Roger Ruwe, 26) 21t Tracy Harr, 27) 10c Justin Cooper.

Grand Nationals

"A" Feature: 1) 83 Joey Bauer Jr., 2) 17 Dave Livingston, 3) 2k Jody Krug, 4) 97d Dave Doll, 5) 88 Brian Scott, 6) 9 Dave Cook, 7) t3 Gary Leapley, 8) j1 Harley Moen, 9) 23 Dave Hanke, 10) 2 Dwane Pospisil, 11) 12 Todd Hipnar, 12) 96 Tony Leonardo, 13) 55 Mike Merrill, 14) 2x Andrew Kosiski, 15) 9x Kathy Cook, 16) 92k Rob Kosiski, 17) 25 Kenny Edwards, 18) 5 Mike Svagera, 19) 35 Kortney Kosiski, 20) 85a Joe Feyen, 21) 18 Laini Schwartz, 22) 56t Ron Tilley, 23) 92 Tony Barnes, 24) 6 Jacob Hoffman, 25) 8bal Glenn Robey.

NRP Hobby Stocks

"A" Feature: 1) 68 Jeremy Swanson, 2) 7 Tom Myers, 3) m70 Rick Munson, 4) 66 Bob Kracher, 5) 14 Greg Houdesheldt, 6) 99 Jesse Sobbing, 7) 13 Jesse Mcneal, 8) 4x Chad Bassinger, 9) 40 Mike Mass, 10) 70 Todd Schmitt, 11) 10z Joe Zdan, 12) 1 Justin Leach, 13) 28b Rick Bradley, 14) 51s Jeremy Smith, 15) 4 George Whitmore, 16) 55 Bryan Smith, 17) 6a Jeremy Auten, 18) 2t Josh True.

Eagle 4-22-06 Photos Posted

Here's a gallery from last night's racing. Enjoy!

Eagle Raceway 4-22-06 Photos

Butler County Motorplex 4-21-06

"The racing season at Butler County Motorplex began Saturday April 21 with a night full of excitement for the fans and drivers alike. The fans arrived to find a face lift in many areas including a new ticket booth to replace the building destroyed by wind last summer.

Dave Trauernicht wheeled his IMCA Modified to victory in the first of three heat races. Mike Gaver was second, Adam Kobus third and Jim Krupicka fourth. Bob took the win in heat number two as last year’s points champion Jason Gaver finished second, Robert Brinkman third and Brent Schlake was fourth. Jonny Saathoff led the way in the final heat as Aaron Pellan, Chris Alcorn and James Kleinheksel rounded out the top four.

The Limited Late Models first heat win went to Les Siebert with Jim Johnson second, Bob Milander third and Mark Egger fourth. Jeff Hayes won the second heat as Marty Steinbeck, Travis Dickes and Mike Marushak rounded out the top four.

In the IMCA Hobby Stocks first of three heats Kyle Vanover took the honors for the win. Derek Thiem was second, Pat Huggins third and Rudy Brunkhorst fourth. Last year’s points champion Nick Topil took the honors followed by Rich Small, Brian Cudly and Brandon Kresha. Heat number three victory went to Matt Fralin as Ron Allen took second, Max Harder third and Duane Schroeder was fourth.

The Rehmer Auto Parts IMCA Stock Car division only had one heat but it was an exciting race. Eric Rempel took the win as Shane Stutzman finished second, Mike Nichols third and Doug Adamy was fourth.

A new class starting this year is the Hornets. Brandon Wergin of Milford won the heat race followed by Chuck Wergin and the Butler County Landfill car of Austin Brauner. Full Story - Butler County Motorplex
"

Junction Motor Speedway Results 4-22-06

Junction Motor Speedway April 22 2006: "4/22/2006 - Junction Motor Speedway Results...

NAPA CNCTA Late Models : A-Main 01

1) 15W Mike Wiarda
2) 17M Edward Moore
3) 21T Travis Dickes
4) 1 Davey Nall
5) 1X Bo Egge
6) z17 John Bridges
7) 82 Robbie Andersen
8) 66 Mike Fegter
9) 6 Heath Clausen
10) 18 Don Smith Jr

Friesen Chevrolet Modifieds : A-Main 01

1) 95 Robert ( Buzz) Wilson
2) 23 Mike Stearns
3) 55 Shane Stutzman
4) 77k Kurt Johnston
5) 00 Mike Goldfuss
6) 53 Staci Stava
7) 82 Chris Anderson
8) 77jr Jarrod Johnston
9) 52 Dean Wilkinson
10) 4m Neil Adams

Stoney Burk Memorial Stock Cars : A-Main 01

1) 52 Jason Wilkinson
2) 44 Bryon Boersen
3) 15 Andy Wilkinson
4) 6 Jarry Walford
5) 1 Marc Peters
6) 22 John Gillespie
7) 46 Jason Van Winkle
8) 2 Kirk Westring
9) 34 Randy Weaver
10) 55 Ron L. Veleba

Richard Cunningham Memorial Hobby Stocks : A-Main 01

1) 22 Brian Schmidt
2) 14 Edd Huxoll
3) 7d Levi Gunn
4) 21k Brent Kassik
5) 05 Cole Haddix
6) 57JR Micah Veleba
7) 8 Brad Bargen
8) 18J Jake Pemberton
9) 22m Justin Mohler
10) 01 Jarrod Aspegren

Two Person Cruisers : A-Main 01

1) 99 Slezak/Miller
2) 22 Verba/Verba
3) E2 Hanthorn/Nichols
4) 72 Timmermans/Cloet
5) 42B Ekeler/Miller
6) 21 Nunnenkamp/Carlson
7) 69j Jacobitz/Jacobitz
8) 77 Barry/Barry
9) 3 Kenley/Claycamp
10) 11 Lewis/Lewis

Holiday Inn 4 Cylinders A-Main 01

1) 61b Brandon Wergin
2) 14 Edd Huxoll
3) 31 Dan Alt
4) 2 Lance Hiebner
5) 61 Charles Wergin
6) 77 Issiah Hunter
7) 50 Andy Sole
8) 8 Shawn Volk
9) 99 Ryan Pedersen
10) 3k Alex Koehler
11) 20 Chad Carlson

Leighton and Robinson Winners at I-80

By Jim Brennan

(Greenwood, Ne., 4/22/06) – The NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series season opener at I-80 Speedway saw a pair of Juniors taking home first place honors; Bill Leighton Jr. in the Crate Engine Late Models and Larry Robinson Jr. in the Pro-ams.

The Crate Engine Late Models 20 lap feature had 2 race stoppages before one lap could be completed. The 2nd one saw 7 cars involved going into turn 3 with Shawn Harker and Brian Kenkel both flipping their race cars. Also involved were Trevor Millikan, Mike Wallace, Jay Burdic, Dwane Pospisil, Todd Morgan and Brad Soll. Both Harker and Kenkel's cars were destroyed, but fortunately no one was hurt. The 3rd time was the charm though as Dave Livingston grabbed the early lead with Jason Hobscheidt moving into 2nd. Bill Leighton Jr. started 7th in the feature nad by lap 3 he took over
the lead. From that point on Leighton was pretty much unstoppable as Hobscheidt settled for 2nd ahead of Ron Tex Jr., Dave Doll, Mike Merrill and Curt Drake. Heat races were won by Hobscheidt, Merrill and Tex.

The Pro-am 18 lap feature saw Tim Podraza and Scotty Hartman battle for the early lead with Podraza in front at the end of lap 1. Larry Robinson Jr. started 6th and by lap 3 he threaded the needle between Podraza and Hartman for the lead. While
Robinson pulled away from the field, Hartman, Podraza and Rick Negrete waged a spirited battle for 2nd. Hartman took over 2nd on lap 12 but could not catch Robinson and helf off a hard charging Nick Steier for 2nd. Negrete, whose car was overheating finished 5th behind Terry Cleveland. Podraza lost a battle with the 3rd turn wall and faded to a 20th place finish
with a flat tire. Heat races were won by Shane Boles, Robinson and Negrete.

The B-Modifieds only had 5 cars in attendance and Floyd Richards was trying to get his first win of the season. But with one lap left Harry Nixon passed him and recorded the win. Nixon also took the heat race win.

The Novice Hornet A-Feature saw Thomas Liechti lead the opening lap. On a lap 2 restarte Justin Soule took the lead and held it til the end of the lap when Nate Christensen took the lead. Christensen then sailed to the win over Steve
McConnell and Mollee Collins.

The Pro-Hornet A-Feature was all Perry Soule as he led from start to finish despite a couple of red flag periods for rollovers. The first one was Kevin Metcalf's car breaking an axel and flipping between turns 3 & 4. The 2nd one
saw Jamie Spanel get up on the wall out of turn 2. Neither driver was hurt. Soule went on to the win over Greg Ryba, Austin Kurtzer, Darin Hoegren and Ole Olson. Heat race victories went to Kurtzer, Ryba and Rick Havenridge. Lindsey Yost won the B-Feature.


Nebraska Raceway Park I-80 Speedway Results for 04/22/06

NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series

Crate Engine Late Models

A-Feature: 1) 28 Bill Leighton Jr., 2) 1 Jason Hobscheidt, 3) 8x Ron Tex Jr., 4) 97d Dave Doll,
5) 55 Mike Merrill, 6) 55d Curt Drake, 7) 7 Gary Joens Jr., 8) 2x Scott Carlson, 9) 17 Dave
Livingston, 10) 2k Jody Krug, 11) Justin Clark, 12) Trevor Millikan, 13) Brad Perdue, 14) Tony
Leonardo, 15) Dwane Pospisil, 16) Ron Tilley, 17) Todd Morgan, 18) Steve Farnsworth, 19) Brent
Baker, 20) Brian Kenkel, 21) Shawn Harker, 22) Jay Burdic, 23) Mike Wallace, 24) Brad Soll,
25) Jon Schwartz, 26) Randy Archer



Certified Transmission Pro-Am's

A-Feature: 1) 48 Larry Robinson Jr., 2) 88 Scotty Hartman, 3) 8 Nick Steier, 4) 12 Terry
Cleveland, 5) 72 Rick Negrete, 6) 33x Chuck Dillon, 7) 9x John Allensworth, 8) 49x
Chad Sanders, 9) 36 Shawn Bulin, 10) 71x Jeff Kupke, 11) John Riggleman, 12) Nick
Hermsen, 13) Doug Oliverious, 14) Andy Thompsen, 15) Don Mohr, 16) Roger Harpster,
17) Ray Dessell, 18) Mike Powell, 19) Jeff Atkins, 20) Tim Podraza, 21) Shane Bales,
22) Dave Christensen, 23) Marty Steinbech, 24) Jason Cieslik, 25) Doug Stevenson,
26) Rich Steier


B-Mods

A-Feature: 1) 5 Harry Nixon, 2) 71 Floyd Richards, 3) 21 Jim Fritz, 4) 53 Larry Robinson Sr.,
5) 33 Jim Hendricks Jr., 6) 0H Scott Plantz



Novice Hornets

A-Feature: 1) 37 Nate Christensen, 2) 33 Steve McConnell, 3) 3X Mollee Collins, 4) 13 Bryan
Hull, 5) 14 Eric Andersen, 6) 69 Jake Urbach, 7) 3d Sheri Collins, 8) B52 Nathan Brown,
9) 22 Eric Fryman, 10) 60 Thomas Liechti, 11) Lynn Carlson, 12) Justin Soule, 13) Ridge Barnes,
14) Will McConnell, 15) Amanda Merrill, 16) Nan Merrill, 17) Teresa Allen

Pro-Hornets

A-Feature: 1) 16j Perry Soule, 2) 24 Greg Ryba, 3) 57 Austin Kurtzer, 4) 19 Darin Hoegren,
5) 23 Ole Olson, 6) 33t Brian Williard, 7) 36 Joe McConnell, 8) 21 Chad McWilliams,
9) B52 Skip Brown, 10) 13 James Hayes, 11) Dan Urbach, 12) Aimee Harker, 13) Joe
Thomas, 14) Chris Dahlbeck, 15) Mike Bohmer, 16) Mark Schumacher, 17) Jamie Spanel,
18) Kevin Metcalf, 19) Rick Havenridge, 20) Randy Allen, 21) Jason Clark, 22) Laini Schwartz,
23) Lindsey Yost, 24) Joe Baker

Laflin Scores Big in IMCA Stock Cars

By Scott Wisdom

Todd Laflin of Beatrice scored his 1st win in the IMCA Stock Cars at Beatrice speedway on Saturday April 22. He took the lead away from Josh Carpenter and then went on to hold off all challengers in his Jet Racing, Risky’s Sports Bar, Roeber Construction, Jim’s Carpet, Side Trek, Van’s Waterproofing and lettering by Extreme Motorsports 2006 Jet Racing Phantom took sweep both the heat and the A Feature. Heats were won by Todd Laflin and Eric Rempel.

Johnny Saathoff of Beatrice took the lead late in the IMCA Modified Feature then held off challengers to take home his second win of 2006. He took the lead from Dan Bohlmeyer late then fended off all challengers to take home the win in his Jet Racing, Tru-coil Springs, Chase Decals, Jr Motorsports, Pinnacle Bank and Toobies Lumber Jet Mod. Heats were won by Jordan Grabouski, Dan Nelson and Tom Petracek.

Matt Fralin of Beatrice finally got that elusive first win in his racing career in the IMCA Hobby Stocks holding off Justin Fritzson over the final few laps to score the big win. Fralin in his Littleman Chassis Service, The Rail and Redline Race Graphics Littleman Chassis scored a very emotional win and clean sweep. Heat winners were Matt Fralin, Justin Fritzson and Ryan Roschewski.

Benji Legg of Beatrice took his Jet Mod sponsored by The Rail, Blackburn Technologies, Auto Shop Inc, The Buss Stop and lettered by Extreme Motorsports Limited Modified to victory lane in dominating fashion. He started 16th in the A Feature and took too the top side of the race track started mowing the competitors down and ran away with the win which was his 2nd in as many nights in 2006 at the speedway. Heat Winners were Craig Evers, Tyler Snyder and Nick Warnke.

Jeff Watts of Wymore took his Jet Racing, Redline Racing Graphics, Weyer Repair, Reedy Machine and Fab and Watts Salvage Jet Phantom to victory lane in the Factory Stocks. With the win Watts completed the clean sweep on the night. Heat winners were Jeff Watts and Cary Ames.

The Cruiser team of Jeff and Darrell Schlabach of Hanover KS took the win in commanding fashion in the Schalbach Plumbing, Schroller Auto Parts and lettered by Orion Racing Graphics H20 Cruiser. Heat Winners were Mick/Schroller and Laflin/Christlieb.



IMCA STOCK CARS


Stock Car “A” Feature
1) 98 Todd Laflin- Beatrice, NE
2) 76 Lance Borgman- Beatrice, NE
3) 31 Eric Rempel- Palmyra, NE
4) 22 Hugh Carmichael- Blue Springs, NE
5) 28 Jason Kreft- Carelton, NE
6) 3 Josh Carpenter- Fairbury, NE
7) 69 Dustin Schmidt- Fairbury, NE
8) 6 Tyler Phelps- Beatrice, NE
9) 73 Dallas Dobrovolny- Waterville, KS
10) m30 David Murk- Blue Rapids, KS
11) c15 Eric Weyer- Centralia, KS
12) 89 Samuel Howard- Alexandria, NE
13) 33x Mike Sherwood- Beatrice, NE
14) 29j James Griffith- Beatrice, NE
15) 21 Jay Holle- Hanover, KS

IMCA MODIFIEDS

Modified “A” Feature
1) 96j Johnny Saathoff- Beatrice, NE
2) 24 Dan Bohlmeyer- Beatrice, NE
3) 29 Greg Metz- Washington, KS
4) 44x Tom Petracek- Wilber, NE
5) 45 David Trauernicht- Beatrice, NE
6) 71m Eric McMillan- Home, KS
7) 4j Jordy Nelson- Marysville, KS
8) 5s Bob Zoubek- Dorchester, NE
9) 30 Jordan Grabouski- Beatrice, NE
10) 52l Jason Logan- Diller, NE
11) 96 Gary Saathoff- Beatrice, NE
12) 7d Dusty Leonard- Marysville, KS
13) 45m Brandon Johnson- DeWitt, NE
14) 9 Brandon Blochlinger- Concordia, KS
15) 76 Lawrence Warnke- Fairbury, NE
16) 94 Dan Nelson- Beatrice, NE
17) 18k Spencer Sutton- Odell, NE
18) 93l Jason Brinkman- Beatrice, NE
19) 15h Carl Hund- Easton, KS
20) z34 Brent Schlake- Blue Springs, NE

IMCA HOBBY STOCKS


Hobby Stock “A” Feature
1) 7 Matt Fralin- Beatrice, NE
2) 66 Justin Fritzson- Blue Rapids, KS
3) 19 Kyle Vanover- Beatrice, NE
4) 21 Aron DeWalt- Waterville, KS
5) 72 Jesse VanLaningham- Beatrice, NE
6) 11 Eric Chab- DeWitt, NE
7) 34 Max Harder- Beatrice, NE
8) 2 Ryan Roschewski- Beatrice, NE
9) 1 Brian Langdale- Beatrice, NE
10) d64 Greg Post- Blue Springs, NE
11) 20 Chad Borgman- Beatrice, NE
12) t54 Thomas Creek- Wymore, NE
13) 00 Cody Walters- Beatrice, NE
14) 6a Adam Armstrong- Beatrice, NE
15) 83 Josh Houseman- Beatrice, NE
16) 95 Bill Parde- Beatrice, NE
17) 4t Lisa Wagner- Beatrice, NE


LIMITED MODIFIEDS


Limited Modified “A” Feature
1) 25 Benji Legg- Beatrice, NE
2) 2x Craig Evers- Beatrice, NE
3) 20 Tyler Snyder- Beatrice, NE
4) 5 Tom Vanover, Jr.- Beatrice, NE
5) 52 Kevin VanLaningham- Beatrice, NE
6) 97 Mark Saathoff- Beatrice, NE
7) 27 Justin Fritzson- Blue Rapids, KS
8) 92 Justin Hill- Washington, KS
9) 12k Ron Karpisek- Wilber, NE
10) 44 Rich Mick- Oketo, KS
11) 30 David Jueneman- Washington, KS
12) 33 Eric Hanson- Scribner, NE
13) 14 Mike Snyder- Beatrice, NE
14) 24 Daron Williams- DeWitt, NE
15) 24j Jonathon Stryker- Marysville, KS
16) 7 George Ronnebaum- Onoga, KS
17) 8 Daniel McKnight- Beatrice, NE
18) y85 Joel Hespen- Beatrice, NE
19) 11 Larry Halsey- Beatrice, NE
20) 76m Nick Warnke- Fairbury, NE
21) 1b Brian McAllister- Beatrice, NE
22) 93 Rick Germar- Red Oak, IA

FACTORY STOCKS


Factory Stock “A” Feature
1) 66 Jeff Watts- Wymore, NE
2) 35 Mike Schwartz- Beatrice, NE
3) 1w Delmar Wells- Hallam, NE
4) 6r Roy Armstrong- Beatrice, NE
5) 5m Neal Mittan- Wymore, NE
6) 23 Cary Ames- Beatrice, NE
7) 9 Gary Laflin- Beatrice, NE
8) 54m Gary McGinty- Fairbury, NE
9) m64 Matthew Post- Beatrice, NE
10) 05 David Mischnick- Crete, NE
11) 03 Aaron Roth- Pleasant Dale, NE
12) m34 Matthew Spanjer- Fairbury, NE
13) 33d Derek Sand- Hanover, KS
14) 6b Travis Burger- Summerfield, KS
15) 4 Greg Crannell- Beatrice, NE
16) 15s Lyle Slama- Beatrice, NE
17) 6 Ernie Reiss- Beatrice, NE
18) 3 Rodney Latta- Marysville, KS

CRUISERS

Cruiser “A” Feature
1) H20 Jeff Schlabach- Hanover, KS
Darrell Schlabach- Hanover, KS
2) 92 Jeff Stohs- Hanover, KS
Daniel Holle- Hanover, KS
3) 38 Donny Wilcox- Beatrice, NE
Henry Blakemore- Beatrice, NE
4) c4 Darren Meinke- Crete, NE
Nathan Rosentreader- Clatonia, NE
5) 44 Ron Schroller- Oketo, KS
Rich Mick- Oketo, KS
6) 79 Kyle Brunkow- Firth, NE
Keith Brunkow- Firth, NE
7) 108 Erin Schlabach- Hanover, KS
Ron Schlabach- Hanover, KS
8) 13 Derek Wilkinson- Virginia, NE
Justin Hippen- Virginia, NE
9) 93 Gary Riesen- Oketo, KS
Eric Oblinger- Beatrice, NE
10) 3l Terry Laflin- Beatrice, NE
Roy Christlieb- Wymore, NE
11) 16oz Jarrod Little- Malcolm, NE Aaron Little- Malcolm, NE

12) 02 Adam Kramer- Seneca, KS Ryan Kramer- Seneca, KS
13) 2 David Voorhees- DeWitt, NE
Jeff Brumback- DeWitt, NE14) 86 Nicholas Lindblad- Beatrice, NE
Jared Oestreich- Beatrice, NE
15) 88x Mark Widick- Kramer, NE
Landon Widick- Kramer, NE
16) 29x Jeremy Roebke- Lincoln, NE
Eric Miller- Beatrice, NE
17) 22u Jay Holle- Hanover, KS
Ashley Holle- Hanover, KS

Thompson, Hudson, Reicks victorious at Speed Bowl

By Mike Hughes

RED CLOUD, NE (April 21)-It was another beautiful evening for racing action at The
Speed Bowl in Red Cloud, NE, Friday evening, April 21, as 65 race teams checked in
for action.

Superior's Jon Thompson made his way to victory lane in the IMCA Modified
A-feature. After leader Darrick Klima spun on lap 12 after being passed by
Thompson, Thompson then pulled away on the restart. The red flag came out on lap
19 when Justin Basart went up and over the guardrail in turn 1. Basart escaped
unharmed but was finished for the race. This set up a green-white-checkered finish
and Thompson was able to hang on for the win. Lonnie Schriner finished second,
trailed by Joby Hanson, Tim Watts and Dusty Blake. Larry Sutton, Thompson, Brian
Calhoon, and Blake all won heat races, while Carl Hund Jr. led the field to the
checkers in the B-main.

Josh Hudson of Kensington, KS, led from green to checkered in the 20-lap IMCA Stock
Car feature. It took 3 tries to get the opening lap in, and once it was completed,
the rest of the race went caution free. Hudson built up a big lead, but late in
the race Cory Struckhoff and heat one winner Troy Attwood closed ground but had to
settle for second and third. Matt Streit and Brett Behrends rounded out the top
five. Hudson won the other heat race.

Hometown driver Zach Reicks led wire-to-wire in the 15-lap caution free IMCA Hobby
Stock feature. Wade Wagenblast closed in late on the leader but had to settle for
the runner-up spot. Rhett Kingsbury finished third, followed by Jim Buss and Jamie
Reiman. Reicks and Buss were victorious in the two heat races.

Adam Sidlo & E.J. Kothe of Hastings, NE, took the lead on lap 3 of the Cruiser
feature from heat race winners Joe & Jacob Krone and held on to the winner's
circle. Josh & Vic Jacobitz finished third.

Racing returns to the 3/8-mile oval Friday night, April 28. The green flag flies
at 8:00 p.m.

RESULTS
IMCA Hobby Stocks

Feature: 1. Reicks, 2. Wade Wagenblast, 3. Kingsbury, 4. Buss, 5. Reiman, 6. Jared
Lewis, 7. Hudson, 8. Carraher, 9. Selvage, 10. Joe McDole, 11. Naasz, 12. Jason
Nelsson, 13. Zimmerman, 14. T.C. McKain, 15. Matt Henke, 16. Andrew Lovegrove, 17.
Terry Everhart (DNF), 18. Edd Huxoll (DNS).

IMCA Stock Cars

Feature: 1. Hudson, 2. Struckhoff, 3. Attwood, 4. Streit, 5. Behrends, 6. Kreft, 7.
Carpenter, 8. Olson, 9. Chris Hancock (DNF), 10. Chad Wulf (DNF), 11. Geoffrey
Jermark (DNF), 12. Jason McCartney (DNS), 13. Brant Beam (DNS).

IMCA Modifieds

A-Feature: 1. Thompson, 2. Schriner, 3. Hanson, 4. Watts, 5. Blake, 6. Blochlinger,
7. Sutton, 8. Klima, 9. Corman, 10. Calhoon, 11. Hund, 12. Anderson, 13. Putman, 14.
Fogo, 15. Basart (DNF), 16. Jameson (DNF), 17. Smith (DNF), 18. Johnson (DNF), 19.
Veteto (DNF), 20. Grabouski (DNF).

Cruisers

Feature: 1. Sidlo/Kothe, 2. Krone/Krone, 3. Jacobitz/Jacobitz, 4. Joe Hersh/Pat
Hersh, 5. Duffy/Duffy, 6. T.J. Jameson/Matthew Niemaier, 7. Robert Mason/Danny
Bliss, 8. Troy Himmelberg/David Theer (DNF), 9. Al Hornbussel/Joe Berentes (DNS).

Hitchin' a ride

A veteran Eagle Raceway sprint car driver is looking for an additional ride for non-Eagle Raceway events, such as ASCS Midwest or other races. He is willing to look into a Midget, Late Model or Modified drive as well. Contact me by email: jason@heartlandracenews.com if you're looking for a driver. Serious inquiries only, please.

This weekend

Should be a beautiful race weekend as all tracks in the HRN coverage area are in action.

(Listed in alphabetical order. Check track websites for additional information)

Beatrice Speedway – Saturday April 22 - IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Limited Modifieds, Factory Stocks and Hobby Stocks. Races 6PM.

Butler County Motorplex - Friday April 21 - Opening Night featuring IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Limited Late Models. Racing at 8:00 pm

Eagle Raceway– Saturday April 22 - Season opener Meet 'n Greet night featuring 360 Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks, 4-Fun Tuners (Hornets). Front gate opens early at 5PM, races at 7PM.

I-80 Speedway - Sat. April 22 NASCAR Weekly Racing series featuring Crate Late Models, B-Modifieds, ProAms, Pro & Novice Hornets. Races at 7PM. Sunday April 23, NASCAR Weekly Racing featuring Super Late Models, Grand National Late Models, Pro Modfieds and Hobby Stocks. Races at 6:30PM

Junction Motor Speedway - Saturday April 22 - Weekly racing featuring Late Models, Modifieds, Stocks, Hobby Stocks, 2-man Cruisers and 4-Cylinders. Races at 7PM.

Mid-Nebraska Speedway – Saturday April 22- Grand National Late Models, I.M.C.A. Modified, I.M.C.A. Hobby Stock, Happy Hornets, Wild & Wacky Cruisers. Races at 7PM

Thayer County Speedway - Sundary April 23 - IMCA Modifieds, Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Sport Compacts

The Speed Bowl - Friday April 21 - IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Stocks and Cruisers. Races at 8PM

US 30 Speedway - Friday April 21 - Modifieds, Hobby Stock, Street Stock, 4-Fun & GOTRA. Races at 8PM.

Wavelink Raceway Park - Sat. April 22 - Go Kart Practice. Sun. April 23 - Micro Sprint practice.

A Thank You from the Autograph Day crew

Autograph Day:

"On a beautiful April Fools Day, over 75 racing machines were on display in front of the steady stream of 3000+ sun drenched spectators. Mother Nature smiled down on all of us with a window of opportunity second to none! My heartfelt thanks to all the racers, sponsors, and spectators who attended. My congratulations go to Chad Fegley, and Tony Barnes as winners of the $500 and $1,000 sponsorships donated by Amy Wooten. Midwest Racers Autograph Day 2006 has gone down as “The best ever”! Thanks to the help of many good hearted, hard working souls that share a love for racing, Autograph Day was a smash hit! Words cannot come close to the gratitude I feel for the committee members that made Autograph Day possible, without them, there is NO Autograph Day:

Suzanne Lammers, Amy Wooten, Rhonda, Bernie, and Nick Bryan,
Joe Orth, Bruce Steenson, Mike Mook, Patty Herrod, Melissa Borman, Brad Brown,
Mandi Mitchell, Chris Moses, Doug and Monique McCall

Read more...

Eagle Raceway Season Opener Saturday

Eagle Raceway:

"On April 22nd, MDS Pharma Services presents Meet ‘n Greet Mania at Eagle Raceway. The front gates will open 30 minutes earlier at 5:00 pm with your favorite drivers there to greet you and sign autographs. Get there early and talk with the drivers about their up coming racing season.

Eagle Raceway will open weekly racing on April 22nd with the Budweiser Championship Sprints, No Fear Modifieds, and the Stereo West Auto Toys Hobbys and Tuners followed by a large pyrotechnics show.

Front Gate Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth (6-13) and children 5 and under are always free. Pit Gate Admission is $20 for ages 14 and older.

Pit gate opens at 4:00 pm with hot laps starting at 6:10 pm and racing at 7:00 pm. We would also appreciate as many drivers as possible at the front gate to sign autographs for the fans.

Due to personal family business, Roger Hadan will not be directing the races April 22nd. The services of long time track owner and operator Craig Kelley will be filling in as Race Director for the evening. The great staff of Eagle Raceway will be handling everything else as usual. The 1st night of racing will be a draw/redraw as per IMCA rules.

Get ready for a great night of racing action and come join us for the excitement at Eagle Raceway…“America’s Home Track!”

Eagle Raceway Cancels 2006 Icebreaker Challenge

Nebraska Cup return a possibility

By Jason Orth / Heartland RaceNews.com

Eagle Raceway has canceled the 2006 Icebreaker Challenge and will not reschedule the race. The season opening event, which showcased a $2000 to win 360 sprint car A feature prize was pushed back one week from its original April 8 date so not to conflict with I-80 Speedway’s Spring Sizzler, which also featured the same sprint class. Last Saturday’s race was rained out.

Roger Hadan, promoter of Eagle Raceway cited a tight sponsorship commitment schedule as the main reason for the Icebreaker’s cancellation.

The Icebreaker’s increased purse, meant to draw cars from neighboring states would have had less effect this week as other tracks and series in the region are now starting their regular seasons with drivers chasing point championships.

However, Hadan opened the possibility of returning the Nebraska Cup race to Eagle’s schedule, depending on how the season fares for the first-year track operator. In past years the Cup was a showcase event for Eagle Raceway’s weekly classes and drew cars from across the Midwest.

Ironically, Hadan will not get to see his new venture’s first race. An urgent outside matter has drawn him out of town for this weekend. Filling in for Hadan as Race Director this Saturday will be Craig Kelley, former Sunset Speedway and Nebraska Raceway Park General Manager.

Eagle Raceway starts its season Saturday night, April 22 with Meet and Greet night, featuring 360 Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks and 4-cylinder Tuners racing for regular pay and points. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth 6-13 kids 5 & under Free.

I-80 Speedway ready for opening weekend

From Nebraska Raceway Park

OMAHA, Neb. (April 17, 2006) - If the opening events of the young 2006 racing season are any indication, I-80 Speedway race fans are in for another super season of competition in 2006. Terry Phillips took home the gold in the MLRA/TORA North-South Shootout on April 1 st and Brian Brown grabbed the winner's trophy in the record setting ASCS/NCRA Spring Sizzler on April 8 th . 59 Super Late Models and 69 360 Sprint Cars took part in the two special events.

Now the speedway, part of Nebraska Raceway Park's family of race tracks, and the only NASCAR sanctioned track in Nebraska, is set to make history by hosting the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series two nights per week in 2006. Only one other NASCAR member track in the US hosts the Dodge Weekly Series more than one time week. Sunday's program competes in Division II of the Dodge Weekly Series while Saturday's program competes in Division III.

Saturday, April 22 nd kicks off the new Saturday night series with Late Models (using spec. crate engines) as the premier division of NASCAR. The always popular Certified Transmission Pro-Ams, celebrating their 23 rd year of competition, and B-Mods join the Late Models as the NASCAR sanctioned classes on Saturday nights. The Tobacco FREE Nebraska Pro and Novice Hornets round out the Saturday night lineup.

The 6 th season of the Sunday NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series at I-80 Speedway starts on Sunday April 23 rd and features the Dodge Super Late Models as the premier division with the Home Pride Pro Modifieds and newly sponsored Stereo West Auto Toys Hobby Stocks also being NASCAR sanctioned. The competitive Grand National Late Models, which include the crate engined cars from Saturday night, round out the night's competition that'll also feature Kenny Edwards, brother of Nextel Cup star Carl Edwards, as a weekly competitor at I-80 Speedway.

“We're looking forward to the opening of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series this coming weekend” said Tom Gutowski, General Manager of Nebraska Raceway Park. “I-80 Speedway has a great tradition of showcasing some of the best racing in the nation and the drivers who compete here on a weekly basis are among the most talented in the Midwest. Adding a second night of NASCAR sanctioning helps us gain more exposure for our great drivers and crews” he added. Read More...

U.S. 30 Speedway Schedule

U.S. 30 Speedway in Columbus, NE has released their 2006 schedule. They race on Thursday nights.

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com: "APRIL: 20th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets. Added Attraction, GOTRA Cars

27th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

MAY: 4th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

11th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets. Added Attraction, GOTRA Cars

18th Limited Late Models, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

25th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

June: 1st I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

8th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

15th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets. Added Attraction, GOTRA Cars, KIDS NIGHT!!!!!

22nd Limited Late Models, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

29th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

July: 6th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets. Added Attraction, GOTRA Cars

13th Limited Late Models, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

20th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

27th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks,
Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

August: 3rd I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets. NICKEL TOSS KIDS NIGHT

10th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets. Added Attraction, GOTRA Cars

17th Limited Late Models, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

24th I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

31st I.M.C.A. Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks & Hornets.

September 16th & 17th 4th Annual Cornhusker Vintage Nationals

September 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th. ABE LINCOLN MEMORIAL "

Year of the Pizza?

It seems that the brand of pizza is very important news this year, getting prime space in track press releases. As a service to the readers I want to keep everyone updated on the latest in pizza-related news. Remember, HRN is committed to giving you the most important details in SE Nebraska racing news.

For anyone just tuning in, here's the score:

Valentino's - 2 (Eagle, I-80)
Pizza Hut - 1 (Butler County)

Stay tuned to Heartland RaceNews.com for the latest in pizza developments.

Butler County Motorplex

Butler County Motorplex kicks off 2006 next Friday with IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stocks, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Limited Late Models and Hornets

Butler County Motorplex: "Opening night for Butler County Motorplex is Friday April 21st with gates opening at 5:30 hot laps 7:00 racing at 8:00. Bcm would like to welcome PIZZA HUT pizza to the concessions."

Little Sunset Test & Tune April 21

Little Sunset Speedway - dirtdrivers.com:

From Mike Kelley

"Get ready to come out and play Friday April 21st! Bring out your ride and get ready for the 2006 season and see the newly reconfigured race track. April 28th will be the first race night. However, it will be for fun only. The OFFICIAL points championship season starts Friday May 5th.

The IKF Briggs & Stratton Midwest Speedway Tour will be at Little Sunset on May 12th and 13th.

A lot has been done off-season in an attempt to bring this track to a National event level. Hopefully, all the changes will provide an even better racing experience than last season.

The concrete frontstretch wall was moved back approx. 10 feet from the edge of the track. The exit off of turn two was widened and the dropoff on the backstretch was brought up to track level, with a flat surface approx. 15 feet wide protected by another wall. The staging area is EXTRA LARGE now as karts will now exit off the backstretch and to the right. The scale and tech area have also been moved.
See http://www.neracewaypark.com/LittleSunset/index.htm for schedule, classes, and rules info!!!

Tom Gutowski will be General Manager, I will be race directing, Daryl Weilage will be doing tech, and Dale Hoyle will be helping with track prep. We're looking forward to a GREAT 2006 race season, and the WKA event should be awesome!!

Details: Gates open at 6:00PM with practice starting around 7:30PM. Practice will cycle thru classes until at least 9:30. I will post the racer entry fee ASAP. "

Speed Secrets goes live on radio

Wayne Dake:

"Speed Secrets will be joining MWB Broadcasting LLC in York, Nebraska starting May 20th. Speed Secrets has been involved as a half hour taped television program since the fall of 2001. Since that time nearly 200 shows have been aired featuring local, regional and national motor sports and auto racing personalities. The same interview type program will be utilized for the new radio audience, but instead of this being only a half- hour show, we have moved it up to a full hour.

MWB Broadcasting LLC is owned by Mark Jensen, who oversees the operation of stations AM 1370 KAWL and MIX 105 FM KTMX in York. Speed Secrets will air live on AM 1370 KAWL on Saturday mornings for one hour starting at 10:00 AM. KAWL Radio serves the eastern half of the state of Nebraska with a coverage area from the Nebraska/Kansas border to Columbus and Grand Island to the Capitol city of Lincoln.

Owner Mark Jensen has said that he will always focus on programming that reaches the largest share of his listening audience and any type of radio show that focuses on the love of racing and cars is a program that he wants to be associated with. You know, I knew there was something I liked about this guy. As your host of Speed Secrets, I’m looking forward to this new adventure in broadcasting and the chance to move this show into an hour long program."

Beatrice Speedway Rained Out

Races at Beatrice Speedway were rained out

Eagle Raceway Icebreaker Rained out

Eagle Raceway: "Due to the VERY SEVERE weather forecasted for the immediate area, Eagle Raceway feels that it is in the best interest of the fans and racers to CANCEL tonight’s event – The No Fear Ice Breaker Challenge!

We look forward to seeing all of you next Saturday, April 22nd as MDS Pharma Services presents Meet-n-Greet Mania!

Pray for good weather!"

Red Cloud kicks off a new season

By Mike Hughes

RED CLOUD, NE (April 14)—A large crowd was on hand for the opening night of the 2006 race season at The Speed Bowl in Red Cloud, NE, Friday evening, April 14.

Dave Trauernicht of Beatrice used lapped traffic to his advantage to win the 20-lap IMCA Modified main event. Jason Schoenberger of Russell, KS, took the lead at the drop of the green with Trauernicht in pursuit. Late in the race as the leading duo came upon lapped traffic, Schoenberger had a lapped car pull in front of him and had to slow, allowing Trauernicht to make the winning pass. Schoenberger held on to second, followed by Greg Metz, Lonnie Schriner and Brandon Blochlinger. Heat race winners were Darrick Klima, Trauernicht, Wade Cross and Tim Watts, with Joby Hanson holding off Johnny Saathoff to the checkers in the B-main.

Jason Smidt of Minden took the lead on lap 2 of the IMCA Stock Car feature and led the remaining 18 laps to score the victory. Smidt was challenged all the way but never missed his line and took the win. Matt Streit won the race for the runner-up spot as he edged out Brett Behrends, Troy Attwood and Jason Schoenberger to the line. Cory Struckhoff, Josh Hudson, and Attwood were victorious in the three heat races.

It was a two-car race in the IMCA Hobby Stock feature as Jim Buss of Hastings was able to outrun Deshler’s Wade Wagenblast in the 12-lap race. Jamie Reiman won a three-car race for third over Delbert Selvage and Jerry Hudson. Heat race winners included Mike Shriver, Edd Huxoll, and Buss.

Guide Rock’s Ron & Kent Duffy went from third to first in the final 3 laps of the Cruiser feature to claim the win. Heat race winners Adam Sidlo & E.J. Kothe finished second, followed by Vic & Josh Jacobitz.

A candy toss was held for the kids during intermission.

Racing returns to the 3/8-mile oval Friday night, April 21. The green flag flies at 8:00 p.m.

RESULTS

IMCA Hobby Stock

Feature: 1. Buss, 2. Wagenblast, 3. Reiman, 4. Selvage, 5. Hudson, 6. Shriver, 7. Chase Carraher, 8. Nelsson, 9. Kingsbury, 10. Huxoll, 11. Jared Lewis, 12. Joe McDole, 13. Everhart, 14. Rocky Zimmerman, 15. T.C. McKain, 16. Runcie, 17. Andrew Lovesron (DNF), 18. Eric Ingram (DNF), 19. Reicks (DNF).

IMCA Stock Cars

Feature: 1. Smidt, 2. Streit, 3. Brett Behrends, 4. Attwood, 5. Schoenberger, 6. Martin Newlin, 7. Remus, 8. Ron Olson, 9. Jermark, 10. McCartney (DNF), 11. Struckhoff (DNF), 12. Wulf (DNF), 13. Carpenter (DNF), 14. Hudson (DNF), 15. Hancock (DNF), 16. Jason Kreft (DNS), 17. Brant Beam (DNS), 18. #8 (DNS).

IMCA Modifieds

A-Feature: 1. Trauernicht, 2. Schoenberger, 3. Metz, 4. Schriner, 5. Blochlinger, 6. Watts, 7. Blake, 8. Peterson, 9. Johnson, 10. Schlake, 11. Sutton, 12. Veteto, 13. Corman, 14. Hurd, 15. Grabouski (DNF), 16. Hanson (DNF), 17. Saathoff (DNF), 18. Calhoon (DNF), 19. Klima (DNF), 20. Cross (DNF).

Cruisers

Feature: 1. Ron Duffy/Kent Duffy, 2. Sidlo/Kothe, 3. Jacobitz/Jacobitz, 4. Berentes/Hornbussel, 5. Joe Krone/Jacob Krone (DNF), 6. Robert Mason/Donny Bliss (DNF), 7. Richard Hersh/Pat Hersh (DNS).

Full results at www.thespeedbowl.com

Editorial: Let's get it started!

Though several tracks have run specials, and a few already got started the weekend of April 22 marks the “start” of the season, as all tracks get their weekly programs rolling.

Like most others, I’m stoked. For any of the issues regarding track ownership changes, class rules issues, purses, admission prices, etc. we’re still blessed with an incredible buffet to satisfy our racing appetites. There are several tracks well within an hour’s drive of Lincoln at least 7 with oval racing alone! Stocks, sprints, hornets, karts…your call! I cannot think of any time in recent memory we’ve been blessed with that kind of opportunity to enjoy our sport.

Most of us race fanatics consider the “new year” to be the opening night of racing, the calendar be damned. So why not list some New Year’s Racing Resolutions for 2006?

Here’s some suggestions:

• As a fan, I’ll recognize that no matter what class of cars we like the most, racing is racing. The more ways there are to enter the sport, the more people get involved and the more our sport grows.
• As a promoter, I will respect the fan as well as the teams. I’ll start shows on time, keep the program moving as well as I can and provide a safe, friendly, entertaining and comfortable place for racers, die-hard race fans, occasional fans, and potential new fans alike.
• Understand that the new media of the internet gives us information readily and in incredible detail. There’s always going to be ruffled feathers, but think before you speak either on the ‘net or on the phone, or in person…how important is it really? Step inside the other guy’s shoes before venting.
• Get out to a race outside my “class comfort zone.” If I’m a sprint fan, go see some of the Late Model specials taking place. If I root for stockers, go see some of the ASCS specials, an Eagle Weekly show or maybe a midget or kart race.
• Remember that for 99% of the people out there this is a HOBBY. These people have day jobs, family and other obligations. Sometimes racing has to take a back seat. I’d venture that most teams get out of racing because they don’t enjoy it any more. There’s no need to make it rougher on them.
  
• Realize that there are going to be some great races, and some we'd rather forget. One week may have a photo finish at the flag, and another could see a follow-the-leader dry slick parade. Keep it all in perspective, sometimes a little variety makes things interesting down the road.
  

But, if there's only one resolution anyone keeps, I hope it's to have fun, be thankful we get to enjoy a sport we love and pray for the safety of all those involved.

-Jason

The "BEAST" Simulator to appear June 10 @ Beatrice Speedway

Extreme Motorsports:

"The Beatrice Speedway Hall Of Fame Committee is proud to announce a new addition to Hall Of Fame Night at the speedway. THE BEAST will make it's first ever appearance in Nebraska on June 10, 2006 (Hall Of Fame Night.)

The Beast is a full-scale dirt modified virtual motion simulator. The Beast utilizes Dirt Track Racing 2 software, along with working hydraulics to give race fans the most realistic ride of a lifetime. Photos of the car can be seen at www.inthepits.net under 'The Beast'.
(the schedule listed is being updated soon).

We are also working with the Big Car Racing Assn. (BCRA). The BCRA will hold it's first Hall of Fame Inductions on Friday, June 9th in Lincoln. Several BCRA member are expected to attend Saturday, along with several restored Big Car race cars.

More information on all of the Hall Of Fame events will be released next week."

This weekend

Assuming the weather holds out – here’s what’s on tap.
(Listed in alphabetical order, only tracks with events taking place listed. Check track websites for additional information)

Beatrice Speedway – Saturday April 15 - (FYI, Beatricespeedway.com is down as of Thursday) IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Limited Modifieds, Factory Stocks and Hobby Stocks. Gates will open at 3:30pm; Hot Laps 5pm; Races 6pm.

Eagle Raceway – Saturday April 15 - Icebreaker Challenge featuring 360 Sprints ($2000 to win), IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks, 4-Fun Tuners (Hornets). Front gate opens at 6PM, races at 7PM.

I-80 Speedway - Sat. April 15, Practice 1-5 PM

Mid-Nebraska Speedway – Saturday April 15 - Season Opener featuring Grand National Late Models, I.M.C.A. Modified, I.M.C.A. Hobby Stock, Happy Hornets, Awards Plus Wild & Wacky Cruisers. Races at 7PM

The Speed Bowl - Friday April 14 - Season Opener with IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Stocks and Cruisers. Races at 8PM

Mid-West Auto Parts to sponsor JMS Late Models

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com: "The JMS Staff welcomes Mid-West Auto Parts of Seward as a Late Model division sponsor for 2006. Mid-West Auto Parts is located at 1325 West Highway 34 in Seward, Nebraska. Brian and Cindy Fehlhafer recently moved into their brand new building. They have owned a NAPA Auto Parts Store for 2 years. Ben Coffey and Rich Capel serve as your NAPA parts experts at Mid-West Auto Parts. They can be reached at 402-643-2915 seven days a week. M-F 7:30 to 6:00 PM and Saturdays 7:30 to 4:00 PM and Sundays Noon to 4 PM. "

Statement from Adam Gullion Racing

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com:

"FYI - Adam Gullion Racing carrying the 96KX and Husker Auto banners will be at Eagle Saturday nite. Del-Rich Auto and Jamey Wiese are not connected with the Gullion Racing Team. The motor is still owned by Crew Chief Curt Guenther. We would like to thank our sponsors 96KX, Husker Auto, Global Access, WRE Racing Engines, Mike Douglas Home Real Estate, Nickel Construction, Filley Custom Powder Coating, Revis Polishing, Redline Racing Graphics and Little Man Painting. We look forward to a productive year and look forward to seeing all our friends and fans.
See you at the track!
Mark Gullion"

Followup: Sprint Team Breakup?

RUMOR: I've heard that one of the newly-created Eagle Raceway sprint teams is breaking up before the start of the season. There's a lot of crazy details behind all of this, I'll get more to you once I get the facts.

Update: I've been told that the Gullion/Jamey Wiese (Del-Rich Auto Sales) sprint partnership may be dissolved. However the Gullion team (with Adam driving, of course) will be racing this week and for the 2006 season as they've secured additional support.

Read Mark Gullion's post above. Good luck to the team.

WRP Announcement - Split with MMSA

Announcement From the Micro Sprint Track Meeting-March 8, 2006

As you may or may not know, in 1988 Roger Kilgore (then the President of the ENMMA) approached me about racing Modified Midgets at CRP. At the time, the track was much smaller and many improvements needed to be made to accommodate the Modified Midgets. We decided that we wanted to build the track to accommodate both Go-Karts and Modified Midgets. So, in 1989, with the help of the ENMMA, construction began. The club helped us more than most of you know with both volunteered time and manual labor.

The first year racing Modified Midgets, we averaged about 18 cars a night. Even though the car count was minimal that first season, I consider that year to be a great success as so much was accomplished and so many great friendships were made. As the years went by, WRP (formally CRP) has always valued and respected the club’s opinion. The track and the club grew together in both members and car count.

Lately, as I stand back and watch what is going on with the organization, I realize that WRP and the organization no longer share the same ideals. " Read More - Wavelink Raceway Park:

I'm Selling Out

As you can see, I've enabled Google banner ads on my site. FYI, Google picks the links, not me.

I'll be opening up to banner ads soon, I need to get some technical and pricing details squared away. I'll keep you updated.

I-80 Photo Gallery

Here's some pictures I took at I-80 Speedway Saturday night. Enjoy.

I-80 April 8, 2006 Spring Sizzler Pics

2006 Fastrack Pictorial, The Topless Issue, Now Available

From Bob Mays

2006 FASTRACK PICTORIAL, THE TOPLESS ISSUE, NOW AVAILABLE

LINCOLN, NE - (April 9, 2006) - The 2006 Fastrack Pictorial, The Topless Issue, is hot off the press, jam-packed with 40 pages of exciting photos featuring the 2005 midget, sprint car, and silver crown season. This year marks the first time a midget has graced the cover of the Fastrack Pictorial, as Badger champ, Scott Hatton, is shown blasting through turn three at Angell Park in Sun Prairie, WI, during action last summer. Hatton joins past Fastrack cover boys, Sammy Swindell, T.J. Giddings, Jerry Russell, Russ Gamester, Joey Saldana, Steve Troxell, Lonnie Jensen and Lloyd Beckman.

As you may have guessed from the title of this year’s pictorial, the action is all topless, with nary a wing in sight. Although the Badger midget boys, with Hatton leading the way, grabbed the front page, USAC sprints are prominent, along with MSCS, KISS, Sprint Bandit TNT and USAC-CRA sprints getting much of the attention. Midget groups beyond the BMARA included are: USAC, Gateway Racing, Inc. and SMRS. Of course, what would a topless issue be without the USAC Silver Crown big cars, as they too are well represented, and as always there is a look back at the good old days, with a special page honoring Kevin Doty and Don Brown.

Some of the premier events covered are: the Chili Bowl, Indiana Sprint Week, Belleville Midget Nationals, Ultimate Challenge, Tony Bettenhausen 100, Hut Hundred, Ted Horn 100, Four Crown Nationals and Oval Nationals. Racing from such topless strongholds as Terre Haute, Sun Prairie, Paragon, Lawrenceburg, IRP, Eldora, Putnamville, Perris, Bloomington and a host of other venues are featured on each page.

The 2006 Fastrack Pictorial is still just $5.00 plus $1.00 for postage and handling. For your copy, write to: Fastrack Publishing, 4268 Knox St., Lincoln, NE 68504; phone: 402-466-6608; e-mail: cats4racin@aol.com.

Brown tops I-80 Spring Sizzler

A big 68-car field on a cold April night kicked off Sprint car season in Nebraska Saturday.

BROWN TAKES SPRING SIZZLER ASCS/NCRA FEATURE AT I-80

By Jim Brennan

"The American Sprint Car Series Midwest and Northern Plains along with the NCRA came to I-80 Speedway on Saturday night and once again Brian Brown went home with a victory. Brown started 6th in the 25 lap feature and watched as Dustin Lindquist grabbed the early lead. Brown moved to 2nd on lap 3 and began to plot a way to overtake Lindquist. Lindquist survived several restarts in the race and held Brown back until the 22nd lap. Brown took the lead with a neat slidejob and managed to survive a late challenge by Chuck Swenson."

Spring A Feature 1: Brown, Brian 2: Swenson, Chuck 3: Bruce, Jr., Tony 4: Peters, Jake 5: Mitrisin, Jeff 6: Zomer, Dusty 7: Grosz, Lee 8: Taylor, Gary 9: Jobe, Eric 10: Lindquist, Dustin 11: Lowery, Jeff 12: Jacobsma, Justin 13: Chadd, Mike 14: King, Steven 15: Chapman, Toby 16: Johnson, C.J. 17: Selenke, A.J. 18: Divis, Bruce 19: Linnell, Jason 20: Pinegar II, Larry

Grand National Late Models A-Feature: 1) 97d Dave Doll, 2) 28 Billy Leighton Jr., 3) 1 Jason Hobscheidt, 4) 9
Dave Cook, 5) 17 Dave Livingston, 6) 8X Ron Tex Jr., 7) 83 Joey Bauer, 8) J1
Harley Moen, 9) 12 Todd Hipnar, 10) 22M Trevor Milliken

Pro Hornets A-Feature: 1) 99 Rick Havenridge, 2) 96 Corey Hutchison, 3) 57 Austin Kurtzer, 4) 24 Greg Ryba,
5) 85 Mike Kennedy, 6) 19 Darin Hoegren, 7) 00 Barry Kinnersly, 8) 65, 9) 16j Perry Seoule,
10) 10J Doug Lyons,

Novice Hornets A-Feature: 1)16jJustin Seoule, 2) 13 Bryan Hull, 3) 69 Jake Urbach, 4) 60 Thomas Liechti, 5)96
Amanda Leonardo, 6) 33 Steve McConnell, 7) 38 Will McConnell, 8) 68 Ridge Barnes,

Click for Full Results

Beatrice Speedway 4-8-06 Results

Trauernicht, Legg, Borgman, Armstrong and Chab Opeing Night Winners at Beatrice Speedway

By Scott Wisdom

With 104 cars checking into the pits and a large crowd in the grandstand at Beatrice Bpeedway on Opening Night, the racing was action packed with several racing grooves.

David Trauernicht of Beatrice took his Seneca Sanitation, Larry Shaw Race Cars, Holtmeier Farms, Tank It Food and Fuel IMCA Modified to the victory after He, Greg Metz and Johnny Saathoff put on a very entertaining and crowd pleasing show for 25 laps. Trauernicht, Metz, Saathoff, Brian Foote and Brent Schlake rounded out the front 5.

Benji Legg took the win in the Limitied Modifieds in the Auto Shop, The Rail, The Buss Stop Jet Mod after surviving several late race yellows. He was followed across the line by Tom Vanover Jr, Mike Snyder, David Smith and Mark Saathoff to round out the top 5.

Lance Borgman took control of the IMCA Stock Cars at the drop of the green flag and never looked back and he went green to checkered just as the Main Event did. He was followed across the line by Eric Rempel, Shane Stutzman, David Murk and Dustin Schmidt completed the Top 5.

Roy Armstrong picked up where he left off in the 2005 Season in the Factory Stocks by charging to front early in the race and withstood any challengers to take home the Opening Night Win. He was chased across the line by Jeff Watts, Delmar Wells, Neal Mittan and Mike Schwartz.

Eric Chab won a very exciting IMCA Hobby Stock race. He withstood several challengers including a very hard last lap charge by Jesse Vanlaningham. Chab, Vanlaningham, Chad Borgman, Aron DeWalt and Adam Armstrong rounded out the Top 5.

"Hobby Stock “A” Feature
1) 11 Eric Chab- DeWitt, NE
2) 72 Jesse VanLaningham- Beatrice, NE
3) 20 Chad Borgman- Beatrice, NE
4) 21 Aron DeWalt- Waterville, KS
5) 6a Adam Armstrong- Beatrice, NE
6) 66 Justin Fritzson- Blue Rapids, KS
7) d64 Greg Post- Blue Springs, NE
8) 19 Kyle Vanover- Beatrice, NE
9) 34 Max Harder- Crab Orchard, NE
10) 83 Josh Houseman- Beatrice, NE

Factory Stock “A” Feature
1) 6r Roy Armstrong- Beatrice, NE
2) 66 Jeff Watts- Blue Springs, NE
3) 1w Delmar Wells- Hallam, NE
4) 5m Neal Mittan- Wymore, NE
5) 35 Mike Schwartz- Beatrice, NE
6) 54 Mike Pracheil- Dorchester, NE
7) m64 Matthew Post- Beatrice, NE
8) 6 Ernie Reiss- Beatrice, NE
9) 6b Travis Burger- Summerfield, KS
10) 15s Lyle Slama- Beatrice, NE

Limited Modified “A” Feature
1) 25 Benji Legg- Beatrice, NE
2) 5 Tom Vanover, Jr.- Beatrice, NE
3) 14 Mike Snyder- Beatrice, NE
4) 27 David Smith- Blue Rapids, KS
5) 97 Mark Saathoff- Beatrice, NE
6) 92 Justin Hill- Washington, KS
7) 1b Bill Lux- Beatrice, NE
8) 24 Daron Williams- Beatrice, NE
9) 76m Nick Warnke- Fairbury, NE
10) y85 Joel Hespen- Beatrice, NE

Stock Car “A” Feature
1) 76 Lance Borgman- Beatrice, NE
2) 31 Eric Rempel- Palmyra, NE
3) 22s Shane Stutzman- Milford, NE
4) m30 David Murk- Blue Rapids, KS
5) 69 Dustin Schmidt- Fairbury, NR
6) 3 Josh Carpenter- Fairbury, NE
7) 98 Todd Laflin- Beatrice, NE
8) 2l Bryan LaRiviere- Wichita, KS
9) 22 Hugh Carmichael- Blue Springs, NE
10) 33x Mike Sherwood- Beatrice, NE

Modified “A” Feature
1) 45 David Trauernicht- Beatrice, NE
2) 29 Greg Metz- Washington, KS
3) 96j Johnny Saathoff- Beatrice, NE
4) 43 Brian Foote- Essex, IA
5) z34 Brent Schlake- Blue Springs, NE
6) 37f Randy Foote- Stanton, IA
7) 4j Jordy Nelson- Marysville, KS
8) 9 Brandon Blochlinger- Concordia, KS
9) 52 Sean Manning- Firth, NE
10) 5s Bob Zoubek- Dorchester, NE

I-80 Spring Sizzler a go for Saturday

With the NCRA co-sanction, this should be a great sprint opener for 2006. I'll see you there!

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com: "The races are on for tonight!

Doug reports everything is drying up nicely and it looks like a great night of racing ahead of us with temps staying in the 40's with very light winds.

We hope to see you at the races!"

Eagle Raceway cancels open house/practice

Eagle Raceway: "The practice scheduled for April 8th has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
Eagle Raceway will resume on April 15th, at 7:00pm with the Ice Breaker Challenge featuring the Budweiser Sprints, No Fear Modifieds, Stereo West Auto Toys Hobbys and Tuners.
New items to the concessions will be fresh on site baked Valentino’s Pizza and $2.00 Beers."

Nebraska Raceway Park, Eagle square off on Saturday nights

BY TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star

Stunt men. Bus races. Garbage trucks jumping cars — wrecked cars, we presume. Since taking control of Eagle Raceway this winter, new promoter Roger Hadan has been busy coming up with ways — ways that you likely have never thought of — to get more fans out to the racetrack this summer.

Eleven miles up Nebraska 63, officials at I-80 Speedway near Greenwood have dubbed 2006 as the “Year of the Fan.” And with both tracks set to race on the same night for the first time in recent memory, the action won’t be centered only on the dirt ovals..."
Full Article - JournalStar.com

I-80 Canceled for Friday

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com: "I-80 Speedway is cancelling tonight's (Friday - April 7th) race show and will concentrate our efforts on preparing the facility for Saturday's ASCS/NCRA Spring Sizzler. If Saturday's event rains out we will try to reschedule the event. We will NOT be racing on Sunday."

This weekend

Assuming the weather holds out – here’s what’s on tap.
(Listed in alphabetical order, only tracks with events taking place listed. Check track websites for additional information)

Beatrice Speedway – Saturday April 8 - Opening night featuring IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Limited Modifieds, Factory Stocks and Hobby Stocks. Gates will open at 3:30pm; Hot Laps 5pm; Races 6pm. Bonus money for Modifieds and Hobby stocks.

Butler County Motorplex – Test and Tune on Sunday April 9. Practice is scheduled for Butler County Motorplex on April 9th at 1 P.M.. There will be a $10 pit fee and grandstands will be free. The practice is open to anyone.

Eagle Raceway – Saturday April 8 - Open House 3-6PM. All classes of cars welcome. Pit fee $20 (includes meal), grandstands free.

I-80 Speedway – Spring Sizzler Friday & Saturday April 7-8 – ASCS Midwest Region vs. N. Plains Sprint cars. Also Friday: I-80 Speedway Pro-Ams, new 305 Sprint Cars and Dwarf Cars. Saturday night: ASCS Sprints (with NCRA 360 Sprints), the Grand National Late Models and the popular Pro and Novice Hornets. Adult ticket prices for Friday are $12, students (11-17) and seniors (62 and older) are $10 and kids 10 and under are FREE. Saturday’s admission prices are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors and kids 10 and under are still FREE.

Mid-Nebraska Speedway – Saturday April 8 - Practice Day featuring Grand National Late Models, I.M.C.A. Modified, I.M.C.A. Hobby Stock, Happy Hornets (no prices given) at 2:00 pm

Wavelink Raceway Park – Saturday April 8 – Drivers meeting @ Pit Crew, 32nd & Cornhusker Hwy. in Lincoln 11:30AM-12:00PM

NASCAR angry about possible ‘Dateline’ story

I found this interesting and insulting. NBC solicited some Muslim men and used them as plants at the Martinsville race, ostensibly to see if the fans would insult the individuals.

According to the AP story (linked below), the NBC crew was “apparently on site in Martinsville, Va., walked around and no one bothered them,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Wednesday.

By the way, NASCAR and NBC are in the final year of their television contract.

Hint to NBC: if you want to make people mad, make your plants wear Jeff Gordon t-shirts next time (just kidding)

Link - NASCAR.com - Kudos, NASCAR Nation, for not taking NBC's bait

Link - NASCAR angry about possible ‘Dateline’ story - Motor Sports - MSNBC.com:

NCRA Readies for I-80 Opener

The Spring Sizzler held at I-80 this weekend will also be co-sanctioned with the NCRA for Saturday night's show.

National Championship Racing Association: "PARK CITY, Kan. (April 5, 2006) – Defending series champion Garry Lee Maier leads the way as the O’Reilly NCRA 360 Sprint Car Series, presented by ICM/Ethanol, opens their 2006 season Saturday at Nebraska Raceway Park in Greenwood, Neb. It marks the initial visit for the series to the 4/10ths-mile track.

With the help of six feature wins, the most ever in a NCRA 360 sprint car season, Maier easily captured his second championship in 2005, 14 years after winning his first crown in 1991."

WRP Track Meeting Saturday

Link - Wavelink Raceway Park: "WRP will be having a track meeting for the Micro Sprints this Saturday, April 8th at The Pit Crew bar (3223 Cornhusker Hwy, Lincoln) from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Important information about the upcoming race season will be presented so everyone involved with Micro Sprint racing is strongly encouraged to attend."

ASCS Midwest vs. Northern Plains Shootout at I-80

From Nebraska Raceway Park

Omaha, NE (April 3, 2006) – The American Sprint Car Series Midwest and Northern Plains Regions square off for the first time at Nebraska Raceway Park’s I-80 Speedway Spring Sizzler this Friday and Saturday night. Joining the ASCS Sprint Cars on Saturday night will the stars and cars of the NCRA making this a weekend of racing that Midwest sprint car fans don’t want to miss.

Also on tap for Friday’s show will be the venerable and exciting I-80 Speedway Pro-Ams, new 305 Sprint Cars and Dwarf Cars. Making their 2006 season debut on Saturday night are the Grand National Late Models and the popular Pro and Novice Hornets.

“The weekend marks the season opener for both the ASCS Midwest and Northern Plains Region and with the addition of the NCRA on Saturday, the possibility for 60 sprint cars is a real possibility” said
I-80 Speedway General Manager, Tom Gutowski. “We’re pleased that we can bring such a high caliber of sprint car racing to our area for all of our fans to enjoy. Our I-80 Speedway classes are sure to thrill the fans each night with their close competition” Gutowski added.

The Northern Plains Region is expected to bring a contingent of more than 20 drivers from the North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota area, with the Midwest Region attracting all the top contenders throughout Nebraska, Iowa and portions of Missouri.

Among the Midwest Region representatives will be Lincoln’s Toby Chapman, who finished second in ’05 ASCS Midwest Region points, and Missouri’s Brian Brown, who scored three ASCS Midwest Region feature wins in 2005. Other top Midwest Region contenders include Rick Ideus, Chad Humston, Seth Brahmer and J.D. Johnson.

The ASCS Northern Plains contenders will include Minnesota’s Dustin Lindquist, Brett Geldner, Scott Winters and Scott Broty, North Dakotans Natalie Sather, Mike Sitzmann, Jr., and Lee Grosz, and South Dakota racers Chuck Swenson, Gregg Bakker, Brent Vonk, Dusty Ballenger, Ryan Bickett and Casey Abbas.

Several O’Reilly American Sprint Cars on Tour National championship contenders will be on hand as well, including Lincoln’s Mike Chadd, South Dakota’s Jake Peters and Kansas racer Tony Bruce, Jr.

Former ASCS National champion Garry Lee Maier of Cimarron, KS, leads the contingent of NCRA forces into the event.

Both nights of racing action at Nebraska Raceway Park’s I-80 Speedway are slated to get under way at 6:30pm with hot laps at 6pm. The pit gate opens at 4pm and the grandstands open at 5pm.

Adult ticket prices for Friday are $12, students (11-17) and seniors (62 and older) are $10 and kids 10 and under are FREE. Saturday’s admission prices are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors and kids 10 and under are still FREE.

The track is located between Lincoln and Omaha just north of I-80 Exit 420. For more information, contact the NRP General Offices at 402-342-3453 during normal business hours or visit the web site at www.neracewaypark.com. On race days after 4pm, the track info line is 402-944-2233.

The 2006 slate for the ASCS Midwest Region consists of thirteen events at eight tracks throughout Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas.

In its inaugural season, the ASCS Northern Plains 2006 schedule is composed of 22 events at ten different tracks throughout Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin.

In its 15th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing in the United States, the American Sprint Car Series will present approximately 180 nights of racing in 2006 including the National Tour and it’s Regional Tours (Gulf South, Mid-South, Midwest, Northern Plains, Patriot Sprint Group, Rocky Mountain, Sooner, Southern and Sprints on Dirt).

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

I-80 Practice on for Tuesday April 4

Message Board - dirtdrivers.com:

"The practice session is ON for tonight! Gates open at 5pm...on track action starts at approx. 6pm.

Doug was on the track early today with the grader so we expect a good track for practice.

We encourage those weekly racers that haven't done so to get registered and all of your paperwork done so we have a fighting chance at getting started on time for our opening points races on the 22nd and 23rd.

Every driver that has all of their paperwork done and their NASCAR license (or a receipt for one), if required, is admitted for $5 instead of the $15 pit pass.

If you have questions, please call Sue at the office phone: 402-342-3453."

USMTS @ JMS Gallery

Better late than never, I suppose! Here's a gallery of pics from the USMTS race at Junction Motor Speedway on March 10, 2006. Enjoy.

http://heartlandracenews.com/images/UMSTS-3-10-06/USMTS-3-10-2006.html

Autograph Day 2006

Here's a few pics from my first Autograph Day (I've had to work during the previous ones). Kudos to Gary Dominguez and all the crew for their work. One couldn't have asked for a better day. It was a heck of an event. I didn't get a chance to take a lot of pictures - as I spent a lot of time talking to racers and getting sunburned in the process! So, if I didn't get a picture of your car it was nothing personal.

Link - Autograph Day pictures

The trophy winners were:
Peoples Choice: Toby Chapman
Best of Show: Jay Jordan (Chad Fegley's 13F was a very close second)
Best Display: Tie between Nick Bryan and Jeffrey Stickney

Also thanks to everyone on our committee for all the hard work and especially Gary D for ever coming up with the idea in the first place! Thanks to:
Gary Dominguez, Rhonda & Bernie Bryan, Bruce Steenson, Joe Orth, Patty Herrod, Mike Mook, Mandi Mitchell, Melissa Borman, Amy Wooten, Chris Moses, Doug & Monique McCall, Brad Brown, Jason Orth and "uncle" Ron Tegtmeier and everyone else who helped us out.

Phillips takes I-80 North South Shootout

"PHILLIPS TAKES NORTH SOUTH SHOOTOUT AT I-80 SPEEDWAY SATURDAY NIGHT; SHEPPARD AND MYERS WIN MODIFIED AND HOBBY STOCK FEATURES

Jim Brennan

GREENWOOD, Neb. (4/01/2006) The MLRA/TORA North/South Shootout came to I-80 Speedway on Saturday night and Terry Phillips took advantage of Kelly Boen’s bad luck to win." Link to full results - dirtdrivers.com: