"I find your lack of faith disturbing." - Darth Vader
One-hundred degree temps and having to be at work Friday is keeping me from JMS (regrettably). However, I've got my sights set on Friday's Midwest Tri-Fecta at I-80 and hopefully Saturday's show at Eagle - but for a reason you may not think.
Maybe I get this way each year, but I've got those mid-season blahs again.
The sprint car backbiting on the dirtdrivers.com message boards is back up in full tilt, and frankly - a lot of the fans on there don't know their heads from their asses. And sometimes I wonder if the inmates are running the asylum. Exactly what has the same bitching that's been going on since the dawn of www.sameoldcrap.com* done for the sport?
I'm sorry to see that Jay Russell won't be around Eagle. Nothing but nice from the whole family. It's Eagle's loss.
The annual debate about "the work area" tires me. Do you want to know how to deal with regulating the amount of time in the work area? Don't allow any time. There - fair for everyone. I'd ban pit stops for every class. It's unsafe and how many people have really made lemonade out of lemons? This ain't a 500 mile race.
Spare me that "what-if" hypothetical crap, too. But if he...and points...and....
We can play that game all day. The "law of averages" says all the up and down works out in the end. I'd like to know how the work area saved someones season in a capacity that really mattered. Finishing 15th instead of 16th in points doesn't count.
And, for all these self-proclaimed long time wise fans, you don't remember when that was the norm. And we all seemed to survive. The whole "work area" crap was set forward by the World of Outlaws in order to give traveling teams a chance to better their position. And I guarantee you Steve Kinser got more time than...well...anyone not named Steve Kinser. Maybe Sammy or Wolfgang. But that list was pretty short and Uncle Ted selectively enforced it.
Yeah, I'm in that kind of mood. And frankly - I don't care.
So sitting here midway through the season, what was supposed to be a plan to save the sprint car class has been at best - one of sustaining it. Car counts are sub-20's again, and if not for Eldon Rhoten's 3-car operation, the counts would be nearing the 15-car minimum line in the sand Roger Hadan drew as a minimum to even race.
Changes have been made to the sprint show, including format - which in my honest opinion has not bettered the program one iota - as well as a renovated track surface that has been fraught with problems and usually requires a mid-race re-work.
I'm not saying there's been lack of trying. A quality point fund could pay out in 2012. As I said before, the changes may have prevented a bad situation from being worse. In fact, I'd say the major issues are external circumstances: economics in the case of the sprint division and weather in the case of the track. Nobody has done anything wrong.
I've said it before but I wonder if the best thing to have done was throw out the old way all together.
C'mon Jason, It's still racing, right? Better than none at all!
This is true. And I'm reminded in a positive way still.
When I go to the races at Eagle, and even in other places in this area I look forward to another show. Coming from someone who cut their teeth on the winged uprights, this is blasphemy. But it's true.
The IMCA Modifieds are the best weekly program in this area.
Not "B-Mods," not any IMCA Modified show - but the group we have here. Be it Beatrice, Eagle, I-80...wherever. For the last few years the most competitive program top-to-bottom has been the IMCA Modifieds. It's the most entertaining, frankly I think it's the cleanest show, and it has the least amount of bitching BY FAR.
It's just RACING. I don't care that the costs have escalated. I don't care that some of them come in on double stack trailers (that outdo most of the sprint haulers). I realize the cars are about as close to spec as they get. But they seem to find a way to put on a great show.
These guys just go race. Recouping the expenses through the purse has gone out the window. But they run hard, and the modern "A-Mod" isn't the spin fest the class was 20 years ago when the running bet among Eagle sprint fans was whether or not they could go caution free the first lap.
These guys are good. Period. They drive with finesse, and can go full-tilt, and back it in as hard as any sprinter; they actually look more like the old-school cars when they pitch it in. If the track goes rubber down, they still can race. If it's a "gumball" track - not "Gumbo" which is a soup - they still go like hell.
My biggest beef is that they aren't run second-to-last at the end of the night at Eagle as the sport compacts are used to cut the crust off track one last time (yes it is the reason). I'd even let them go at the end.
Week in and week out, the modified A features have ranged from good to great. It's fun to watch "The Jet" still take it to them after these years.
I don't think there are nicer guys at a track than Dylan Smith, and watching him win is one for the "good guys" every time.
Chris Abelson has been a nice addition form up north where the IMCA modified count has fallen, Shane Hiatt has made the most of his transition from the Hobby Stocks. Lacey Tuttle is the BEST female driver I've seen on dirt in a long time - that girl does not flinch at all. Rik Gropp fits the "Elder Statesman" role to a T, and still brings it. Doug Deterding was one of my favorite guys to go see during my time working for Eagle. And I'm missing plenty of others who just get out and race. Period.
Hats off to them. Maybe they don't have the "wow" factor and the colorful history of the sprints, but night after night, it's the best racing out there. This isn't a diss on the sprints, it's just that the modified guys are putting on a stellar program. You can't deny this.
And you thought this would be about wingless SPRINT cars! But I am looking forward to the Aug. 5 show at Eagle.
-Jason
*the site is one of those squatter domains, but that's not the point
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
ASCS Midwest Set for Nebraska Fireworks
Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (June 27, 2011) - The fireworks start early for the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region as the series takes to a pair of Nebraska dirt ovals on Thursday and Friday.
The Fourth of July holiday weekend's racing action gets off to an early start Thursday night at McCool Junction's Junction Motor Speedway before moving on to Greenwood's I-80 Speedway on Friday night.
Thursday's McCool tilt offers up a $2,000 winner's share, with Friday's action paying $3,000 to win provided the winner competed at Junction Motor Speedway the previous night. If Friday's winner was not in action Thursday, the winner's cut will be $1,500.
With the series initial six events of the season in the books for the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region, Oklahoma native Wayne Johnson holds a slim 5-point lead over Springfield, Nebraska's Jack Dover, the 2008 ASCS Midwest champion that comes off a recent Lucas Oil ASCS National win in the Eagle Nationals.
Missouri's Brian Brown, who has topped two of three previous ASCS Midwest events at I-80 this season, enters the weekend ranked third in points. Brown has nine career Midwest wins at I-80 Speedway alone and 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.
Jordan Boston and Bryan Gossel round out the current top five in ASCS Midwest points, with the rest of the top ten including Don Droud, Jr., Lee Grosz, Ryan Roberts, Danny Lasoski and Trevor Grossenbacher. Lasoski topped the series event at Junction Motor Speedway over Memorial Day weekend.
Thursday's action at Junction Motor Speedway fires off at 7:30 p.m., with Friday's green flag at I-80 Speedway flying at 7:00 p.m.
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.
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.
The Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region is slated for 21 nights of competition at a seven throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas of Missouri, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.
Past ASCS Midwest Region Winners at Junction Motor Speedway:
5/27/11 - Danny Lasoski
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
Past ASCS Midwest Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:
5/26/11 - Brian Brown
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
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
ASCS Midwest Update
Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region
Update #16 June 27, 2011
Nebraska Double!
Thursday June 30th
Junction Motor Speedway * McCool Junction, NE
$2,000 to win!
Update #16 June 27, 2011
Nebraska Double!
Thursday June 30th
Junction Motor Speedway * McCool Junction, NE
$2,000 to win!
Friday July 1st
I-80 Speedway * Greenwood, NE
$3,000 to win!
($3,000 to win if driver competed night before, otherwise $1,500)
PITS OPEN @ 4:00pm * PIT MEETING & DRAW 5:45pm * HOT LAPS @ 6:30pm
__________________________________________________________________________
Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region On-Deck:
Friday July 8 * Jackson, MN * $5,000 to win/$500 start!
Saturday July 9 * Hartford, SD * $3,000 to win/$300 start!
"...ASCS Sprints...Come out and watch the stars shine..."
Monday, June 27, 2011
What's up
Been out of town on business. I'll have some editorials soon and looking forward to this weekend's Midwest Tri Fecta at I80.
The Midwest Tri-Fecta is fast approaching
This Friday night, July 1, I-80 Speedway will be presenting the Midwest Tri-Fecta. The Tri-Fecta includes Super Late Models, Sprint Cars and A Modifieds. It also gives one lucky fan a chance to win $1,000.
For the Super Late Models it will be there third and final chance to lock in a starting spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals (SDN) before the actual event. Driver's winning the Spring Meltdown in April, the Alphabet Soup Race on May 29 and the Midwest Tri-Fecta are guaranteed a starting spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals.
Brad Looney assured himself a starting spot in the Silver Dollar Nationals by winning the Spring Meltdown. Chad Simpson punched his ticket to the SDN by winning the Alphabet Soup Race. The Late Model feature at the Midwest Tri-Fecta will pay $3,000 to win and is co-sanctioned by the Corn Belt Clash, The Midwest Late Model Racing Association and the National Championship Racing Association. Most of the leading drivers in all three series are expected to be at I-80 as well as Henderson, Colorado's Kelly Boen.
The ASCS Midwest Sprints will also be competing for a top prize of $3,000. In the three previous appearances of the ASCS Midwest Sprints at I-80 this year, Brian Brown has won twice and Seth Bergmann once. Finally, the A Mods will be battling it out for a top prize of $2,000 to win. Mod entry fee is $20.
Finally one lucky fan will have a chance to win $1,000 by picking the winners of the three features. If necessary a tie-breaker will be used to decide the winner. All entries must be in by intermission. The winner will be notified by July 7, 2011. Pit Gates open at 3 pm, Grandstands at 5:30 pm with racing at 7 pm. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, $5 for Juniors (6-15) with 5 and under free. Pit Passes are $30.
For the latest information on I-80 Speedway events listen to Andrew Kosiski live every Friday morning at 7:45 am on the "Big O" 101.9.
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 host several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit I-80 Speedway.com.
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Midwest Tri-Fecta: Sprint Cars, Super Late Models and A Mods
One of the most anticipated races of the season is coming to I-80 Speedway on Friday, July 1. The Midwest Tri-Fecta brings together Super Late Models, ASCS Midwest Sprints and A Mods. The Super Late Models will be racing for $3,000 to win and will be sanctioned by the Corn Belt Clash (CBC), Lucas Oil Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA) and the National Championship Racing Association (NCRA).
For the Super Late Models it will be another chance to earn a starting spot in the upcoming Silver Dollar Nationals. The Silver Dollar Nationals (SDN) to be held at I-80 on July 21-23 pays $25,000 to win and $1,000 to start. The winner of the SLM portion of the Midwest Tri-Fecta will earn a guaranteed starting spot in the SDN. Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri earned a guaranteed starting spot by winning the Spring Meltdown in April and Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa got his free pass to the SDN by winning the Alphabet Soup Race on May 29. Terry Phillips of Springfield, Missouri is the defending late model champion of the Midwest Tri-Fecta.
Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa leads the CBC point standings followed by Chris Simpson, Tim Isenberg, Denny Eckrich and Jason Rauen. Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kansas leads both the MLRA & NCRA point standings. In the MLRA he is followed by Kyle Berck, John Anderson, Jesse Stovall and Terry Phillips. In the NCRA following Purkey in points are Corey Zeitner, Dean Moore, Joe Kosiski and Steve Kempt.
The ASCS Midwest Sprint Car Series will be making their fourth appearance of the year at I-80 Speedway with $3,000 going to the winner. Brian Brown of Grain Valley, Missouri has registered two wins this year at I-80 and is the defending champion of the Midwest Tri-Fecta. Seth Bergmann of Snohomish, Washington won the other ASCS event. Wayne Johnson of Oklahoma City is the current ASCS Midwest point leader. He is followed by Jack Dover, Brian Brown, Jordan Boston and Bryan Gossel.
The A Mods will be making their third appearance of the year at I-80 with the winner picking up $2,000. Jake Neal of Ft. Calhoun and Kyle Berck of Marquette have won the previous A Mod features at I-80 this year. Entry fee is $20.
Finally a lucky fan will have a chance to win $1,000 by picking the winner of all 3 features. A tie-breaker will be used to decide the winner. All entries must be turned in by Intermission. Winner will be notified by July 7, 2011. Pit gate opens at 3 pm, Grandstands open at 5:30 pm with racing at 7 pm. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, Juniors (6-15) $5 with Kids 5 and Under Free. Pit Passes are $30.
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 host several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit I-80 Speedway.com.
For the Super Late Models it will be another chance to earn a starting spot in the upcoming Silver Dollar Nationals. The Silver Dollar Nationals (SDN) to be held at I-80 on July 21-23 pays $25,000 to win and $1,000 to start. The winner of the SLM portion of the Midwest Tri-Fecta will earn a guaranteed starting spot in the SDN. Brad Looney of Republic, Missouri earned a guaranteed starting spot by winning the Spring Meltdown in April and Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa got his free pass to the SDN by winning the Alphabet Soup Race on May 29. Terry Phillips of Springfield, Missouri is the defending late model champion of the Midwest Tri-Fecta.
Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa leads the CBC point standings followed by Chris Simpson, Tim Isenberg, Denny Eckrich and Jason Rauen. Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kansas leads both the MLRA & NCRA point standings. In the MLRA he is followed by Kyle Berck, John Anderson, Jesse Stovall and Terry Phillips. In the NCRA following Purkey in points are Corey Zeitner, Dean Moore, Joe Kosiski and Steve Kempt.
The ASCS Midwest Sprint Car Series will be making their fourth appearance of the year at I-80 Speedway with $3,000 going to the winner. Brian Brown of Grain Valley, Missouri has registered two wins this year at I-80 and is the defending champion of the Midwest Tri-Fecta. Seth Bergmann of Snohomish, Washington won the other ASCS event. Wayne Johnson of Oklahoma City is the current ASCS Midwest point leader. He is followed by Jack Dover, Brian Brown, Jordan Boston and Bryan Gossel.
The A Mods will be making their third appearance of the year at I-80 with the winner picking up $2,000. Jake Neal of Ft. Calhoun and Kyle Berck of Marquette have won the previous A Mod features at I-80 this year. Entry fee is $20.
Finally a lucky fan will have a chance to win $1,000 by picking the winner of all 3 features. A tie-breaker will be used to decide the winner. All entries must be turned in by Intermission. Winner will be notified by July 7, 2011. Pit gate opens at 3 pm, Grandstands open at 5:30 pm with racing at 7 pm. Grandstand Admission is $20 for Adults, Juniors (6-15) $5 with Kids 5 and Under Free. Pit Passes are $30.
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 host several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit I-80 Speedway.com.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Photos from June 18
Eagle Raceway pics from June 18 are available for viewing and purchase.
Check 'em out here:
Eagle 6-18-11 Photos
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Check 'em out here:
Eagle 6-18-11 Photos
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Thursday, June 16, 2011
Eagle Raceway Kid's Night Bike Giveaway Is Accpeting Donations
Eagle Raceway 2011 Kid’s Night Bike Giveaway Presented by Olston’s Auto Recyclers, Saturday, July 23rd, 2011
We are asking all drivers, race teams, car owners, sponsors, and race fans to chip in and show our young race fans how much we appreciate their love and support of racing! The purchase of a bike for our youngest yet biggest race fans is the cost of $40 per bike. We will be collecting bike donations until the end of June. Our order with Huffy needs to be placed by the last week of June in order to receive the bikes in time. Our goal is 400 bikes to be given to kids in 2011. We are also looking for donations of other items for giveaways to the kids who do not receive bikes.
There are several options available on our behalf to be offered for bike sponsor packages: program ads, scoreboard ads, banner space, complimentary GA passes, acknowledgements and more.
Your support means a great deal to Eagle Raceway’s existence and the success of Kid’s Night. The key to our success is your involvement.
We would like to welcome you to be a part of our racing legacy and the adventure of the world of racing. We thank all sponsors & donors in advance for sponsoring Kid’s Night! This event would not be possible without your contributions.
For sponsor package information, additional details, or questions please contact:
Marsha Meadows, Marketing & Event Planning
Marsha@EagleRaceway.com | (402) 949-0165
We are asking all drivers, race teams, car owners, sponsors, and race fans to chip in and show our young race fans how much we appreciate their love and support of racing! The purchase of a bike for our youngest yet biggest race fans is the cost of $40 per bike. We will be collecting bike donations until the end of June. Our order with Huffy needs to be placed by the last week of June in order to receive the bikes in time. Our goal is 400 bikes to be given to kids in 2011. We are also looking for donations of other items for giveaways to the kids who do not receive bikes.
There are several options available on our behalf to be offered for bike sponsor packages: program ads, scoreboard ads, banner space, complimentary GA passes, acknowledgements and more.
Your support means a great deal to Eagle Raceway’s existence and the success of Kid’s Night. The key to our success is your involvement.
We would like to welcome you to be a part of our racing legacy and the adventure of the world of racing. We thank all sponsors & donors in advance for sponsoring Kid’s Night! This event would not be possible without your contributions.
For sponsor package information, additional details, or questions please contact:
Marsha Meadows, Marketing & Event Planning
Marsha@EagleRaceway.com | (402) 949-0165
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Pace Lap - June 15, 2011
I'm going to hit on last week and since I haven't been blogging much, a few things from a couple weeks past...
Flyin' Hi (how many tired flying/bird references can one make with a track named "Eagle?") - This weekend's Eagle Nationals lived up to the billing, with Jack Dover avenging last year's Friday flip and Saturday's second place run to pick up the win after race leader Jordan Boston spun in the closing laps. Dover was gracious to a raucous and well-stocked grandstand crowd after his win.
Boston was nearly the story of the night, as he dominated most of the 35-lap contest. He also wowed the crowd with a heat race win, passing long-time sprint car veteran Jeff Swindell late in the heat. Despite the spin, Jordan recovered the car - his lead having be so great he still hung on for third.
Two things:
One- I think the Friday rainout was a blessing in disguise, at least in terms of Saturday's crowd. Saturday's crowd was good and while not packed to the rails, it was well above a weekly crowd, as a special should be. I'm guessing about 65-70% capacity. I worked during Friday WoO shows with less in the stands.
Two- The Eagle boys held their ground admirably. Nine of the 24 starters in the A feature raced at Eagle this year. The track went dry, after a few re-workings, with the leaders "knocking down the wall" by midway. Many of the touring stars didn't find getting around so easy. I loved it. It took me back to the days when the 360's ran small wings, and driver like John Gerloff used to bank off the outside wall and set for a run down the backstretch. It was a bit dusty - but that's what it is.
The best place for an OK race (or: How can I say any of this without p*ssing someone off?) Despite all that was going on over Memorial Day weekend, I only went to one race: the ASCS Midwest show at Junction Motor Speedway. Delmar Friesen, Jessica Stutzman and the whole crew are first class. Despite a blow-up with a certain photographer a few years ago whose name I won't even do the honor of mentioning, I've been treated very kindly and had several nice chats with the people there. I can't say enough nice things.
I'd argue that facilities-wise JMS is - at worst - tied for the best in the state. But what I'd like to see are better support classes for the ASCS shows. I know to some, support classes mean a trip to the restroom or concession stand - but to me, I think it's an important part of the overall show.
It's not that the GOTRA, Outlaw Vintage Lites ("dwarf" cars) and Two-man Cruisers are bad, it's this:
I realize Delmar is not stepping on anyones toes such as Beatrice by running their classes. And I understand that JMS is a NASCAR track and IMCA and NASCAR don't play well together. But not everyone runs Beatrice. I think that a non-sanctioned support class could work. What about Late Models? On the other hand - how many would show up in the first place and how much more do you want to spend in purse? So maybe, what they do now fills the gaps without the expense. Just kind of a bummer, because I like it there. And, I'll still go regardless. I'd just like them to mix in their good Saturday lineup - there are plenty of drivers there who aren't at Eagle or Beatrice. Yes, it's just me being selfish.
For less than a 20: I've thought that one way to give fans more bang for the buck with short fields is to change the format of the racing. My take has been if you have less than 20 cars in a class - change the qualifying. Instead of the usual heat-race > A feature format, try something akin to the old Sprint Bandits: run qualifying heats, then run again in another set of heats, or qualifiers to determine the A feature. The con of this is more potential wear on the car - but I think the upside is much bigger, delivering more races to the fan.
Dust in the wind - One of the reasons I haven't posted many feature pictures this year is two-fold. Until the first week of June, the track at Eagle was a dry dirty mess. Finally, after taking extra time to pack the middle extensively for the June 4 show, they had a reasonably wet and fast track by feature time. Since I'm posting pictures for purchase, well - those dust spots are pretty ugly in print. Shooting through dust softens up the details considerably - think "Barbara Walters filter." It's not so evident on the web because you can add more contrast. And with the small sizes of pics on the web, the dust spots aren't so evident. In an 8x10 print - they're ugly.
Even when the track is not so dry, it's been tough this year. In its renovation, Eagle added wood chips and ground up drywall to the track, to prevent it from chunking up. That debris gets thrown in the air and essentially creates dust again. Maybe even worse. So most of my A feature pics just have tons of spots in them, unless you shoot early after the start. I keep shooting for posterity's sake, and to catch wrecks, but mostly - that stuff doesn't make it online simply because I don't want someone to buy a print full of dust circles.
That's it for now. I may have a few more thoughts later.
-Jason
Flyin' Hi (how many tired flying/bird references can one make with a track named "Eagle?") - This weekend's Eagle Nationals lived up to the billing, with Jack Dover avenging last year's Friday flip and Saturday's second place run to pick up the win after race leader Jordan Boston spun in the closing laps. Dover was gracious to a raucous and well-stocked grandstand crowd after his win.Boston was nearly the story of the night, as he dominated most of the 35-lap contest. He also wowed the crowd with a heat race win, passing long-time sprint car veteran Jeff Swindell late in the heat. Despite the spin, Jordan recovered the car - his lead having be so great he still hung on for third.
Two things:
One- I think the Friday rainout was a blessing in disguise, at least in terms of Saturday's crowd. Saturday's crowd was good and while not packed to the rails, it was well above a weekly crowd, as a special should be. I'm guessing about 65-70% capacity. I worked during Friday WoO shows with less in the stands.
Two- The Eagle boys held their ground admirably. Nine of the 24 starters in the A feature raced at Eagle this year. The track went dry, after a few re-workings, with the leaders "knocking down the wall" by midway. Many of the touring stars didn't find getting around so easy. I loved it. It took me back to the days when the 360's ran small wings, and driver like John Gerloff used to bank off the outside wall and set for a run down the backstretch. It was a bit dusty - but that's what it is.
The best place for an OK race (or: How can I say any of this without p*ssing someone off?) Despite all that was going on over Memorial Day weekend, I only went to one race: the ASCS Midwest show at Junction Motor Speedway. Delmar Friesen, Jessica Stutzman and the whole crew are first class. Despite a blow-up with a certain photographer a few years ago whose name I won't even do the honor of mentioning, I've been treated very kindly and had several nice chats with the people there. I can't say enough nice things.
I'd argue that facilities-wise JMS is - at worst - tied for the best in the state. But what I'd like to see are better support classes for the ASCS shows. I know to some, support classes mean a trip to the restroom or concession stand - but to me, I think it's an important part of the overall show.
It's not that the GOTRA, Outlaw Vintage Lites ("dwarf" cars) and Two-man Cruisers are bad, it's this:
- GOTRAs are an "exhibition" series. Their own rules dictate that it's more scripted entertainment. And that's fine - but I want some drama.
- Vintage Lites - cars too small for a track too big (I'd rather see them at KAM or Little Sunset)
- Two-Man Cruisers - how they manage to get around is impressive, but there's usually too few, and I don't see it as very competitive top-to-bottom
I realize Delmar is not stepping on anyones toes such as Beatrice by running their classes. And I understand that JMS is a NASCAR track and IMCA and NASCAR don't play well together. But not everyone runs Beatrice. I think that a non-sanctioned support class could work. What about Late Models? On the other hand - how many would show up in the first place and how much more do you want to spend in purse? So maybe, what they do now fills the gaps without the expense. Just kind of a bummer, because I like it there. And, I'll still go regardless. I'd just like them to mix in their good Saturday lineup - there are plenty of drivers there who aren't at Eagle or Beatrice. Yes, it's just me being selfish.
For less than a 20: I've thought that one way to give fans more bang for the buck with short fields is to change the format of the racing. My take has been if you have less than 20 cars in a class - change the qualifying. Instead of the usual heat-race > A feature format, try something akin to the old Sprint Bandits: run qualifying heats, then run again in another set of heats, or qualifiers to determine the A feature. The con of this is more potential wear on the car - but I think the upside is much bigger, delivering more races to the fan.
Dust in the wind - One of the reasons I haven't posted many feature pictures this year is two-fold. Until the first week of June, the track at Eagle was a dry dirty mess. Finally, after taking extra time to pack the middle extensively for the June 4 show, they had a reasonably wet and fast track by feature time. Since I'm posting pictures for purchase, well - those dust spots are pretty ugly in print. Shooting through dust softens up the details considerably - think "Barbara Walters filter." It's not so evident on the web because you can add more contrast. And with the small sizes of pics on the web, the dust spots aren't so evident. In an 8x10 print - they're ugly.
Even when the track is not so dry, it's been tough this year. In its renovation, Eagle added wood chips and ground up drywall to the track, to prevent it from chunking up. That debris gets thrown in the air and essentially creates dust again. Maybe even worse. So most of my A feature pics just have tons of spots in them, unless you shoot early after the start. I keep shooting for posterity's sake, and to catch wrecks, but mostly - that stuff doesn't make it online simply because I don't want someone to buy a print full of dust circles.
That's it for now. I may have a few more thoughts later.
-Jason
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Father's Day, the SLMR and Steak Sandwiches for Dad
There will be a lot going on at I-80 Speedway this Father's Day, Sunday, June 19. First, all Dad's will receive a Free Steak Sandwich, kids can stop by the Kids Club Shack and make their Dad a picture frame and the SLMR will be joining the four NASCAR Weekly racing series classes to provide a great night of racing.
Come watch the SLMR Super Late Models, the Miller Lite Late Models, Mike's Hard Lemonade ProAms, Ty's Outdoor Power & Service B Mods and American Ethanol Green Hornets in action. Pit gates open at 3pm, Grandstands 4:30 with racing at 5:55. Grandstand Admission is $15 for Adults, $5 for Juniors Ages 6-15 with 5 and under free. Pit passes are $20 with a NASCAR license and $30 without a NASCAR license.
A real battle is shaping up in the SLMR with Travis Dickes of Madison and Leon Zeitner of LaVista currently tied for the series point lead as the series heads to the Riviera Raceway in Norfolk this Friday night. Jason O'Brien picked up the win last Saturday night at the Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa and is currently third in points 12 points behind. Justin Zeitner with a runner-up finish at Adams County is fourth in the points 16 back of the leaders with Joe Kosiski rounding out the top five in points 28 behind the leaders.
Bill Leighton, Jr. holds a 24 point lead over Todd Hipnar in the Miller Lite Late Model point chase. In the Mike's Hard Lemonade ProAms, Rick Negrete currently leads by 14 points over Curt Drake with Cory Dumpert just 18 behind Negrete. A real battle is shaping up in the Ty's Outdoor Power & Service B Mods Jim Hendricks, Jr. holds a slim 2 point lead over Dennis Cook with fast closing Jesse Sobbing just 6 back of the leader. The American Ethanol Green Hornets also has a close battle for the point lead with defending track champion Jamie Spanel holding an 8 point lead over Perry Soule.
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 host several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit www.I-80Speedway.com
Monday, June 13, 2011
Goin Mobile
Did you know we're mobile formatted now? Your mobile browser will automatically pick up on the mobile site. The "regular" web site is still available.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
New Magic
The Eagle Nationals roll into town this weekend, the second year in a row the show has been promoted by Tony Bruce, Jr.'s TBJ Promotions and the second time it's been sanctioned by the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour. Last year's show was pretty impressive, with veteran Danny Wood striking one for the 50+ club winning on Friday and Jason Johnson taking Saturday honors. Jack Dover's drive to the front was the compelling backstory after he suffered head injuries after a late race flip the night before.
Bill it however you want, it's not the same show as the heydays of the World of Outlaws. Back in the day, it was an experience on a different level and the World of Outlaws were the pinnacle of dirt track racing - at least for the deeply rooted sprint car community. The sight of "Uncle Ted's" boys brought awe to many a fan. I can still remember the shiver I'd always get when the first green flag dropped on a World of Outlaws hot lap session. The difference in speed was dramatic. There was just a certain "magic" in the air.
Now, I'm not "dissing" the ASCS series or teams. To use a phrase I've used before - it's not bad, it's just different.
The ASCS National Tour is definitely competitive, fast and their level is a noticeable notch higher than weekly shows or even most ASCS regional races. It is the pinnacle of the 360 CI Sprint class. The talent level, the equipment level, the experience of many of the drivers is equivalent to many of their 410-cubic-inch cousins.
While I was wowed by the speed difference once the Outlaws took to the track, the difference with the ASCS Nationals is a bit more subtle - but still quite noticeable. Quite frankly, it took me by surprise last year as a long-time sprint car follower.
I was impressed - impressed to the point that I don't think it's fair to use a baseball analogy and refer to this tour as a "Triple-A" league. The fact is, many of the drivers ran and won WoO shows on occasion or had full-time rides. Add to the fact WoO stars dip into ASCS racing - and are certainly no lock to win the show.
The potential for something big is there: TV is present, as the Versus network will be on hand for a taping. The banners and big rigs are here. Several car shows are scheduled for the incoming drivers and there is buzz in the local media. Last year's show drew rave reviews from the fans, even those lamenting the loss of the Outlaws.
It is growing. And, unlike the Outlaws (who still draw fans despite a less-than-full field showing at Belleville), it is sustainable. I can't begrudge Roger Hadan for finally giving up on the Outlaws. There were too many empty seats - really, even as far back as the mid 2000's, attendance was falling. Even last year's packed house wasn't enough to persuade Delmar Friesen to add stands to JMS and bring the tour back. But I'm not trying to bag on the Outlaws here.
Maybe it's not all the speed and pageantry of the "big timers" (yet) but, it gives a chance for the local teams to not only compete, but possibly WIN. Let's face it, even during the slumping car count days of recent, a top-ten finish by a local team was a hell of an accomplishment, often done with a rented/loaned/used 410 engine and sometimes their weekly 360 power plant. In many cases, finishing on the same lap was an honor itself and the privilege of being part of the four-abreast pace lap was certainly worthy of a pat on the back.
But now things are different. It won't be easy, but it's certainly not out of the possibility. You can honestly say straight-faced that someone like Mike Boston - winner of the past two Eagle features - has a shot to win this weekend. During last year's Friday flip-fest - seven in the A feature - the locals hung tough as their experience with the track paid off. One of the Eagle regulars commented to me on the following night: "you didn't see the locals flip." The thought of a local winning in the season's biggest race (at least in terms of national profile) makes for a great story, and I love a good story.
The bottom line is that maybe - like Nebraska's move to the Big Ten - this show feels more like the proper fit. Top to bottom, the field will be more competitive. It's tough to win as parity abounds. The car count will be well above the normal weekly show (my guess is 37-42 range on both nights). It should be a heck of a show, and...maybe the start of new magic.
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Bill it however you want, it's not the same show as the heydays of the World of Outlaws. Back in the day, it was an experience on a different level and the World of Outlaws were the pinnacle of dirt track racing - at least for the deeply rooted sprint car community. The sight of "Uncle Ted's" boys brought awe to many a fan. I can still remember the shiver I'd always get when the first green flag dropped on a World of Outlaws hot lap session. The difference in speed was dramatic. There was just a certain "magic" in the air.
Now, I'm not "dissing" the ASCS series or teams. To use a phrase I've used before - it's not bad, it's just different.
The ASCS National Tour is definitely competitive, fast and their level is a noticeable notch higher than weekly shows or even most ASCS regional races. It is the pinnacle of the 360 CI Sprint class. The talent level, the equipment level, the experience of many of the drivers is equivalent to many of their 410-cubic-inch cousins.
While I was wowed by the speed difference once the Outlaws took to the track, the difference with the ASCS Nationals is a bit more subtle - but still quite noticeable. Quite frankly, it took me by surprise last year as a long-time sprint car follower.
I was impressed - impressed to the point that I don't think it's fair to use a baseball analogy and refer to this tour as a "Triple-A" league. The fact is, many of the drivers ran and won WoO shows on occasion or had full-time rides. Add to the fact WoO stars dip into ASCS racing - and are certainly no lock to win the show.
The potential for something big is there: TV is present, as the Versus network will be on hand for a taping. The banners and big rigs are here. Several car shows are scheduled for the incoming drivers and there is buzz in the local media. Last year's show drew rave reviews from the fans, even those lamenting the loss of the Outlaws.
It is growing. And, unlike the Outlaws (who still draw fans despite a less-than-full field showing at Belleville), it is sustainable. I can't begrudge Roger Hadan for finally giving up on the Outlaws. There were too many empty seats - really, even as far back as the mid 2000's, attendance was falling. Even last year's packed house wasn't enough to persuade Delmar Friesen to add stands to JMS and bring the tour back. But I'm not trying to bag on the Outlaws here.
Maybe it's not all the speed and pageantry of the "big timers" (yet) but, it gives a chance for the local teams to not only compete, but possibly WIN. Let's face it, even during the slumping car count days of recent, a top-ten finish by a local team was a hell of an accomplishment, often done with a rented/loaned/used 410 engine and sometimes their weekly 360 power plant. In many cases, finishing on the same lap was an honor itself and the privilege of being part of the four-abreast pace lap was certainly worthy of a pat on the back.
But now things are different. It won't be easy, but it's certainly not out of the possibility. You can honestly say straight-faced that someone like Mike Boston - winner of the past two Eagle features - has a shot to win this weekend. During last year's Friday flip-fest - seven in the A feature - the locals hung tough as their experience with the track paid off. One of the Eagle regulars commented to me on the following night: "you didn't see the locals flip." The thought of a local winning in the season's biggest race (at least in terms of national profile) makes for a great story, and I love a good story.
The bottom line is that maybe - like Nebraska's move to the Big Ten - this show feels more like the proper fit. Top to bottom, the field will be more competitive. It's tough to win as parity abounds. The car count will be well above the normal weekly show (my guess is 37-42 range on both nights). It should be a heck of a show, and...maybe the start of new magic.
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Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Lucas Oil Sprint Cars Soar into this Weekend's Eagle Nationals
Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (June 6, 2011) - Last year, Jason Johnson and his newly-formed JJR team hit it's Lucas Oil Sprint Car championship stride with an Eagle Nationals triumph.
Now, Johnson carries the momentum of this past weekend's Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters National triumph at Little Rock's I-30 Speedway into this year's edition prestigious Eagle Nationals at Nebraska's Eagle Raceway.
The Lucas Oil Sprint Cars, mixing it up with the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Regional forces, take to the high-banked, 1/3-mile Eagle Raceway clay oval on both Friday and Saturday night this weekend with both nights taped for later broadcast on the VERSUS Network. Saturday's Eagle Nationals champion collects the $6,000 winner's share.
Shut out of National victory lane over the early portion of 2010, Eunice, LA, native Jason Johnson finally broke through in strong fashion with an Eagle Nationals triumph over a resilient Jack Dover after Danny Wood topped the preliminary night main event.
It seemingly opened the floodgates, as "The Ragin' Cajun" followed up by winning three of four events in the Northwest a month later and rode a wave of momentum to the $60,000 championship that was strong enough that neither Brady Bacon, Shane Stewart nor any of the other top Lucas Oil Sprint Car contenders could overcome.
This time though, Johnson enters the Eagle Nationals as the only driver to post more than one Lucas Oil ASCS National win after adding an I-30 Speedway triumph on Saturday night to a March 25 win in Devil's Bowl Spring Nationals preliminary action.
Saturday's win also put Johnson's JJR No. 41 entry atop the owner point charts by a narrow margin over Paul Silva's No. 57 piloted by Shane Stewart.
With Johnson busy making up ground on the driver side of the points scene, Bixby, Oklahoma native Stewart is out to 130-point edge over Albuquerque's Johnny Herrera on the strength of a remarkable run of top-five feature finishes. Stewart has finished among the top five in eight of nine Lucas Oil Sprint Car feature events thus far in 2011, with his only run outside the top five a ninth-place on the opening night of the Devil's Bowl Spring Nationals.
In Stewart's wake, the battle for second is tightening up between Herrera, Jeff Swindell (Bartlett, TN), Tim Crawley (Benton, AR) and Gary Wright (Hooks, TX), with just 66 points separating those four drivers.
Brady Bacon (Broken Arrow, OK) is just outside the top five, with the rest of the current top ten including Seth Bergman (Snohomish, WA), leading Brodix Rookie of the Year contender Aaron Reutzel (Clute, TX), Tony Bruce, Jr. (Liberal, KS) and Zach Chappell (Talala, OK).
Just outside the top ten along with Jason Johnson are Lucas Oil Sprint Car contenders Dustin Morgan (Tulsa, OK) and Logan Forler (Eatonville, WA), who picked off a win in recent weekly action at Eagle Raceway. Also making their way up the point charts after missing the initial four events of the season out west are Danny Wood (Norman, OK) and Wayne Johnson (Oklahoma City, OK).
The Lucas Oil Sprint Car contenders will face a number of tough contenders from the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region, with Missouri's Brian Brown leading the likes of Nebraska ace Jack Dover, North Dakota's Lee Grosz, Ryan Roberts, Billy Alley and more.
While Jason Johnson ranks as the only driver to post multiple Lucas Oil ASCS National wins thus far in 2011, drivers with single triumphs include Stewart, Herrera, Swindell, Wright, Sam Hafertepe, Jr., Tim Kaeding and Kyle Larson. Among those looking for their first win of 2011 are Crawley, Bacon, Bergman, Reutzel, Bruce, Jr., Chappell, Morgan and Forler.
The Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest forces have logged four nights into the books, with Brian Brown posting a pair of wins. Danny Lasoski and Lucas Oil Sprint Car National contender Seth Bergman have both posted Midwest wins as well.
The Series:
Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters
When & Where:
Friday night, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. - Eagle Raceway
Saturday night, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. - Eagle Raceway
Track Information:
Eagle Raceway (Eagle, NE) - 1/3-mile high-banked clay oval located off I-80 Exit 420, then 11 miles south to SR 63, then west. For more information, contact 402-238-2595 or check www.tbjpromotions.com for ticket info.
Lucas Oil ASCS Eagle Raceway History:
Eagle Raceway became the 110th different track to host an ASCS National event with last year's Eagle Nationals. After Danny Wood broke back into Lucas Oil ASCS National victory lane with a win in the preliminary feature, Jason Johnson posted his first series win of the year in the Eagle Nationals championship feature event.
Eagle Raceway Lucas Oil ASCS National winners include: Jason Johnson 1, Danny Wood 1.
Eagle Raceway Lucas Oil ASCS Race-by-Race Winners: Danny Wood (6/11/10), Jason Johnson (6/12/11).
Current 2011 Points:
Top 15 Driver Points: 1. Shane Stewart (Bixby, OK) 1,202, 2. Johnny Herrera (Albuquerque, NM) 1,072, 3. Jeff Swindell (Bartlett, TN) 1,045, 4. Tim Crawley (Benton, AR) 1,032, 5. Gary Wright (Hooks, TX) 1,006, 6. Brady Bacon (Broken Arrow, OK) 960, 7. Seth Bergman (Snohomish, WA) 936, 8. Aaron Reutzel (Clute, TX) 906, 9. Tony Bruce, Jr. (Liberal, KS) 898, 10. Zach Chappell (Talala, OK) 831, 11. Dustin Morgan (Tulsa, OK) 812, 12. Logan Forler (Eatonville, WA) 795, 13. Jason Johnson (Eunice, LA) 668, 14. Danny Wood (Norman, OK) 558, 15. Sam Hafertepe, Jr. (Sunnyvale, TX) 544.
Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters Owner Points (Top 15): 1. Jason Johnson Racing #41 - 1,220, 2. Paul Silva #57 - 1,202, 3. Herrera/Main #45x - 1,072, 4. Swindell Group #28 - 1,045, 5. Mike Ward #88 - 1,032, 6. Bacon/Tel-Star #99 - 960, 7. Petersen Motorsports #23 936, 8. Kenny Reutzel #87 - 906, 9. Bruce Racing #18 - 898, 10. Cooper/Sperry #01/51 - 872, 11. Randy Washburn #0 - 831, 12. M&M Motorsports #2 - 812, 13. Steve Forler #2L - 795, 14. Danny Wood #81 - 558, 15. Sam Hafertepe #15 - 544.
Brodix Rookie of the Year Points: 1. Aaron Reutzel (Clute, TX) 906, 2. Logan Forler (Eatonville, WA) 795.
Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Points (Top Ten): 1. Brian Brown (Grain Valley, MO) 584, 2. Wayne Johnson (Oklahoma City, OK) 529, 3. Jack Dover (Springfield, NE) 498, 4. Lee Grosz (Harwood, ND) 457, 5. Don Droud, Jr. (Lincoln, NE) 452, 6. (tie) Ryan Anderson (Charter Oak, IA) and Justyn Cox (Clarksburg, CA) 424, 8. Ryan Roberts (Aurora, NE) 422, 9. Billy Alley (Lincoln, NE) 393, 10. Danny Lasoski (Higginsville, MO) 386.
2011 Feature Winners:
Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series: Jason Johnson 2, Sam Hafertepe, Jr. 1, Johnny Herrera 1, Tim Kaeding 1, Kyle Larson 1, Shane Stewart 1, Jeff Swindell 1, Gary Wright 1.
Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters - A Look Ahead:
July 9 - I-90 Speedway (Hartford, SD)
July 15 - Grays Harbor Raceway (Elma, WA)
July 16 - Grays Harbor Raceway (Elma, WA) - VERSUS
July 22 - Cottage Grove Speedway (Cottage Grove, OR) - VERSUS
July 23 - Cottage Grove Speedway (Cottage Grove, OR) - VERSUS
July 29 - Placerville Speedway (Placerville, CA)
July 30 - Placerville Speedway (Placerville, CA)
August 4/6 - 21st Annual ASCS Knoxville Nationals (Knoxville, IA)
Lucas Oil ASCS on the Web:
Those unable to catch all the action in person can listen to every Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters live at www.racinboys.com.
Official results, championship point updates, photos and race notes will be available at www.ascsracing.com.
Lucas Oil ASCS on TV:
The Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters will be featured in nine one-hour shows broadcast on a tape-delayed basis on the VERSUS Network and MavTV.
The full schedule according to www.motorsportshour.com is as follows:
Thunderbowl Raceway (Feb. 9) - 4/23/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Kings Speedway (Feb. 12) - 5/7/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
USA Raceway (Feb. 18) - 5/29/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
USA Raceway (Feb. 19) - 6/5/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Eagle Raceway (June 10) - 9/11/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Eagle Raceway (June 11) - 9/18/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Grays Harbor Raceway (July 16) - 10/30/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Cottage Grove Speedway (July 22) - 11/6/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Cottage Grove Speedway (July 23) - TBA
The Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters is currently slated for 37 nights of racing action at 15 different tracks throughout the nation, with the country's top Sprint Car drivers set to battle it out for their share of the $250,000 points fund.
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.
Now, Johnson carries the momentum of this past weekend's Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters National triumph at Little Rock's I-30 Speedway into this year's edition prestigious Eagle Nationals at Nebraska's Eagle Raceway.
The Lucas Oil Sprint Cars, mixing it up with the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Regional forces, take to the high-banked, 1/3-mile Eagle Raceway clay oval on both Friday and Saturday night this weekend with both nights taped for later broadcast on the VERSUS Network. Saturday's Eagle Nationals champion collects the $6,000 winner's share.
Shut out of National victory lane over the early portion of 2010, Eunice, LA, native Jason Johnson finally broke through in strong fashion with an Eagle Nationals triumph over a resilient Jack Dover after Danny Wood topped the preliminary night main event.
It seemingly opened the floodgates, as "The Ragin' Cajun" followed up by winning three of four events in the Northwest a month later and rode a wave of momentum to the $60,000 championship that was strong enough that neither Brady Bacon, Shane Stewart nor any of the other top Lucas Oil Sprint Car contenders could overcome.
This time though, Johnson enters the Eagle Nationals as the only driver to post more than one Lucas Oil ASCS National win after adding an I-30 Speedway triumph on Saturday night to a March 25 win in Devil's Bowl Spring Nationals preliminary action.
Saturday's win also put Johnson's JJR No. 41 entry atop the owner point charts by a narrow margin over Paul Silva's No. 57 piloted by Shane Stewart.
With Johnson busy making up ground on the driver side of the points scene, Bixby, Oklahoma native Stewart is out to 130-point edge over Albuquerque's Johnny Herrera on the strength of a remarkable run of top-five feature finishes. Stewart has finished among the top five in eight of nine Lucas Oil Sprint Car feature events thus far in 2011, with his only run outside the top five a ninth-place on the opening night of the Devil's Bowl Spring Nationals.
In Stewart's wake, the battle for second is tightening up between Herrera, Jeff Swindell (Bartlett, TN), Tim Crawley (Benton, AR) and Gary Wright (Hooks, TX), with just 66 points separating those four drivers.
Brady Bacon (Broken Arrow, OK) is just outside the top five, with the rest of the current top ten including Seth Bergman (Snohomish, WA), leading Brodix Rookie of the Year contender Aaron Reutzel (Clute, TX), Tony Bruce, Jr. (Liberal, KS) and Zach Chappell (Talala, OK).
Just outside the top ten along with Jason Johnson are Lucas Oil Sprint Car contenders Dustin Morgan (Tulsa, OK) and Logan Forler (Eatonville, WA), who picked off a win in recent weekly action at Eagle Raceway. Also making their way up the point charts after missing the initial four events of the season out west are Danny Wood (Norman, OK) and Wayne Johnson (Oklahoma City, OK).
The Lucas Oil Sprint Car contenders will face a number of tough contenders from the Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Region, with Missouri's Brian Brown leading the likes of Nebraska ace Jack Dover, North Dakota's Lee Grosz, Ryan Roberts, Billy Alley and more.
While Jason Johnson ranks as the only driver to post multiple Lucas Oil ASCS National wins thus far in 2011, drivers with single triumphs include Stewart, Herrera, Swindell, Wright, Sam Hafertepe, Jr., Tim Kaeding and Kyle Larson. Among those looking for their first win of 2011 are Crawley, Bacon, Bergman, Reutzel, Bruce, Jr., Chappell, Morgan and Forler.
The Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest forces have logged four nights into the books, with Brian Brown posting a pair of wins. Danny Lasoski and Lucas Oil Sprint Car National contender Seth Bergman have both posted Midwest wins as well.
The Series:
Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters
When & Where:
Friday night, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. - Eagle Raceway
Saturday night, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. - Eagle Raceway
Track Information:
Eagle Raceway (Eagle, NE) - 1/3-mile high-banked clay oval located off I-80 Exit 420, then 11 miles south to SR 63, then west. For more information, contact 402-238-2595 or check www.tbjpromotions.com for ticket info.
Lucas Oil ASCS Eagle Raceway History:
Eagle Raceway became the 110th different track to host an ASCS National event with last year's Eagle Nationals. After Danny Wood broke back into Lucas Oil ASCS National victory lane with a win in the preliminary feature, Jason Johnson posted his first series win of the year in the Eagle Nationals championship feature event.
Eagle Raceway Lucas Oil ASCS National winners include: Jason Johnson 1, Danny Wood 1.
Eagle Raceway Lucas Oil ASCS Race-by-Race Winners: Danny Wood (6/11/10), Jason Johnson (6/12/11).
Current 2011 Points:
Top 15 Driver Points: 1. Shane Stewart (Bixby, OK) 1,202, 2. Johnny Herrera (Albuquerque, NM) 1,072, 3. Jeff Swindell (Bartlett, TN) 1,045, 4. Tim Crawley (Benton, AR) 1,032, 5. Gary Wright (Hooks, TX) 1,006, 6. Brady Bacon (Broken Arrow, OK) 960, 7. Seth Bergman (Snohomish, WA) 936, 8. Aaron Reutzel (Clute, TX) 906, 9. Tony Bruce, Jr. (Liberal, KS) 898, 10. Zach Chappell (Talala, OK) 831, 11. Dustin Morgan (Tulsa, OK) 812, 12. Logan Forler (Eatonville, WA) 795, 13. Jason Johnson (Eunice, LA) 668, 14. Danny Wood (Norman, OK) 558, 15. Sam Hafertepe, Jr. (Sunnyvale, TX) 544.
Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars presented by K&N Filters Owner Points (Top 15): 1. Jason Johnson Racing #41 - 1,220, 2. Paul Silva #57 - 1,202, 3. Herrera/Main #45x - 1,072, 4. Swindell Group #28 - 1,045, 5. Mike Ward #88 - 1,032, 6. Bacon/Tel-Star #99 - 960, 7. Petersen Motorsports #23 936, 8. Kenny Reutzel #87 - 906, 9. Bruce Racing #18 - 898, 10. Cooper/Sperry #01/51 - 872, 11. Randy Washburn #0 - 831, 12. M&M Motorsports #2 - 812, 13. Steve Forler #2L - 795, 14. Danny Wood #81 - 558, 15. Sam Hafertepe #15 - 544.
Brodix Rookie of the Year Points: 1. Aaron Reutzel (Clute, TX) 906, 2. Logan Forler (Eatonville, WA) 795.
Speedway Motors ASCS Midwest Points (Top Ten): 1. Brian Brown (Grain Valley, MO) 584, 2. Wayne Johnson (Oklahoma City, OK) 529, 3. Jack Dover (Springfield, NE) 498, 4. Lee Grosz (Harwood, ND) 457, 5. Don Droud, Jr. (Lincoln, NE) 452, 6. (tie) Ryan Anderson (Charter Oak, IA) and Justyn Cox (Clarksburg, CA) 424, 8. Ryan Roberts (Aurora, NE) 422, 9. Billy Alley (Lincoln, NE) 393, 10. Danny Lasoski (Higginsville, MO) 386.
2011 Feature Winners:
Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series: Jason Johnson 2, Sam Hafertepe, Jr. 1, Johnny Herrera 1, Tim Kaeding 1, Kyle Larson 1, Shane Stewart 1, Jeff Swindell 1, Gary Wright 1.
Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters - A Look Ahead:
July 9 - I-90 Speedway (Hartford, SD)
July 15 - Grays Harbor Raceway (Elma, WA)
July 16 - Grays Harbor Raceway (Elma, WA) - VERSUS
July 22 - Cottage Grove Speedway (Cottage Grove, OR) - VERSUS
July 23 - Cottage Grove Speedway (Cottage Grove, OR) - VERSUS
July 29 - Placerville Speedway (Placerville, CA)
July 30 - Placerville Speedway (Placerville, CA)
August 4/6 - 21st Annual ASCS Knoxville Nationals (Knoxville, IA)
Lucas Oil ASCS on the Web:
Those unable to catch all the action in person can listen to every Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters live at www.racinboys.com.
Official results, championship point updates, photos and race notes will be available at www.ascsracing.com.
Lucas Oil ASCS on TV:
The Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters will be featured in nine one-hour shows broadcast on a tape-delayed basis on the VERSUS Network and MavTV.
The full schedule according to www.motorsportshour.com is as follows:
Thunderbowl Raceway (Feb. 9) - 4/23/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Kings Speedway (Feb. 12) - 5/7/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
USA Raceway (Feb. 18) - 5/29/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
USA Raceway (Feb. 19) - 6/5/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Eagle Raceway (June 10) - 9/11/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Eagle Raceway (June 11) - 9/18/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Grays Harbor Raceway (July 16) - 10/30/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Cottage Grove Speedway (July 22) - 11/6/11 @ 6:00 p.m. ET
Cottage Grove Speedway (July 23) - TBA
The Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters is currently slated for 37 nights of racing action at 15 different tracks throughout the nation, with the country's top Sprint Car drivers set to battle it out for their share of the $250,000 points fund.
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.
Monday, June 06, 2011
Eagle 6-4-11 Photos
Photos from Saturday's racing are online. I've uploaded bigger files (so it may take just a second to load the large images) so the Hi-Res option can be downloaded if you want that for your hero cards. Previously, just the lo-res for web option was available.
Check 'em out!
Eagle 6-4-11 Photos
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Check 'em out!
Eagle 6-4-11 Photos
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Charlie Clark Memorial at I-80 June 15
The 3rd annual Charlie Clark Memorial race will be coming to I-80 Speedway on Wednesday, June 15. The race honors longtime racer, machinist, fabricator and car owner Charlie Clark who passed in 2009. Among the drivers who drove for Clark was Steve Kosiski. In 1999 Kosiski drove Clark's #22 to a win in the prestigious Longhorn Roundup at the North Texas Speedway in Royce City, Texas in a race that paid $30,000 to win.
Jay Noteboom of Hinton, Iowa won the inaugural Charlie Clark Memorial at I-80 Speedway in 2009 and then in 2010 four-time IMCA National Champion David Murray of Oberlin, Kansas come from his 18th starting position to take the lead just before the halfway break and then had to hold off Kyle Berck at the end for the win.
To honor Clark, (who's cars carried the number 22), the race will pay $2,022 to win and $122 to start. The race will be red flagged at the halfway point, lap 22 with the teams being allowed to work on their cars. The top three cars at halfway will be paid $222 for the leader, $122 for second and $22 for third. Heat races will pay $122 to win and $22 for second.
The B Mod feature will pay $1,022 to win and the Hobby Stock feature $522 to win. Gates open at 4 pm with racing at 7 pm. Grandstand Admission is $15 for Adults, Juniors (Ages 6-15) $5 and Kids 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 host several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit www.i-80speedway.com.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
FAST
Think about this for a second. Paul McMahan's 14.258sec Belleville record set on July 3 translates to a 157.80 MPH average speed. Now granted there isn't any lifting at Belleville, but my guess is the 160-MPH threshold was crossed more than once.
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Two-dollar Tuesday at I-80
Tuesday, June 7 is $2 Tuesday at I-80 Speedway. Grandstand Admission is JUST $2 for everyone 6 and older with children 5 and under free. Also Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Polish Sausages and some brands of beers will be just $2. It will be another exciting night of NASCAR Whelen All America Series weekly racing with Miller Late Models, Mike’s Hard Lemonade ProAms, Ty’s Outdoor Power & Service B Mods and American Ethanol Green Hornets. Pit gate open at 4pm, Grandstands at 5:30pm with racing at 7.
Pit Passes are $20 with a NASCAR license and $25 without a NASCAR license. For more information call Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301.
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 host several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit I-80 Speedway.com.
Pit Passes are $20 with a NASCAR license and $25 without a NASCAR license. For more information call Ed Kosiski at (402)-659-3301.
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 host several specials featuring regional touring late model and sprint car series. For more information, visit I-80 Speedway.com.
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