Midwest Sprint Warriors Meeting Dec. 8th

Saturday December 8th at THE BULLET HOLE in Utica, Nebraska at 1:00 pm we will be holding a meeting for all Drivers and Owners who are interested in running the 2008 Season, This meeting is very important to the growth of this class, We will be discussing, Tracks, Rules, Purse, Motor Cost, Etc.

Please RSVP if you plan on attending this meeting contact: gregg@midwestsprintwarriors.com

Thank You,

Gregg Bolte & Doug Roth

Speed Bowl in Trouble?

Saw this on the dirtdrivers message board. Right now I'll treat it as a RUMOR. There may be issues with insurance.

From "Racemama" - who is listed as a rep from the Speed Bowl:

"The insurance WON'T insure the facility the way it is! Landowners
won't make the required improvements."

See the thread here: Dirtdrivers.com

I-80 2007 Awards Banquet

Greenwood, NE (November 27, 2007) I-80 Speedway will host the annual awards
banquet for both the Saturday and the Sunday NASCAR Whelen All American
Series programs on Saturday, January 5, 2008. Join fellow racers, sponsors
and fans as I-80 Speedway celebrates the achievements of our outstanding
competitors.

Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers in the Great Clips Crate Late
Models, Ty's Outdoor Power Equipment Pro Stocks, Midas B-Modifieds, Midwest
Linings 305 Sprints, Novice Crate Late Models and the Stereo West Auto Toys
Pro and Novice Hornets divisions from the Saturday Night NASCAR Whelen All
American Series program. The top finishers in the Dodge Super Late Models,
City Weekly Grand Nationals, Certified Transmission Pro Ams, Modifieds and
Hobby Stocks from the Sunday NASCAR Whelen All American Series program will
also be awarded trophies. Special recognition awards and sponsor
appreciation awards will also be presented. Also being recognized that
night will be the Craftsman Mechanics of the Year, as well as the 2007 Total
Performance Parts Rising Star.

The Banquet will be held at the Millard American Legion Post #374 located at
4618 S. 139th Street (139th and old L Street). A dinner buffet will be
presented, and a cash bar will be available during the banquet. Doors will
open at 5:00 p.m., with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. The awards presentation
will immediately follow dinner.

For more information contact:
Danielle Jensen, Director of Operations and Marketing
(402) 342-3453

Beatrice Speedway "Meet & Greet" with New Promoter Kruse

Beatrice Speedway will be hosting an informal "Meet & Greet" for Toby Kruse, Promoter, on Friday, November 23rd from 5:00 - 6:00pm at the Gage County Extension Office on the Fairgrounds.

The 2008 Racing season will be discussed in an open forum. Car Registration will be available for the classes, IMCA Modified; IMCA Hobby; IMCA Sport Compact; Limited; Factory Stock and Cruisers.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

Photos from Eagle - July 28, 2007

I was digging around through some old stuff and thought a few photos would be a nice relief from the cold weather outside. Here's some shots from Eagle on July 28 - it rained later that night.

Eagle 7-28-07 Photos

Locals Take Knoxville Honors

Team Dover named 410 Owner of the Year, Ryan Roberts named 360 Owner of the Year, Former Eagle Champ Ideus wins 360 Sportsman of the Year

From Knoxville Raceway:

KNOXVILLE, Iowa -- More than $250K in cash and contingencies were handed out at the Knoxville banquet Saturday night. The banquet celebrated the 54th season of weekly racing action at the "Sprint Car Capital of the World"! After a social hour and dinner, comedian "The Roundguy" entertained the assembled crowd.

Headlining the award winners were 410 Knoxville Championship Cup Winner Brian Brown, and 360 Knoxville Championship Cup Winner Josh Higday. All 48 drivers in both the 410 and 360 standings walked away with cash and contingencies for their 2007 efforts. Prizes doled out included Hoosier tires, chassis, Heads, blocks, wings, hubs and spindles, drivelines and axles. Big contingency winners included car owner Steve Wares and Mark Dobmeier, who each went home with a J&J chassis, and Nate Van Haaften and Rager Phillips, who each toke home a Maxim chassis.

The first award handed out was the Heritage Award presented by the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. The award went to long-time driver, and current car owner, Larry Weeks. Fans of the Year were long-time staples at the raceway, Alice Matthews and Ernestine Judkins.

The 360 Awards were up next. Brett Mather took home the Lyle Boyd Hard-charger Award for passing the most cars in A features this season. Dustin Selvage took home the "Most Improved" honors. His season was capped by his first career win on Season Championship night. Ryan Roberts team won "Owner of the Year". The team traveled on a weekly basis from Aurora, Nebraska to compete at Knoxville. The Sporstman of the Year was Rick Ideus, who also won his first Knoxville feature this year. Bryan Dobesh ran away with "Rookie of the Year" honors, after finishing second in the driver points by a narrow margin.

In the 410 class, Kaley Gharst won the Lyle Boyd Hard-Charger Award. He credited his lack of qualifying for having to pass the most cars. Calvin Landis was "Most Improved", bolstered by his third place showing in the points race. Team Dover Racing won "Owner of the Year" award. They travel weekly from Springfield, Nebraska. Robert Bell got quite an ovation for taking "Sportsman of the Year" honors. Robert personifies what having fun racing is all about. Mark Dobmeier's "Rookie of the Year" Award was accepted by father, Mike. Of course, Mark is currently racing in Australia.


Marc and Lori Dover were named the 2007 Knoxville Raceway 410 Car Owners of the Year at the Awards Banquet Saturday night at Terrible's Lakeside Casino in Osceola, Iowa.

The Junior Fan Club Awards were next, and the favorite drivers of the youngsters were Joe Beaver (360) and Skip Jackson (410). The Junior Fan Club Members of the Year were Brittany and Mackenzie Sewell.

Those with perfect attendance in 2007 were honored with five free pit passes for 2008. Those drivers were: CJ Houseman, Tom Lenz, Alan Zoutte, Nate Van Haaften, Tyler Thompson, Josh Schneiderman, Frankie Heimbaugh, John Schulz, Dustin Selvage, Brett Mather, Dave Hall, Joe Beaver, Johnny Anderson, Steve Wares, Matt Moro, Josh Higday, Bryan Dobesh, Gil Sonner, Mike Moore, Rager Phillips, Bronson Maeschen, Brent Antill, Ricky Logan, Kaley Gharst, Mark Dobmeier, Tony Vermeer, Skip Jackson, Calvin Landis, Dusty Zomer, Brian Brown and Bob Weuve.

The Knoxville Raceway Charitable Organization raises money all year long through 50/50 sales, and will again provide insurance in 2008 to all drivers in the point standings. In addition, the KRCO will provide Shaver Driveline Covers and a HANS Device to each driver. Doug Brown from Jocko's Auto Parts also helped to make this possible.

The top five drivers in Owner points were honored next. In the 360 class, Jack Anderson #7a (5th), Steve Wares #10 (4th), Matt Moro #2m (3rd), Dwight Snodgrass #2x (2nd) and Bryan Dobesh #2D (1st) were honored. In the 410 class, it was Tony Vermeer #55 (5th), J&S Auto Sports #2 (4th), Calvin Landis #70 (3rd), Dusty Zomer #1z (2nd) and Tim and Gina Doogs #21 (1st).

As is custom, the top five in driver points were honored last. A video tribute to each was played, followed by a few words from each. Dave Hall (5th), Johnny Anderson (4th), Matt Moro (3rd), Bryan Dobesh (2nd) and champion, Josh Higday, took honors in the 360s, while Billy Alley (5th), Skip Jackson (4th), Calvin Landis (3rd) and Dusty Zomer (2nd) joined champion Brian Brown in the 410 class to close out the program. A DJ and dancing followed the Award ceremonies.

Turkey Chase 2007

Indoor Dirt-Oval Go Kart Race
November 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2007
Lancaster Event Center
4100 N. 84th Street
Lincoln, NE
Waverly Exit (HWY 6) West to 84th
Then 6 Blocks South

Friday, Nov. 23
12 Noon Doors Open
2:30 - 5:00 p.m. Registration
4:00 p.m. Hot Laps
6:00 p.m. Racing

Saturday, Nov. 24
9:00 a.m. Doors Open
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Registration
11:00 a.m. Hot Laps
12 Noon Racing

Sunday, Nov. 25
9:00 a.m. Doors Open
9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Registration
11:00 a.m. Hot Laps
12 Noon Racing

Butler County Motorplex Running Full Sked in '08

From Butler County Motorplex

Butler County Motorplex will be back to a full Friday Night schedule in 2008 with some classes IMCA sanctioned. We are in the process of putting a schedule together. Please watch website, schedule should be posted by 1st of year or before. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in 2008. If you have any questions contact Charlotte at 402-209-0921 or 402-944-2941.

Eagle Raceway 2nd Annual Christmas Party and Banquet Info

From Eagle Raceway

Eagle Raceway will be hosting the 2nd annual Christmas Party at the One Eyed Dog Saloon in Eagle, NE on Sunday, December 9th, 2007 from 2:00 to 5:00pm. (The One Eyed Dog Saloon is located at 540 South 4th Street in Eagle, NE which is 4 blocks north off of 'O' Street.)
This will be your opportunity to have the kids meet Speedy Claus, purchase 2008 season passes, reserve pit stalls and register car numbers.
3:00-4:00pm Kids...get a free gift and your picture taken with Speedy Claus!
Enjoy great food and fun Christmas Spirit!

2007 Awards Banquet
The 2007 Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 5th, 2008 at the Double D Ranch in Ashland, NE.
5:00pm Happy Hour
6:00pm Dinner
8:00pm Awards Presentation
Music following
Trophies will be awarded to the top 10 in each division. Please dress accordingly.(no jeans or t-shirts)
Tickets are $25 per person and must be ordered by December 28th, 2007. To order tickets, please call our office at 402-238-2595.

Mark your calendars for the All 4 Kids Expo on March 1st and 2nd at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, NE.


We would like to wish you all a Happy Holiday and we thank everyone for supporting Eagle Raceway...America's Home Track!

Toby Kruse Named Promoter at Beatrice Speedway

Kruse named Speedway promoter

By Jane White/Daily Sun sports editor
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 9:25 AM CST

Beatrice Speedway will have a new promoter in 2008.

Toby Kruse of Ames, Iowa, was hired Monday night by the Gage County Agriculture Society to oversee operations at the local racetrack.

“Toby's experience in the racing industry is outstanding and we are pleased that he has accepted our offer,” Gage County Ag Society president Roger Henrichs said.

Henrichs said the opportunity to bring Kruse to the Beatrice Speedway came at the “right time” for the Ag Society.

“Toby's enthusiasm and motor sports experience is what Beatrice Speedway needs in this challenging industry,” Henrichs said.

Kruse has worked in the motor sports field for nearly 20 years as a chief starter, a track announcer and a director with the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA). He is currently the promoter at Marshalltown Speedway in Iowa.

Kruse will continue as promoter at Marshalltown Speedway, which races on Friday evenings on the Central Iowa Fairgrounds and features four IMCA classes - Hobby Stocks, Modifieds, SportMods and Stock Cars - on a high-banked quarter-mile clay oval.

In 2008, Kruse will be beginning his third season as promoter at Marshalltown, having been named to the position in November 2005.

When it comes to his new position as promoter at the Beatrice Speedway, Kruse said things “moved fast.”

Initially, Kruse said he started talking with the Gage County Ag Society about their options concerning future operation of the local racetrack.

“They were looking at options for the future and since I've been fortunate to be involved in racing for about 20 years, I was offering them some advice on different situations,” Kruse said.

Kruse said the Ag Society was interested in things he's done at the track in Marshalltown.

“One thing led to the next and they asked if I'd have an interest in this (promoting),” Kruse said.

Initially, Kruse said he dismissed the idea.

The more he thought about it, however, he said he decided it might work.

“I decided to give it a shot,” Kruse said.

Kruse said he was “introduced” to the Beatrice Speedway by former promoter Allen Langdale about 13 or 14 years ago.

“I've had a love for the place ever since,” Kruse said.

When it comes to facilities, Kruse said the Beatrice Speedway is “fantastic.”

“The last track I took over needed a complete facelift and three years later we're still working on that,” Kruse said. “Beatrice is a great turn-key operation.”

As the director of track operations for IMCA for four years, Kruse worked with tracks and promoters from across the country, which were sanctioned by IMCA.

“Working for IMCA gave me the opportunity to see race tracks literally from coast-to-coast and border-to-border,” Kruse said.

To date, Kruse said he's seen racing at 155 different tracks in 26 states.

Experiences at the those tracks have helped Kruse learn what works and what doesn't went in comes to short-track racing.

“You can take the things you like and the things you don't like and piece all that together and try to make the best from it,” Kruse said.

In his position with IMCA, Kruse said his job kept him in daily contact with promoters, working with them to help find ways to make their shows better.

While he will be doing a lot of “evaluating” during the 2008 season, Kruse said he won't be making a lot of big changes initially.

All of the classes, which were run at the track in 2007, will be back next season, Kruse said.

The 2007 Beatrice Speedway program included IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Limited Modifieds and Factory Stocks on a weekly basis with Cruisers and IMCA Sport Compacts also sharing time on the racing program.

“All the classes will stay the same for '08,” Kruse said. “We won't be cutting or adding anything when it comes to classes.”

Kruse said during the 2008 season track officials will be “watching” car counts in each class to make sure they can “maintain and support themselves.”

“We want to give everybody a shot to come back this next year and prove themselves,” Kruse said.

Midway through the 2008 season, Kruse said decisions will be made regarding classes for the following year.

One of the first goals Kruse has is to run “a timely show” each week.

“A timely show is critical so you can get more interaction between the fans and the racers,” Kruse said. “It gives fans a chance to come meet their heroes.”

Another goal will be to evaluate the speedway's current prices for admission and pit passes, Kruse said.

“That's an area where I think we need to be more competitive,” Kruse said.

When it comes to the 2008 schedule, Kruse said it will mirror 2007.

The 2008 Beatrice Speedway season will begin March 13-15 with the annual Spring Nationals, featuring IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Sport Compacts.

Weekly Saturday night races will be held throughout the summer months and the season will wrap up with the annual fall finales, Kruse said.

Kruse said 2008 track information will be updated on the speedway's Web site over the next several weeks.

“By the first of December, we'll have it completely updated,” Kruse said.

Kruse becomes the fourth different promoter for the local race track in five years.

Langdale resigned in June 2004 after a 14-year association with the local racetrack. He was succeeded in 2005 by co-promoters Mike Ottersberg and Mike Frase.

Tim Fralin was hired as promoter prior to the start of the 2006 racing season and served in that capacity through 2007.

Fralin's contract was not renewed for 2008.

“I enjoyed my time as promoter at the Beatrice Speedway,” Fralin said. “It was great working with the fair board, fans, racers and crews of Beatrice Speedway.

“I wish them all great success in the future.”

From Beatrice Speedway

Toby Kruse, of Ames, IA will be the Promoter at Beatrice Speedway for the 2008 Racing season. “Toby’s experience in the racing industry is outstanding and we are pleased that he has accepted our offer,” says President Roger Henrichs.

Kruse has worked in the motor sports field as a Director with IMCA (International Motor Contest Association), Track Announcer for Las Vegas Speedway and is currently the Promoter at Marshalltown Speedway in Iowa.

President Henrichs said, “The opportunity to bring Toby to Beatrice Speedway came at the right time for us. Toby’s enthusiasm and motor sports experience is what Beatrice Speedway needs in this challenging industry.”

Kruse will continue as Promoter at Marshalltown Speedway, which races on Friday evenings, and then help Beatrice Speedway with their events on Saturday.

2008 Season will begin March 13 – 15 with Spring Nationals, featuring IMCA Modified; Hobby and Sport Compacts.

Track progress, complete schedule and more information will be updated on the beatricespeedway.com website next week, or you may call Toby Kruse at 515-231-5444.

Scam Alert

Saw this on the dirtdrivers.com message board. Beatrice Factory Stock driver Ernie Reiss gave his account of the incident. Ernie works in Law Enforcement.

"Good morning, everyone. Those of you that know me, know what I do for a living.

"Jerry Thomas" contacted me by email when I had my factory stock on DD for sale. I knew it was a scam as soon as I read his first email. The first thing you look for is grammar and sentence structure. I played him along, knowing it was a scam.

I advertised the car for $750 and he told me he would send me more money than that (of course, EVERYBODY does that ) I got an envelope from UPS containing three money orders, each in the amount of $890. The envelope had a return address in Mississippi. However, when I went to the UPS website and ran the tracking number, it originated in Washington State.

I then called the company that issued the money orders. Keep in mind, I looked these money orders over carefully and they looked genuine. I could not see any evidence of alterations. I gave the company the check numbers and found that one had been cancelled and never issued, one had been cashed in April for $90 and one cashed a week later for $235.

In the meantime, I get an email from the guy wanting his money as soon as possible. I told him I would send the money as soon as the checks cleared the bank. He periodically sent me emails and I wanted his money and I kept telling him to wait.

In the meantime, I think we've located either him or his friends overseas. If he's still doing his scams - which he MUST be - and he's reading this: Jerry, or whatever your name is, your days of scamming people are nearly at an end. You can run but you can't hide. We know where you live and some day soon we will meet. However, it would be for tea and crumpets. I will be presenting you with your own set of special bracelets and you will be getting your own little special room. "

Tip leads to recovery of $21,000 in stolen parts, tools

By the Lincoln Journal Star
Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007 - 04:46:57 pm CST
A Crime Stoppers tip helped lead police to arrest two Lincoln men, who are alleged to have stolen more than $21,000 in racing parts and tools in two recent burglaries.

Justin A. Meyer, 18, 2600 S.W. 17th St., and Brandon VanMeveren, 20, 6200 S. 29th Circle, were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of felony theft.

Officer Kacky Finnell said police searched 2332 W. Q St., and found nearly everything stolen in break-ins of two racing trailers — one Sept. 30 near Southwest Fifth Street and West South Street, the other Oct. 20 at 4315 N. 62nd St.

Meyer was arrested at the house on West Q Street, VanMeveren was arrested at his home.

Finnell said in the first incident, burglars forced their way into a car-trailer parked in an open field and took a racing engine and tools, valued at $12,100.

In the second, someone broke a window to the locked trailer and an interior door to steal three Holly Dominator four-barrel racing carburetors, Snap-On tools and miscellaneous vehicle parts, valued at $9,300.

Finnell said police recovered nearly all of stolen items in the search.

Joe Kosiski Wins Nebraska Championship

From NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 1, 2007) – NASCAR announced Joe Kosiski has won
the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Nebraska championship.

Kosiski had three wins, 17 top fives and 18 top 10s in 22 starts, racing at
I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, NE. He earned $2,000 for the Nebraska
championship. Al Humphrey finished second and Jason Hobscheidt was third.

Just 28 drivers out of the thousands of participants in NASCAR's grassroots,
local-racing program – which encompasses tracks throughout the United States
and Canada – earned a similar honor.
The crowning of champions on the state level renews a tradition of honoring
the best short-track racers in each state, which dates back to the earliest
days of NASCAR.

The NASCAR Nebraska champion was determined by the driver's highest 18
finishes at Nebraska's only NASCAR sanctioned track, I-80 Speedway.

This was also the first year of a long-term sponsorship for Whelen
Engineering as the title sponsor of NASCAR's weekly racing program. The
Connecticut-based company is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation,
industrial and public emergency lighting and warning systems.

Since its inception, NASCAR's local racing series has served as a
springboard in the careers of many top drivers. NASCAR stars Greg Biffle,
Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Kurt and Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl
Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte, Jamie McMurray, Elliott
Sadler and Brian Vickers all began their careers racing their local short
tracks.

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion along with the U.S.
state and Canadian provincial champions, track champions and other special
award winners will be honored at the series awards banquet to be held on
November 10 at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.