Since racing gets started for the weekend tonight, I'll present this a little early.
But not forgotten: Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett passed away one year ago. His presence and legacy is still witnessed every day at nearly any sprint car race in the country. Rest in peace.
3 to get ready: One of the best weekends if you're a sprint car fan. The ASCS Midwest makes a stop at I-80 tonight, JMS Friday (for a potential $3K payout if they raced at I-80) and Eagle's weekly show on Saturday (combined with an expected large crowd from their free ticket giveaway). If you are so inclined, Albion will host the Holt County 360 Sprints on Friday as well.
I plan on being at one of these - likely JMS. Work and a youngin' in the crib make a late Thursday not so good, and for the same reasons, I usually bolt out shortly after the show on Saturday nights. I gotta be honest - trying to get out after the races following of one of the free ticket nights at Eagle is just...awful.
Alpha-Bits: The annual Alphabet Soup featuring Super Late Models runs Sunday night at I-80 Speedway. This show has produced some wild (and wooly) finishes in recent years. I think it should be on each fan's yearly agenda.
Soap box derby: Last week's sprint car finish at Eagle certainly wasn't to Jack Dover's liking. After passing eventual race winner Logan Forler, he was sent back to second position after a yellow flag where officials scored back to the previous lap, and Dover ostensibly hadn't been in the lead at the line. From my vantage point it was the right call. Simple fact is, if you weren't in the lead when they crossed the line on the previous lap, and the race is scored back a lap - it doesn't matter where you were in corners 2, 3 and 4. The line is where the race is scored. For the record though - it's time to go back to split yellow flags. The technology is there - and really - it isn't a matter of technology.
When Dover failed to line up in second (word is the in-car Raceceiver wasn't working, though Eagle officials state they made it clear on the track - eventually threatening the black flag), the Springfield, NE driver was penalized back to fourth place. A late race charge wasn't enough to take the race and Forler guarded the remaining fast line to take his first win at Eagle, a nice grab for the Washington driver.
Dover spoke his mind at the post-race interview. I was about 10 feet away and...I heard none of it. In fact, I didn't realize something was said until I saw something next day. Should I have listened? Probably.
The fact that I didn't? It's not a judgement on someone, it's just that it's nothing new. When a call is made regarding a pair of drivers, 100% of the calls made will piss off 50% of the people involved. Every time. Because someone had a mic in front of them is only giving entertainment value. Nothing changes.
Happy Birthday, BA: I-80 Speedway photographer Brandon Anderson is celebrating the Big 3-0 this week.
That's it for today - have fun this weekend and be safe! Also, take time to remember what Memorial Day is about: a tribute to our fallen soldiers. Take a moment to pay some respect.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
ASCS Midwest Starts Memorial Day Weekend Festivities with Nebraska Double
Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (May 23, 2011) - The Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region gets an early start on the Memorial Day weekend racing festivities with a pair of events in Nebraska this Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday, the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region takes to Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway in Greenwood. Then, on Friday night, it's on to McCool Junction's Junction Motor Speedway.
Thursday's card offers up a $2,000-to-win first-place purse, while Friday's tilt at McCool Junction is a $3,000-to-win affair provided that the winner competed at I-80 on Thursday night as well. If Friday's winner was not in action Thursday, the winner's cut will be $1,500.
This weekend's double marks the second pair of events for the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region after opening with a two-night stand at I-80 Speedway on April 8-9. A pair of events at Eagle Raceway the following weekend fell victim to inclement weather.
While Washington's Seth Bergman picked off the April 8 win at I-80, it was Missouri's Brian Brown topping the next night atop the 4/10-mile, semi-banked dirt oval and escaping the weekend with the early Midwest points lead.
Brown, a frequent Greenwood winner with eight ASCS Midwest scores at I-80, has a 17-point advantage over Bergman in the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest points chase with Oklahoma's Wayne Johnson and the Nebraska duo of Don Droud, Jr., and Jack Dover rounding out the current top five. The rest of the current top ten includes Tony Bruce, Jr., Gregg Bakker, Ryan Anderson, Lee Grosz and Logan Forler.
While Brown has been the most frequent ASCS Midwest winner at I-80, he also ranks as the only driver to post multiple series visits to victory lane at the semi-banked, 3/8-mile Junction Motor Speedway dirt oval, though it's been nearly three years since his last McCool Junction glory.
Oklahoma's Shane Stewart, the 2009 Lucas Oil ASCS National champion and this year's National points leader, topped last year's Memorial Day weekend event at I-80 while Aurora, Nebraska's Ryan Roberts took top honors at Junction Motor Speedway.
Thursday's action at I-80 Speedway fires off at 7:00 p.m., with Friday's green flag at Junction Motor Speedway also flying at 7:00 p.m.
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 402-659-3301 or 402-342-3453.
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 or on race day only at 402-724-3100.
The Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region is slated for 22 nights of competition at a seven throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas of Missouri, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.
Past ASCS Midwest Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:
4/9/11 - Brian Brown
4/8/11 - Seth Bergman
9/24/10 - Billy Alley
9/3/10 - Brian Brown
7/2/10 - Brian Brown
5/27/10 - Shane Stewart
4/17/10 - Jack Dover
4/16/10 - Dustin Morgan
7/2/09 - Brian Brown
5/21/09 - Chad Humston
4/11/09 - Jonathan Cornell
4/10/09 - Billy Alley
8/14/07 - Jack Dover
4/15/07 - Chuck Swenson (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/14/07 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/15/06 - Billy Alley
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
4/15/05 - Terry McCarl
Past ASCS Midwest Region Winners at Junction Motor Speedway:
9/11/10 - Jason Johnson
7/1/10 - Chad Humston
5/28/10 - Ryan Roberts
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
The 2011 season marks the 20th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing for the American Sprint Car Series, with approximately 200 nights of competition at tracks throughout the nation and into Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of ten different Regions throughout the nation.
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.
On Thursday, the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region takes to Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway in Greenwood. Then, on Friday night, it's on to McCool Junction's Junction Motor Speedway.
Thursday's card offers up a $2,000-to-win first-place purse, while Friday's tilt at McCool Junction is a $3,000-to-win affair provided that the winner competed at I-80 on Thursday night as well. If Friday's winner was not in action Thursday, the winner's cut will be $1,500.
This weekend's double marks the second pair of events for the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region after opening with a two-night stand at I-80 Speedway on April 8-9. A pair of events at Eagle Raceway the following weekend fell victim to inclement weather.
While Washington's Seth Bergman picked off the April 8 win at I-80, it was Missouri's Brian Brown topping the next night atop the 4/10-mile, semi-banked dirt oval and escaping the weekend with the early Midwest points lead.
Brown, a frequent Greenwood winner with eight ASCS Midwest scores at I-80, has a 17-point advantage over Bergman in the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest points chase with Oklahoma's Wayne Johnson and the Nebraska duo of Don Droud, Jr., and Jack Dover rounding out the current top five. The rest of the current top ten includes Tony Bruce, Jr., Gregg Bakker, Ryan Anderson, Lee Grosz and Logan Forler.
While Brown has been the most frequent ASCS Midwest winner at I-80, he also ranks as the only driver to post multiple series visits to victory lane at the semi-banked, 3/8-mile Junction Motor Speedway dirt oval, though it's been nearly three years since his last McCool Junction glory.
Oklahoma's Shane Stewart, the 2009 Lucas Oil ASCS National champion and this year's National points leader, topped last year's Memorial Day weekend event at I-80 while Aurora, Nebraska's Ryan Roberts took top honors at Junction Motor Speedway.
Thursday's action at I-80 Speedway fires off at 7:00 p.m., with Friday's green flag at Junction Motor Speedway also flying at 7:00 p.m.
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 402-659-3301 or 402-342-3453.
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 or on race day only at 402-724-3100.
The Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region is slated for 22 nights of competition at a seven throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas of Missouri, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.
Past ASCS Midwest Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:
4/9/11 - Brian Brown
4/8/11 - Seth Bergman
9/24/10 - Billy Alley
9/3/10 - Brian Brown
7/2/10 - Brian Brown
5/27/10 - Shane Stewart
4/17/10 - Jack Dover
4/16/10 - Dustin Morgan
7/2/09 - Brian Brown
5/21/09 - Chad Humston
4/11/09 - Jonathan Cornell
4/10/09 - Billy Alley
8/14/07 - Jack Dover
4/15/07 - Chuck Swenson (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/14/07 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/15/06 - Billy Alley
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
4/15/05 - Terry McCarl
Past ASCS Midwest Region Winners at Junction Motor Speedway:
9/11/10 - Jason Johnson
7/1/10 - Chad Humston
5/28/10 - Ryan Roberts
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
The 2011 season marks the 20th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing for the American Sprint Car Series, with approximately 200 nights of competition at tracks throughout the nation and into Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of ten different Regions throughout the nation.
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.
Plenty of Action this Memorial Day Weekend at I-80
From I-80 Speedway
There will be plenty of racing action at I-80 Speedway this Memorial Day Weekend. First on Thursday, May 26 it will be the return of the ASCS Midwest Sprint Car Series with the 25 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. The ASCS Midwest Sprints opened there season at I-80 Speedway on April 8 & 9 with two exciting nights of racing. Brian Brown of Grain Valley, Missouri finished second the first night and won the second night to become the ASCS Midwest point leader. Hot on his heals is Snohomish, Washington's Seth Bergman winner of the April 8 event. Drivers, Wayne Johnson, Don Droud, Jr., and Jack Dover round out the top five in ASCS Midwest standings.
NASCAR Late Models, NASCAR Pro-Ams and NASCAR B-Mods will also be racing Thursday and for NASCAR classes these races will be a NASCAR weekly racing series point night. The pit gate opens at 4pm, the Grandstand at 5:30 with racing action beginning at 7. Admission is $15 for Adults, Ages (6-15) $5, with 5 an under free.
Then on Sunday, May 30 its time for an I-80 Memorial Day weekend staple with the tenth running of the Alphabet Soup Race. This year's Soup will have a slightly different blend to it with the addition of the Corn Belt Clash Series (CBC) being added to two familiar ingredients, the Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA) and the National Championship Racing Association (NCRA).
The Soup Race has provided I-80 race fans with some outstanding racing action over the years. Who can ever forget the 2009 Soup Race which after being delayed for two hours because of rain turned into a classic. First with Mike Collins taking the point and holding on for the first third of the race and then the tremendous battle between John Anderson, Chad Simpson and Kyle Berck with Anderson finally prevailing.
Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa will return to the Soup race as the defending champion of the Corn Belt Clash Series. After several rainouts, the CBC finally hopes to get a race in the books on Tuesday, May 24 at Independence, Iowa. A familiar face sets atop both the MLRA and NCRA point standings in "The Shark" Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kansas. Purkey is the seven-time and defending champion of the MLRA and a two-time former champion of NCRA.
The winner of the Soup race will receive a provisional into the Silver Dollar Nationals, the biggest race in Nebraska Racing History. That race to be held on July 22 & 23 will pay $25,000 to win and $1,000 to start. Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri became the first guaranteed starter for the Silver Dollar Nationals when he won the Spring Meltdown at I-80 in early April. On Friday, July 1, a third driver can earn a spot in the starting lineup of the SDN when the three series (CBC, MLRA & NCRA) return for the Midwest Trifecta.
The A Modifieds will be in action at the Soup Race as well, running IMCA type rules with their 30 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. Finally the American Ethanol Green Hornets will be running an unsanctioned program for $200 to win. Pit Gates open at 3pm, Grandstands at 4:30 with racing starting at 5:55. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, Ages (6-15) $5, and Children 5 and under free.
I-80 Speedway is located off Interstate 80 at exit 420, halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The 4/10 mile dirt track is home to the NASCAR Whelen All American Series (NWAAS) on Sunday nights, and hosts several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit www.I-80 Speedway.com
There will be plenty of racing action at I-80 Speedway this Memorial Day Weekend. First on Thursday, May 26 it will be the return of the ASCS Midwest Sprint Car Series with the 25 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. The ASCS Midwest Sprints opened there season at I-80 Speedway on April 8 & 9 with two exciting nights of racing. Brian Brown of Grain Valley, Missouri finished second the first night and won the second night to become the ASCS Midwest point leader. Hot on his heals is Snohomish, Washington's Seth Bergman winner of the April 8 event. Drivers, Wayne Johnson, Don Droud, Jr., and Jack Dover round out the top five in ASCS Midwest standings.
NASCAR Late Models, NASCAR Pro-Ams and NASCAR B-Mods will also be racing Thursday and for NASCAR classes these races will be a NASCAR weekly racing series point night. The pit gate opens at 4pm, the Grandstand at 5:30 with racing action beginning at 7. Admission is $15 for Adults, Ages (6-15) $5, with 5 an under free.
Then on Sunday, May 30 its time for an I-80 Memorial Day weekend staple with the tenth running of the Alphabet Soup Race. This year's Soup will have a slightly different blend to it with the addition of the Corn Belt Clash Series (CBC) being added to two familiar ingredients, the Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA) and the National Championship Racing Association (NCRA).
The Soup Race has provided I-80 race fans with some outstanding racing action over the years. Who can ever forget the 2009 Soup Race which after being delayed for two hours because of rain turned into a classic. First with Mike Collins taking the point and holding on for the first third of the race and then the tremendous battle between John Anderson, Chad Simpson and Kyle Berck with Anderson finally prevailing.
Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa will return to the Soup race as the defending champion of the Corn Belt Clash Series. After several rainouts, the CBC finally hopes to get a race in the books on Tuesday, May 24 at Independence, Iowa. A familiar face sets atop both the MLRA and NCRA point standings in "The Shark" Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kansas. Purkey is the seven-time and defending champion of the MLRA and a two-time former champion of NCRA.
The winner of the Soup race will receive a provisional into the Silver Dollar Nationals, the biggest race in Nebraska Racing History. That race to be held on July 22 & 23 will pay $25,000 to win and $1,000 to start. Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri became the first guaranteed starter for the Silver Dollar Nationals when he won the Spring Meltdown at I-80 in early April. On Friday, July 1, a third driver can earn a spot in the starting lineup of the SDN when the three series (CBC, MLRA & NCRA) return for the Midwest Trifecta.
The A Modifieds will be in action at the Soup Race as well, running IMCA type rules with their 30 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. Finally the American Ethanol Green Hornets will be running an unsanctioned program for $200 to win. Pit Gates open at 3pm, Grandstands at 4:30 with racing starting at 5:55. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, Ages (6-15) $5, and Children 5 and under free.
I-80 Speedway is located off Interstate 80 at exit 420, halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The 4/10 mile dirt track is home to the NASCAR Whelen All American Series (NWAAS) on Sunday nights, and hosts several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit www.I-80 Speedway.com
Friday, May 20, 2011
Eagle Nationals June 10-11
From Eagle Raceway
If you don't already have plans to attend the 2011 edition of the Eagle Nationals, featuring the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint cars, then you had better change your plans. The nationally touring 360 sprinter drivers are coming into town to take on the Eagle Raceway regulars on the high banks of the fastest 1/3 mile dirt track anywhere!! And it all happens June 10th and 11th, 2011!!
The Eagle Nationals has a long and storied history, and last year Tony Bruce Jr. decided to bring the national ASCS tour to be a part of it.
2010's preliminary night feature saw the ASCS regulars nearly shutting out the locals for the top spots, with only Billy Alley's 8th place finish making the top 10. Danny Wood, Travis Rilat and Zach Chappell were the podium finishers in a thrilling A Main. Saturday evening saw local Jack Dover finish a very close second to winner Jason Johnson, who would go on to capture the 2010 ASCS points crown last season with Shane Stewart bringing it home third.
This year will again see a 2-day battle in the bullring that is "America's Home Track". Will the touring pilots again emerge victorious in this, their second visit to the track, or can the strong field of drivers who race weekly at Eagle band together and show the visitors how it's done? You can bet that the locals will be doing everything they can to keep the majority of the purse for themselves.
The front gates will open at 5:30 both days, with racing beginning at 7 P.M. You can save $5 by purchasing a weekend pass for only $30 for adults. Friday evening's adult admission is just $15, with kids 6-12 $5 and those 5 and under free. Saturday night adults are $20, kids 6-12 only $5 and children 5 and under free.
For more information or to purchase your advanced tickets just go to the Eagle Nationals page of TBJ Promotion's website at TBJ Promotions
or call 541-778-8630.
You won't want to miss this event at one of the finest facilities in the country. Eagle Raceway is located at the junction of Highway 34 and Nebraska Highway 63; just 11 miles east of Lincoln on Highway 34, or a mere 11 miles south of exit 420 on I-80.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I-80 10th Annual Alphabet Soup Race May 29
From I-80 Speedway
A Memorial Day weekend staple returns to I-80 Speedway on Sunday, May 29 with the running of the Tenth annual Alphabet Soup Race. The race originated in 2002 and has had several different blends of Soup over the years. This year's soup is a mixture of CBC (Corn Belt Clash), MLRA (Midwest Late Model Racing Association), and NCRA (National Championship Racing Association). The 50 lap feature will pay $5,000 to win.
The winner of the soup race will receive a provisional into I-80 Speedway's Silver Dollar Nationals. If that driver qualifies for the SDN through the heat or last chance races of the SDN, (earning a higher starting spot in the SDN), then the highest finisher of the Soup race not qualified for the SDN will receive the provisional from the Soup race and a guaranteed starting spot in the $25,000 to win Silver Dollar Nationals on July 21-23. The Silver Dollar Nationals will be the biggest race in Nebraska Racing History.
Bad weather has caused the cancellation of all schedule CBC races to date, but they will try and get their season started on Tuesday, May 24 at Independence, Iowa. Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa is the defending series champion. "The Shark" Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kansas is the seven-time and defending champion of the MLRA and a former two-time champion of NCRA and he is currently the point leader for both series.
The A Modifieds will also be race at the Soup Race running IMCA type rules with a 30 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. Many of these drivers will be returning in July for the USMTS portion of the Silver Dollar Nationals. Finally, the NASCAR Hornets will also be racing. Pit Gates open at 3pm, Grandstands at 4:30 with racing at 5:55. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, Kids (6-15) $5 and Children 5 and Under Free.
Last month Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri won the Spring Meltdown and became the first driver to be guaranteed a starting spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals. In 2010, Kelly Boen of Henderson, Colorado won the Soup Race and 2009 in one of the most exciting races held at I-80 Speedway saw Omaha's John Anderson picked up the win.
On Friday, July 1 the three series (CBC, MLRA and NCRA) will return to I-80 for the Midwest Trifecta and one last tune up before the Silver Dollar Nationals. That race will also see another driver earn an automatic starting spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals.
For more information; call Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301
www.i-80speedway.com
402-342-3453
402-659-3301
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Poll discussion
New poll is up. Go vote!
Last poll: Should teams be required to move out of "entry level" classes?
50 votes:
Yes, make it mandatory after a certain number of seasons
13 (26%)
Yes, but only with an incentive to move up like a motor to the champ
7 (14%)
Encourage it, but don't make it a rule
21 (42%)
No. They can race in that class as long as they want
9 (18%)
Personally, I'm in favor of making it mandatory. But the real world is different and that's a lot to ask. As I've said before, I'd like it if either a driver won a championship or scored a set amount of points or feature wins, they are no longer eligible for points and season ending awards. I wouldn't deny them the opportunity to race if that's all they could afford. But, there should be no multi-time champ in an entry level class.
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Last poll: Should teams be required to move out of "entry level" classes?
50 votes:
Yes, make it mandatory after a certain number of seasons
13 (26%)
Yes, but only with an incentive to move up like a motor to the champ
7 (14%)
Encourage it, but don't make it a rule
21 (42%)
No. They can race in that class as long as they want
9 (18%)
Personally, I'm in favor of making it mandatory. But the real world is different and that's a lot to ask. As I've said before, I'd like it if either a driver won a championship or scored a set amount of points or feature wins, they are no longer eligible for points and season ending awards. I wouldn't deny them the opportunity to race if that's all they could afford. But, there should be no multi-time champ in an entry level class.
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Photos from May 7 @ Eagle
Didn't even think to post the link. Plenty of pics from May 7, but I edited down. If you don't see what you're looking for, let me know.
Eagle May 7 2011 Photos
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Eagle May 7 2011 Photos
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The Pace Lap May 13, 2011
BTAR:* The lineup for I-80's Silver Dollar Nationals is pretty impressive. Steve Francis, Jimmy Mars and Dale McDowell are a pretty darn good place to start.
SCOOOREBOARD! SCOOOREBOARD!: A new Daktronics Galaxy color LED scoreboard has gone up atop the posts that housed the previous
When it's cold outside, I got the month of May: The 100th running of the Indy 500 takes place this month, and I am not sure I care. That said, I've been reading Motorsport Magazine's and Sports Illustrated's tribute to The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, and it made me nostalgic for the Indy 500's I remembered: the pre-Kit Car days of today, back when CART was worth watching and the days when Unsers, Andrettis ruled the podium along the likes of Rick Mears, AJ Foyt, Emerson Fittipaldi (will never forgive him for 1989's crashing out of Al Unser, Jr.), and many others. I never thought that at the age of 40 I would be so nostalgic for racing past - but I can't identify with what goes on in that series today. Once Buddy Lazier (!) had his mug on the Borg-Warner Trophy...frankly, it diminished the race for me. That said, the Indy 500 is still on my bucket list and I may watch this year for the milestone occasion.
Washed out: Racing throughout Eastern Nebraska was rained / colded out for everyone this weekend. It's been a very up and down temperature season so far.
Photos: Just a note: the pictures you see on my site are my own, and I work on my own. The pics aren't sold at the track. If you want one, ya' gots to get it here - but it will be conveniently shipped to you! Also, if you're looking for downloads for hero/autograph cards, shoot me an email. I have them available.
Not much to say this week. I want to thank everyone for the kind wishes, emails, posts and phone calls regarding my mother's passing. The racing community is a great bunch.
*BTAR=Big Time Automobile Racers
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tough Times
I'll be away from the updates for a little bit, as my mother passed away this week. It's tough, but I'm fortunate to have a loving wife and some great family support. I'll be back soon.
-Jason
-Jason
Friday, May 06, 2011
I-80 Speedway continues to prepare for the Silver Dollar Nationals
From I-80 Speedway
I-80 Speedway near Greenwood, Nebraska continues to prepare for the inaugural running of the richest race in Nebraska Racing History, the Silver Dollar Nationals (SDN) to be held July 21 through July 23.
The event pays $25,000 to the winner and $1,000 to start the 80 lap main event. Up to 34 cars may start the event which has a unique qualifying format. All Super Late Models will run two qualifying heats. The second heat a driver competes in will be an invert from how he started his first heat (if you start your first heat on the pole, you start the second heat on the tail, etc). However, you may not be competing against the same drivers in the second heat that you competed against in the first heat. There will be no time trials. The heat race purse will be $500 per heat; $250 for first, $150 for second and $100 for third.
26 cars will qualify out of the heat races and last chance races for the Silver Dollar Nationals. In addition, there will be provisionals awarded as follows:
2 for MLRA (Highest drivers in MLRA points not qualified)
2 for SLMR (highest drivers in SLMR points not qualified
1 each from the highest finishers from the April 2 Spring Meltdown, the May 29 Alphabet Soup Race and the July 1 Midwest Trifecta races, that have not qualified for the Silver Dollar Nationals. Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri became the first driver to guarantee a spot in the starting lineup of the Silver Dollar Nationals when he won the Spring Meltdown.
Finally, 1 provisional will be auctioned off with a minimum bid of $1,500. The amount of the bid exceeding the $1,000 start money will be split by the last 20 placed finishers in the feature.
The tire rule will be WRS-55 or UMP Style LM40. (LM40 is the same tire used at Tony Stewart's Eldora Speedway for the Dream and the World 100).
For detailed Late Model rules go the MLRA website.
Early Paid entries for the event include the "Kentucky Colonel" Steve Francis of Ashland, Kentucky. Francis was the 2007 World of Outlaw Late Model champion and also has wins in the World 100, the Dirt Track World Championships, Colossal 100, the National 100 and a $70,000 win in 1999 at the Commonwealth Cup at Kentucky Lakes Speedway. Francis scored a 2002 Hav-A-Tampa win at I-80 Speedway.
Jimmy Mars "The Iceman" of Menomonie, Wisconsin had an amazing 2009 season winning the Firecracker 100 and then coming back and becoming the first driver in dirt late model history to win 3 $50,000 to win races in a single season with victories at the USA Nationals at Cedar Lakes, Wisconsin, the North/South 100 at Florence, Kentucky and the Dirt Track World Championship at Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Dale McDowell "Mac Daddy" from Chickamauga, Georgia won the 1999 Hav-A-Tampa Shootout and was also crowned the Hav-A-Tampa National Champion that year. In 2000 he won the Battle of Bristol and the World 100 in 2005. McDowell also won at I-80 in a 2002 Hav-A-Tampa race. McDowell and teammate Jared Landers are driving for NASCAR star Clint Bowyer.
Wendell Wallace "the Batesville Bullet" has a number of crown jewel event wins on his resume including 3 Show Me 100's, a Topless 100, two Masters, and a Hav-A-Tampa Shootout win but without a doubt the biggest was winning the Dirt Track World Championship in 2000.
"The Real Deal" Don O'Neal from Martinsville, Indiana is currently second in Lucas Oil point standings. His biggest win was the Dixie Shootout in 2003, a win worth $55,000. O'Neal has also won the Jackson 100 three times, was crowned the 2004 UMP SummerNationals Champ with 11 series wins that year.
Other pre-entries include; Jared Landers of Batesville, Arkansas, the 2010 winner of the Topless 100 and McDowell's teammate in the Clint Bowyer entries, Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Delaware aboard the legendary Dale Beitler #19, Frankie Heckenast of Orland Park, Illinois, John Lobb of Frewsburg, New York, Jake Meier of Tipton, Iowa, Junior Coover of Norfolk, Nebraska
Other drivers entered that are familiar faces to local racing fans include; Kyle Berck "The Marquette Missile" from Marquette, Nebraska. Berck is one of the winningest drivers in I-80 Speedway history, Terry Phillips of Springfield, Missouri, the winningest driver in MLRA and MARS racing history, Phillips stable mate Jeremy Payne of Tucson, Arizona, Alan Vaughn of Belton, Missouri a 5-time MLRA Champion, Dave Eckrich of Cosgrove, Iowa one of the racing Eckrichs and Delbert "the Ice Man" Smith of Wichita, Kansas.
Reserved Seats for the Silver Dollar Nationals can be purchased by going to www.neracewaypark.com or by calling the I-80 Speedway office at (402)-342-2052. Tickets for adults are $10 on Thursday, July 21, $25 on Friday, July 22 and $30 on Saturday, July 23. By purchasing tickets prior to July 1 you can receive a 3-Day pass for $60. Juniors (Age 6-15) are $5 on July 21, and $10 each on July 22 & 23.
17 backstretch RV parking spots at $300 each are also available overlooking turn two and the backstretch. In addition to a premier 3 day parking stall each purchaser receives 2 pit passes to all three nights of action. Reserved camping spots are also available. If you pre purchase a 3 day grandstand ticket you can also reserve a camping spot free. If you do not pre-purchase your tickets, camping spots will be $25 for the 3 days.
Joining the Super Late Models for the Silver Dollar Nationals will be the cars and stars of the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS). The USMTS will be running complete shows on both Friday, July 22 and Saturday July 23. These races will be a part of the Great Plains Regional Tour and will pay $2,000 to win and $300 to start each night.
The USMTS features the fastest dirt modified racing in the country and are featured on the popular television series "Dirt Knights." Currently the hottest driver on the USMTS circuit has to be Jason Hughes of Westville, Oklahoma, the 2010 USMTS National Champion. Hughes won 2 of the 3 USMTS events ran this past weekend in Oklahoma and already has 7 wins for the season. Other USMTS drivers expected to be in attendance are; Kelly Shryock of Fertile, Iowa a 9 time USMTS National Champion, Iowa, 2010 USMTS Great Plains Regional Champion Ryan "the Reaper" Gustin of Marshalltown, Iowa, exciting young Johnny Scott of Las Cruces, New Mexico and the rest of the USMTS stars will be set to battle some of the best local modified drivers in the area.
Kicking things off on Thursday, July 21 will be a complete NASCAR Weekly Racing Program featuring NASCAR Late Models, ProAms, B-Mods and Hornets. Also there will be open practices for both Super Late Models and USMTS cars.
For more information call Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301. Visit online at www.i-80speedway.com
The Pace Lap - May 6, 2011
Crow as an appetizer: Let's give kudos where due. The Eagle Raceway Sprint Car committee, whose efforts I will admit I took with a mildly skeptic, wait-and-see approach came through big time with a huge point fund addition to the Sprint class. Read about it here. Another example where the racing community itself is stepping up to help the program.
Help those who help themselves: The Katz Farms of Jansen, NE helped out the Beatrice Speedway crew by donating the much-needed services of a road grader. Rain and problems working the track due to lack of equipment postponed the opener. They're set to go tonight.
Expecting the unexpected: Nobody expected 180 cars at Eagle's season opener - or did they? Word is Roger Hadan was prepping for 200. They extended the fenced in area for the pits, and plans are to move the pit shack out closer to the gate. Hopefully they put in another A/C unit! :-) I remember working in that shack before the grandstands on the east side shaded the area.
In the end, I don't expect that kind of car count to last long. Other tracks begin to run, drivers start worrying about point races. But still - the question remains: How do you get 180 here and in the 60's-70's elsewhere?
Return of the prodigal sons? Billy Alley, Jack Dover and Ryan Roberts skipped their regular Knoxville gigs to run Eagle's Saturday show. How long do they stay? Will the increased purse (contingent on a 25+ car count), draw for lineups and passing points and the point fund keep them around? Time will tell.
What price third place? Here's why I'm not a fan of passing points for a weekly show - the aftermath of a checkered-flag battle for third (and those important passing points). I'll concede that a weekly draw for heat race starting position could bring in the "occasionals" to bolster car count and make a trip to Eagle more appealing for a class that needs to extend its reach a bit farther outside its home. I still am not sold on passing points for heats, but I'll give it some time. It was the first night.
Nebraska's National Champions: Is Jordan Grabouski is looking to add his name to a list of SE Nebraska drivers chasing the IMCA National Title? Grabouski is pursuing an aggressive race schedule and made trips to Albion and Mayetta, KS (skipping Eagle) and having success in the process.
One finger pointing at me, three point at you: If you have a product/vendor/service that continues to not work, and you continue to blame them for always having problems but don't change what you do it's no longer their fault. It's yours. I'll leave it at that.
Opening night bugs: 180 cars will tax most tracks. Eagle had its usual share of slowdowns, but if 200 cars were expected, why can't the pit gate open a little earlier? And, running out of food in the pits before the end of the heats - that's something a track 6 years in should've been able to prepare for. There are a lot of new faces working there. Can't fault that. But the level of service expected is high. Hopefully, it's a one-off.
Not all of it is on the track: why allow anyone to buy an IMCA license at the sign-in window? Make 'em wait or sign in somewhere else. They've had MONTHS to do this.
And what about 6:30 don't these people understand? I respect Roger for not just pulling the trigger (not to mention the safety issues), but it's not like the races got moved up all of a sudden. They make clocks without hands now.
Movin' on up! (movin' on up...): Nice to see Hobby Stock ace Kevin Anderson in a SportMod this year (given the cost of some Hobby Stocks, maybe it was more of a lateral move). Same goes with Compact driver Mary Lenz. Those are the two that stand out, let me know if there are more. I like this.
Turnin' the corner on SportMods? : Let's face it, I used to be very critical of the SportMod division. I still believe that it is a response to the failure of IMCA to control costs. BUT, what I like is that the level of competition and skill is improving, the races are good (and I like the spoilers), PLUS it seems to be the gateway for people moving up to a real...OK, a purpose built race car. If that trend continues, then more power to the class.
Taking the show on the road: I plan on being at Eagle again Saturday night. However, I may...may start on Friday nights at "Mini E" or head down to Beatrice for their weekly shows. Some of this is still up in the air. If you have a take on it, let me know.
-Jason
Help those who help themselves: The Katz Farms of Jansen, NE helped out the Beatrice Speedway crew by donating the much-needed services of a road grader. Rain and problems working the track due to lack of equipment postponed the opener. They're set to go tonight.
Expecting the unexpected: Nobody expected 180 cars at Eagle's season opener - or did they? Word is Roger Hadan was prepping for 200. They extended the fenced in area for the pits, and plans are to move the pit shack out closer to the gate. Hopefully they put in another A/C unit! :-) I remember working in that shack before the grandstands on the east side shaded the area.
In the end, I don't expect that kind of car count to last long. Other tracks begin to run, drivers start worrying about point races. But still - the question remains: How do you get 180 here and in the 60's-70's elsewhere?
Return of the prodigal sons? Billy Alley, Jack Dover and Ryan Roberts skipped their regular Knoxville gigs to run Eagle's Saturday show. How long do they stay? Will the increased purse (contingent on a 25+ car count), draw for lineups and passing points and the point fund keep them around? Time will tell.
What price third place? Here's why I'm not a fan of passing points for a weekly show - the aftermath of a checkered-flag battle for third (and those important passing points). I'll concede that a weekly draw for heat race starting position could bring in the "occasionals" to bolster car count and make a trip to Eagle more appealing for a class that needs to extend its reach a bit farther outside its home. I still am not sold on passing points for heats, but I'll give it some time. It was the first night.
Nebraska's National Champions: Is Jordan Grabouski is looking to add his name to a list of SE Nebraska drivers chasing the IMCA National Title? Grabouski is pursuing an aggressive race schedule and made trips to Albion and Mayetta, KS (skipping Eagle) and having success in the process.
One finger pointing at me, three point at you: If you have a product/vendor/service that continues to not work, and you continue to blame them for always having problems but don't change what you do it's no longer their fault. It's yours. I'll leave it at that.
Opening night bugs: 180 cars will tax most tracks. Eagle had its usual share of slowdowns, but if 200 cars were expected, why can't the pit gate open a little earlier? And, running out of food in the pits before the end of the heats - that's something a track 6 years in should've been able to prepare for. There are a lot of new faces working there. Can't fault that. But the level of service expected is high. Hopefully, it's a one-off.
Not all of it is on the track: why allow anyone to buy an IMCA license at the sign-in window? Make 'em wait or sign in somewhere else. They've had MONTHS to do this.
And what about 6:30 don't these people understand? I respect Roger for not just pulling the trigger (not to mention the safety issues), but it's not like the races got moved up all of a sudden. They make clocks without hands now.
Movin' on up! (movin' on up...): Nice to see Hobby Stock ace Kevin Anderson in a SportMod this year (given the cost of some Hobby Stocks, maybe it was more of a lateral move). Same goes with Compact driver Mary Lenz. Those are the two that stand out, let me know if there are more. I like this.
Turnin' the corner on SportMods? : Let's face it, I used to be very critical of the SportMod division. I still believe that it is a response to the failure of IMCA to control costs. BUT, what I like is that the level of competition and skill is improving, the races are good (and I like the spoilers), PLUS it seems to be the gateway for people moving up to a real...OK, a purpose built race car. If that trend continues, then more power to the class.
Taking the show on the road: I plan on being at Eagle again Saturday night. However, I may...may start on Friday nights at "Mini E" or head down to Beatrice for their weekly shows. Some of this is still up in the air. If you have a take on it, let me know.
-Jason
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Rules of Engagement
The “regular” season has started in earnest around here, with weather delays nixing earlier shows. I took the trip to Eagle on Saturday night.
One. Hundred. Eighty. Cars. Digest that for a second.
This is “Major Special” kind of numbers. For a weekly show. Granted, Beatrice didn’t race the night before, there’s a little pent-up demand, but for crying out loud - what more could a promoter want? A good crowd? Well, despite the cool windy day - there was a good contingent in the stands as well. My guess was around 2500. Not bad for a weekly show.
Yes, there were glitches and to those who say I say nothing but nice about Eagle, I'll have some criticisms in my Pace Lap column.
In the end, 180 cars are the proverbial “nice problem to have.” Some tracks opened to about a third of that number in the pits, and from what I heard third-hand, about the same number in the stands...seriously.
Some people try to put a finger on what Eagle’s doing to manage that kind of car count. You can point at rules, money, attitude, location, day, etc, etc.
You can argue for and against these points, but in the end I think it's none of these.
It’s something greater. Eagle has created something that goes beyond rules and purses. They’ve created a place and an event. They have a following and advocates. They...”get it.”
The track inherited a good reputation and a regular audience base and worked to maintain and grow it. They’re doing an even better job of keeping fans informed, engaged, and waiting for the next thing. They're creative (if sometimes corny) in some of the novelty promotions and encouraging their “tribe” to go forth and spread the word. The weekly competitors and crews not only race, but take pride in the place and want to promote it to their friends. This is 21st century marketing folks. One-to-one relationships.
The carnival-barker days are gone. “Step right up!” gets drowned out in all the other messages and stimulus people receive each day. To reach that customer you have to stand out and fight through it. Complaining that there’s so much “noise” in our lives will get nothing, because we live in a noisy world. It isn’t changing and those who succeed learn not to get louder, but cut through it. They proverbially “grab you by the collar” or better yet, grab you by the hand and lead you in.
Advertising isn’t enough. Engaging is.
If you say I'm full of it, you can. If you think that this has nothing to do with racing, you can.
Please forgive my tone, but you'd be wrong on both counts.
-Jason
One. Hundred. Eighty. Cars. Digest that for a second.
This is “Major Special” kind of numbers. For a weekly show. Granted, Beatrice didn’t race the night before, there’s a little pent-up demand, but for crying out loud - what more could a promoter want? A good crowd? Well, despite the cool windy day - there was a good contingent in the stands as well. My guess was around 2500. Not bad for a weekly show.
Yes, there were glitches and to those who say I say nothing but nice about Eagle, I'll have some criticisms in my Pace Lap column.
In the end, 180 cars are the proverbial “nice problem to have.” Some tracks opened to about a third of that number in the pits, and from what I heard third-hand, about the same number in the stands...seriously.
Some people try to put a finger on what Eagle’s doing to manage that kind of car count. You can point at rules, money, attitude, location, day, etc, etc.
You can argue for and against these points, but in the end I think it's none of these.
It’s something greater. Eagle has created something that goes beyond rules and purses. They’ve created a place and an event. They have a following and advocates. They...”get it.”
The track inherited a good reputation and a regular audience base and worked to maintain and grow it. They’re doing an even better job of keeping fans informed, engaged, and waiting for the next thing. They're creative (if sometimes corny) in some of the novelty promotions and encouraging their “tribe” to go forth and spread the word. The weekly competitors and crews not only race, but take pride in the place and want to promote it to their friends. This is 21st century marketing folks. One-to-one relationships.
The carnival-barker days are gone. “Step right up!” gets drowned out in all the other messages and stimulus people receive each day. To reach that customer you have to stand out and fight through it. Complaining that there’s so much “noise” in our lives will get nothing, because we live in a noisy world. It isn’t changing and those who succeed learn not to get louder, but cut through it. They proverbially “grab you by the collar” or better yet, grab you by the hand and lead you in.
Advertising isn’t enough. Engaging is.
If you say I'm full of it, you can. If you think that this has nothing to do with racing, you can.
Please forgive my tone, but you'd be wrong on both counts.
-Jason
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Revised SLMR Series Schedule
Friday, April 1 I-80 Speedway
Sunday, May 8 I-80 Speedway
Saturday, May 14 Junction Motor Speedway
Friday, June 10 Park Jefferson Speedway
Saturday, June 11 Adams County Speedway
Sunday, June 19 I-80 Speedway
Saturday, June 25 Junction Motor Speedway
Saturday, July 9 Junction Motor Speedway
Sunday, July 10 Dawson County Speedway
Monday, July 11 Boone County Speedway
Friday, August 5 Eagle Raceway
Sunday, August 7 I-80 Speedway
Saturday, Sept 3 Shelby County Speedway
Sunday, Sept 4 I-80 Speedway
Sunday, Sept 25 I-80 Speedway
Sunday, May 8 I-80 Speedway
Saturday, May 14 Junction Motor Speedway
Friday, June 10 Park Jefferson Speedway
Saturday, June 11 Adams County Speedway
Sunday, June 19 I-80 Speedway
Saturday, June 25 Junction Motor Speedway
Saturday, July 9 Junction Motor Speedway
Sunday, July 10 Dawson County Speedway
Monday, July 11 Boone County Speedway
Friday, August 5 Eagle Raceway
Sunday, August 7 I-80 Speedway
Saturday, Sept 3 Shelby County Speedway
Sunday, Sept 4 I-80 Speedway
Sunday, Sept 25 I-80 Speedway
Mini E Raceway Practice
Mini "E" Raceway will have Open House Practice on Friday, May 7th. All classes are welcome! Pit Gates will open at 6:30PM, Pit admission is Free (you will still need to sign a waiver and have all minor releases turned in. Practice is from 7:30 to 10:30PM. See all of you there! Questions? Call the office 402-238-2595
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Eagle April 30 Photos! And ready for purchase!
Finally, I came through and set up my gallery of pics for online purchase. That's right, you order and the pics are mailed to you - no worrying about meeting up with me at the track, remembering money, and so on.
Check 'em out here: Heartland RaceNews.com Photos by Jason Orth . Note the watermark on the photos won't print on your order! These photos are only available for purchase online, they aren't available at the track.
This week was odd. One thing I haven't done - ever - is shoot 700(!) frames at a racetrack over one night. And I didn't shoot all the features because of the dust! I kind of went all out to try and catch as many people as I could. I threw out the garbage and put everything in focus and exposed online.
Normally, I'd shoot about 2-300 pictures and edit down to the 40 or so best and post that. This year I plan on editing tighter, but wanted to get as many people up on the first night. As we go through the season, I'll have a little more refinement online as I think this is the way it should be done. Keep it in the 100 picture range so it's easier to browse.
Technique wise, I had to learn to shoot a lot looser (not zoom in so close on the car) so a person could crop down to a 8x10 if they wanted. It's kind of tough with the Hobbies because the car is so long and an 8X10 photo is closer to "square" than a 4X6. But, that shouldn't stop you from getting what you want.
Anyway, if you need anything, let me know.
- Jason
Check 'em out here: Heartland RaceNews.com Photos by Jason Orth . Note the watermark on the photos won't print on your order! These photos are only available for purchase online, they aren't available at the track.
This week was odd. One thing I haven't done - ever - is shoot 700(!) frames at a racetrack over one night. And I didn't shoot all the features because of the dust! I kind of went all out to try and catch as many people as I could. I threw out the garbage and put everything in focus and exposed online.
Normally, I'd shoot about 2-300 pictures and edit down to the 40 or so best and post that. This year I plan on editing tighter, but wanted to get as many people up on the first night. As we go through the season, I'll have a little more refinement online as I think this is the way it should be done. Keep it in the 100 picture range so it's easier to browse.
Technique wise, I had to learn to shoot a lot looser (not zoom in so close on the car) so a person could crop down to a 8x10 if they wanted. It's kind of tough with the Hobbies because the car is so long and an 8X10 photo is closer to "square" than a 4X6. But, that shouldn't stop you from getting what you want.
Anyway, if you need anything, let me know.
- Jason
I-80 Alphabet Soup Race May 29
From I-80 Speedway:
A Memorial Day weekend staple returns to I-80 Speedway on Sunday, May 29 with the running of the annual Alphabet Soup Race. This year’s soup is a mixture of CBC (Corn Belt Clash), MLRA (Midwest Late Model Racing Association), and NCRA (National Championship Racing Association). The 50 lap feature will pay $5,000 to win.
The winner of the soup race will receive a provisional into I-80 Speedway’s Silver Dollar Nationals. If that driver qualifies for the SDN through the heat or last chance races of the SDN, (earning a higher starting spot in the SDN), then the highest finisher of the Soup race not qualified for the SDN will receive the provisional from the Soup race and a guaranteed starting spot in the $25,000 to win Silver Dollar Nationals on July 21-23. The Silver Dollar Nationals will be the biggest race in Nebraska Racing History.
Last month at the Spring Meltdown, Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri picked up the win and became the first driver guaranteed a spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals. In 2010, Kelly Boen of Henderson, Colorado won the Alphabet Soup race. In the 2009 version of the Soup Race, after a rain delay, John Anderson of Omaha won one of the most exciting races ever held at I-80 after dueling with Chad Simpson and Kyle Berck.
While mother nature has prevented the CBC from holding a race this year, Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa is the defending series champion. An early season point battle is shaping up in the MLRA between 7-time series champion Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kansas, Jesse Stovall of Galena, Missouri and Kyle Berck of Marquette, Nebraska. Purkey is also the current NCRA point leader as a result of his win this past weekend at the Sunflower State Showdown.
The A Modifieds will also be race at the Soup Race running IMCA type rules with a 30 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. Many of these drivers will be returning in July for the USMTS portion of the Silver Dollar Nationals. Finally the mighty Hornets will be racing led by 2010 track champion and NASCAR Division IV National Dirt Champion Jamie Spanel. Pit Gates open at 3pm, Grandstands at 4:30 with racing at 5:55. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, Kids (6-15) $5 and Children 5 and Under Free.
On Friday, July 1 the three series (CBC, MLRA and NCRA) will return to I-80 for the Midwest Trifecta and one last tune up before the Silver Dollar Nationals. That race will also see another driver earn an automatic starting spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals.
For more information contact Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301.
A Memorial Day weekend staple returns to I-80 Speedway on Sunday, May 29 with the running of the annual Alphabet Soup Race. This year’s soup is a mixture of CBC (Corn Belt Clash), MLRA (Midwest Late Model Racing Association), and NCRA (National Championship Racing Association). The 50 lap feature will pay $5,000 to win.
The winner of the soup race will receive a provisional into I-80 Speedway’s Silver Dollar Nationals. If that driver qualifies for the SDN through the heat or last chance races of the SDN, (earning a higher starting spot in the SDN), then the highest finisher of the Soup race not qualified for the SDN will receive the provisional from the Soup race and a guaranteed starting spot in the $25,000 to win Silver Dollar Nationals on July 21-23. The Silver Dollar Nationals will be the biggest race in Nebraska Racing History.
Last month at the Spring Meltdown, Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri picked up the win and became the first driver guaranteed a spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals. In 2010, Kelly Boen of Henderson, Colorado won the Alphabet Soup race. In the 2009 version of the Soup Race, after a rain delay, John Anderson of Omaha won one of the most exciting races ever held at I-80 after dueling with Chad Simpson and Kyle Berck.
While mother nature has prevented the CBC from holding a race this year, Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa is the defending series champion. An early season point battle is shaping up in the MLRA between 7-time series champion Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kansas, Jesse Stovall of Galena, Missouri and Kyle Berck of Marquette, Nebraska. Purkey is also the current NCRA point leader as a result of his win this past weekend at the Sunflower State Showdown.
The A Modifieds will also be race at the Soup Race running IMCA type rules with a 30 lap feature paying $2,000 to win. Many of these drivers will be returning in July for the USMTS portion of the Silver Dollar Nationals. Finally the mighty Hornets will be racing led by 2010 track champion and NASCAR Division IV National Dirt Champion Jamie Spanel. Pit Gates open at 3pm, Grandstands at 4:30 with racing at 5:55. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, Kids (6-15) $5 and Children 5 and Under Free.
On Friday, July 1 the three series (CBC, MLRA and NCRA) will return to I-80 for the Midwest Trifecta and one last tune up before the Silver Dollar Nationals. That race will also see another driver earn an automatic starting spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals.
For more information contact Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301.
SLMR Series Kicks off May 8
From I-80 Speedway:
On Sunday, May 8 the SLMR returns to action at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood, NE. The series will join the four NASCAR Weekly racing series divisions for a special program for Mothers Day. Racing actions will get underway at 5:55pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $5 (Ages 6-15) with children under 5 free.
This will be the second race of the 2011 SLMR season. Lightin’ Leon Zeitner of LaVista won the season opener at the Spring Meltdown on April 1 at I-80 with a last lap pass of Travis Dickes. Following Zeitner and Dickes in SLMR points are Leon’s son Justin, Mike Collins and 2009 series champion Mike Wiarda. Kyle Berck of Marquette is 2010 and defending SLMR champion.
On Saturday, May 14 the series moves to the Junction Motor Speedway near McCool Junction for round 3 of the 2011 SLMR racing season. Racing action starts at 7pm. All SLMR features pay $1,000 to win and $1,050 for second place. Also for the upcoming Silver Dollar Nationals, the two highest drivers in SLMR points that do not qualify for the Silver Dollar Nationals feature through qualifying or last chance races will receive provisionals to start the Silver Dollar Nationals.
The exciting SLMR series, now in its fourth season recently signed the Park Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, South Dakota for an event on Friday, June 10. Then on Saturday, June 11 the series moves to the Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa.
For more information call Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301.
On Sunday, May 8 the SLMR returns to action at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood, NE. The series will join the four NASCAR Weekly racing series divisions for a special program for Mothers Day. Racing actions will get underway at 5:55pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $5 (Ages 6-15) with children under 5 free.
This will be the second race of the 2011 SLMR season. Lightin’ Leon Zeitner of LaVista won the season opener at the Spring Meltdown on April 1 at I-80 with a last lap pass of Travis Dickes. Following Zeitner and Dickes in SLMR points are Leon’s son Justin, Mike Collins and 2009 series champion Mike Wiarda. Kyle Berck of Marquette is 2010 and defending SLMR champion.
On Saturday, May 14 the series moves to the Junction Motor Speedway near McCool Junction for round 3 of the 2011 SLMR racing season. Racing action starts at 7pm. All SLMR features pay $1,000 to win and $1,050 for second place. Also for the upcoming Silver Dollar Nationals, the two highest drivers in SLMR points that do not qualify for the Silver Dollar Nationals feature through qualifying or last chance races will receive provisionals to start the Silver Dollar Nationals.
The exciting SLMR series, now in its fourth season recently signed the Park Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, South Dakota for an event on Friday, June 10. Then on Saturday, June 11 the series moves to the Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa.
For more information call Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301.
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