Photos from the May 28 ASCS show at Junction Motor Speedway are online.
JMS 5-28-10 Photos
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Jesse Hockett 1983-2010
From www.ascsracing.com
TULSA, Okla. (May 26, 2010) – The nation lost one of its most daring Sprint
Car drivers on Wednesday afternoon, as Jesse Hockett lost his life in an
accident in his Warsaw, MO, shop.
The 26-year-old suffered fatal injuries while working on an electrical box
in his trailer while prepping for a four-day Memorial Day weekend of racing
that was to include Thursday's USAC event at Terre Haute, weekly action near
home at Sedalia on Friday and then the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Steve King Memorial at the Jetmore Motorplex on Saturday and Sunday.
The entire staff and families of the American Sprint Car Series along with
the entire racing community extend deepest sympathies to the family and
friends of Jesse Hockett at this time.
Details regarding services will be announced as they become available.
Car drivers on Wednesday afternoon, as Jesse Hockett lost his life in an
accident in his Warsaw, MO, shop.
The 26-year-old suffered fatal injuries while working on an electrical box
in his trailer while prepping for a four-day Memorial Day weekend of racing
that was to include Thursday's USAC event at Terre Haute, weekly action near
home at Sedalia on Friday and then the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Steve King Memorial at the Jetmore Motorplex on Saturday and Sunday.
The entire staff and families of the American Sprint Car Series along with
the entire racing community extend deepest sympathies to the family and
friends of Jesse Hockett at this time.
Details regarding services will be announced as they become available.
(photo: Jesse Hockett at the 2009 Nebraska Cup at Eagle Raceway, 9-12-09)
Eagle Fan Appreciation With Winner Bonuses
From Eagle Raceway
The first Fan Appreciation Night of the season just got even better!
As an extra added incentive for drivers to conquer the competition, family and friends of the late Jake Ita contributed to the winner's share of the A Feature purse in ALL classes by 50%!!
The Monster IMCA Modifieds will pay $600 to win.
The Budweiser 360 Sprints will pay $1500 to win.
The Valentino's IMCA Hobby Stocks will pay $300 to win.
The Auto Trans Matic IMCA Sport Compacts will pay $90 to win.
And the NAPA IMCA Sport Modifieds will pay $375 to win.
Come out and enjoy a great Memorial Day weekend at "America's Home Track", Eagle Raceway. There will be entertainment both before and after the races.
The pits will be open from 3:30 until 5:00 so that fans can get pictures and autographs, and Ink Machine will be presenting "Tattoo Mania". There will be a tattoo contest, a tattoo artist dash, free t-shirt offers, tattoo discount coupons, designer displays and even "Show your tattoo" prizes.
Admission is only $5, with children 5 and under free.
More information at www.eagleraceway.com
The first Fan Appreciation Night of the season just got even better!
As an extra added incentive for drivers to conquer the competition, family and friends of the late Jake Ita contributed to the winner's share of the A Feature purse in ALL classes by 50%!!
The Monster IMCA Modifieds will pay $600 to win.
The Budweiser 360 Sprints will pay $1500 to win.
The Valentino's IMCA Hobby Stocks will pay $300 to win.
The Auto Trans Matic IMCA Sport Compacts will pay $90 to win.
And the NAPA IMCA Sport Modifieds will pay $375 to win.
Come out and enjoy a great Memorial Day weekend at "America's Home Track", Eagle Raceway. There will be entertainment both before and after the races.
The pits will be open from 3:30 until 5:00 so that fans can get pictures and autographs, and Ink Machine will be presenting "Tattoo Mania". There will be a tattoo contest, a tattoo artist dash, free t-shirt offers, tattoo discount coupons, designer displays and even "Show your tattoo" prizes.
Admission is only $5, with children 5 and under free.
More information at www.eagleraceway.com
Alphabet Soup May 30 at I-80
Yes it is time to put the soup on Sunday May 30th at I-80 Speedway!!! The Annual Alphabet Soup Race Featuring some the best drivers from MLRA/NCRA and around the area will be competing for the 2010 Soup Title and $5000 to win. Last years Soup winner John Anderson has all ready picked up a win at I-80 Speedway winning the MLRA spring Melt Down can he add back to back Soup wins to his trophy collection. IMCA Modifieds will also be competing for $1000 to win this year at the Soup the modifieds have been putting on some awesome racing action so far this year at I-80 Speedway.
Alphabet Soup Race Sunday May 30th
Racing at 5:55
Hot Laps at 5:30
Drivers Meeting at 5
Grandstand Tickets
Adults $20
Juniors (6-15) $8
Kids 5 & Under Free
Pit passes $30
Grandstands Gate open at 4:30
Pit Gate Opens at 3
For More Details www.i-80speedway.com
Alphabet Soup Race Sunday May 30th
Racing at 5:55
Hot Laps at 5:30
Drivers Meeting at 5
Grandstand Tickets
Adults $20
Juniors (6-15) $8
Kids 5 & Under Free
Pit passes $30
Grandstands Gate open at 4:30
Pit Gate Opens at 3
For More Details www.i-80speedway.com
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Pace Lap - May 25, 2010
I plan to make it a sprint car pre-weekend at I-80 on Thursday and JMS on Friday for two ASCS Midwest go-rounds. My Eagle streak will likely be broken this weekend as I plan to take Saturday off. A three day weekend keeps some peace at home.
- But I did hit Eagle again last Saturday. I broke out the shorts (shield your eyes from the whiteness) as the temps hovered around 90 and combined with 40+mph wind gusts, dried things out quickly. Some of the water dumped in the pits could've been put to better use on the track...but it wouldn't have mattered.
159 cars hit the speedway - the meat of the purse was covered for sure at the back gate with a nice crowd making for plenty of front gate gravy.
What the hell are you talking about, Jason? Maybe the week off is a good thing for you.
Anyway, the 24 sprinters were the most for a weekly points show this season. Enough in fact for a B feature. Regan Kitchen took a break from retirement to "help the car count" in Ryan's car and looked pretty decent to boot.
There have been a lot of rumblings about the sprint car count at Eagle. But consider this piece from Brad "IBRACN" Brown. In it he mentions that at some tracks, sprint counts are in the low teens, if they're even in the double digits! Even the Mecca of sprint car racing, Knoxville, IA is in the low 20's for 410's and the upper 20's/low 30 for 360s. So the fact that at least for the first 1/3 of the season, Eagle's been filling full A feature fields is a positive.
Some complained about the dust and I sympathize. But that's a lot of cars, starting half an hour earlier, in an increasingly warmer time of year and with the sun higher up to bake the track. Yeah, it was windy...but I feel that with these conditions, dry tracks may be the norm for the season. I don't mind a track that goes dry every so often. However, if you mind...prepare to get used to it.
The multiple spins, yellows and wrecks pushed the show to 4 1/2 hours, with a five minute break. The delays caused Eagle to postpone the Mini-Van race afterward. The track slicked up later (as expected), but wasn't as bad as it could've been for all those cars. The slick conditions led to a lot of spinouts, especially in the sport mod class, and later in the sprints. Jack Dover closed the distance to Stu Snyder after a late yellow flag in the sprint A. Despite nearly looping it and bicycling late in the race, he took the lead back from friend Stu Snyder to take the checkers and made it three out of the last four. It was a nice turn around for Jack as he suffered a nasty wreck the night before at Jackson, MN.
- "I always measured the success of a race by who finished second to me" was a line from Mario Andretti I read in this month's Motorsport magazine. The question is, does the level of competition they beat measure your opinion of a driver's abilities?
In the IMCA Modified division, Eagle promoter Roger Hadan remarked that according to IMCA, the program at Eagle is the toughest in the country. I haven't seen these figures, but it would be hard to argue. Shane Hiatt picked up his first career modified win holding off the likes of defending track champ Jordan Grabouski, last year's National Champion Dylan Smith and multi-time IMCA National Champ Johnny Saathoff. Hiatt drove solid, didn't flinch an inch and picked up a win he could be proud of on any night, even if it was his first.
For the entire season, there has yet to be a repeat winner in that division. I'll put the competitiveness and on-track action of Eagle's IMCA Modified program up against any program of any class in the country when it comes to quality.
- If you're a dirt track racing fan, and the schedule this weekend doesn't satisfy you, nothing will. You could go from Thursday to Sunday and hit a lot of great events and not visit the same track twice. If that isn't enough and the annual big-league racing lineup doesn't make you happy, then I don't know what can be done for you. Go watch some meaningless major league baseball game.
- This may be anathema to any hard core dirt track fan: sometimes I think this area of the country needs a short, paved oval. Yes, paved. Something different and something that could serve more purpose. Dirt tracks have limitations, with rainouts the obvious one. I just think it would add to the variety.
Don't freak out dirt fans - it won't happen.
- With that in mind, I'm planning to visit Motorsports Park Hastings for some event, whether it be karts or SCCA or...
- And, in that vein, if you wish to push wine and cheese racing to its limit, Formula One will be making a comeback to the U.S. in 2012 at a yet-to-be-constructed track near Austin, TX. Yes, there's a snob factor, but I like seeing the pinnacle of technology and the spectacle.
I think many agree that "big league" racing often forgets its short track cousins. Notice I didn't say "heritage." Like it or not and despite what NASCAR would like you to believe, auto racing was a rich man's game to begin with as only the rich had cars. Despite that, I think it's a good thing for the short trackers to get a taste of the big leagues, especially if only for ideas to bring home to the bullring.
- But I did hit Eagle again last Saturday. I broke out the shorts (shield your eyes from the whiteness) as the temps hovered around 90 and combined with 40+mph wind gusts, dried things out quickly. Some of the water dumped in the pits could've been put to better use on the track...but it wouldn't have mattered.
159 cars hit the speedway - the meat of the purse was covered for sure at the back gate with a nice crowd making for plenty of front gate gravy.
What the hell are you talking about, Jason? Maybe the week off is a good thing for you.
Anyway, the 24 sprinters were the most for a weekly points show this season. Enough in fact for a B feature. Regan Kitchen took a break from retirement to "help the car count" in Ryan's car and looked pretty decent to boot.
There have been a lot of rumblings about the sprint car count at Eagle. But consider this piece from Brad "IBRACN" Brown. In it he mentions that at some tracks, sprint counts are in the low teens, if they're even in the double digits! Even the Mecca of sprint car racing, Knoxville, IA is in the low 20's for 410's and the upper 20's/low 30 for 360s. So the fact that at least for the first 1/3 of the season, Eagle's been filling full A feature fields is a positive.
Some complained about the dust and I sympathize. But that's a lot of cars, starting half an hour earlier, in an increasingly warmer time of year and with the sun higher up to bake the track. Yeah, it was windy...but I feel that with these conditions, dry tracks may be the norm for the season. I don't mind a track that goes dry every so often. However, if you mind...prepare to get used to it.
The multiple spins, yellows and wrecks pushed the show to 4 1/2 hours, with a five minute break. The delays caused Eagle to postpone the Mini-Van race afterward. The track slicked up later (as expected), but wasn't as bad as it could've been for all those cars. The slick conditions led to a lot of spinouts, especially in the sport mod class, and later in the sprints. Jack Dover closed the distance to Stu Snyder after a late yellow flag in the sprint A. Despite nearly looping it and bicycling late in the race, he took the lead back from friend Stu Snyder to take the checkers and made it three out of the last four. It was a nice turn around for Jack as he suffered a nasty wreck the night before at Jackson, MN.
- "I always measured the success of a race by who finished second to me" was a line from Mario Andretti I read in this month's Motorsport magazine. The question is, does the level of competition they beat measure your opinion of a driver's abilities?
In the IMCA Modified division, Eagle promoter Roger Hadan remarked that according to IMCA, the program at Eagle is the toughest in the country. I haven't seen these figures, but it would be hard to argue. Shane Hiatt picked up his first career modified win holding off the likes of defending track champ Jordan Grabouski, last year's National Champion Dylan Smith and multi-time IMCA National Champ Johnny Saathoff. Hiatt drove solid, didn't flinch an inch and picked up a win he could be proud of on any night, even if it was his first.
For the entire season, there has yet to be a repeat winner in that division. I'll put the competitiveness and on-track action of Eagle's IMCA Modified program up against any program of any class in the country when it comes to quality.
- If you're a dirt track racing fan, and the schedule this weekend doesn't satisfy you, nothing will. You could go from Thursday to Sunday and hit a lot of great events and not visit the same track twice. If that isn't enough and the annual big-league racing lineup doesn't make you happy, then I don't know what can be done for you. Go watch some meaningless major league baseball game.
- This may be anathema to any hard core dirt track fan: sometimes I think this area of the country needs a short, paved oval. Yes, paved. Something different and something that could serve more purpose. Dirt tracks have limitations, with rainouts the obvious one. I just think it would add to the variety.
Don't freak out dirt fans - it won't happen.
- With that in mind, I'm planning to visit Motorsports Park Hastings for some event, whether it be karts or SCCA or...
- And, in that vein, if you wish to push wine and cheese racing to its limit, Formula One will be making a comeback to the U.S. in 2012 at a yet-to-be-constructed track near Austin, TX. Yes, there's a snob factor, but I like seeing the pinnacle of technology and the spectacle.
I think many agree that "big league" racing often forgets its short track cousins. Notice I didn't say "heritage." Like it or not and despite what NASCAR would like you to believe, auto racing was a rich man's game to begin with as only the rich had cars. Despite that, I think it's a good thing for the short trackers to get a taste of the big leagues, especially if only for ideas to bring home to the bullring.
ASCS Midwest Gets Jump Start on Memorial Day Weekend Racing Action
Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (May 24, 2010) - The American Sprint Car
Series Midwest Region gets a head start on the nation's Memorial Day holiday
weekend racing festivities with a pair of events in the Cornhusker State on
Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday night, the ASCS Midwest forces take to Nebraska Raceway Park's
I-80 Speedway near Greenwood, NE. Then, on Friday night, it's off to McCool
Junction's Junction Motor Speedway.
The ASCS Midwest Region opened its season at the same I-80 Speedway between
Lincoln and Omaha on April 16-17, with 21-year-old Dustin Morgan of Tulsa,
OK, and 20-year-old Jack Dover of Springfield, NE, splitting victory honors.
With a rained out Missouri weekend since that time, Dover still sits atop
the Midwest point charts with Gary Swenson's familiar No. 24a his Regional
ride.
Dover escaped the opening weekend of ASCS Midwest action atop the point
charts with a 28-point edge over Giltner, Nebraska's Chad Humston, who
scored three series wins last year.
Aurora, Nebraska's Ryan Roberts is third in points, with Morgan and Gregg
Bakker of Sioux Falls, SD, rounding out the current top five. The balance
of the current top ten in ASCS Midwest points includes two-time ASCS
Northern Plains champion Lee Grosz (Harwood, ND), Robby Wolfgang (Sioux
Falls, SD), Ryan Bickett (Ramona, SD), Billy Alley (Lincoln, NE) and Lou
Kennedy, Jr. (Winnipeg, Manitoba).
Humston claimed the first of his three 2009 ASCS Midwest wins in last year's
Thursday night Memorial Day weekend card at I-80 Speedway, while Lucas Oil
National champion Shane Stewart tuned up for the following Jetmore double
with a win at Junction Motor Speedway.
Thursday's card at I-80 Speedway goes green at 7:00 p.m., with Friday's
action at Junction Motor Speedway firing off at 7:00 p.m. as well.
Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway is located in Greenwood, NE, between
Lincoln and Omaha off I-80 Exit 420, then 0.4 mile north on SR 63 then west.
For more information, contact the track at 402-944-2233.
Junction Motor Speedway is located 5.6 miles south of York, NE, off I-80
Exit 353 on US 81, then 0.3 miles west on CR 4. For more information,
contact the track at 402-773-5538.
The ASCS Midwest Region is slated for 23 nights of competition in 2010 at
ten different tracks throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas of
Missouri, South Dakota and Iowa.
In its 19th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing, the American Sprint Car
Series brings the best of Sprint Car racing to approximately 100 different
tracks throughout 30 states and Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil Sprint
Car Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of ten different
Regions throughout the nation.
Past ASCS Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:
4/17/10 - Jack Dover (Midwest)
4/16/10 - Dustin Morgan (Midwest)
7/2/09 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
5/21/09 - Chad Humston (Midwest)
4/11/09 - Jonathan Cornell (Midwest)
4/10/09 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
8/14/07 - Jack Dover (Midwest)
4/15/07 - Chuck Swenson (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/14/07 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/15/06 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
7/3/06 - Jake Peters (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/8/06 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/3/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. National)
7/8/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
4/15/05 - Terry McCarl (Midwest)
Past ASCS Midwest Region Winners at Junction Motor Speedway:
5/22/09 - Shane Stewart
6/27/08 - Brian Brown
6/29/07 - Brian Brown
5/25/07 - Garry Lee Maier
6/30/06 - Brian Brown
5/26/06 - Jake Peters
5/27/05 - Jason Danley
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available
at www.ascsracing.com
Series Midwest Region gets a head start on the nation's Memorial Day holiday
weekend racing festivities with a pair of events in the Cornhusker State on
Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday night, the ASCS Midwest forces take to Nebraska Raceway Park's
I-80 Speedway near Greenwood, NE. Then, on Friday night, it's off to McCool
Junction's Junction Motor Speedway.
The ASCS Midwest Region opened its season at the same I-80 Speedway between
Lincoln and Omaha on April 16-17, with 21-year-old Dustin Morgan of Tulsa,
OK, and 20-year-old Jack Dover of Springfield, NE, splitting victory honors.
With a rained out Missouri weekend since that time, Dover still sits atop
the Midwest point charts with Gary Swenson's familiar No. 24a his Regional
ride.
Dover escaped the opening weekend of ASCS Midwest action atop the point
charts with a 28-point edge over Giltner, Nebraska's Chad Humston, who
scored three series wins last year.
Aurora, Nebraska's Ryan Roberts is third in points, with Morgan and Gregg
Bakker of Sioux Falls, SD, rounding out the current top five. The balance
of the current top ten in ASCS Midwest points includes two-time ASCS
Northern Plains champion Lee Grosz (Harwood, ND), Robby Wolfgang (Sioux
Falls, SD), Ryan Bickett (Ramona, SD), Billy Alley (Lincoln, NE) and Lou
Kennedy, Jr. (Winnipeg, Manitoba).
Humston claimed the first of his three 2009 ASCS Midwest wins in last year's
Thursday night Memorial Day weekend card at I-80 Speedway, while Lucas Oil
National champion Shane Stewart tuned up for the following Jetmore double
with a win at Junction Motor Speedway.
Thursday's card at I-80 Speedway goes green at 7:00 p.m., with Friday's
action at Junction Motor Speedway firing off at 7:00 p.m. as well.
Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway is located in Greenwood, NE, between
Lincoln and Omaha off I-80 Exit 420, then 0.4 mile north on SR 63 then west.
For more information, contact the track at 402-944-2233.
Junction Motor Speedway is located 5.6 miles south of York, NE, off I-80
Exit 353 on US 81, then 0.3 miles west on CR 4. For more information,
contact the track at 402-773-5538.
The ASCS Midwest Region is slated for 23 nights of competition in 2010 at
ten different tracks throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas of
Missouri, South Dakota and Iowa.
In its 19th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing, the American Sprint Car
Series brings the best of Sprint Car racing to approximately 100 different
tracks throughout 30 states and Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil Sprint
Car Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of ten different
Regions throughout the nation.
Past ASCS Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:
4/17/10 - Jack Dover (Midwest)
4/16/10 - Dustin Morgan (Midwest)
7/2/09 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
5/21/09 - Chad Humston (Midwest)
4/11/09 - Jonathan Cornell (Midwest)
4/10/09 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
8/14/07 - Jack Dover (Midwest)
4/15/07 - Chuck Swenson (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/14/07 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/15/06 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
7/3/06 - Jake Peters (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/8/06 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/3/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. National)
7/8/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
4/15/05 - Terry McCarl (Midwest)
Past ASCS Midwest Region Winners at Junction Motor Speedway:
5/22/09 - Shane Stewart
6/27/08 - Brian Brown
6/29/07 - Brian Brown
5/25/07 - Garry Lee Maier
6/30/06 - Brian Brown
5/26/06 - Jake Peters
5/27/05 - Jason Danley
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available
at www.ascsracing.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
RevHoney Energy named title sponsor of Belleville 100
HADDAM, Kan. (May 21) - On July 4 it will have been 100 years ago that three
men raced around what is now known as the Belleville High Banks. To help
celebrate the centennial anniversary of auto racing at "The World's Fastest
Half-Mile Dirt Track" in Belleville, Kan., RevHoney Energy has signed on as
title sponsor of the Belleville 100 to energize thousands of race fans for
one stunning event.
men raced around what is now known as the Belleville High Banks. To help
celebrate the centennial anniversary of auto racing at "The World's Fastest
Half-Mile Dirt Track" in Belleville, Kan., RevHoney Energy has signed on as
title sponsor of the Belleville 100 to energize thousands of race fans for
one stunning event.
Machine and driver will be tested in a contest never before witnessed at the
Belleville High Banks or anywhere across the fruited plain with the
inaugural running of the RevHoney Energy Belleville 100 on Friday, Saturday
and Sunday, July 2-4.
"We like to go to local events like this race because we get to see and meet
so many people from this area," said RevHoney CEO Nate Brown. "Our goal is
to give people more than what they ask for in return, and that is exactly
what our plan is for this show."
Headquartered in nearby Haddam, Kan., RevHoney, Inc., is a privately-held
honey company specializing in bringing an ancient food to the modern world
with its innovative packaging and marketing. RevHoney's message is clear:
restore the health of future generations by providing a food that is both
good for you and tastes good. By offering a better way to health and
convenient packaging, RevHoney is able to reach consumers in a way that has
never been done before.
RevHoney has two different products with the same result - good for you
energy. RevHoney will be showcasing their new energy drink that hits stores
this June, along with the popular U-Tubes which are already for sale at
select retail locations as well as the RevHoney website at www.revhoney.com.
RevHoney Energy Drinks are the first of their kind because they are the
first to be fully powered by honey. Hence, they are naturally good for you
and your body - all while giving you energy with no artificial ingredients
A one-of-a-kind event at a one-of-a-kind venue is what race fans and
competitors alike can look forward to next year when the nation's top dirt
modified drivers converge on the famed Belleville High Banks for the
inaugural running of the RevHoney Energy Belleville 100.
A century in the making, the three-day celebration of speed and skill will
be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 2-4, at the "World's Fastest
Half-Mile Dirt Track" located in Belleville, Kan.
On Friday night, the Modifieds take on the Belleville High Banks with heat
races, "B" mains and a 40-lap "A" main carrying a $5,000 top prize and a
minimum $500 to start. The top-10 finishers will be locked into Saturday
night's thrilling finale. Saturday will feature another round of qualifying
events, followed by a 15-lap Non-Qualifiers "A" main with drivers racing for
$2,000 to win and $300 to start.
The thrilling conclusion will be the 60-lap championship "A" main with 30
cars starting three-wide on the big half-mile clay oval with $10,000
earmarked for the winner and a minimum of $1,000 for each of the starters.
The main event will see the race red-flagged on lap 30 for a 10-minue pit
stop that will take place on the front stretch in front of the grandstands.
But that's not all...the polesitter for Saturday's championship "A" main
will have the option of starting dead last in the field and go for a
whopping $100,000 paycheck if he or she can win from the 30th starting
position.
Dozens of contingency prizes will also be awarded during the event, plus a
Halfway Leader Award, Hard Charger Award, Hard Luck Award and more.
Attendees can also look forward to a gigantic fireworks display to round out
the Independence Day celebration.
Sunday will conclude the Fourth of July Holiday with a dazzling auto thrill
show and other entertainment suitable for a 100-year celebration of auto
racing, including the Pig 100 - a not-so-light-hearted special event
featuring real live pigs and a shot at $500 for one lucky participant.
The Sunday date is also being held in reserve as a rain date for Friday or
Saturday.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 402-761-3676 or by checking out the
'Tickets' section at www.belleville100.com. Entry forms, rules and
additional information can also be found on the Official Website of the
Belleville 100.
For more information about the Belleville 100, contact Wayne Dake via email
at wayne@belleville100.com or call 402-440-3977.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Pace Lap - May 20, 2010
Another weekend out at Eagle (may be my last until June, but we'll see). This week the 10:30 barrier was cracked (with a few minutes head start), despite a longer intermission for the kid's candy grab, a nasty red wreck in the modified A feature and a red flag in the sprints.
- Standing with some Eagle officials before the show, Roger wheeled by on the "Big Wheel" water/pack truck and when the officials asked if there was anything they could do to help, Roger's response was "help me start on time." It seems that checkout processes are speeding up and things are getting a bit to normal. To aid in this, a hard time limit was put on for hot laps, and the hotlap sessions were started on time, but also closed promptly. After repeated announcements, teams started stepping up their pace, and a few late-skaters got left behind. Tracks are starting to get serious about this. I like it.
- The Sport Mods put on a better A feature, and Marty Steinbach rocketed out to two quick restarts to win the race handily. Some kvetching on the message boards ensued, but despite two persistent opinions to the contrary, the general tone was the starts were legal. For the record, having stood in turn three for that race, I agree with those who said the start was clean - it was legit and for as long as I've been at Eagle either sitting in the scorer's booth, or hearing the officials on the radio, that start will always be legit. I didn't hear a peep about that start over the radio.
If there's two things I know the officials watch for on restarts (and despite being the most visible official on the track, it's not just the flagman's call), it's this: brake-checking and guys getting out of line to get runs on the guy in front of them.
- In that vein, one thing I always take to the track for safety reasons and just to keep informed is a small, wide-band receiver radio. Yeah, it's a scanner...but a little different. Most scanners can only receive VHF signals and above. If all you're looking for is a NASCAR listening device you can take to the local track, go with a scanner. If you want to keep up on things but don't want to look like a total uber-nerd (just a minor one), I'd recommend one of these. What's nice is I can listen to not only the racetrack, but also the Raceceivers, the FM broadcast some tracks have and if I want, I can listen to the CB radios between push trucks and over-the-air radio broadcasts. They're pretty cool and in most cases no more expensive than a quality scanner, but fit in a pocket and are Mil-Spec rugged.
Sometimes a lot of the griping done on message boards could be alleviated if you heard what the officials talk about. There's usually more to the story.
- The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame announced its 2010 class, with lifetimes spanning the entire century. What made me feel old is that I remember when Wayne Lewis was very active on the local scene and Al Humphrey was at his peak.
- Combine this with the Eagle Raceway/Midwest Speedway reunion scheduled for June and people have a great opportunity to look at some interesting open-wheel racing history in this state. I think that these names get lost as the current crop of drivers seem to be hitting stride at younger ages and media platforms like the web, message boards, etc. make them more visible. But young drivers are nothing new - Mario Andretti raced the dirt tracks at 19 and raced in Italy at 13, AJ Foyt started his USAC Career at 21.
- One slightly related, borderline off-topic thing: in my April 19 piece I mentioned that I was really happy with the I-80 pit food, and some of that was as a result of being a little put off by Eagle's fare, at least the last time I was there. I have to say that lately I've been very content with Eagle's food in the pits - food was hot and fresh and the ladies at the counter are really nice. Granted - what does stuffing my maw have to do with racing? Well, it's part of the whole experience. For a lot of people, racing isn't all about what happens on the track.
That's really all I have for this week. Stay safe, everyone!
- Standing with some Eagle officials before the show, Roger wheeled by on the "Big Wheel" water/pack truck and when the officials asked if there was anything they could do to help, Roger's response was "help me start on time." It seems that checkout processes are speeding up and things are getting a bit to normal. To aid in this, a hard time limit was put on for hot laps, and the hotlap sessions were started on time, but also closed promptly. After repeated announcements, teams started stepping up their pace, and a few late-skaters got left behind. Tracks are starting to get serious about this. I like it.
- The Sport Mods put on a better A feature, and Marty Steinbach rocketed out to two quick restarts to win the race handily. Some kvetching on the message boards ensued, but despite two persistent opinions to the contrary, the general tone was the starts were legal. For the record, having stood in turn three for that race, I agree with those who said the start was clean - it was legit and for as long as I've been at Eagle either sitting in the scorer's booth, or hearing the officials on the radio, that start will always be legit. I didn't hear a peep about that start over the radio.
If there's two things I know the officials watch for on restarts (and despite being the most visible official on the track, it's not just the flagman's call), it's this: brake-checking and guys getting out of line to get runs on the guy in front of them.
- In that vein, one thing I always take to the track for safety reasons and just to keep informed is a small, wide-band receiver radio. Yeah, it's a scanner...but a little different. Most scanners can only receive VHF signals and above. If all you're looking for is a NASCAR listening device you can take to the local track, go with a scanner. If you want to keep up on things but don't want to look like a total uber-nerd (just a minor one), I'd recommend one of these. What's nice is I can listen to not only the racetrack, but also the Raceceivers, the FM broadcast some tracks have and if I want, I can listen to the CB radios between push trucks and over-the-air radio broadcasts. They're pretty cool and in most cases no more expensive than a quality scanner, but fit in a pocket and are Mil-Spec rugged.
Sometimes a lot of the griping done on message boards could be alleviated if you heard what the officials talk about. There's usually more to the story.
- The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame announced its 2010 class, with lifetimes spanning the entire century. What made me feel old is that I remember when Wayne Lewis was very active on the local scene and Al Humphrey was at his peak.
- Combine this with the Eagle Raceway/Midwest Speedway reunion scheduled for June and people have a great opportunity to look at some interesting open-wheel racing history in this state. I think that these names get lost as the current crop of drivers seem to be hitting stride at younger ages and media platforms like the web, message boards, etc. make them more visible. But young drivers are nothing new - Mario Andretti raced the dirt tracks at 19 and raced in Italy at 13, AJ Foyt started his USAC Career at 21.
- One slightly related, borderline off-topic thing: in my April 19 piece I mentioned that I was really happy with the I-80 pit food, and some of that was as a result of being a little put off by Eagle's fare, at least the last time I was there. I have to say that lately I've been very content with Eagle's food in the pits - food was hot and fresh and the ladies at the counter are really nice. Granted - what does stuffing my maw have to do with racing? Well, it's part of the whole experience. For a lot of people, racing isn't all about what happens on the track.
That's really all I have for this week. Stay safe, everyone!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Names 2010 Inductees
LINCOLN, Neb. (May 12, 2010) -- The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is
pleased to announce inductees for 2010. The event will honor Nebraskans with
an outstanding history of involvement in auto racing. The Induction Ceremony
will be held on Friday, October 15, at the Lincoln Firefighters Reception
Hall at 241 Victory Lane in Lincoln, NE.
Ticket information for the 2010 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction
Ceremony will be available soon.
The 2010 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame inductees include Gene Barnett,
Lincoln, NE., Merwyn "Mert" Dunker, Fremont, NE., Bryon "Speed" Hinkley,
Elba, NE., Al Humphrey, Giltner, NE., Wayne Lewis, Lincoln, NE. and Bob
Woodhouse, Blair, NE.
Gene Barnett
Lincoln, Nebraska's Gene Barnett had a long and distinguished career in
motorsports. As a participant, he competed in county fair events around
central Nebraska prior to World War II. When racing started at Capitol Beach
in the early 1950s, Gene was invaluable working as a promoter, flagman, pit
steward, photographer and just about any other job that needed to get done.
Soon, Barnett's services were sought by other tracks throughout the region
as well. After Capitol Beach closed, his regular gig was Midwest Speedway in
north Lincoln, but he still helped with other facilities and also worked for
National Speedways, Inc.
Merwyn 'Mert' Dunker
Mert Dunker was born in Fremont, NE in 1937. Growing up, "stock" was never
good enough as he even customized his bicycle as a youth, and later became a
mechanical engineer. In 1957, his life changed after joining Omaha's
Roadstars Car Club and winning his first award for his custom '31 Ford
pickup. His career as a starter came from being in the right place at the
right time when the race promoter handed him the flags after the designated
starter failed to show. From there, he established himself with the NHRA,
flagging the starts across the country in the era before the now ubiquitous
"Christmas Tree" lights. In the meantime, Dunker established himself as a
top official on the show car circuit and is a noted collector of small scale
cars. Also a drag racer and writer, Dunker has done it all and continues
flagging old-timers races to this day.
Byron 'Speed' Hinkley
Like many Nebraskans of the time, this Elba native honed his mechanical
skills on the farm and cut his teeth on the dusty half- miles and fairground
tracks in Nebraska and Kansas in the late 1910s. Following his family to
California in 1920, Hinkley soon established himself on the 5/8 and
mile-long tracks of California, where he became one of the legendary Ascot
Speedway's early heroes, winning many races, and holding the track record
for an extended period. His last win came in 1931, a 60-lap contest at San
Jose. He passed away December 31, 1989 at the age of 91.
Al Humphrey
Born in 1953 and starting his racing career in the early 1970s, Humphrey
became a fixture of Midwest late model racing, showing up to take on and
beat the big boys, at times with just a skeleton pit crew and a modest
trailer. At his peak, Humphrey was the man to beat at Mid-Nebraska Speedway
where he won a total of five track championships. He took his winning ways
elsewhere, claiming track championships at Red Cloud's Speed Bowl,
Lexington, and I-80 Speedway. He won the inaugural Spec (now Super) Late
Model Racing series season championship in 2008. Humphrey is a life-long
Nebraskan and currently farms near Giltner, NE.
Wayne Lewis
Wayne Lewis was born in 1941 in Rulo, NE. He honed his mechanical skills on
the family farm as a youngster, then grew up to work full time as an auto
mechanic. In the early 1960s Lewis began building race engines and raced at
drag strips across the region. He gave up driving to concentrate on customer
engines, eventually setting up his own shop. Lewis' engines saw success on
the track, with his motors winning championships at Beatrice, Eagle and
Lincoln's Midwest Speedway. Wayne is currently a NHRA assistant tech
director and still works his magic at Lincoln's Speedway Motors.
Bob Woodhouse
A success on the track and in the business world, Woodhouse's early love
affair with the automobile led him to choose a career with Ford Motor
Company over teaching. The Montana native left Ford and ran a chain of
dealerships rooted in Blair, NE. Woodhouse began a successful SCCA career
behind the wheel in the 1970s, winning championships in regional and
divisional series. In 2006, at the age of 60, Woodhouse took a podium finish
in the SPEED World Challenge event at Sebring International Raceway, and
finished sixth in the driver standings while still running his dealerships
full time. His Woodhouse Performance team claimed three victories in the
SPEED World Challenge series with veteran driver Tommy Archer in 2008. He
now heads a group working to elevate the status of the SCCA Pro Racing World
Challenge.
The purpose of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the
memory of these individuals who have brought lasting fame to the state of
Nebraska through their efforts in auto racing.
Nominees to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame must have been a resident
of the state for at least two years and must be retired for at least four
years from the discipline for which they are being honored. Active
participants in the sport will be considered if they are at least 55 years
of age and have been with the sport for at least 30 years.
All candidates must have made positive contributions to the sport of auto
racing on a local and regional level and go on to some national prominence.
Anyone wishing to nominate a person to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame
can do so by submitting the person's name, with a list of their
accomplishments in a short bio to: The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame,
Inc., 5527 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. You can also call 402-421-2266,
or e-mail your nomination to Joe Orth at jorth@narhof.com
The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is located inside the Museum of
American Speed at 340 Victory Lane on the Speedway Motors complex in
Lincoln, Neb.
The Museum of American Speed hours: May through September, two-hour guided
tours begin at 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. October through April,
two-hour guided tours begin at 2 p.m. every Friday. Admission is $10 to tour
the museum.
For more information about the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame please
visit www.narhof.com
pleased to announce inductees for 2010. The event will honor Nebraskans with
an outstanding history of involvement in auto racing. The Induction Ceremony
will be held on Friday, October 15, at the Lincoln Firefighters Reception
Hall at 241 Victory Lane in Lincoln, NE.
Ticket information for the 2010 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction
Ceremony will be available soon.
The 2010 Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame inductees include Gene Barnett,
Lincoln, NE., Merwyn "Mert" Dunker, Fremont, NE., Bryon "Speed" Hinkley,
Elba, NE., Al Humphrey, Giltner, NE., Wayne Lewis, Lincoln, NE. and Bob
Woodhouse, Blair, NE.
Gene Barnett
Lincoln, Nebraska's Gene Barnett had a long and distinguished career in
motorsports. As a participant, he competed in county fair events around
central Nebraska prior to World War II. When racing started at Capitol Beach
in the early 1950s, Gene was invaluable working as a promoter, flagman, pit
steward, photographer and just about any other job that needed to get done.
Soon, Barnett's services were sought by other tracks throughout the region
as well. After Capitol Beach closed, his regular gig was Midwest Speedway in
north Lincoln, but he still helped with other facilities and also worked for
National Speedways, Inc.
Merwyn 'Mert' Dunker
Mert Dunker was born in Fremont, NE in 1937. Growing up, "stock" was never
good enough as he even customized his bicycle as a youth, and later became a
mechanical engineer. In 1957, his life changed after joining Omaha's
Roadstars Car Club and winning his first award for his custom '31 Ford
pickup. His career as a starter came from being in the right place at the
right time when the race promoter handed him the flags after the designated
starter failed to show. From there, he established himself with the NHRA,
flagging the starts across the country in the era before the now ubiquitous
"Christmas Tree" lights. In the meantime, Dunker established himself as a
top official on the show car circuit and is a noted collector of small scale
cars. Also a drag racer and writer, Dunker has done it all and continues
flagging old-timers races to this day.
Byron 'Speed' Hinkley
Like many Nebraskans of the time, this Elba native honed his mechanical
skills on the farm and cut his teeth on the dusty half- miles and fairground
tracks in Nebraska and Kansas in the late 1910s. Following his family to
California in 1920, Hinkley soon established himself on the 5/8 and
mile-long tracks of California, where he became one of the legendary Ascot
Speedway's early heroes, winning many races, and holding the track record
for an extended period. His last win came in 1931, a 60-lap contest at San
Jose. He passed away December 31, 1989 at the age of 91.
Al Humphrey
Born in 1953 and starting his racing career in the early 1970s, Humphrey
became a fixture of Midwest late model racing, showing up to take on and
beat the big boys, at times with just a skeleton pit crew and a modest
trailer. At his peak, Humphrey was the man to beat at Mid-Nebraska Speedway
where he won a total of five track championships. He took his winning ways
elsewhere, claiming track championships at Red Cloud's Speed Bowl,
Lexington, and I-80 Speedway. He won the inaugural Spec (now Super) Late
Model Racing series season championship in 2008. Humphrey is a life-long
Nebraskan and currently farms near Giltner, NE.
Wayne Lewis
Wayne Lewis was born in 1941 in Rulo, NE. He honed his mechanical skills on
the family farm as a youngster, then grew up to work full time as an auto
mechanic. In the early 1960s Lewis began building race engines and raced at
drag strips across the region. He gave up driving to concentrate on customer
engines, eventually setting up his own shop. Lewis' engines saw success on
the track, with his motors winning championships at Beatrice, Eagle and
Lincoln's Midwest Speedway. Wayne is currently a NHRA assistant tech
director and still works his magic at Lincoln's Speedway Motors.
Bob Woodhouse
A success on the track and in the business world, Woodhouse's early love
affair with the automobile led him to choose a career with Ford Motor
Company over teaching. The Montana native left Ford and ran a chain of
dealerships rooted in Blair, NE. Woodhouse began a successful SCCA career
behind the wheel in the 1970s, winning championships in regional and
divisional series. In 2006, at the age of 60, Woodhouse took a podium finish
in the SPEED World Challenge event at Sebring International Raceway, and
finished sixth in the driver standings while still running his dealerships
full time. His Woodhouse Performance team claimed three victories in the
SPEED World Challenge series with veteran driver Tommy Archer in 2008. He
now heads a group working to elevate the status of the SCCA Pro Racing World
Challenge.
The purpose of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the
memory of these individuals who have brought lasting fame to the state of
Nebraska through their efforts in auto racing.
Nominees to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame must have been a resident
of the state for at least two years and must be retired for at least four
years from the discipline for which they are being honored. Active
participants in the sport will be considered if they are at least 55 years
of age and have been with the sport for at least 30 years.
All candidates must have made positive contributions to the sport of auto
racing on a local and regional level and go on to some national prominence.
Anyone wishing to nominate a person to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame
can do so by submitting the person's name, with a list of their
accomplishments in a short bio to: The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame,
Inc., 5527 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. You can also call 402-421-2266,
or e-mail your nomination to Joe Orth at jorth@narhof.com
The Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame is located inside the Museum of
American Speed at 340 Victory Lane on the Speedway Motors complex in
Lincoln, Neb.
The Museum of American Speed hours: May through September, two-hour guided
tours begin at 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. October through April,
two-hour guided tours begin at 2 p.m. every Friday. Admission is $10 to tour
the museum.
For more information about the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame please
visit www.narhof.com
ASCS Midwest Regional Update May 19, 2010
From Chuck Zitterich, ASCS Midwest
Eight days & counting 'til Memorial Day Weekend!
Thursday May 27th
I-80 Speedway
Greenwood, NE * Pits Open @ 3:00 * Racing @ 7:00
Friday May 28th
Junction Motor Speedway
McCool Junction, NE * Pits Open 4PM * Racing @ 7PM
ASCS Midwest Region points both days
2 separate shows - $1500 to win each night
ASCS Midwest Payout (each night)
$1500 - 1000 - 700 - 600 - 500 - 400 - 350 - 300 - 275 - 250
$250 thru 20th.
RR Tire - ASCS Spec Hoosier (16" Medium or Hard) - LR & fronts open
Mufflers are not required - minimum 1475 lbs w/driver
Race-ceivers are mandatory (Drivers must supply their own race-ceiver)
For complete ASCS Midwest schedule: www.ascs360.com
ASCS Midwest Region On-Deck:
Eagle Nationals - ASCS National Tour!
Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters!
Friday June 11th - Eagle Raceway - Eagle, NE
Saturday June 12th - Eagle Raceway - Eagle, NE
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Patriot Racers' Appreciation Day for Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and their families
Please join us for Patriot Racers' Appreciation Day for Military, Law
Enforcement, Firefighters, and their families.
Enforcement, Firefighters, and their families.
Village Inn
3809 Twin Creek Dr., Bellevue, NE 68123
Sunday, May 30th
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
20% food discount (with Valid ID for military, law enforcement and
firefighters)
Free Slice Pie Coupons for ALL! (while supplies last)
$5 Village Inn Gift Cards for Contest Participants
Cash Raffle, Contests, & Prizes
Pit Stop Challenge will be held in the parking lot beginning at 1:00. Get
your 2 person team ready! Pit Stop Challenge will consist of 2 people
competing for the fastest time to change 2 race car tires. All participants
will receive Village Inn $5 Gift Cards. Winning team will receive a Family
Four Pack to Eagle Raceway (2 adult passes & 2 kids' passes). Winning team
will also receive Patriot Racers' t-shirts. The winning team from our event
on Wednesday, May 12th were Tanner Powers and Dustin Poldberg with a low
time of 37 seconds! Will you beat this record timing!?
Kiddy Kraft Table: We will have a kids table set up. Please bring your
children and encourage your child to draw a picture or write a thank you
letter to our troops overseas. We will send these out to a unit referred to
us by you. If you currently have a loved one overseas, let us know about
them.
Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters and Family come on out and receive
your discounts! Everyone stop by and say Thank You to America's bravest who
are in attendance! Enter to win cash prize (presence not necessary to win).
50/50 Cash Raffle will benefit Patriot Racers' Charity of the month: May,
Camp Patriot. Camp Patriot gives disabled veterans the opportunity to
experience outdoor activities their war wounds prohibit them from doing on
their own. Patriot Racers' t-shirts are also available to order for $20,
proceeds to benefit Camp Patriot during the month of May. Come out and view
the Patriot Racers' 2010 Dedicated Sport Mod. Sign up your loved one to be
added to the 2010 Dedication List. Please view www.patriotracersinc.com for
more information on the dedication and charity of the month.
Email PatriotRacers@gmail.com to sign up for the Pit Stop Challenge.
Thank you all in advance for participating! We will see you then!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Showdown at Uptown Saloon
Friday May 21st, 6pm at the "Uptown Saloon" Greenwood, Ne located on the
corner of Hwy 6 & Main Street.
corner of Hwy 6 & Main Street.
Please help us out by spreading the word of this fun event....
The "Showdown at Uptown Saloon" Located in Greenwood, Ne will be on Friday,
May 21st beginning at 6pm. Proud owner, Tammy Garrow has been a long time
sponsor of our annual Kid's Night Bike Giveaway and Racing Fan of Eagle
Raceway!!
Tammy has invited ALL the driver's, Owner's, Crew Member's and Racing Fans
of Eagle Raceway to come out and show off their race car's and spend the
evening signing autographs for the racing fans!!
Let's show our support to all of our racing fans and attend this event!!!
The Uptown Saloon is located right on the corner of Hwy 6. Drivers may line
the Main Street with their race cars. Parking is available for all.
Their famous Uptown grilled Burger's and Beer specials will be served
throughout the evening along with a few giveaways!!
We hope you'll bring the family out to meet the driver's of Eagle Raceway
and have a great time!!!!
Any questions please contact Rhonda at 402-450-7992 or email
rascal60@windstream.net
Eagle Raceway Car Show May 29th
In order to help Promote Fan Appreciation Night, The Eagle Nationals (June 11-12), as well as The Nebraska Cup in September, we are planning several car shows at various high traffic areas around Lincoln. The First Event is Hosted by QP/Ace Hardware at 14th and Superior St in Lincoln on Saturday May 29. We need 15-20 Cars from all classes to be on display from 11-3.
This is a very high traffic area in NW Lincoln, and a perfect way to help promote your sport, as well as attract new race fans and possibly sponsors for your cars. I realize this is a very active weekend racing wise, but it is also a great opportunity to reach out to a lot of people at once.
For those of you that would be interested, please email me at gary.dominguez@homerealestate.com .
Remember, there are many many race fans out there! Now is the time to be an ambassador to your home track.
Thanks to everybody in advance!
Gary
This is a very high traffic area in NW Lincoln, and a perfect way to help promote your sport, as well as attract new race fans and possibly sponsors for your cars. I realize this is a very active weekend racing wise, but it is also a great opportunity to reach out to a lot of people at once.
For those of you that would be interested, please email me at gary.dominguez@homerealestate.com .
Remember, there are many many race fans out there! Now is the time to be an ambassador to your home track.
Thanks to everybody in advance!
Gary
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Saturday May 15 at the Junction- Relay for Life Night at JMS
This Saturday, May 15th, will be Relay For Life Night at Junction Motor
Speedway. Activities before the races include a racing garage sale with
items from some of dirt racing's travelers from all over the country, and
some from the local racers as well. Face painting, and games for kids. Also,
you can sit in a late model and get a picture with it.
Speedway. Activities before the races include a racing garage sale with
items from some of dirt racing's travelers from all over the country, and
some from the local racers as well. Face painting, and games for kids. Also,
you can sit in a late model and get a picture with it.
Several raffles to choose from. A season pass to JMS and a season pass to
I-80 Speedway, and a raffle for a chance to drive a dirt late model.
Silent auction for some gift certificates to local restaurants as well.
We have got lots of great items for the garage sale, so here is a chance to
get some cool stuff on sale.
All proceeds go to Relay For Life/American Cancer Society.
Pit Gate Opens at 4:00 pm
Front Gate Opens at 5:00 pm
Hot Laps at 6:00 pm
The Races Start at 7:00 pm
Admission $8.00 Adults and $4.00 Children ages 6-12
5 and under are free in the stands.
Pits $25 for Non-Nascar Crew
$20 For all NASCAR Drivers and NASCAR Crew Members
Classes Racing
ALL NASCAR--- GM Performance Parts LATE MODELS, Steele Rubber Products
MODIFIEDS, B-MODIFIEDS by Camelot Inn, The Lounge, and Southside Grille,
STOCK CARS by NAPA, AND 4 CYLINDERS by NAPA.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Pace Lap May 11, 2010
The Pace Lap May 11, 2010
I had promised something about purses and "market value." I'll do that later.
Another trip to Eagle this weekend with unseasonably cool temperatures for this time of year. Fortunately the wind died down, and the track stayed very tacky and fast throughout the night. A few ruts in turn one weren't disruptive and fans were treated to some pretty good races.
- One exception: the Sport Mod A feature was lousy with Roger Hadan pulling the plug with about five laps remaining after the seventh (or eighth?) yellow flag. For a 15 lap race, that's just too much. The fact was, most of the yellows were intentionally brought out by spun out drivers. I have no patience for that as a race fan. What do you do? Well, in the heats and B's there's a "Lone Ranger" rule stating that if you spin, without contact and bring out the yellow, you're out. Any bump, scrape, whatever will except you from this and you can continue. Otherwise, loop it all alone and bring out the yellow...done.
I think until a class gets their act together this may be a good answer. But, with so many cars in the A feature it would be 1. tough to see all the incidents and 2. hard to NOT have contact making the Lone Ranger rule pointless.
Maybe if the LR rule was for the last half of the race?
But the waiting for the yellow isn't acceptable. Not when the show's having a tough time breaking the 4 hour barrier as it is (with short intermissions, to boot).
Given the issues with the Lone Ranger rule I'm in favor of cutting laps. There are those who say that time limits are unfair to those guys racing. That's a valid point. But, Eagle's taken a fan-first approach, and while muted...the applause when the yellow and checkered flew seemed to tell me that the decision was the right one for many of the people in the stands and with the exception of 2nd place on back at least an agreeable one.
I may be unfairly harsh on these guys as I have friends in the class, it's new to the track, fairly low-budget and has a lot of first timers and guys moving up...which I've always admired. But, sub-20 car counts and intentional yellow flags aren't the way to win over a crowd used to a fast-moving show. It's time to put the interests of the class and the fans first.
- The sprint field was top-heavy with Billy Alley and Jack Dover staying close to home to give Mike Boston a run. But the star of the night almost was Trevor Grossenbacher, who was lightning fast on the bottom. He could very well have had the race in hand, but got hung up behind the #91 of Rocky Klabunde, allowing Dover to sneak past and control the fast line for the rest of the race, picking up his second win of the weekend. Trevor came home second.
- Several of the sprint drivers who have branched out away from Eagle made their way back, for various reasons. But I wonder if as the season rolls on, the expense of travel may keep some teams closer to their homes? It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks and what happens with car counts at the ASCS shows at I-80 and JMS at the end of the month.
- The question came up in an email: Photographer and Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Joe Orth is not my dad or uncle. Despite the unique last name and we're both into photography, we are at most, distantly related and not in business together at Eagle. I consider Joe a friend and a mentor.
- For the second week, the issue of low compact count came up on the Junction Motor Speedway message board. For whatever reason, they just don't seem to find their way out there. Credit Delmar Friesen for sticking it out. At times the complaint was that the interior oval was too small, while the other half argued that the main oval was too big...which says to me that's not the issue. One thing I noticed: car counts seem to go up in proportion to how close they are to population centers.
Well, duh. But what it says to me is that unlike the initial frenzy when the class first hit Nebraska speedways in the mid 2000s, the count seems to have hit a plateau, which in my opinion is exactly what an entry level class should do. Again, I also think the growth of the sport mod has given another low budget entry point, and in a purpose built race car, arguably one better suited as a starting point if the goal is moving up in class.
Some argue bringing back the two-man cruisers, but as pointed out later in the thread, thatnovelty act class is dying out.
- Memorial Weekend is perhaps the biggest weekend for auto racing in America, and if you're a sprint fan in Nebraska, you have a great opportunity as well. The ASCS hits I-80 on Thursday May 27, Junction on May 28. Eagle runs their weekly show that Saturday. Or, if you're up for the drive, the annual Steve King Memorial takes place in Jetmore, KS (a few miles north of Dodge City - about 6 hours away from Lincoln, NE) on the 29th and 30th, featuring the Lucas Oil ASCS National tour.
- Or if you're so inclined, and wish to change gears and stay closer to home, possibly the best Late Model race in this area takes place on May 30th as the annual Alphabet Soup hits I-80 Speedway featuring the MLRA & NCRA. Read more here.
- Eagle Raceway is in the early stages of a Eagle Raceway/Midwest Speedway reunion on June 26th. Find details here. If you're new to the sprint life around here, check out Ryan Tunks' Midwest Speedway tribute site and learn more about where the 360 Sprint class got its start. And yes, I believe that the modern 360 Sprint was essentially born here.
- With that in mind, let me leave you with this: Sprint car racing seems to have a history of peaks and valleys, often dictated by major changes, whether it be technological: such as the end of the Offy's dominance, or the shift to the winged sprint car. Around here, the economy essentially killed sprints in the late 70's until a few guys got together and found a way to take what they already had and make it work economically as they did with the 360s. I'm asking this: are we due for a major shift again in sprint car racing? With the economy in the tank, and motor prices skyrocketing, is it time not just for small increases in purse, but a whole new way of thinking? Crate motors? Spec tires? Wing rules?
Just something to think about. I'd like your opinion.
I had promised something about purses and "market value." I'll do that later.
Another trip to Eagle this weekend with unseasonably cool temperatures for this time of year. Fortunately the wind died down, and the track stayed very tacky and fast throughout the night. A few ruts in turn one weren't disruptive and fans were treated to some pretty good races.
- One exception: the Sport Mod A feature was lousy with Roger Hadan pulling the plug with about five laps remaining after the seventh (or eighth?) yellow flag. For a 15 lap race, that's just too much. The fact was, most of the yellows were intentionally brought out by spun out drivers. I have no patience for that as a race fan. What do you do? Well, in the heats and B's there's a "Lone Ranger" rule stating that if you spin, without contact and bring out the yellow, you're out. Any bump, scrape, whatever will except you from this and you can continue. Otherwise, loop it all alone and bring out the yellow...done.
I think until a class gets their act together this may be a good answer. But, with so many cars in the A feature it would be 1. tough to see all the incidents and 2. hard to NOT have contact making the Lone Ranger rule pointless.
Maybe if the LR rule was for the last half of the race?
But the waiting for the yellow isn't acceptable. Not when the show's having a tough time breaking the 4 hour barrier as it is (with short intermissions, to boot).
Given the issues with the Lone Ranger rule I'm in favor of cutting laps. There are those who say that time limits are unfair to those guys racing. That's a valid point. But, Eagle's taken a fan-first approach, and while muted...the applause when the yellow and checkered flew seemed to tell me that the decision was the right one for many of the people in the stands and with the exception of 2nd place on back at least an agreeable one.
I may be unfairly harsh on these guys as I have friends in the class, it's new to the track, fairly low-budget and has a lot of first timers and guys moving up...which I've always admired. But, sub-20 car counts and intentional yellow flags aren't the way to win over a crowd used to a fast-moving show. It's time to put the interests of the class and the fans first.
- The sprint field was top-heavy with Billy Alley and Jack Dover staying close to home to give Mike Boston a run. But the star of the night almost was Trevor Grossenbacher, who was lightning fast on the bottom. He could very well have had the race in hand, but got hung up behind the #91 of Rocky Klabunde, allowing Dover to sneak past and control the fast line for the rest of the race, picking up his second win of the weekend. Trevor came home second.
- Several of the sprint drivers who have branched out away from Eagle made their way back, for various reasons. But I wonder if as the season rolls on, the expense of travel may keep some teams closer to their homes? It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks and what happens with car counts at the ASCS shows at I-80 and JMS at the end of the month.
- The question came up in an email: Photographer and Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Joe Orth is not my dad or uncle. Despite the unique last name and we're both into photography, we are at most, distantly related and not in business together at Eagle. I consider Joe a friend and a mentor.
- For the second week, the issue of low compact count came up on the Junction Motor Speedway message board. For whatever reason, they just don't seem to find their way out there. Credit Delmar Friesen for sticking it out. At times the complaint was that the interior oval was too small, while the other half argued that the main oval was too big...which says to me that's not the issue. One thing I noticed: car counts seem to go up in proportion to how close they are to population centers.
Well, duh. But what it says to me is that unlike the initial frenzy when the class first hit Nebraska speedways in the mid 2000s, the count seems to have hit a plateau, which in my opinion is exactly what an entry level class should do. Again, I also think the growth of the sport mod has given another low budget entry point, and in a purpose built race car, arguably one better suited as a starting point if the goal is moving up in class.
Some argue bringing back the two-man cruisers, but as pointed out later in the thread, that
- Memorial Weekend is perhaps the biggest weekend for auto racing in America, and if you're a sprint fan in Nebraska, you have a great opportunity as well. The ASCS hits I-80 on Thursday May 27, Junction on May 28. Eagle runs their weekly show that Saturday. Or, if you're up for the drive, the annual Steve King Memorial takes place in Jetmore, KS (a few miles north of Dodge City - about 6 hours away from Lincoln, NE) on the 29th and 30th, featuring the Lucas Oil ASCS National tour.
- Or if you're so inclined, and wish to change gears and stay closer to home, possibly the best Late Model race in this area takes place on May 30th as the annual Alphabet Soup hits I-80 Speedway featuring the MLRA & NCRA. Read more here.
- Eagle Raceway is in the early stages of a Eagle Raceway/Midwest Speedway reunion on June 26th. Find details here. If you're new to the sprint life around here, check out Ryan Tunks' Midwest Speedway tribute site and learn more about where the 360 Sprint class got its start. And yes, I believe that the modern 360 Sprint was essentially born here.
- With that in mind, let me leave you with this: Sprint car racing seems to have a history of peaks and valleys, often dictated by major changes, whether it be technological: such as the end of the Offy's dominance, or the shift to the winged sprint car. Around here, the economy essentially killed sprints in the late 70's until a few guys got together and found a way to take what they already had and make it work economically as they did with the 360s. I'm asking this: are we due for a major shift again in sprint car racing? With the economy in the tank, and motor prices skyrocketing, is it time not just for small increases in purse, but a whole new way of thinking? Crate motors? Spec tires? Wing rules?
Just something to think about. I'd like your opinion.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
I-80 Speedway Night at Quaker Steak & Lube and NAPA Classic Car Night
THURSDAY NIGHT MAY 20th, 5pm-10pm
Drivers it's time to show off your sponsors and promote your race team to
your fans!
Each Driver that brings out their car will receive a 20% off gift card good
for all Thursday's at Quaker Steak & Lube.
Get an 8"x10" photo of your car and the I-80 Girls of Racing!!
Fans will be able to register to WIN a Ride in the Quaker Steak & Lube 2
Seater Late Model....
Steve King from CD 105.9 will be there 5pm-7pm
DJ Music 7pm-10pm!!
Drivers Signed up all ready include:
Jack Dover
John Klabunde
Jacob Brown
Lacey Tuttle
Andrew Kosiski
Kortney Kosiski
Skip Brown
Micah Brown
More TBA............
If you're interested in bringing out your car email donnie@i-80speedway.com
Thursday, May 06, 2010
JMS this weekend
Saturday May 8 at the Junction- Mother's Day Weekend!!!
Pit Gate Opens at 4:00 pm
Front Gate Opens at 5:00 pm
Hot Laps at 6:00 pm
The Races Start at 7:00 pm
Admission $8.00 Adults and $4.00 Children ages 6-12
5 and under are free in the stands.
Pits $25 for Non-Nascar Crew
$20 For all NASCAR Drivers and NASCAR Crew Members
Classes Racing
ALL NASCAR--- GM Performance Parts LATE MODELS, Steele Rubber Products
MODIFIEDS, B-MODIFIEDS by Camelot Inn, The Lounge, and Southside Grille,
STOCK CARS by NAPA, AND 4 CYLINDERS by NAPA. Hobby Stocks by NAPA will also
be competing this weekend- no sanctioning.
ALL drivers will have to purchase a license to race in all classes excluding
Hobby Stocks. This is mandatory for 2010 JMS rules.
We will have a special surprise for all mothers coming out to the track to
celebrate Mother's Day Weekend! Also, next weekend is Relay for Life Night
at the track! All proceeds from the fundraisers will go to the Relay for
Life Organization. This event is sponsored and hosted by John Bridges of the
Z17 Late Model and Wright Racing.
Collector car and parts auction
As a favor to my friend Kurt Bonner, longtime "grand poobah" of the Eagle Raceway tow crew, I'm posting the link to a family auction of some really neat collector cars, and tons of parts.
I'd really like to have that Chevelle Convertible...
http://www.fowlkesrealtyandauction.com/auctions175.htm
I'd really like to have that Chevelle Convertible...
http://www.fowlkesrealtyandauction.com/auctions175.htm
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Comments are open
Despite some thrashing about, after 4 years I decided to open up the comments field on this site (the link is at the bottom of the post).
I'm still iffy about it, not because I'm afraid of disagreement - I've hung myself out on dirtdrivers.com many times. I just didn't want it to turn into an uncivilized mess. So I have these rules. We'll see how it goes. Each comment is moderated before going online and subject to editing. If this gets to be too much, or a problem, I'll shut 'er down. I don't think I'll have to do it, though.
The rules:
1. No ad hominem attacks - AKA: don't diss anyone personally.
2. Keep it on topic and get to the point. Please don't respond to other commenter unless you're being helpful. Your comment should be your response to the main post. This is also not a place to plug products, events, etc.
3. If you get edited or not posted don't cry about free speech. It doesn't apply because it's my house, my rules. The First Amendment means the government can't keep you from making your own site, not having free reign on mine. That's it and that's all.
It's just like going into a church, school, bar or someone's house: you can't do anything you want there. Discuss, feel free to disagree, but play nice.
Think of this more as "letters to the editor" than an open forum.
4. PG-rated please.
5. By posting, you agree to indemnify me, the blog owner and hold harmless for any liability caused by your comments. (I'm covering myself here).
Read over your comment and THINK before sending. If you want to send something to just me, send an email - the address is in the site information tab on the right.
I'm still iffy about it, not because I'm afraid of disagreement - I've hung myself out on dirtdrivers.com many times. I just didn't want it to turn into an uncivilized mess. So I have these rules. We'll see how it goes. Each comment is moderated before going online and subject to editing. If this gets to be too much, or a problem, I'll shut 'er down. I don't think I'll have to do it, though.
The rules:
1. No ad hominem attacks - AKA: don't diss anyone personally.
2. Keep it on topic and get to the point. Please don't respond to other commenter unless you're being helpful. Your comment should be your response to the main post. This is also not a place to plug products, events, etc.
3. If you get edited or not posted don't cry about free speech. It doesn't apply because it's my house, my rules. The First Amendment means the government can't keep you from making your own site, not having free reign on mine. That's it and that's all.
It's just like going into a church, school, bar or someone's house: you can't do anything you want there. Discuss, feel free to disagree, but play nice.
Think of this more as "letters to the editor" than an open forum.
4. PG-rated please.
5. By posting, you agree to indemnify me, the blog owner and hold harmless for any liability caused by your comments. (I'm covering myself here).
Read over your comment and THINK before sending. If you want to send something to just me, send an email - the address is in the site information tab on the right.
The Pace Lap - May 5, 2010
- Let's start happy! Congratulations to Josh Riggins and his wife Amanda on their baby girl, born April 23.
- After a weekend of rain outs, things got back to shape for most tracks last weekend. I took the trip to Eagle on Saturday. I had to leave for an emergency after the heats so I didn't get to see what was reportedly a hell of a sprint feature. Mike Boston pipped Jack Dover by 0.058 seconds. That's 58 milliseconds. The average blink of an eye is around 350 milliseconds. Think about it!
Jack later remarked on his facebook page that it was one of the most fun races he's ever run. And he finished second. Jack's got a great attitude, and he's fun to watch on the track, too.
- By most accounts, the overwhelming response to the night was positive. If I had one complaint it's that I didn't like the 2 "qualifiers" run as sprint heats. I realize that a few guys arrived late, and two races would take less time than three. But, I think it takes away a little bit, especially as a sprint fan. I'd like to see more than three total races.
But more than that...with all those cars, the risk of a wreck is much greater. With the numbers hovering around 20, the last thing the sprints need right now is to tear themselves up. Things got pretty dicey in the back of the pack.
That's about all I'll comment on since that's all I saw. Other than that, it seems things went OK.
- Congrats to Don Droud, Jr. for picking up the 410 A Feature win at Knoxville.
- Sprint car troubles:
* 22 410 sprints showed up for the Knoxville opener. On the positive side, 33 360s took to the track.
* Car counts are in the teens at the famed Devil's Bowl speedway, with rumors suggesting the class may be dropped (thanks, IBRACN)
* Also from Brad, rough track conditions prompted some sprint teams to pack up at Husets. The track later issued an apology.
The bottom line: things are tough. High dollar, high maintenance classes are feeling the pinch. What's the solution? It may be a case of waiting things out. In the late 70's, sprints hit an ebb around Nebraska, with Eagle going dark for 1977 and running a stock-car only program until 1984.
On the other hand, early car counts at Eagle in the 1980's were often in the teens, and didn't pick up into the 20's until the late 80's after the closing of Midwest Speedway. The glory days of the early 2000s were frankly an anomaly. But, I do miss the days of a 42 sprint car average at Eagle in 2002! Interestingly, the country was in the midst of a post 9/11 recession, though not nearly the scale of the one we're (still) in now.
- What to do? I'm not sure there's much that can be done. A lot of teams are funded out of their own pockets with a sponsor subsidy. That said, as much as it may seem odd to add expenses to track owners (though Adams County found a way), I'd like to see an increase in the purse, starting with the back of the A feature. $150 to start the A was a kick four years ago, and it's more of one now.
One could argue that if you increase one purse, you need to increase them all. It's a valid point, but I'll counter with this: market value.
I'll talk about that next time.
- After a weekend of rain outs, things got back to shape for most tracks last weekend. I took the trip to Eagle on Saturday. I had to leave for an emergency after the heats so I didn't get to see what was reportedly a hell of a sprint feature. Mike Boston pipped Jack Dover by 0.058 seconds. That's 58 milliseconds. The average blink of an eye is around 350 milliseconds. Think about it!
Jack later remarked on his facebook page that it was one of the most fun races he's ever run. And he finished second. Jack's got a great attitude, and he's fun to watch on the track, too.
- By most accounts, the overwhelming response to the night was positive. If I had one complaint it's that I didn't like the 2 "qualifiers" run as sprint heats. I realize that a few guys arrived late, and two races would take less time than three. But, I think it takes away a little bit, especially as a sprint fan. I'd like to see more than three total races.
But more than that...with all those cars, the risk of a wreck is much greater. With the numbers hovering around 20, the last thing the sprints need right now is to tear themselves up. Things got pretty dicey in the back of the pack.
That's about all I'll comment on since that's all I saw. Other than that, it seems things went OK.
- Congrats to Don Droud, Jr. for picking up the 410 A Feature win at Knoxville.
- Sprint car troubles:
* 22 410 sprints showed up for the Knoxville opener. On the positive side, 33 360s took to the track.
* Car counts are in the teens at the famed Devil's Bowl speedway, with rumors suggesting the class may be dropped (thanks, IBRACN)
* Also from Brad, rough track conditions prompted some sprint teams to pack up at Husets. The track later issued an apology.
The bottom line: things are tough. High dollar, high maintenance classes are feeling the pinch. What's the solution? It may be a case of waiting things out. In the late 70's, sprints hit an ebb around Nebraska, with Eagle going dark for 1977 and running a stock-car only program until 1984.
On the other hand, early car counts at Eagle in the 1980's were often in the teens, and didn't pick up into the 20's until the late 80's after the closing of Midwest Speedway. The glory days of the early 2000s were frankly an anomaly. But, I do miss the days of a 42 sprint car average at Eagle in 2002! Interestingly, the country was in the midst of a post 9/11 recession, though not nearly the scale of the one we're (still) in now.
- What to do? I'm not sure there's much that can be done. A lot of teams are funded out of their own pockets with a sponsor subsidy. That said, as much as it may seem odd to add expenses to track owners (though Adams County found a way), I'd like to see an increase in the purse, starting with the back of the A feature. $150 to start the A was a kick four years ago, and it's more of one now.
One could argue that if you increase one purse, you need to increase them all. It's a valid point, but I'll counter with this: market value.
I'll talk about that next time.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Eagle 5-1-10 Photos
Here's some selects from May 1 at Eagle. I had to leave at intermission, but fortunately I shot quite a bit early on.
Eagle 5-1-10 Photos
Eagle 5-1-10 Photos
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