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May / June News:

Eckert Hopes Visit To Bedford Speedway On Friday Night (May 28) Brings Some Salvation From His Struggles

BEDFORD, PA - May 24, 2010 - Rick Eckert is happy to be racing at his old stomping grounds this Friday night (May 28). He just wishes he was bringing more momentum into Bedford Speedway's holiday-weekend kickoff for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. A regular at the half-mile fairgrounds oval early in his dirt Late Model career, Eckert is holding out hope that a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win show on familiar turf will help bring some salvation from his early-season struggles. "We're in a slump," bottom-lined Eckert, a WoO LMS stalwart who is one of two drivers to start all 251 A-Mains contested since 2004. "Maybe a race at a track close to home will be what we need to get going in the right direction."

Eckert, 44, of York, Pa., has found the going rough in his first campaign as an owner-operator following the November 2009 passing of his longtime car owner Raye Vest. Though he does already have a WoO LMS win under his belt on March 26 at Battleground Speedway in Highlands, Texas – the earliest in a season he's ever reached Victory Lane on the national tour – that's largely the extent of the 2010 highlights for the veteran star. "I'd give my season so far a D-minus (grade)," said Eckert, who lives about two hours east of Bedford. "It's been terrible, really. A lot of it is making bad decisions with our car, but we've also had more problems with breaking stuff than I've ever had in my whole life."

Eckert's 2010 performance record is by far the worst he's ever authored through the first 14 events of a WoO LMS season. Despite qualifying well enough to start inside the top five in seven A-Mains, he's managed to register just two top-five and seven top-10 finishes. He enters Bedford's action sitting a disappointing eighth in the points standings and facing a massive deficit of 206 points to leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va.; in comparison, the most points by which he had previously trailed the series leader after 14 events was 56, in 2009. What's more, Eckert already has two DNFs on his '10 ledger, nearly matching the three he absorbed during the entire 2009 season. He dropped out of the 'Illini 100' on April 10 at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway due to terminal engine trouble (finished 25th) and the last tour event on May 15 at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway as a result of a broken rearend (finished 17th after setting fast time and winning a heat). "We just haven't had any consistency," said Eckert, who climbed as high as fifth in the WoO LMS points standings earlier this season. "Last week (May 13 at Delaware International Speedway and May 15 at Hagerstown) we set fast time both nights and it looked like we might be getting better and turning things around, but we were also running close to home. We're still missing something."

One of the primary things Eckert is missing is an engine program that's clicking on all cylinders. He noted going into this season on his own dime that his greatest fear for his financial well-being was a rash of motor woes – and, unfortunately, he's experiencing that nightmare right now. He broke two motors during the 'Illini 100' weekend at Farmer City and lost a third on Sunday night during an unsanctioned event at Susquehanna Speedway in Newberrytown, Pa., leaving his powerplant inventory virtually depleted before Memorial Day weekend. "Right now I've got one motor for this weekend," Eckert said on Monday afternoon, shuddering at the thought of running a WoO LMS tripleheader at Bedford and West Virginia Motor Speedway (May 29-30) – two of the biggest tracks on the schedule – without a backup engine. "We're still waiting to get back the two motors we hurt at Farmer City and now we've had to send another one back. If we don't get at least one of 'em back before Friday, I'll just be hoping to get through the weekend."

And so it is that a victory on Friday night at Bedford Speedway would mean the world to Eckert. He needs a positive outing for his psyche and his checkbook, and running at a track he once dominated gives him the best shot at achieving just that. Of course, it's been awhile now since Eckert experienced his best days at Bedford – the four consecutive points titles he won there from 1989-1992 before he began to travel extensively. He hasn't won at the track since April 25, 1993, though he still ranks fourth on the alltime win list with 22 career victories. Eckert has run well in two of the three previous WoO LMS events contested at Bedford, finishing fifth in 2007 and third in 2008 (after setting fast time and leading laps 1-16). He finished 24th in last year's A-Main after dropping out early in the distance. "Over the last five years they've worked miracles with that place," Eckert said of Bedford's current management team led by former racer J.R. Kiefer. "The shape of the track is still the same as when I ran there all the time, but now there's great lights and new dirt (surface) that's a lot racier."

Eckert will battle a talent-laden field on Friday night that includes former WoO LMS champions Richards, Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky. (2008 WoO winner at Bedford) and Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky. The Outlaw roster will also feature Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y. (last year's WoO victor at Bedford)., Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. ('07 winner), Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.., Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., rookie sensation Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., 2009 Rookie of the Year Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., and Jill George of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Other standouts expected include Jeremy Miller of Gettysburg, Pa., who won last Friday night's feature at Bedford; Jason Covert of York Haven, Pa.; Gregg Satterlee of New Richmond, Pa.; former Bedford champs Scott Haus of Hamburg, Pa., and Jack Pencil of Bedford, Pa.; Jeff Rine of Danville, Pa.; and D.J. Myers of Greencastle, Pa.

Gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m. on Fri., May 28, with hot laps set for 6 p.m. and racing to start at 7 p.m.
General admission is $30, with children ages 5-12 admitted for $5. Pit passes will be $40.

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Matt Lux Leads the Local Brigade into the Firecracker!
Firecracker 100 Pre-Entry List

 

SARVER, PA (May 24, 2010) The 4th Annual Firecracker 100 presented by GottaRace.com is now just a month away!  The DIRTcar Late Model action during Fab Four Racing has been fantastic this season with loaded fields and five different winners in five different races.  Local and regional drivers alike have made their mark on the 2010 season so far as current Budweiser Points Leader Dave Hess Jr., All Star regular Boom Briggs and local, but oft traveling, rising stars Matt Lux and Gregg Satterlee have all been to Sheetz Victory Lane this season.  All four of these feature winners are expected to defend their home turf next month as the Elite Late Model drivers descend on Don Martin’s Lernerville Speedway for one of the Crown Jewels of Dirt Track Late Model racing.  Frank, Hess, Lux and Satterlee are all pre-registered for the event and Briggs’ paper work is just a formality.  Each driver has qualified for two of the first three 100-lap Firecracker A-Mains. The fifth and most recent feature winner is World of Outlaws regular Chub Frank.  Frank won the O’Reilly All Star Late Model Series Showdown in Sarvertown feature earlier this season, and the DIRTcar Late Model feature this past Friday Night May 21. Matt Lux was the top local finisher last season and the only local to complete all 100 laps.  His 13th place finish netted a $2700 payday.  Lux also qualified for the A-Main in 2008, finishing in 21st.  Both years, Lux raced his way into the big show through the B-Mains.  In 2007, during the Inaugural Firecracker 100, Lux finished third in the Uncle Sam 30. 

 This year’s three-day format is vastly different, so qualifying into the A-Main will still be challenging, but there are more opportunities to lock in a starting spot.  But Lux knows that if he wants to keep his streak (of improving a little bit each season) alive, he’ll have to be aggressive on Thursday and Friday Night to make Saturday Night’s qualifying chances more favorable. When asked about the new three-day format, Matt said, “Well it starts with getting in with this new type of format, you have to make the show first!”  He continued, “We are pretty familiar with the three-day format because we have run the same program at Knoxville. Qualifying is a hard game; you just to put it all out there.  It would be nice to do well the first night and be able to watch the second night!” Matt did express that he plans to be in competition for the Mid-Season Championships the weekend before the Firecracker 100 in hopes of securing the track provisional that comes with winning the Mid-Season Championship!

 The front runner for the other track provisional is current Budweiser Points leader Dave Hess Jr.  Hess has the highest finish of any local/regional driver with an impressive 11th place finish in the Inaugural Event.  Then after a fifth place finish in the 2008 Uncle Sam 30, Hess was back in the big dance last year, but completed just 41 laps and finished in 25th place. In 2010, Hess has made Lernerville Speedway his Friday Night home after a big win on Opening Night and a strong showing during the O’Reilly All Star Late Model Series Showdown in Sarvertown.  With just three Fab Four Racing programs remaining until the Firecracker, Hess has a firm 29 point leader over Jared Miley and a 44 point lead over third place Alex Ferree.  All Stars regular Boom Briggs occasionally makes Lernerville Speedway his Friday Night home when his schedule allows and the laps he has turned during Fab Four Racing have paid dividends during the bigger, sanctioned races.  But despite his success in All Star Late Model Series races, the former Chub Frank crew chief has yet to make a big splash on Saturday Night of Firecracker weekend. 

 After a 21st place finish in the Inaugural Firecracker 100, Briggs finished third in the Uncle Sam 30 in 2008, then made it back into the Firecracker 100 last year to score a 23rd place finish.  If Briggs can bring some of the success he’s had in All Stars action to the Firecracker, he could easily improve to a top 20, or even top ten finish in this year’s Firecracker 100 presented by GottaRace.com. Over the past few seasons, Gregg Satterlee has risen from one of the bright young stars in Western Pennsylvania to one of the fastest rising stars in the country!  Satterlee combines both exuberant youth and the inherent experience that comes with his family racing pedigree.  He seems to be competitive no matter what track he’s at or what the level of competition.  This is especially true at Lernerville Speedway, where Satterlee does not seem to be the least bit daunted by the loaded field of drivers that each Firecracker weekend presents.  Satterlee finished a humble 15th in the Inaugural Uncle Sam 30, before sky rocketing to national attention during the 2008 season.  He finished third in his heat race that year to qualify directly into the A-Main, where he was the top local finisher in 16th place.  Last season, Satterlee won the Mid-Season Championship in a thrilling photo finish with John Flinner to secure a track provisional, but finished a disappointing 27th place.

 Three-Time Defending Track Champion Alex Ferree has started all three Firecracker 100 Features with a top finish of 20th.  The “A-Train” has had a frustrating start to the 2010 season, but with three races until the Firecracker, there is plenty of time to get dialed in and ready to thrill the hometown crowd with a strong run in the Firecracker 100! Other local drivers whom have already thrown their hats into the Firecracker ring include Six-Time Track Champion and Century Club member Lynn Geisler, Jared Miley, Dave Murdick, Ken Schaltenbrand, John Garvin Jr., Michael Norris, Tony Burke, Herman Bertolini and Jason Fosnaught.  Of that group, just Geisler and Miley have Firecracker 100 experience.  Geisler finished 22nd in 2008, while Miley had an impressive run to 17th last year. Also pre-registered for the 4th Annual Firecracker 100 presented by GottaRace.com are former winners Scott Bloomquist (2007), Brian Birkhofer (2008), and Jimmy Mars (2009), as well as World of Outlaws Late Model Series drivers Josh Richards, Steve Francis, Darrell Lanigan, Tim Fuller, Rick Eckert, Shane Clanton, Chub Frank, Clint Smith, Brady Smith, Russell King, Austin Hubbard and Tim McCreadie.

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Earl Pearson Jr. Takes Second Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win of the Year Sunday Night at 34 Raceway

BURLINGTON, IA (May 23, 2010) - Visiting 34 Raceway for the first time since he won there in 2004, Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL came home with the $10,000 victory in the first ever Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series visit to the southeast Iowa track. Pearson, who started fifth and made quick work of lap one leader, Don O'Neal as he took the lead two laps into the 50 lap main event. Pearson then led the rest of the way to score his second series win of 2010. Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC finished second followed by 12th starting Will Vaught of Crane, MO, 17th starting Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA and 11th starting Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, WI. All 25 starters in the main event managed to finish the 50 Lap feature. O'Neal and Cook made up the front row as O'Neal grabbed the point at the start. Pearson started on the inside of row number three and quickly charged to the lead, using his patented inside line around the track as he moved into the top spot just two laps into the race. O'Neal fell to second behind Pearson with Cook, Jimmy Owens, and Mark Burgtorf in the top five with five laps in the books. Cook then passed O'Neal for second on lap seven to take over the runnerup position as Pearson was pulling away from the pack of cars behind him.

The first caution of the race would fly on lap six for Jason Utter, who had a flat tire. On the restart Pearson held the point with Cook and O'Neal lined up double-file behind him. The race went green for two laps until Mike Marlar developed a flat, bringing out the second caution of the race. The restart again had Pearson on the point with Cook and O'Neal on his rear deck lid. Dennis Erb, Jr. began to make some noise as he moved up to third after the restart. Mars then started to challenge O'Neal for fourth as the two ran side-by-side for two circuits with Mars edging ahead on lap 14. With 15 laps in the books Pearson was comfortably out in front with Cook, Erb, Mars and O'Neal trying to stay within shouting distance of the leader. The top stayed in the same order until Will Vaught flexed some muscle, as the 12th starting Missouri youngster was coming on strong, moving into the top five by lap 17. Pearson began to encounter traffic by lap 20 as Mars made a move on Erb to take over the third position. Mars then started to track down Cook, who was still running second and has the cars took the crossed flags Mars was all over Cook in the race for second. Chris Wall spun out right in front of him on lap 26 as Pearson was barely able to miss the spinning Wall. The restart saw Vaught jump from fifth to third as he was trying to get a good finish to break a streak of misfortune the last two series events. Vaught then brought fellow Warrior Race Car driver Dale McDowell with him as McDowell charged from his 17th starting spot to fourth by lap 29.

With 20 laps to go Pearson was in complete control of the race as Cook and Vaught battled for second place. Pearson began to pick up traffic again, this time heavier than before and with ten laps remaining. Cook and Vaught began to chop into his lead, but Pearson outmaneuvered the duo through some heavy lapped traffic. With five to go Pearson still had to work his way past cars as the top five settled in for the finish. Pearson went on to score the win, his second Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season, and his first since East Bay in February, as he remains in the third place in the championship points standings behind Bloomquist and Owens.
In Sunoco Race Fuels Road to Wheatland Victory Lane for the 19th time in series competition the 38-year-old racer thanked his crew, family, sponsors, and Bobbly Labonte . "We made the right tire choice tonight, I believe there were three other guys on the same compounds as we had and the track took off just tremendously well," said Pearson. "The track was real good tonight, just like I remember it six years ago when we came here and won, it feels good to come back here and win again, this is a really nice facility and the track crew did a great job considering how much rain they had," said Pearson speaking of the nearly ten inches of the rain that fell in the area during the week leading up to the race. "We are really running good here lately, we got second last night at La Salle and were going to make this a good race for the points title here soon if we keep this up, I am sure Bobby (Labonte) is going to proud of the team, it's always good to keep the boss happy and we look forward to going to Wheatland next weekend for the Show-Me 100 and we will try to get that one," said Pearson. "We had some close moments there in traffic, but everyone gave each other plenty of racing room out there, it was close when Wall spun in front me, it looked like he just got out the brown and lost it, it was just one of those things and I just missed him, the crew did a great job tonight and thanks to the fans who came out this weekend to see us all race."
Pearson who drives for 2000 NASCAR Cup Champion, Bobby Labonte drives a MasterSbilt Dodge Charger powered by a Larry Wallace Racing Engine and sponsored by Lucas Oil Products/Red Buck Cigars/PRC/Sunoco Race Fuels/Hoosier Racing Tires and ASi Racewear.

Cook, who finished second moved into sixth in the championship point's standings was in the D&R Racing/Hicks and Ingle Co. General Contracting/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo SS. with Vaught driving the Paul McKenna owned/Mark Martin Chevrolet/Warrior Corvette came home third followed by McDowell in the Clint Bowyer Racing/Cheerios/Warrior Impala SS and Mars in the Deppe Enterprises/Pro Power Racing Engines/MB Customs Malibu. Completing the top ten were Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN who retook the points lead by ten over Owens, who finished eighth. Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA finished in between the two top series point men. Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL was ninth and pole sitter Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN came home tenth after pitting for new tires on the last caution of the race.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Sunday Night, May 23rd, 2010
34 Raceway - West Burlington, IA
Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Jason Feger / 16.260 seconds
Wiles Driveshaft's First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Don O'Neal, Earl Pearson Jr., Steve Casebolt, Jason Feger, Dale McDowell, Eric Wells, Denny Eckrich, Tyler Reddick, Rob Moss, Jason Frankel
AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advances): Jimmy Owens, Mark Burgtorf, Jimmy Mars, Scott Bloomquist,
Dan Schlieper, John Blankenship, Shannon Babb, Tim Isenberg, Brad Neat, Jason Hughes-DNS
Allstar Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Ray Cook, Dennis Erb Jr., Brian Birkhofer, Bub McCool,
Daniel McLaughlin, Frank Heckenast Jr., Jay Johnson, Mark Voigt, Michael Walker, Chris Simpson
SuperFlow Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Mike Marlar, Chris Wall, Will Vaught, Jason McBride, Mike Collins, Jake Meier, Jason Utter, Mike Murphy, Matt Miller-DNS, Rickey Frankel-DNS
Hawk Brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Dale McDowell, Eric Wells, Brad Neat, Dan Schlieper, Tim Isenberg,
John Blankenship, Rob Moss, Tyler Reddick, Jason Frankel, Shannon Babb, Denny Eckrich, Jason Hughes-DNS
Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Bub McCool, Daniel McLaughlin, Jason Utter,
Jake Meier, Mike Collins, Michael Walker, Jay Johnson, Mark Voigt, Mike Murphy,
Matt Miller-DNS, Chris Simpson-DNS, Rickey Frankel-DNS
Finish - Start - Car Number - Driver Name - Hometown

Finish - Start - Car Number - Driver Name - Hometown

 

FINISH

START

CAR #

DRIVER NAME

HOMETOWN

1

5

44

Earl Pearson, Jr.

Jacksonville, FL

2

2

53

Ray Cook

Brasstown, NC

3

12

1

Will Vaught

Crane, MO

4

17

17m

Dale McDowell

Chickamauga, GA

5

11

28m

Jimmy Mars

Menomonie, WI

6

15

0

Scott Bloomquist

Mooresburg, TN

7

14

15b

Brian Birkhofer

Muscatine, IA

8

3

20

Jimmy Owens

Newport, TN

9

6

28e

Dennis Erb, Jr.

Carpentersville, IL

10

1

71

Don O'Neal

Martinsville, IN

11

9

c9

Steve Casebolt

Richmond, IN

12

23

s9

Dan Schlieper

Sullivan, WI

13

21

41n

Brad Neat

Dunnville, KY

14

19

18e

Eric Wells

Hazard, KY

15

18

57J

Bub McCool

Vicksburg, MS

16

7

7b

Mark Burgtorf

Quincy, IL

17

24

23

John Blankenship

Williamson, WV

18

8

71w

Chris Wall

Holden, LA

19

4

157

Mike Marlar

Winfield, TN

20

22

31u

Jason Utter

Columbus Junction, IA

21

13

25f

Jason Feger

Bloomington, IL

22

10

99jr

Frank Heckenast, Jr.

Frankfort, IL

23

20

14x

Daniel McLaughlin

Mediapolis, IA

24

25

9t

Tim Isenberg

Marshfield, WI

25

16

77m

Jason McBride

Carbondale, IL
Race Statistics

Entrants: 40 Lap
Leaders: Don O'Neal (Lap 1); Earl Pearson Jr. (Laps 2-50)
Caution Flags: Lap 6 (Jason Utter); Lap 8 (Mike Marlar); Lap 26 (Chris Wall)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Dan Schlieper, John Blankenship
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisional: Tim IsenbergPBM/Erson Cams
Hard Charger of the Race: Dale McDowell (Started 17th; Finished 4th; Advanced 13 positions)
Ohlin's Shocks Performer of the Race: Will Vaught
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Earl Pearson Jr.
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: Will Vaught
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Larry Wallace Racing Engines
Dominator Race Products Hard Luck Award: Jason Feger
DirtonDirt.com Crew Chief of the Race: Tommy Greco (Dale McDowell)
Time of Race: 25 minutes, 13 seconds

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Reopened West Virginia Motor Speedway's Big-Show Tradition Returns With World of Outlaws Late Model Series
'RaceFest' On May 29-30

MINERAL WELLS, WV – May 21, 2010 – West Virginia Motor Speedway is back.The massive five-eighths-mile oval will reclaim its traditional place as a site of high-profile dirt Late Model racing over the Memorial Day weekend, hosting a pair of World of Outlaws Late Model Series programs to headline the 'RaceFest World Championships' on May 29-30.Two complete World of Outlaws shows – offering $8,000 to win on Sat., May 29, and $10,000 to win on Sun., May 30 – comprise a blockbuster holiday weekend doubleheader that will bring the showplace facility back into the national spotlight after two years of inactivity.

The twinbill will also mark the first visit of the WoO LMS to WVMS since 2004."We're so excited for 'RaceFest' and the return of the World of Outlaws to West Virginia Motor Speedway," said co-promoter Scott Strode, one of the principals in the Mountain State Motorsports Promotions group that was formed to reopen the famed track. "We ran 'RaceFest' in the past, but that was when we just promoted some special shows at West Virginia Motor. Now we're here running the track for the long haul and the buzz that's out there makes me feel like this will be the best attended 'RaceFest' we've ever had."Strode and his longtime BDS Racing Promotions partners, Brian Ferrell and Daniel Patterson, are well known to West Virginia race fans through their previous promotions at WVMS (including RaceFest, the AMA Flat-Track motorcycle nationals and the NASCAR Race of Champions) and their successful six-year stint operating Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va.

After deciding to end their involvement at Tyler County following the 2009 season, the BDS trio partnered with Charleston, W.Va.-area Lynn Chapman and Associates to form Mountain State Motorsports Promotions and in September reached an agreement with the PMC Company on a three-year lease to run WVMS. Assuming fulltime control of WVMS had long been a dream for Strode and his cohorts, who strive to bring stability and a solid marketing effort to bear on a fan-friendly but star-crossed track that was shuttered in September 2007."This is where we always wanted to be," Strode said of the facility that sits just south of Parkersburg, W.Va., on the west side of I-77. "We live only three miles from Tyler, but running West Virginia Motor has been our goal. It's a real neat place and a great venue for major events, but unfortunately it's been plagued by bad luck and a lot of different promoters running in-and-out of there."We're not coming in there to try and make a quick buck and get out of town. We signed a three-year lease to show everybody that we're committed to the track and we're putting our best foot forward for the racers and surrounding racing community.

The new WVMS promotional team has effectively revitalized the unique speedplant, which features terraced hillside seating on its homestretch and long straightaways that produce some of the highest speeds in dirt Late Model racing. Since September work crews have been at the track virtually every day that weather allowed to tend to a laundry list of projects – bringing the facility's infrastructure up to speed, reclaiming the expansive grounds from overgrown weeds, excavating access roads and the pit area, painting the entire concrete outside wall, keeping the grass infield finely manicured. Special care was taken with the track surface, which Strode considers one of the primary keys to WVMS's future success. "We moved about a foot of dirt from the inside of the track," said Strode. "The track had sat there so long without any racing, the dirt had just worked to the bottom. The dirt had actually built up to be just about even with the inside guardrail, so we cut that 12 inches of dirt and moved it back to the middle of the track. We've been working it on a regular basis all spring.

The result of that track-prep was evident during the new regime's grand reopening of WVMS, an O'Reilly All-Star Late Model Series event on May 16. The surface was smooth and extremely fast – so fast, in fact, that Kenny Compton Jr. of Bland, Va., established a new track record of 19.085 seconds (over 115 mph) in time trials. "Everybody was saying the track was the best they've ever seen it," said Strode. "Those old holes that were always a problem just weren't there. Our track crew did a helluva job."We want to give the racers a fast, bitey and smooth racing surface that lets them race all over it, and we were real pleased to start off the season with that kind of track. If we can keep it up, the fans are going to see some great racing this year."Mother Nature unfortunately rained on the season-opening parade at WVMS after all qualifying was completed, forcing officials to postpone the A-Main to a date to be determined. But a top-notch field turned out for the event and heat-race competition was fierce, setting the stage for a big weekend of 'RaceFest' action on May 29-30.

Several WoO LMS regulars gained some valuable WVMS track time by entering the All-Star 'Mark Balzano Memorial,' including former champions Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., and Georgia travelers Clint Smith and Shane Clanton. Richards and Francis won heat races, though they weren't driving the cars they campaign on the WoO LMS.The 'RaceFest' field will also include the remainder of the WoO LMS followers, a star-studded roster that includes 2008 champ Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., Rick Eckert of York, Pa., Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., rookie sensation Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., 2009 Rookie of the Year Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., and Jill George of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The Outlaws will take on a host of talented racers from across the region, including Compton, Steve Shaver of Vienna, W.Va. (a heat winner on May 16), Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va., and defending World 100 winner Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio.Gates are scheduled to open at 3 p.m. and hot laps are set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on both May 29 and 30. Saturday night's program will also include a Steel Block Mafia/Steel Block Bandit event paying $2,500 to win, TSMA Modifieds and Hot Mods, and Sunday night's undercard includes the $3,000-to-win TSMA Modified 'Dickson Classic' plus Hot Mods and TSMA Stock Cars.

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MURDICK TAKES MOD TOUR OPENER

 Dave Murdick, the 2001 Champion, opened the BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour season with a popular win at Lernerville Speedway. Murdick survived a lap 21 skirmish with a lapped car and held off Rex King, Jr. and Brian Swartzlander to earn the victory. Murdick could not rest on his laurels, however, for he had to belt into his potent Late Model, which he drove to an impressive third place finish. "We were running strong, but we needed a few breaks." Murdick explained that he thought his night was over when the lapped car of Mike Miller turned left in front of him. "I knew Del (Rougeux) was there and I had nowhere to go." 

Murdick was driving the same 2007 Troyer car that he demolished at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway last season. "We rebuilt the car to match the specs of a 2010," he said. With this victory coming off a heartbreaking loss to Jeremiah Shingledecker Sunday night at Tri-City Speedway, it appears that Murdick's template car will remain in the shop. “Dave (Murdick) has a million laps in at this track so finishing second him is nothing to be ashamed of,” King Jr. said. “We threw everything but the kitchen sink at this place,” he added. “Russ threw a lot of Late Model stuff at this car and it took a while for me to get used to it. Normally these cars don’t move like a Late Model. The car was tight through the center. At the start I thought there would be more of a cushion at the start and it wasn’t there.” Cooter was referring, of course, to his older brother Russell, the 2007 Champion and 2009 World of Oulaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year.

After a dominant heat race win, lady luck put King Jr. on the pole for the 30 lapper. He had to be thinking to himself "maybe tonight I can get that first win," when he fired first. But Murdick swept into the lead using the cushion in turns one and two. The duo led Brad Rapp, Del Rougeux, Jr., and Ryan Hall until the first caution flew on lap two for Chris Haines. A broken front axle ended the impressive new-comer's night.

On the restart, Murdick assumed command again over King Jr. Rougeux was challenging Rapp for third when the collegian jumped the cushion in turn four, surrendering the spot. Rougeux slipped into second on lap three and took up the chase. He was pressuring Murdick when the leaders entered lapped traffic. Their duel was halted briefly when the sophomore jinx bit Hall. Heavy contact with Steve Feder's car ripped off Hall's rear wheel and turned him to face the thundering herd on the frontstretch. Mike Miller made an astounding move, swerving at full speed to avoid the disabled cars. He miraculously squeezed his mount in a narrow opening between two jersey barriers. Miller drove safely through the infield and reentered the track on the backstretch while the field was under yellow. He earned the Red Bear Hand Cleaner Clean Move of the Race award for that maneuver. Hall and Feder were unable to continue, however.

Rougeux nosed ahead on the drop of the green, but Murdick used the high groove again to take the lead. The action was interrupted one lap later when his father, Carl, stopped between turns one and two with a broken transmission. This time, Murdick was better prepared and he got the jump on Rougeux. The two veterans pulled away from the pack and it was starting to look like there would be another titanic one-on-one clash for the raminder of the race. The week before, Rougeux battled tooth and nail with Jim Weller, Jr., only to lose in the final turn at the Action Track. Unfortunately, the complexion of the race changed dramatically on lap 21. As the leaders were converging on Mike Miller, Miller's car turned sharply, striking Murdick. Murdick was able to keep moving, but the contact caused Miller's car to veer directly into the path of Rougeux. With no time to react, Rougeux hit Miller. Both cars sustained serious damage.

That left Murdick on the front row for the restart, but it put King Jr. beside him. Surprisingly, though, Brian Swartzlander came to life and passed Cooter for second. Swartzlander briefly challenged Murdick before King Jr. rallied back. Now it was King Jr. chasing Murdick as the final laps clicked off.  Murdick got to the lapped cars fist and used them to maintain his advantage over the fast-closing King. At the checkers, it was Murdick with a slim margin over King Jr. Swartzlander held off Rex King, Sr. for third. Rapp completed the top five.

Finishing sixth was Ed Lynch, Jr., filling in for the vacationing Kevin Bolland. Lynch was easily the quickest car over the final ten laps, but he started deep in the field and it took him a while to become comfortable with the potent machine. Mike Turner continued his consistent runs with a seventh place finish. Shingledecker, Dean Pearson and Mark Frankhouser completed the top ten. Frankhouser started 24th in the feature.

Heat wins went to the youthful triumvirate of Rapp, King Jr., and Hall. There was no B Main.

The next stop on the BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour will be at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 29. Tom Zuck contributed to this story.

 

BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour Round One:  May 21, 2010:  Lernerville Speedway, Sarver, PA:  30 Laps: 
1. (61) Dave Murdick, Slippery Rock ($870); 2. (165) Rex King Jr., Bristolville, OH ($870);
3. (83) Brian Swartzlander, Leechburg ($650); 4. (65) Rex King Sr., Bristolville, OH ($550);
5. (11R) Brad Rapp, Shippenville ($500); 6. (777) Ed Lynch Jr., Apollo ($420);
7. (96) Mike Turner, Butler ($400); 8. (37MD) Jeremiah Shingledecker, Polk ($380);
9. (8J) Dean Pearson, Harrisville ($360); 10. (03) Mark Franhouser, Philipsburg ($330);
11. (516) Gary Smoker, Mercer ($320); 12. (66) J.R. McGinley, Fairmount City ($310);
13. (17H) Kevin Hoffman, Franklin ($300); 14. (3E) Eric Gabany, Mercer (290);
15. (333) Ron Eperthener, Jr., Grove City ($280); 16. (75) Jeff Miller, Sarver ($260);
17. (88) Shawn Fleeger, Butler ($240); 18. (19) Joe Kubiniek, Lockport, NY ($230);
19. (71B) Don Brown, Butler ($220); 20. (20D) Del Rougeux, Jr., Frenchville ($200);
21. (6) Carl Murdick, Butler ($200); 22. (74) Kevin Green, New Castle ($200);
23. (72) Mike Miller, Chicora ($200); 24. (X) Jeremy Paup, Polk ($200);
25. (B4) Ryan Hall, Stoneboro ($200); 26. (45) Steve Feder, Butler ($200);
27. (35H) Chris Haines, Sandy Lake ($200).

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Bloomquist Takes Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win at La Salle Speedway Before Huge Crowd

La Salle, IL (May 22, 2010) - Before one of the largest crowds in the history of La Salle Speedway, reigning Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN raced to the win. This victory marks his 21 st career series win and the 390 th of his Hall of Fame career. The Annual Spring Shootout on Saturday Night earned Bloomquist $10,000 for his triumph.  Bloomquist crossed the line ahead of 11 th starting Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL. Pearson passed Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN on the final lap for second.  Owens saw his three-race win streak end by finishing third.  Eighteenth starting Matt Miller of Waterville, Oh finished fourth followed by Doug Drown of Wooster, OH; who recorded his best ever LOLMDS finish in fifth.

Red Buck Cigars Fast Qualifier Mark Burgtorf and Bloomquist made up the front row for the eighth appearance for the LOLMDS at La Salle Speedway.  Bloomquist grabbed the early lead, setting the pace, followed by Burgtorf, Mike Marlar, Drown and Ray Cook.  Marlar challenged Drown for third as the two went back-and-forth for three laps with Drown finally regaining the spot. Up front, Bloomquist held a narrow lead over Burgtorf, who was making his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series start of 2010. At the same time, a tremendous battle for third was taking place between Drown, Marlar, and Cook.  Drown, who had broken away from Marlar, began to put the pressure on Burgtorf for second by lap ten.

Drown cleared Burgtorf for second on lap eleven as he started to make a run on the leader, Bloomquist.  Bloomquist had started to pick-up the tail end of the field by lap 15, allowing Drown to close even closer.  Bloomquist put, Quarter Master Rookie of the Year contender, Eric Wells, a lap down. Wells then stayed between Bloomquist and Drown until the first caution of the race came out on lap 25 for a spinning Dale McDowell. On the restart, Bloomquist was out in front for the Delaware double-file restart with Drown and Owens. With 30 laps in the books Bloomquist was starting to receive some heavy heat from Owens and Pearson, who was now up to third, as he had come from the inside of row number six. Matt Miller was now in the hunt as the 18 th starting spot driver had moved within striking distance of the leaders.

A caution for debris on lap 36 slowed the field once more. Bloomquist had to fight off challenges from both Owens and Pearson. On the restart Owens and Pearson crowded Bloomquist on his deck lid as the duo made the Team Zero captain work hard for the lead. Owens tried lap after lap to sneak to the inside of Bloomquist coming off of turn four. He pulled even with Bloomquist coming down the main straightaway multiple times, but Owens could not clear Bloomquist to take over the lead.  With six laps to go, the final yellow came out for Steve Casebolt. Bloomquist re-fired for the final restart of the race and pulled away from Owens. Bloomquist went on unchallenged the remainder of the race to pick up his fourth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season. The duo of Bloomquist and Owens are now tied for the Lucas Oil Championship Points Standings with 1565 points, and Pearson closely behind in third.

In the Sunoco Race Fuels Road to Wheatland Victory Lane, Bloomquist mentioned that the last restart was to his benefit and felt that it killed Owens' chance for the win.  "The car fired real well out of the corner, we had a push across the corner on the other side, I saw his nose a couple of times before the caution, but under the caution we slowed down enough to keep the tires warm, because I knew he (Owens) went with a little harder on the left rear, I have to thank Tommy Hicks, my crew chief and the entire crew, they did a great job getting this car ready, we've run the Jay Dickens and the Vic Hill, both are great engines." The 46-year-old Bloomquist drives his own Bloomquist Race Cars Monte Carlo SS powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Miller Brothers Construction/Hawkeye Trucking/Sweet Mfg/VP Racing Fuels/Hoosier Tires/Arizona Sport Shirts/Ohlins and Lane Automotive.

Pearson finished second, passing Owens on the last lap, in the Bobby Labonte Racing/Lucas Oil Products/MasterSbilt Dodge Charger to maintain third in the points standings.  Owens, who fell into a tie with Bloomquist for the points lead after entering the event leading by 30, was third in the Mike Reece/Reece Monument/Bloomquist Race Cars Ford Fusion.  Completing the top five were Miller, who charged from 18 th to earn the PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race was fourth in the McCullough Industries/Gressman Racing Engine/MasterSbilt; with Drown scoring his best ever Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series finish in the Wooster Glass Company/Malcuit Racing Engines/Lazer Chassis. Completing the top ten were Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL; Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN; Ray Cook of Brasstown,NC; Tim Isenberg of Marshfield, WI; and John Blankenship of Williamson, WV.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary Saturday Night, May 22nd,
2010"Spring Shootout 50"La Salle Speedway - La Salle, IL 
- Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Mark Burgtorf / 13.243 seconds  
- Wiles Driveshaft's First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Mark Brugtorf, Mike Provenzano, Jason Hughes, Ryan Unzicker, Jason McBride, Kevin Weaver, Allen Christy, Michael Walker, Randy Manos, Jr., Kerry Hansen, Will Vaught, Dan Schlieper 
- AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advances): Doug Drown, Jimmy Owens, Earl Pearson, Jr., Mark Voigt, Bub McCool, Rich Bell, Chris Wall, Bret Sievert, Mike Murphy, Gary Schalmo, John Provenzano, Gary Hunt Allstar -
- Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Ray Cook, Tim Isenberg, John Blankenship, Matt Miller, Brad Neat, Don O'Neal, Steve Casebolt, Frank Heckenast., Jr., Jeff Larson, Brian Birkhofer, Jeep
- VanWormer SuperFlow Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Mike Marlar, Jason Feger, Dale McDowell, Dennis Erb Jr., Mike Collins, Brian Shirley, Tyler Reddick, Jimmy Mars, Jason Jaggers, Eric Wells, Shannon Babb, Todd Alexander-DNS 
- Hawk Brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Bub McCool, Chris Wall, Kevin Weaver, Rich Bell, Jason McBride, Mike Murphy, Bret Sievert, Dan Schlieper, Gary Schalmo, Will Vaught, Randy Manos, Jr., Kerry Hansen, Gary Hunt, Allen Christy, Michael Walker, John Provenzano-DNS 
- Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers):  Matt Miller, Don O'Neal, Brad Neat, Steve Casebolt, Mike Collins, Brian Shirley, Eric Wells, Tyler Reddick, Jeff Larson, Jason Jaggers, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Shannon Babb, Jimmy Mars-DNS, Brian Birkhofer-DNS, Jeep VanWormer-DNS, Todd Alexander-DNS

FINISH

START

CAR #

DRIVER NAME

HOMETOWN

1

2

0

Scott Bloomquist

Mooresburg, TN

2

11

44

Earl Pearson, Jr.

Jacksonville, FL

3

7

20

Jimmy Owens

Newport, TN

4

18

7

Matt Miller

Waterville, OH

5

3

12d

Doug Drown

Wooster, OH

6

16

28e

Dennis Erb, Jr.

Carpentersville, IL

7

20

71

Don O'Neal

Martinsville, IN

8

6

53

Ray Cook

Brasstown, NC

9

10

9t

Tim Isenberg

Marshfield, WI

10

14

23

John Blankenship

Williamson, WV

11

8

25f

Jason Feger

Bloomington, IL

12

17

57j

Bub McCool

Vicksburg, MS

13

1

7b

Mark Burgtorf

Quincy, IL

14

22

41n

Brad Neat

Dunnville, KY

15

19

71w

Chris Wall

Holden, LA

16

24

s9

Dan Schlieper

Sullivan, WI

17

12

17m

Dale McDowell

Chickamauga, GA

18

23

c9

Steve Casebolt

Richmond, IN

19

25

18e

Eric Wells

Hazard, KY

20

4

157

Mike Marlar

Winfield, TN

21

13

24

Ryan Unzicker

El Paso, IL

22

21

b12

Kevin Weaver

Gibson City, IL

23

9

12

Jason Hughes

Watts, OK

24

15

30

Mark Voigt

Marine, Il

25

5

m27

Mike Provenzano

Grand Ridge, IL

Race Statistics
Entrants: 48
Lap Leaders: Scott Bloomquist (Laps 1-50)
Caution Flags: Lap 25 (Dale McDowell); Lap 36 (Debris); Lap 44 (Steve Casebolt)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Steve Casebolt, Dan Schlieper
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisional: Eric Wells
PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race: Matt Miller (Started 18th; Finished 4th; Advanced 14 positions)
Ohlin's Shocks Performer of the Race: Doug Drown
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Matt Miller
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: Tim Isenberg
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Vic Hill Racing Engines
Dominator Race Products Hard Luck Award: Mike Marlar
DirtonDirt.com Crew Chief of the Race: Tommy Hicks (Scott Bloomquist)
E3 Spark Plugs TV Challenge All stars: n/a
Time of Race: 25 minutes, 14 seconds

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Double Duty Dave Murdick Scores BRP Win!
Chub Frank and Dale Blaney Best Locals.
Joe Kelley Three-peats!

 

SARVER, PA (May 21, 2010) The BRP Modifieds took center stage Friday Night May 21 as they lifted the lid on their 2010 Tour.  “Double Duty” Dave Murdick led wire-to-wire to win his first Diehl Auto Group DIRTcar Modified feature since August 17, 2007!  With a rained out World of Outlaws Sprint Car race at Attica Raceway Park and another off weekend for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, Dale Blaney and Chub Frank crashed the Fab Four Racing program, and showed the racing prowess that has both drivers out on the road with national touring series as both won their respective features.  Then, Joe Kelley won his third straight Charapp Route 28 DIRTcar Sportsman feature after green-to-white flag leader Terry Young got tangled up with a lapped car on the final lap!

 Last week’s Diehl Auto Group DIRTcar Modified feature was one for the ages, as Jim Weller Jr. and Del Rougeux Jr. waged an epic battle that thrilled the crowd.  While Weller was away to watch his son race down south, Rougeux was knocking on the door again last night, but met a quick, abrupt end after being collected by a lapped car.  Friday Night was all about Dave Murdick.  After starting on the front row alongside Rex King Jr., Murdick jumped out to a quick lead.  By lap nine, Rougeux made his way to the front and was on Murdick’s back bumper as they started to lap the tail of the field.  For the next 12 laps, Rougeux chased and tested Murdick’s mettle, but his challenge came to a frustrating end on lap 21 when a lapped car made an evasive move in front of the leaders and destroyed Rougeux’s front end.  Rougeux got a free ride to the pits on the business end of a tow truck, leaving Murdick to battle King Jr. and Brian Swartzlander. With just 10 laps remaining, Murdick was relatively unchallenged as King and Swartzlander battled for second.  Murdick had to face one last round of lapped traffic, but held true to score an emotional win in the 30-lap BRP Tour/Diehl Auto Group DIRTcar Modified feature.  Murdick’s 16th career Lernerville feature was also his second career BRP Tour Feature win. Rex King Jr. held off Brian Swartzlander for second.  Rex King Sr. came from 14th place on the starting grid to finish fourth.  Brad Rapp rounded out the BRP/Diehl Top Five.  “The Apollo Rocket” Ed Lynch Jr. filled in for a vacationing Kevin Bolland in the #777.  After a slow start, Lynch came from 16th, avoided some of the carnage ahead of him, and scored a sixth place finish.  Mike Turner, Jeremiah Shingledecker, Dean Pearson and Mark Frankhouser rounded out the top ten.  Brad Rapp, Rex King Jr. and Ryan Hall won their respective heat races. Due to the BRP Modified Tour, there were no Budweiser Points on the line, so Kevin Bolland carries a one point lead over Brian Swartzlander into next week’s Fab Four Racing program.

 Former Five-Time Track Champion John Flinner made his 2010 Lernerville Speedway debut Friday Night and started on the pole alongside incumbent Budweiser Points leader Dave Hess Jr.  Hess took the early advantage, but Flinner was all over the regional star, sliding low through the turns trying to take the lead.  A bevy of cautions prevented the race from really ever hitting a stride.  The multiple cautions also allowed World of Outlaws star Chub Frank to pick off his competitors on the way to the front without the leaders stretching out a big lead. By lap eight, Frank was already in third and starting to reel in Hess and Flinner.  After holding the lead using the high groove on multiple restarts, Flinner finally stole the lead away from Hess with a great holeshot followed by a big powerslide through turns one and two, but the momentum of the slide caused Flinner to check up and almost spin out.  Hess and Frank checked up and shot below Flinner to blast down the back straightaway.  Flinner rolled to a stop in turn four and rolled pitside for a tire change, slowing the field again.  On that restart, Lynn Geisler lost a right rear wheel on the front stretch causing another caution; Geisler did not return and was scored in 20th. On each restart, Hess would start on the outside pole and rocket to the lead exiting turn two and down the back straightaway.  Frank finally made his move on lap 18 to take the lead, but the pass was voided by yet another caution.  But the final yellow flag of the race only delayed the inevitable, as Frank took the lead on the lap 20 restart when Hess bounced off the cushion in turns three and four allowing both Frank and Jared Miley the get by.  Hess retook second place from Miley in turn four the following lap, but could never reel in Frank who cruised to his second Lernerville win of the season.  Frank also won last month’s O’Reilly All Star Late Model Showdown in Sarvertown during a World of Outlaws Late Model Series off weekend.

 Dave Hess Jr. scored his division-leading fifth top five finish to stretch his points lead after a late race DNF for Jared Miley.  Miley was running third and challenging Hess for second, when he abruptly slowed in turns three and four and rolled into the pits, officially scored in 10th.  “Double Duty” Dave Murdick, fresh off his BRP Modified win, strapped into the Pitkavish #1 at the tail of the field after problems in his heat race.  When the checkered flag finally waved, Murdick crossed the stripe third.  Alex Ferree managed to avoid the attrition at the front of the field to finish fifth, while John Flinner recovered from his midrace caution to round out the top five.  Last week’s winner Gregg Satterlee finished sixth, but never fully recovered from a midrace slide off the back straightaway.  Mike Johnson (seventh), Chuck Sarver (eighth) and John Garvin (ninth) were the only other cars on the track when the checkers waved.  Frank, Flinner and Satterlee checkered National Guard Heat Races.  Satterlee won an extra $50 from a lucky fan during the National Guard Heat Race Challenge drawing on the front straightaway for the second week in a row.

 

Ti22 drivers Brian Ellenberger and Dale Blaney rolled into Sarvertown to represent their sponsor after the World of Outlaws rained out at Attica Raceway Park.  Dale Blaney flanked Danny Holtgraver on the front row and led all 25-laps to win the Ti22 DIRTcar Performance DIRTcar Sprint feature.  Blaney was never truly challenged en route to Sheetz Victory Lane. The story of the race was a trio of cautions by two of division’s elite drivers, as Ed Lynch Jr. and Rod George uncharacteristically brought out three combined cautions.  Lynch spun out in turns one & two on the opening lap and had to restart shotgun on the field.  George spun in almost the exact same spot on lap two, then jumped the cushion in turns three & four to bring out a second caution on unlucky lap 13. Lynch, still winless in 2010 at Lernerville Speedway, rocketed back through the field and split Jack Sodeman Jr. and Eric Williams on lap four to take fifth place.  Carl Bowser rolled into the pits during the lap 10 caution while running third, then Felmlee jumped the cushion on the restart.  Lynch then got by rising star Danny Holtgraver for second on lap 14.  By that time, Blaney had stretched his lead to a full straightaway, and while lapped traffic allowed Lynch to close that lead to a half straightaway at one point, once Blaney cleared the lapped cars, he quickly stretched his lead back to a full straightaway.  In the closing laps, Holtgraver reeled in and challenged Lynch for second while Blaney cruised to the win. Lynch now has three second place finishes and has unofficially taken over the Budweiser Points lead by eight markers over Rod George.  Danny Holtgraver continues to impress with the best three race stretch of his career at Lernerville Speedway.  In the past three weeks, Holtgraver has finished third, fifth and third in the features and won two heat races!  Jack Sodeman Jr. scored his second fourth place finish of the season, while Bob Felmlee rounded out the Ti22 Top Five.  Kevin Schaeffer finished sixth, after starting 17th due to rolling over in his heat race.  Charlie Holben, Scott Bonnell, Brent Matus and Rod George rounded out the top ten.  Holtgraver, Blaney and Pete Miller III were victorious in National Guard Heat Race action.  The heat race win was the first of Miller’s promising young career.

 What can you say about Joe Kelley?  For the third consecutive week, Kelley won the 20-lap feature in the ultra-competitive Charapp Route 28 DIRTcar Sportsman feature.  Last week he won from 13th after missing the redraw, he backed that up by winning from 12th on the starting grid this week!  Next week Kelley will have to start shotgun on the field per track procedures after a third straight win. Despite the win, Kelley only led the final lap after being in the right place at the right time.  His third straight win is his fourth of the young season and his division leading 36th of his career at Lernerville Speedway. Polesitter Terry Young took the lead when the green flag dropped and led every lap until he clipped the lapped car of Dr. Robert Lipinski on the back straightaway of the final lap.  Prior to that unfortunate incident, Young had fought off the advances of Jason Fosnaught, Bob Egley and Joe Kelley and seemed to have career win #3 in the bag.  Speaking of unfortunate incidents and Jason Fosnaught, he was challenging Young for the lead during the middle stages of the 20-lap feature but got doored by the lapped car of Jim Bills in turns three and four.  Bills was black flagged for rough driving and sent to the pits, while Fosnaught had to restart at the tail of the field.  Fosnaught would eventually recover to finish seventh. Bob Egley ran a strong race, chasing Young around the track for most of the second half of the feature, and finished second to Kelley.  Corey McPherson came from the back row to finish in third.  Jimmy Fosnaught had his best finish of the season in fourth.  Wayne Carbo finally avoided the gremlins last night to score his first top five of the 2010 season!  Brett McDonald had another solid run to sixth.  Jason Fosnaught, Mark Sanders, Scott Byers and a very disappointed Terry Young rounded out the Charapp Top Ten.  National Guard Heat Races were claimed by Kelley and Egley.

 Next Friday Night May 28 is another Fab Four Race, as we’ll honor Fire, Police and EMS heroes to kick off Memorial Day Weekend!  The World of Outlaws Sprints will make their first regional appearance next Sunday Night at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, PA.  Then, the following Friday June 4 is the first O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions race at Lernerville Speedway of 2010!  DIRTcar Pro Late Models and Charapp Route 28 DIRTcar Sportsman will also be in action on Friday June 4.

 Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the 4th Annual Firecracker 100 presented by GottaRace.com and the Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup XIX Twin 30s.  Both event tickets are on sale now at www.Lernerville.com by clicking the “Buy Tickets” icon or by calling (724) 353-1511 during normal weekday business hours.

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DIRTcar Racing UMP Weekly Points Update:
Schlenk Expands National Late Model Lead, Sweeney's Modified Edge Shrinks To Single Point

MARYVILLE, IL – May 20, 2010 – Rusty Schlenk of Jackson, Mich., continued to expand his early-season lead in DIRTcar Racing's UMP Late Model national points standings, pushing his edge to a healthy 372 points after seven weeks of weekly competition.

The UMP Modified national points battle, meanwhile, has suddenly become extremely tight. Randle Sweeney of Clifty, Ky., remains atop the standings in races contested through May 17, but his lead is down to a single point and just 43 points separate the top-four drivers in the rankings.

Schlenk, 23, put together another solid weekend under DIRTcar's UMP banner, finishing third on May 14 at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park and emerging victorious on May 15 at Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon, Ohio. The triumph was his sixth overall of the 2010 season, the 60th of Schlenk's young dirt Late Model career and moved him into the points lead at Oakshade. With 18 UMP-sanctioned starts already under his belt, Schlenk has accumulated an impressive 12 top-three finishes as he chases his first-ever UMP Late Model national crown. His closest pursuer in the points standings is now Ryan Unzicker of El Paso, Ill., whose finishes last weekend of fifth on May 14 at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway and 18th on May 15 at La Salle (Ill.) Speedway left him with 14 starts to his credit this season.

In the UMP Modified ranks, the veteran Sweeney saw his lead in the national points standings virtually disappear during a weekend in which his lone points-scoring outing come on May 15 at Soggy Bottom Raceway in Morgantown, Ky., where he finished second. He entered the weekend with a 39-point advantage over Devin Gilpin of Columbus, Ind., but ended it leading Rusty Griffaw of Festus, Mo., by just one point (1,069-1,068). Griffaw rocketed up from fourth in the previous week's standings on the strength of back-to-back wins, on May 14 at Jacksonville (Ill.) Speedway and May 15 at La Salle. He has seven victories this season. Twenty-year-old Stormy Scott of Las Cruces, N.M., remained third in the UMP Modified points standings, six points behind Sweeney after finishing second on May 14 at El Paso (Texas) Raceway Park and winning on May 15 at Southern New Mexico Speedway in Las Cruces, N.M. Gilpin, meanwhile, fell from second to fourth after recording a single points-scoring start last weekend – a third-place finish on May 14 at Moler Raceway Park in Williamsburg, Ohio.

There was no change at the top of the national points standings in five of DIRTcar Racing's six other divisions. Tait Davenport of West Paducah, Ky. (Pro Late Models), Jimmy Cummins of Waterloo, Ill. (Sportsman), Trevor Gamble of DeLeon Springs, Fla. (Stock Cars), Scott Mooers of Osteen, Fla. (Factory Stocks) and Michael Rittenberry of Clarksville, Tenn. (Sport Compacts) remained points leaders, while Mississippi's Jeff Lawson moved to the top of the Limited Modified standings.

Log on to www.dirtcar.com for more information on DIRTcar Racing's UMP circuit and to view complete points standings for all divisions.

DIRTcar Racing UMP National Points Standings (as of May 17, 2010):

Late Models (driver/points/races):

1. Rusty Schlenk 1276 18
2. Ryan Unzicker 904 14
3. Jason McBride 826 15
4. Mike Hammerle 775 16
5. Jeff Walston 752 12
6. Dillan White 709 12
7. Brandon Sheppard 697 13
8. Dennis Erb Jr. 665 11
9. Brian Ruhlman 654 10
10. Richie Hedrick 599 12
11. Brian Shirley 574 9
12. Phil Ausra 572 11
13. Dusty Moore 562 10
14. Mike Schulte 551 10
15. Jared Miley 547 8
16. Jeep VanWormer 527 7
17. Mark Voigt 526 8
18. Jeff Babcock 521 10
19. Eric Turner 521 8
20. Michael Kloos 518 9

Modifieds (driver/points/races):

1. Randle Sweeney 1069 17
2. Rusty Griffaw 1068 16
3. Stormy Scott 1063 16
4. Devin Gilpin 1026 16
5. Levin Kissinger 880 16
6. Jeff Matthews 811 12
7. Dustin Isom 800 16
8. Todd Sherman 790 12
9. Mike Spatola 784 14
10. Trent Young 759 14
11. Clint DeMoss 724 10
12. Dave Wietholder 693 11
13. Will Krup 684 16
14. Tony Anderson 680 13
15. Chad Evans 675 12
16. Rob Penny 664 16
17. Brett Korves 661 11
18. Zach Fair 648 12
19. Jimmy Ray 648 11
20. Dean Hoffman 637 11

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Tri State Modifieds

Points as of May 18, 2010
 
1. Kevin Morehouse            695
2. Jesse Wisecarver             639
3. Larry Holbrook               585
4. George Lee                     567
5. Richard Michael              562
6. Jess Hartman                  526
7. Gary Clark                     519
8. Mitch Basich                  518.9
9. Jack Young                    516.3
10. Jonathon Sluka             512
11. Larry Kugel                 496
12. Aaron Phillis                 471
13. Carl McKinney            465
14. David Pryor                 458
15. Mark Dickson             454
16. Aaron Morey              443
17. Travis Dickson            423
18. Matt Samples              417
19. Darrick Hubbard        409.4
20. Pat Quinn                   406

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World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Wrapping Up The Delaware International Speedway/Hagerstown Speedway Doubleheader

CONCORD, NC - May 17, 2010 -

OPPOSITE FATES: Josh Richards was perfect. Tim McCreadie was snakebit. And as a result, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship battle took a dramatic turn during the national tour's East Coast doubleheader. McCreadie entered the swing to Delaware International Speedway (May 13) and Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway (May 15) leading the WoO LMS standings by 10 points over Richards, but by the time everyone headed home after Saturday night's action the two former champions were no longer in a neck-and-neck battle for the top spot. Richards won both 50-lappers while McCreadie absorbed a pair of disastrous DNFs, leaving Richards atop the standings by 56 points over Darrell Lanigan and 70 over McCreadie.

After flashing virtually mirror-image consistency over the season's first 12 events, Richards and McCreadie saw their fates go in different directions last weekend. Richards was almost shocked to end the weekend as the first driver to lead the WoO LMS standings by greater than 50 points since Lanigan capped his 2008 championship season with a record 160-point margin. "McCreadie didn't have a very good weekend, but it could happen to any of us," said the 22-year-old Richards, who leads all drivers with four wins (no one else has won more than once), 10 top-five and 12 top-10 finishes in 14 A-Mains contested to date this season. "We're just trying to enjoy this and win as many races as we can. We're off to a great start this year, but our luck can change in a heartbeat."

Just ask McCreadie. The 36-year-old from Watertown, N.Y., was searching for answers after running into trouble while in contention for at least a top-five finish in both events. McCreadie's troubles began on lap 23 of the 'First State 50' at Delaware International when he slowed with a cut right-rear tire while running fifth. He returned after a pit stop and raced back to 10th place before a broken jackshaft eliminated him on lap 43, forcing him to settle for a 16th-place finish. Things got worse at Hagerstown for McCreadie, who was holding sixth place on lap 20 of the 'Conococheague 50' when he pulled to the inside of the homestretch to bring out a caution flag. He quickly crawled out of his cockpit and hopped around in obvious pain; hot fluid from a cut oil line had been spraying on his right leg for several laps before he finally had to abandon ship. McCreadie reported afterward that he escaped the incident virtually unscathed, noting that his skin didn't even blister from the heat of the oil. "We broke a jackshaft and cut an oil line in back-to-back races – that's just plain bad luck," said McCreadie, who was credited with a 24th-place finish at Hagerstown. "It's gonna be hard to make up all the points we lost this weekend, especially with the way Josh is running. But we can't worry about it. There's still a long way to go – and anyway, I just want to get running better so we can win some races."

VACATION DAY: The off-day between the Delaware International and Hagerstown events once again provided many WoO LMS travelers an opportunity to hit the beach for an afternoon of fun in the sun. The Outlaw teams of Steve Francis, Chub Frank, Clint Smith, Tim Fuller, Rick Eckert, Brady Smith, Shane Clanton, Russell King and Jill George all invaded the nearby seaside resort of Ocean City, Md., on Friday. Ocean temperatures were still too low for any swimming, but the series regulars enjoyed warm weather, cold drinks at the Purple Moose Saloon and other establishments, volleyball on the beach, the boardwalk and other shore staples.

GIRLS GALORE: Delaware International's 40-car field included three machines driven by females – WoO LMS Rookie of the Year candidate Jill George of Cedar Falls, Iowa, as well as DIS regulars Staci Warrington of Milton, Del., and Amanda Whaley of Millsboro, Deleware. Whaley, a 15-year-old dirt Late Model rookie about to complete her freshman year of high school, made the biggest impression. The daughter of former DIS dirt Late Model regular Rick Whaley, Amanda became the third female driver in the history of the WoO LMS to start an A-Main, qualifying through a B-Main in what was her first-ever Outlaw appearance and just the fifth Super Late Model start of her burgeoning career. "I want to race in the World of Outlaws someday," said Whaley, who completed 33 laps to record a 19th-place finish in the 'First State 50.' "That's what I want to do. That's my goal." The 19-year-old Warrington, meanwhile, shined early in the night, registering the ninth-fastest lap in time trials. But she missed transferring through the first B-Main by two spots. If Warrington had qualified for the A-Main, it would have marked the first time that three female drivers competed in the same WoO LMS feature. George gained entry to Delaware's 50-lapper thanks to a provisional and finished 23rd, retiring on lap 13 after her new Rocket car sustained damage when she was clipped under caution by Ricky Elliott, who had stopped in turn four to bring out a caution and did not realize that George was passing by when he gunned his car around to head to the pits.

BUSY DAY: WoO LMS rookie Austin Hubbard's visit to Delaware International – the track closest to his home in Seaford, Del. – had him in the spotlight before he even arrived at the half-mile oval. Hubbard, 18, spent two hours early in the afternoon at the Seaford heardquarters of his longtime sponsor Trinity Transport, meeting many of the trucking company's 100-plus employees and posing alongside his Beitler Motorsports No. 19 for pictures. A special 'Hubbard Homecoming' t-shirt was also produced for the occasion.
While Hubbard's evening at DIS appeared to be headed toward disappointment when he struggled in his heat race, he rallied from the 19th starting spot to finish fourth in the A-Main. It was his sixth top-five finish of 2010; only former series champions Richards, McCreadie, Lanigan and Steve Francis currently match or exceed Hubbard's total.

QUICK ON THE CLOCK: Rick Eckert had no peer in Ohlins Shock Time Trials during the doubleheader as he set fast time at both tracks, including a New Track Record effort (18.096 seconds) at Hagerstown. But Eckert's early-evening speed didn't translate into success in the A-Mains. He finished a quiet sixth at Delaware International after running in the top five for most of the distance, and a broken rearend ended his night at Hagerstown on lap 39 as he ran fifth. Eckert raced with a heavy heart on Saturday after the passing of his paternal grandfather, who died on Friday at the age of 99.

SOLID RUN: Nick Dickson knew he had no reason to hang his head after finishing a WoO LMS career-best fifth in the 'Conococheague 50' at Hagerstown, but he couldn't help feeling just a tinge of disappointment. After all, the 29-year-old from Lewistown, Pa., spent most of the distance running in third place – and on a lap-39 restart, he even slid around the outside of Steve Francis to momentarily move to second place and get visions of an upset victory dancing in his dreams. Alas, Dickson settled for fifth in his father's Rocket car after being overtaken on the final lap by Jason Covert. The move earned Covert, who started 11th in Barry Klinedinst's Rocket, the $500 WoO LMS 'Bonus Bucks' cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn't won a tour A-Main and isn't among the top 12 in the points standings. "It was a little blow to my esteem when Covert drove by me on the last lap," said the personable Dickson, whose car was shod with America Racer tires. "I would've loved to have been the first 'local' guy across the line, but Covert is a real good, hard racer and he always runs good in these Outlaw shows. Really, though, it was awesome to race near the front with a bunch of professionals. I was giving it everything I had."

NEXT UP: The WoO LMS is off until Memorial Day weekend when the tour visits Bedford (Pa.) Speedway on Fri., May 28, and West Virginia Motor Speedway on May 29-30. Bedford will host a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win event, while WVMS's 'RaceFest' weekend includes an $8,000-to-win program on Sat., May 29, and a $10,000-to-win show on Sun., May 30.

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Rain halts 25th anniversary opener
 
The grand reopening of the West Virginia Motor Speedway saw competitors from 8 states and 1 province of Canada bulge the pit area at the seams, but persistant rain showers halted the action at 8:45 with the O'Reilly All-Star Late Models forming in the staging area for the $5000 to win 'Mark Balzano Memorial' race.
 
Drivers from as far away as Mississippi, California and Canada made for a stout field of Late Models, and superb track preparation saw Davey Johnson's long time track record fall.
The Mountain State's Kenny Compton averaged over 115 miles per hour in blistering the well groomed 5/8 mile facility with a 19.085 second lap that now goes into the track's official record books.
 
Qualifying heat races were taken by Steve Francis, Steve Shaver and Josh Richards, with Tyler Reddick scoring the B-main event win.
Additionally, the FASTRAK Late Model, TSMA Modifieds and TSMA Hot Mod prelims were completed, as all feature fields were set for the evening's finale.
 
With the O'Reilly All-Star Late Model feature competitors staging, the rains came to stay and track officials had no choice but to cancel the remainder of the evenings events.
 
The fast paced program came to a screeching halt as a light but steady rain began to fall.
 
"We were right on schedule" said MSM's Brian Ferrell.  "We had set 9 pm as the time to have the Late Model feature on the track, and actually, I believe they were going to be under green before that time.  Mother Nature literally rained on our parade tonight".
 
Due to working with multiple sanctions, a make up date for the race was unavailable at press time.  As soon as the dates can be coordinated with all involved sanctions, information on the make up date will be released on the West Virginia Motor Speedway website @ http://wvspeedway.com .

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