Latest points standings: West Michigan tracks
By The Grand Rapids Press
BERLIN RACEWAY
Late Models
1. Terry VanHaitsma -- 239
2. Chris Anthony -- 204
3. Ross Meeuwsen -- 191
3. Tim DeVos -- 191
5. Nick Shotko -- 182
6. Lee Van Dyk -- 178
7. Scott Thomas -- 175
8. Josh Slade -- 168
9. Caleb Bisacky -- 165
9. Barry Hartwell -- 165
Super Stocks
1. Andrew Nylaan -- 240
2. Dave Lake -- 231
3. Warren Speet -- 223
4. Justin Regnerus -- 240
5. Justin Ryan -- 196
6. Gabe Ensing -- 186
7. Denny Anderson -- 184
8. Travis Nylaan -- 183
9. Brian Wiersma -- 174
10. Nick Bonstell -- 171
10. Ray VanAllsburg -- 171
Pro Stocks
1. Weston Jewett -- 246
2. Brian Tillema -- 220
3. Ryan Gruppen -- 199
4. Ken Smith -- 195
5. Brandon Hermiller -- 194
6. Marc Coleman -- 189
7. Mitch Meppelink -- 187
8. Dave Cutler -- 179
9. Scott Root -- 169
10. Dave D’Avignon -- 165
4-Cylinders A
1. Jason Scheid -- 220
2. Kyle Hamm -- 216
3. Ryan Hamm -- 199
4. Jason DeVos -- 182
5. Don McNabb -- 181
6. Brad Hastings -- 172
7. Gerry Shepard -- 171
8. Rob Shoemaker -- 169
8. Ron Myers -- 169
10. Cole Roelofs -- 159
4-Cylinders B
1. Paul Ritchie -- 201
2. Jim Rhodes -- 195
3. Jackson Walker -- 193
4. Dan Dells -- 180
5. Daryl Davis -- 179
6. Clayton Brown -- 179
7. Nicole Randolph -- 166
8. John Norder -- 164
9. Charlie DeJong -- 163
10. Tyler Nawrocki -- 155
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Matt Pickard -- 144
2. Mark Andersen -- 141
3. Keith Gentz -- 137
4. Kyle Borgman -- 134
5. Brock Cogswell -- 133
6. Jay Van Dyke -- 128
7. Dean Huizinga -- 125
8. Justin McNeill -- 117
9. Tim Cogswell -- 115
10. Tom Dusen -- 106
Modifieds
1. Josh Borton -- 143
2. Chad Wernette -- 141
3. A.J. Ward -- 130
4. Rusty Zeigler -- 125
5. Roger Flinn III -- 124
6. Brennan Bowen -- 123
7. Brad Roberts -- 117
8. Luke Olger -- 115
9. J.R. Schmid -- 111
10. Neil Siefker -- 109
Pro Stocks
1. Chaney Newland -- 154
2. Ryan Kent -- 149
3. Mike Husted -- 143
4. Vern Buskirk -- 137
5. Barry Rinard -- 136
6. Jacob Headley -- 129
6. Derek Schestag -- 129
8. Larry Kosloski -- 127
9. Doug McKeown Sr. -- 122
10. Todd Bush -- 119
Pro Trucks
1. Scott Nieman -- 152
2. Carl Thayer -- 150
3. Aaron Raby -- 148
4. Tim Wood -- 143
5. Ashlee Scott -- 141
6. Tim Sooy -- 133
7. Gary Dancer -- 132
8. Dave Peters -- 128
9. Gaven Parks -- 126
10. David Verhaar -- 114
10. Andrew Fidler 114
Street Stocks
1. Al Kiester -- 110
2. Mike Vandermark Jr. -- 108
3. James Protozoa -- 106
4. Anthony Carlton -- 105
5. Shane Spencer -- 104
6. Tim Buskirk -- 98
6. Jasen Wiley -- 98
8. Jeff Fisher -- 94
8. Zach Hoyt -- 94
10. Brooke Ann Brasington -- 87
Flinn Stocks
1. Cory Burch -- 157
2. Chance Allen -- 150
3 Richard Melton -- 141
4. Neil Zeigler -- 138
5. Zach Rummer -- 136
6. Lee Zahm -- 119
7. Austin Bean -- 98
8. Ryan Brady -- 97
9. Chris DeCamp -- 91
10. Terri Hale -- 90
I-96 SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Brandon Thirlby -- 115
2. Roger Wing -- 112
3. Eric Spangler -- 110
4. Zack Olger -- 104
5. Rich Neisser -- 86
6. Trever Sloan -- 83
7. Bry Sloan -- 79
8. Bill Bray -- 75
8. Jeep Van wormer -- 75
10. Scott Ehlert -- 70
10. Dusty Moore -- 70
Modifieds
1. Mark Anderson -- 145
2. Travis Stemler --135
3. Jared Guinn -- 125
4. Tim Stemler 99
5. Zack Olger -- 90
6. Todd Feutz -- 89
7. Rich Robinson Jr. -- 82
8. Shannon Fisk -- 81
9. Tim Dalman -- 77
9. C J Rector -- 77
Street Stocks
1. Aaron Wolf -- 145
2. Richard Hyvarinen -- 130
3. Gary Vandermark -- 119
4. Hillary Smith -- 105
5. Ron Harper -- 102
6. Joel Hummel -- 98
7. Steve Piercefield -- 88
8. Mike Vandermark -- 70
9. Cody Denny -- 60
10. Larry Zander -- 55
Road Beaters
1. Dan Reimersma -- 150
2. Scott Rumsey -- 135
3. Richard Peck -- 110
3. Jason Feutz -- 110
5. Calvin Stemler -- 88
6. Tyler Quillan -- 78
7. Greg Pinard -- 76
8. Terry Henderson -- 71
9. Kyle Shattuck -- 70
10. Paul Namey -- 65
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
Late Models
1. Kevin Nelson Jr. -- 258
2. Alan Vochaska -- 239
3. Shawn Reed -- 222
4. Phil Ausra -- 144
5. Kevin Nelson Sr. -- 121
6. Rob Taylor -- 120
7. Lowell Webstra -- 118
8. Tim Stott -- 114
9. Mark Wagner -- 104
10. Dave Hartman -- 101
UMP Modifieds
1. Andy Sprague -- 275
2. Jeremy Holman -- 191
3. Jacob Poel -- 155
4. Randy Whitten -- 151
5. Steve McClees -- 150
6. John McCaul -- 145
7. Walt Wisniewski -- 137
8. Jason Ferguson -- 107
9. Derek Passenier -- 101
10. Jeff Erickson -- 100
UMP Street Stocks
1. Mike Lynn -- 265
2. Mark Ransom -- 204
3. Josh Frye -- 201
4. Jim Beltz -- 187
5. John Lock -- 184
6. Dean Barnhard -- 162
7. Derek Poland -- 153
8. Mike Epplett -- 140
9. Dan Wildfong -- 105
10. Chad Enrick -- 90
Bombers
1. David Grega -- 275
2. Jeremy Lange -- 171
3. Bill May -- 165
4. James Lange -- 145
5. Barry Mendendorp -- 143
6. Jarid Bisson -- 134
7. Justin Schuler -- 133
8. Mark Farber -- 123
9. Bruce Norwick Sr. -- 120
10. Bruce Norwick Jr. -- 115
Warriors
1. Nick Curtis -- 260
2. Ed Higgons -- 207
3. Harley Farkle -- 205
4. Jim Perry -- 183
5. Bobby Metz -- 182
6. Ryan Hamm -- 180
7. Keith Higgons -- 154
8. Justin Wood -- 131
9. Rich Lieb -- 120
10. Gary Lockard -- 110
UMP 4-Cylinders
1. Mark Farber -- 265
2. Don Keech -- 233
3. Harley Farkle -- 208
4. Dean Barnhard -- 170
5. Cody Moorman -- 138
6. Mark Drum -- 108
7. Adam Spencer -- 78
8. Don Ward -- 61
9. John Foss -- 60
10. Curtis Rice -- 54
WINSTON SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Matt Pickard -- 140
2. Kevin Nelson Jr. -- 135
3. Rich Neiser -- 119
4. Tom Sprague Jr. -- 108
5. Alan Vochaska -- 102
6. Mike Nichols -- 98
7. Kevin Juusola -- 89
8. Dave Hartman -- 88
9. Sammy Epline -- 87
10. Eric Spangler -- 79
Modifieds
1. Troy Marciniak -- 170
2. Greg Smith -- 162
3. Andy Sprague -- 146
4. Todd Feutz -- 143
5. Eddie Reyes -- 123
6. Jeff Erickson -- 122
7. Randy Whitten -- 121
8. John McCaul -- 114
9. Jared Guinn -- 95
10. Larry Passenier -- 94
10. Nate Bostrom -- 94
Street Stocks
1. Mike Lynn -- 168
2. Rob Sternberg -- 165
3. Chad Weinrick -- 154
4. Tony Weinrick -- 144
5. Josh Frye -- 142
6. Derek Poland -- 140
7. Matt Sprague -- 131
8. Rick Huisken -- 103
9. Mitch Smith -- 98
10. Justin Gilland -- 84
Bombers
1. Spike Grega -- 211
2. Robby Sternberg -- 196
3. Joe Carmean -- 194
4. Dennis Bringedahl -- 166
5. Duane Townsend -- 135
6. Dave Norwick -- 134
7. Jeremy Lange -- 125
8. Barry Mendendorp -- 120
9. Dan Deyman -- 118
10. Richard Copas -- 116
4-Cylinders
1. Brandon Tramper -- 176
2. Mark Farber -- 170
3. Mark Drum -- 140
4. Harley Farkle -- 136
4. Carl McCann -- 136
6. Rick Ward -- 135
7. Cody Moorman -- 119
8. Jerry Meyering -- 106
9. Paul Rice -- 95
10. Christen Convey -- 64
Warriors
1. Nick Curtis -- 163
2. Harley Farkle -- 160
3. Gary Lockerd -- 130
4. Brian Carson -- 124
5. Mike Anderson -- 122
6. Dave Avink -- 116
6. Randy Whitten -- 116
8. Todd Sprague -- 105
9. Justin Wood -- 95
10. Brian Mills -- 90
Thursday, May 20, 2010
West Michigan Racing Weekend Preview
FEATURED TRACKS
I-96 SPEEDWAY
The World of Outlaws will be making its first and only Michigan appearance of the 2010 season Saturday when the popular traveling open-wheel circuit takes on the I-96 Speedway half-mile in Lake Odessa. Action starts at 7 p.m.
•Location: 3823 W. Portland Road, Lake Odessa
•Track: Three-eighth-mile and half-mile dirt ovals
•Contact: 616-642-0555, i96speedway.com
BERLIN RACEWAY
The Auto Value Super Sprints Series is coming to the Marne half-mile to open its 2010 season Saturday at 7 p.m. It is the first of two visits by the Super Sprints, which will return to Berlin Sept. 4. The USA Modifieds, plus the track’s Pro Stocks and 4 Cylinder divisions, will join the Super Sprints for a 4-in-one program.
•Location: 2060 Berlin Fair Drive, Marne
•Track: Half-mile asphalt oval
•Contact: 616-677-5000, berlinraceway.com
ACROSS WEST MICHIGAN
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Location: 8315 Sidney Road, Crystal
•Track: Three-eighth-mile dirt oval
•Saturday: The Janet Zeigler Memorial will offer Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Pro Trucks, Flinn Stocks and Street Stocks at 7:30 p.m.
•Contact: 989-235-5200, crystalmotorspeedway.com
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
•Location: 350 W. Riley Thompson Road, Muskegon
•Track: Three-eighth-mile dirt mile oval
•Saturday: UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, UMP Bombers, Thunder Stocks, UMP 4-Cylinders and UMP Warriors at 7 p.m.
•Contact: 231-766-3300, thunderbirdraceway.net
WINSTON MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Location: 7834 S. 72nd Ave., Montague
•Track: Three-eighth-mile dirt oval
•Friday: UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Bombers, Street Stocks, 4-Cylinders, UMP Warriors and Winston Stocks at 7:30 p.m.
•Contact: 231-893-3023, winstonspeedway.net
MID-MICHIGAN RACEWAY PARK
•Location: 7573 Hayes Road, Fenwick
•Track: Third-mile dirt oval
•Friday: Late Models, Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Pro Trucks, Street Stocks and Mini Stock 4-Cylinders at 8 p.m.
•Contact: (989) 637-4353, mmracewaypark.tripod.com
ORLEANS RACEWAY
•Location: 7940 Canfield Road, Belding
•Track: Three-eighth-mile clay oval
•Friday: Open Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and Factory Stocks at 8 p.m.
•Contact: 616-794-2810, orleansraceway.us
I-96 SPEEDWAY
The World of Outlaws will be making its first and only Michigan appearance of the 2010 season Saturday when the popular traveling open-wheel circuit takes on the I-96 Speedway half-mile in Lake Odessa. Action starts at 7 p.m.
•Location: 3823 W. Portland Road, Lake Odessa
•Track: Three-eighth-mile and half-mile dirt ovals
•Contact: 616-642-0555, i96speedway.com
BERLIN RACEWAY
The Auto Value Super Sprints Series is coming to the Marne half-mile to open its 2010 season Saturday at 7 p.m. It is the first of two visits by the Super Sprints, which will return to Berlin Sept. 4. The USA Modifieds, plus the track’s Pro Stocks and 4 Cylinder divisions, will join the Super Sprints for a 4-in-one program.
•Location: 2060 Berlin Fair Drive, Marne
•Track: Half-mile asphalt oval
•Contact: 616-677-5000, berlinraceway.com
ACROSS WEST MICHIGAN
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Location: 8315 Sidney Road, Crystal
•Track: Three-eighth-mile dirt oval
•Saturday: The Janet Zeigler Memorial will offer Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Pro Trucks, Flinn Stocks and Street Stocks at 7:30 p.m.
•Contact: 989-235-5200, crystalmotorspeedway.com
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
•Location: 350 W. Riley Thompson Road, Muskegon
•Track: Three-eighth-mile dirt mile oval
•Saturday: UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, UMP Bombers, Thunder Stocks, UMP 4-Cylinders and UMP Warriors at 7 p.m.
•Contact: 231-766-3300, thunderbirdraceway.net
WINSTON MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Location: 7834 S. 72nd Ave., Montague
•Track: Three-eighth-mile dirt oval
•Friday: UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Bombers, Street Stocks, 4-Cylinders, UMP Warriors and Winston Stocks at 7:30 p.m.
•Contact: 231-893-3023, winstonspeedway.net
MID-MICHIGAN RACEWAY PARK
•Location: 7573 Hayes Road, Fenwick
•Track: Third-mile dirt oval
•Friday: Late Models, Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Pro Trucks, Street Stocks and Mini Stock 4-Cylinders at 8 p.m.
•Contact: (989) 637-4353, mmracewaypark.tripod.com
ORLEANS RACEWAY
•Location: 7940 Canfield Road, Belding
•Track: Three-eighth-mile clay oval
•Friday: Open Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and Factory Stocks at 8 p.m.
•Contact: 616-794-2810, orleansraceway.us
Racing Fan Dilemma
Racing fans' dilemma: World of Outlaws at I-96 Speedway or Sprint Cup All-Star on TV?
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
Don't tell me that a fifth consecutive championship is a given just because he has dominated the past four years.
Check out the points standings, and you will find him fourth overall heading into this weekend's action, 130 points out of first. He's hardly on the ropes, but he is Floyd Mayweather in the second round versus Shane Mosley.
I'm telling you right now, though, don't ever count out Donny Schatz, because he is a great driver with a great team behind him.
Gotcha, didn't I? You thought I was talking about Jimmie Johnson, right?
It's funny how closely the World of Outlaws and NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons parallel each other as the weeks unfold this spring. Johnson, who is Cup's four-time defending champion, also is fourth after struggling lately and is 131 points behind leader Kevin Harvick.
The Outlaws are coming to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa on Saturday night, and unfortunately, that's when the Sprint Cup is holding its annual All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
It's a race fan's worst nightmare, and the way NASCAR has moved so many races to Saturday nights, it's a dilemma we have to face more and more.
Meyers heads into Saturday's World of Outlaws action at I-96 Speedway third in the points standings with a series-high five wins.Cue The Clash. Should I Stay or Should I Go?
I always will take a night out at the local track over a night in front of the TV. But this is the All-Star Race. It's Dale Earnhardt's 1987 "Pass in the Grass." It's Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip in 1989. It's Kyle Petty and Davey Allison in 1992.
This is a tough one.
I'm torn.
Go: The Outlaws is making its only appearance in the state this season, so you'll have to travel if you want to see them. There is nothing like watching those cars roar out of the fourth turn to take the green flag. My hair would stand up if I had any.
Stay: You can't miss the All-Star Race because anything goes. No points are awarded, but the winner gets $1 million.
Any driver who has won a race last year or this year gets to race. All-star winners from the past 10 years are in, and so is any driver who has won a championship. They also have a qualifying race, and the top two advance.
It does have short-track appeal because it is broken into four segments. The first is 50 laps, 20 laps for the second and third legs and a 10-lapper at the end to settle it.
Go: Goodyear has become the official tire of the Outlaws this season after years of running on Hoosiers. The new tires have brought new challenges for teams, and it should provide a new wrinkle when they hit the I-96 dirt at 7 p.m.
"We have had to come up with a new setup package, and I think that has leveled the playing field," said Jason Meyers, who is third in points with a series-high five wins.
Stay: It appears that the change from the wing to the spoiler has shaken up things a little bit in Cup, too. Johnson has slumped since the change seven races ago. Meanwhile, Joe Gibbs Racing, with drivers Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, are flying. The two have combined to win five of the seven races with the spoiler.
Go: Indiana driver Joey Saldana has proven to be one of motorsports' most inspirational stories this spring considering he broke his left hand in a race in March in Tennessee. Saldana had surgery March 26 in which 10 screws and a plate were inserted into his hand, and not only has he competed in every race, he is leading the points standings.
Stay: You want tough and inspirational? Let's talk about Denny Hamlin, who has won two races since having knee surgery March 31. Hamlin will go for his first All-Star win Saturday.
Go: Steve Kinser, who is the Outlaws' version of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt all rolled into one, is looking like this might be the year he wins his 21st championship and first since 2005. Kinser has joined car owner Tony Stewart and is second in points, 13 behind Saldana.
Stay: If you want to see Stewart, catch him in the All-Star Race. Stewart is the defending winner.
Go: Come January, when it's 5 degrees out, you are going to be wishing you had gone to I-96.
Yeah, that's a good enough reason for me.
Aren't DVRs great?
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
Don't tell me that a fifth consecutive championship is a given just because he has dominated the past four years.
Check out the points standings, and you will find him fourth overall heading into this weekend's action, 130 points out of first. He's hardly on the ropes, but he is Floyd Mayweather in the second round versus Shane Mosley.
I'm telling you right now, though, don't ever count out Donny Schatz, because he is a great driver with a great team behind him.
Gotcha, didn't I? You thought I was talking about Jimmie Johnson, right?
It's funny how closely the World of Outlaws and NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons parallel each other as the weeks unfold this spring. Johnson, who is Cup's four-time defending champion, also is fourth after struggling lately and is 131 points behind leader Kevin Harvick.
The Outlaws are coming to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa on Saturday night, and unfortunately, that's when the Sprint Cup is holding its annual All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
It's a race fan's worst nightmare, and the way NASCAR has moved so many races to Saturday nights, it's a dilemma we have to face more and more.
Meyers heads into Saturday's World of Outlaws action at I-96 Speedway third in the points standings with a series-high five wins.Cue The Clash. Should I Stay or Should I Go?
I always will take a night out at the local track over a night in front of the TV. But this is the All-Star Race. It's Dale Earnhardt's 1987 "Pass in the Grass." It's Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip in 1989. It's Kyle Petty and Davey Allison in 1992.
This is a tough one.
I'm torn.
Go: The Outlaws is making its only appearance in the state this season, so you'll have to travel if you want to see them. There is nothing like watching those cars roar out of the fourth turn to take the green flag. My hair would stand up if I had any.
Stay: You can't miss the All-Star Race because anything goes. No points are awarded, but the winner gets $1 million.
Any driver who has won a race last year or this year gets to race. All-star winners from the past 10 years are in, and so is any driver who has won a championship. They also have a qualifying race, and the top two advance.
It does have short-track appeal because it is broken into four segments. The first is 50 laps, 20 laps for the second and third legs and a 10-lapper at the end to settle it.
Go: Goodyear has become the official tire of the Outlaws this season after years of running on Hoosiers. The new tires have brought new challenges for teams, and it should provide a new wrinkle when they hit the I-96 dirt at 7 p.m.
"We have had to come up with a new setup package, and I think that has leveled the playing field," said Jason Meyers, who is third in points with a series-high five wins.
Stay: It appears that the change from the wing to the spoiler has shaken up things a little bit in Cup, too. Johnson has slumped since the change seven races ago. Meanwhile, Joe Gibbs Racing, with drivers Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, are flying. The two have combined to win five of the seven races with the spoiler.
Go: Indiana driver Joey Saldana has proven to be one of motorsports' most inspirational stories this spring considering he broke his left hand in a race in March in Tennessee. Saldana had surgery March 26 in which 10 screws and a plate were inserted into his hand, and not only has he competed in every race, he is leading the points standings.
Stay: You want tough and inspirational? Let's talk about Denny Hamlin, who has won two races since having knee surgery March 31. Hamlin will go for his first All-Star win Saturday.
Go: Steve Kinser, who is the Outlaws' version of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt all rolled into one, is looking like this might be the year he wins his 21st championship and first since 2005. Kinser has joined car owner Tony Stewart and is second in points, 13 behind Saldana.
Stay: If you want to see Stewart, catch him in the All-Star Race. Stewart is the defending winner.
Go: Come January, when it's 5 degrees out, you are going to be wishing you had gone to I-96.
Yeah, that's a good enough reason for me.
Aren't DVRs great?
Checkered Flags Feature
Checkered Flags: Lowell's Gary Vandermark gets best of track champ at I-96 Speedway
By Steve Kaminski |
The Grand Rapids Press
A reader e-mailed me last week and wondered why The Finish Line has decided to salute drivers this year instead of rank them.
Good question.
The new Checkered Flags feature enables The Finish Line to honor a different set of drivers every week. The rankings were a blast to do, but often, the same drivers popped up each week.
If you are saluted one week in Checkered Flags, you are not eligible the following week.
Don’t forget to e-mail stevekracer@aol.com with nominations. Five drivers will be honored each Wednesday.
Here are this week's honorees:
Chad Blonde, Litchfield
Butler Speedway opened its 2010 season Saturday, and Blonde was ready. The veteran open wheel driver grabbed the lead on lap 15 and went on to win the 25-lap winged sprint feature race.
Zack Olger, St. Johns
Olger won last weekend’s Late Model feature race at Mount Pleasant Speedway and took top honors in the Modified division. Olger is leading the Late Model point standings and is second in Modifieds.
Gary Vandermark, Lowell
The veteran driver took first in Saturday night’s Street Stock feature race at I-96 Speedway. Vandermark drove by defending track champion Aaron Wolf on the third lap and went on to win the 20-lap main.
Terry VanHaitsma, Hudsonville
VanHaitsma won Berlin Raceway’s Spring Classic 100 on Saturday in dominating fashion. VanHaitsma, who set fast time, pulled away on a lap 74 restart and crossed the finish line 11.8 seconds ahead of the field.
Alan Vochaska, South Haven
Vochaska won the Late Model feature race at Thunderbird Raceway on Friday night, then took the checkered flag Saturday at Hartford Motor Speedway. Vochaska is leading the Late Model points at Hartford and is second at Thunderbird.
By Steve Kaminski |
The Grand Rapids Press
A reader e-mailed me last week and wondered why The Finish Line has decided to salute drivers this year instead of rank them.
Good question.
The new Checkered Flags feature enables The Finish Line to honor a different set of drivers every week. The rankings were a blast to do, but often, the same drivers popped up each week.
If you are saluted one week in Checkered Flags, you are not eligible the following week.
Don’t forget to e-mail stevekracer@aol.com with nominations. Five drivers will be honored each Wednesday.
Here are this week's honorees:
Chad Blonde, Litchfield
Butler Speedway opened its 2010 season Saturday, and Blonde was ready. The veteran open wheel driver grabbed the lead on lap 15 and went on to win the 25-lap winged sprint feature race.
Zack Olger, St. Johns
Olger won last weekend’s Late Model feature race at Mount Pleasant Speedway and took top honors in the Modified division. Olger is leading the Late Model point standings and is second in Modifieds.
Gary Vandermark, Lowell
The veteran driver took first in Saturday night’s Street Stock feature race at I-96 Speedway. Vandermark drove by defending track champion Aaron Wolf on the third lap and went on to win the 20-lap main.
Terry VanHaitsma, Hudsonville
VanHaitsma won Berlin Raceway’s Spring Classic 100 on Saturday in dominating fashion. VanHaitsma, who set fast time, pulled away on a lap 74 restart and crossed the finish line 11.8 seconds ahead of the field.
Alan Vochaska, South Haven
Vochaska won the Late Model feature race at Thunderbird Raceway on Friday night, then took the checkered flag Saturday at Hartford Motor Speedway. Vochaska is leading the Late Model points at Hartford and is second at Thunderbird.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Jeep Vanwormer & Winners around the State
Patiences pays off for Jeep VanWormer at I-96 Speedway with American Late Model Series win
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
LAKE ODESSA -- It may have taken a while for the action to really get started, but Jeep VanWormer proved to be a patient driver.
VanWormer waited as the American Late Model Series got off to a slow start, with three caution flags and even a couple of stoppages in the first five laps, but he held on to beat Dusty Moore for the checkered flag Saturday night at I-96 Speedway.
The ALMS race, originally scheduled for 40 laps, was trimmed to 30 due to the excessive caution flags.
“It is rough,” said VanWormer, a Pinconning resident who finished the 2009 season in 19th place on the Late Model circuit. “It’s frustrating that guys need to have a little respect, let things sort out a little bit and then go racing. Of course, that’s easy to say a lot of times when you’re out front.”
VanWormer had rarely seen Moore prior to this race.
Moore, who lives in Swanton, Ohio, battled VanWormer throughout the competition and even overtook him a couple of times on the corners.
“We said not to get excited, don’t make mistakes and drive well on the green-flag laps,” VanWormer said.
VanWormer entered Saturday’s race third in the points standings, behind Doug Drown and Rusty Schlenk. This was only the second race of the ALMS season, and updated standings hadn’t been released as of Sunday night.
Bill Bray (Spring Lake), Brian Ruhlman (Clarklake) and Eric Spangler (Lake City) rounded out the top five.
In the 20-lap Street Stocks feature, Gary Vandermark (Lowell) was the winner ahead of Aaron Wolf (Clarksville) and Richard Hyvarinen.
The 20-lap Modifieds feature saw Lowell driver Mark Anderson capture the checkered flag ahead of Travis Stemler (Portland) and Jared Guinn (Hudsonville). Anderston, Stemler and Guinn were second through fourth in the point standings, respectively, and are likely to move to 1-2-3.
In the 4-cylinder “Road Beater” feature, Ada driver Dan Reimersma beat Kyle Shattuck for the checkered.
Here's a recap of winners from the weekend action around West Michigan and the state:
BERLIN RACEWAY
•Late Models: Terry VanHaitsma
•Super Stocks: Andrew Nylaan
•Pro Stocks: Weston Jewett
•VROA: Lou Caposey
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Jay Van Dyke
•Michigan Legends: Chance Rice
•IMCA Modifieds: Chad Wernette
•Pro Stocks: Derrick Dennis
•Flinn Stocks: Lee Zahm
•Street Stocks No. 1: Mike Vandermark
•Street Stocks No. 2: Jeff Fisher
I-96 SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Jeep VanWormer
•UMP Modifieds: Mark Anderson
•Street Stocks: Gary Vandermark
•4 Cylinders: Dan Reimersma
KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
•Super Late Models: Brandon Lyons
•Modifieds: Mike Brooks
•Super Stocks: Phil Bozell
•Pro Stocks: Keith Wilfong
•Cyber Stocks: Nick Layman
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
•Late Models: Alan Vochaska
•UMP Modifieds: Randy Whitten
•UMP Street Stocks: Mike Lynn
•Thunder Stocks: Chris Schaub
•UMP Warriors: Ryan Hamm
•UMP Bombers: Spike Grega
•MORA: John Lehn
•UMP 4 Cylinders: Mark Farber
AROUND THE STATE
AUTO CITY SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Joe Morrisette
•Street Stocks: Adam Rowe
•Pure Stocks: Lonnie Saumier Jr.
•Virtual Six: Jim Daniels
BUTLER SPEEDWAY
•Winged Sprints: Chad Blonde
•UMP Modifieds: Tommy Beezley
•Sportsman: Eric Swan
•Street Stocks: Glenn Heath
DIXIE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Modifieds: Ken O’Connor
•Pro Stocks: Don Riley
•Street Stocks: Robby Johnston
•Bombers: Cam Hiltz
•Figure 8’s: Jordan Lechota
FLAT ROCK
•305 Sprints: Kevin Shirey
•Street Stocks No. 1: Chad Guinn
•Street Stocks No. 2: Rich Abel
•Figure 8’s: Gary Cronenwett
GALESBURG SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Luke Krick
•Sportsman: Todd Foote
•Mini Stocks: Jeremy Collins
•Street Stocks: John Foote Jr.
HARTFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•UMP Modifieds: Brian Ruhlman
•UMP Late Models No. 1: JR Hotovy
•UMP Late Models No. 2: Alan Vochaska
•Stock Car No. 1: Kelli Jo Holfacker
•Stock Car No. 2: Jim Abbott
•Pure Stock No. 1: Steven Pena
•Pure Stock No. 2: Steven Pena
M40 SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Eric McGlothlen
•GLS Mini Cup: Morgen Baird
•Pro Stocks: Jeff Ganus
•Pure Stocks: Burney Arnett
•Mini Stocks: Rich Hensley
MOTTVILLE SPEEDWAY
•Street Stocks: Brian Wilkerson
•Mini Stocks: Eric Frazier
•Mini Thunder Cars: Kevin Witmer
MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Zack Ogler
•UMP Modifieds: Zack Ogler
•Stock Car: Nate Murphy
•Mini Stocks: Trever Fedewa
•Stock Mini: Steve Keeler Jr.
OWOSSO SPEEDWAY
•Pro Stocks: Tony Basalone
•Pure Stocks: Ricky Moore
•Sport Stocks: Harley Smith
•Street Stocks: Dan Leeck
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
LAKE ODESSA -- It may have taken a while for the action to really get started, but Jeep VanWormer proved to be a patient driver.
VanWormer waited as the American Late Model Series got off to a slow start, with three caution flags and even a couple of stoppages in the first five laps, but he held on to beat Dusty Moore for the checkered flag Saturday night at I-96 Speedway.
The ALMS race, originally scheduled for 40 laps, was trimmed to 30 due to the excessive caution flags.
“It is rough,” said VanWormer, a Pinconning resident who finished the 2009 season in 19th place on the Late Model circuit. “It’s frustrating that guys need to have a little respect, let things sort out a little bit and then go racing. Of course, that’s easy to say a lot of times when you’re out front.”
VanWormer had rarely seen Moore prior to this race.
Moore, who lives in Swanton, Ohio, battled VanWormer throughout the competition and even overtook him a couple of times on the corners.
“We said not to get excited, don’t make mistakes and drive well on the green-flag laps,” VanWormer said.
VanWormer entered Saturday’s race third in the points standings, behind Doug Drown and Rusty Schlenk. This was only the second race of the ALMS season, and updated standings hadn’t been released as of Sunday night.
Bill Bray (Spring Lake), Brian Ruhlman (Clarklake) and Eric Spangler (Lake City) rounded out the top five.
In the 20-lap Street Stocks feature, Gary Vandermark (Lowell) was the winner ahead of Aaron Wolf (Clarksville) and Richard Hyvarinen.
The 20-lap Modifieds feature saw Lowell driver Mark Anderson capture the checkered flag ahead of Travis Stemler (Portland) and Jared Guinn (Hudsonville). Anderston, Stemler and Guinn were second through fourth in the point standings, respectively, and are likely to move to 1-2-3.
In the 4-cylinder “Road Beater” feature, Ada driver Dan Reimersma beat Kyle Shattuck for the checkered.
Here's a recap of winners from the weekend action around West Michigan and the state:
BERLIN RACEWAY
•Late Models: Terry VanHaitsma
•Super Stocks: Andrew Nylaan
•Pro Stocks: Weston Jewett
•VROA: Lou Caposey
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Jay Van Dyke
•Michigan Legends: Chance Rice
•IMCA Modifieds: Chad Wernette
•Pro Stocks: Derrick Dennis
•Flinn Stocks: Lee Zahm
•Street Stocks No. 1: Mike Vandermark
•Street Stocks No. 2: Jeff Fisher
I-96 SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Jeep VanWormer
•UMP Modifieds: Mark Anderson
•Street Stocks: Gary Vandermark
•4 Cylinders: Dan Reimersma
KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
•Super Late Models: Brandon Lyons
•Modifieds: Mike Brooks
•Super Stocks: Phil Bozell
•Pro Stocks: Keith Wilfong
•Cyber Stocks: Nick Layman
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
•Late Models: Alan Vochaska
•UMP Modifieds: Randy Whitten
•UMP Street Stocks: Mike Lynn
•Thunder Stocks: Chris Schaub
•UMP Warriors: Ryan Hamm
•UMP Bombers: Spike Grega
•MORA: John Lehn
•UMP 4 Cylinders: Mark Farber
AROUND THE STATE
AUTO CITY SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Joe Morrisette
•Street Stocks: Adam Rowe
•Pure Stocks: Lonnie Saumier Jr.
•Virtual Six: Jim Daniels
BUTLER SPEEDWAY
•Winged Sprints: Chad Blonde
•UMP Modifieds: Tommy Beezley
•Sportsman: Eric Swan
•Street Stocks: Glenn Heath
DIXIE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Modifieds: Ken O’Connor
•Pro Stocks: Don Riley
•Street Stocks: Robby Johnston
•Bombers: Cam Hiltz
•Figure 8’s: Jordan Lechota
FLAT ROCK
•305 Sprints: Kevin Shirey
•Street Stocks No. 1: Chad Guinn
•Street Stocks No. 2: Rich Abel
•Figure 8’s: Gary Cronenwett
GALESBURG SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Luke Krick
•Sportsman: Todd Foote
•Mini Stocks: Jeremy Collins
•Street Stocks: John Foote Jr.
HARTFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•UMP Modifieds: Brian Ruhlman
•UMP Late Models No. 1: JR Hotovy
•UMP Late Models No. 2: Alan Vochaska
•Stock Car No. 1: Kelli Jo Holfacker
•Stock Car No. 2: Jim Abbott
•Pure Stock No. 1: Steven Pena
•Pure Stock No. 2: Steven Pena
M40 SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Eric McGlothlen
•GLS Mini Cup: Morgen Baird
•Pro Stocks: Jeff Ganus
•Pure Stocks: Burney Arnett
•Mini Stocks: Rich Hensley
MOTTVILLE SPEEDWAY
•Street Stocks: Brian Wilkerson
•Mini Stocks: Eric Frazier
•Mini Thunder Cars: Kevin Witmer
MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Zack Ogler
•UMP Modifieds: Zack Ogler
•Stock Car: Nate Murphy
•Mini Stocks: Trever Fedewa
•Stock Mini: Steve Keeler Jr.
OWOSSO SPEEDWAY
•Pro Stocks: Tony Basalone
•Pure Stocks: Ricky Moore
•Sport Stocks: Harley Smith
•Street Stocks: Dan Leeck
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