Friday, September 12
Taylor wins the Battle; Sprague wins the War at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway concluded their race season Friday September 14th with the running of their Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Season Championship race. This make-up event was combined with Winston’s annual “Fun Day” that included Mechanic, Powder Puff, and a Four Cylinder reverse race.
When the Late Models started their Championship event all Muskegon’s Tom Sprague Jr needed was to start the race to complete his quest for his first track championship. Luckily for Sprague his strong efforts throughout the season carried him to the title because his luck changed tonight. Starting on the pole Sprague was the early leader but snagged an inside tire barrier. The handle on Sprague’s car went away and he dropped through the field quickly. Sprague ended with a seventeenth place finish. Matt Pickard took advantage of Sprague’s demise and became the leader on lap four. A caution on lap seven took out top contenders Kevin Nelson Jr and Jim Fairbanks as well as placing Rich Neiser to the rear of the field. Pickard maintained the point through for four more cautions and 25 more laps. With what looked like Pickard’s race to win the fifth caution turned out to be a charm for Muskegon driver Rob Taylor. After starting fifth Taylor had worked the high side to the second position and put himself within striking distance. Pickard’s last restart saw him make one mistake with a push in turn one. Taylor made him pay as he stood on the gas with Kevin Nelson glued to his rear. Both drivers cleared Pickard by the flagstand and finished in the number one and two positions. Taylor’s run marked his second feature win of the season. Taylor was all smiles as he accepted his huge trophy for the nights Main event win. Pickard was third followed by Dean Huizenga, and Scott Wenell. The second half of the top ten consisted of Tom Dusen, Andy Sprague, TJ Heskett, Dale Sheehy and Lowell Webster.
In the Four Cylinder reverse race Dan Hilliard bested the five-car field as he picked up the checkered flag racing in a counter clockwise direction instead of the traditional clockwise. In the Late Model division Mechanics race Jake Johnson bested the other 8 competitors driving Kevin Nelson’s Late Model. Randy Neiser raced his brother Rich Neiser’s car to a win in the Modified mechanics event. Larry Passeneir was the winner in the Sportsman Mechanics race. Joe Carmean was the best of the class in the Factory Stock Mechanics. Vito Crudle won the Four Cylinder mechanics event.
Powder Puff event wins were taken by Lisa Wenell in the Late Models, Katie Locke in the Sportsman/Factory Stock and Brittany Platt in the Four Cylinders. Tom Spoon raced his way to the winner’s circle in the Spectator’s Stock car race.
The Last event will be a wild one on Saturday, October 6th. The final demolition derby in the Lakeshore Demolition Derby’s “Summer Smash” events will take place. Mark your calendars as usually the best is saved for last when it comes to crowning a Demolition Derby Champion.
The Winston Speedway Track Champions will be crowned at the 2007 Winston Speedway Banquet on October 27th. The banquet will be held at the VFW on Apple Ave. in Muskegon. Tickets for the event can be purchased by contacting Owners Lois and Tom Sprague at: (231) 719-0326 also you can find information regarding the banquet on the Winston Speedway website in the near future.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Wilbern Crowned King of the "Fall Spectacular" at Winston Speedway
Saturday, September 6
Wilbern Crowned King of the "Fall Spectacular" at Winston Speedway
Over 150 racecars were on hand to entertain the fans and race their hearts out in the “Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway on Saturday September 8th. Drivers practically from every dirt track in the state of Michigan represented their track in a quest to become ‘Fall Spectacular” champion. By the end of the evening it was the Winston Speedway regulars who experienced the most success in sweeping five of the six racing divisions on the night. The term “Hired Gun” was also the talk of the night, as Mike Wilbern put on a performance in three different classes that would rank with one of the best nights in Winston Speedway history. Wilbern would have raced the water truck if someone had asked him. Wilbern won twice and finished fifth on the night earning close to $2,000 for his efforts.
Thirty-Eight Late Models were on hand for the “3rd Annual Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race sponsored by Grabe Excavating. Rich Neiser was on the verge of having his first season ever in a Late Model not winning a feature event since racing career began in the early nineteen nineties. Neiser worries were put to rest as he moved from his eight place starting position to the point passing Matt Pickard on lap 14 of the 40-lap event. Neiser used the high groove early in the event to move forward but his final pass of the night was right on the bottom after a caution restart.
“I had just stated to my crew before going out this could be the first season I have gone without winning a feature. The car was great. I was able to run high or low. What a great way to finish the season. I still cannot believe it,” stated Neiser. The $1500 win put Neiser’s earnings for the night to over two grand.
Tom Sprague Jr. continued his great season finishing a strong second. The “Hard Charger” awards went to Kevin Nelson Jr, and Elex Leyton who started 19th and 20th in the 22-car field. Not only did they race their way into the Main event through Consolation race wins, they charged to third and fourth place finishes. Mike Wilbern jumped in a Late Model for the first time this season and came from 13th to round out the top five. Pole sitter Matt Pickard finished sixth followed by Andy Sprague, Kyle Cole, Rob Taylor, and Paul Tucker. Heat races were won by Pickard, Rob Taylor, Tim Stott, and Sprague Jr.
Modified driver Mike Wilbern started third but was at the point before the end of the first lap. Rich Neiser was the only other driver to lead a lap as he and Wilbern swapped positions at the flagstand during the middle portion of their 40 lap event. By the end of the race it was all Wilbern as he pulled away to ten-car length lead win. Neiser was second followed by Andy Sprague, and Jacob Poel. Derek Poland was the Modified hard charger. After taking a “Promoters Choice” starting position to get into the field, Poland charged from dead last to fifth. John McCaul, Jeff Erickson, Dave Baker, Tim Dallman, and Rich Robinson Jr completed the top ten. Heat races were won by Jason Smith, Neiser, Wilbern, and Sprague.
How would you like to be the driver/car owner who loaned their car to a driver that beat your son for a main event win? That is exactly what happened in the Sportsman division. Veteran racer and former Multi Track Champion Dan Borgman still likes to race once in a while so he purchased a car in July. Borgman’s latest passion has been watching his son Kyle become one of the best Sportsman drivers in West Michigan. Unfortunately for Kyle his dad hired his friend Mike Wilbern to drive his car. While both drivers started on the front row, it was Wilbern who would lead every lap. Kyle Borgman was able to pull even with Wilbern with five to go, but Wilbern was too much at the end winning by five car lengths. All is OK in the Borgman family as much of the Winning purse will stay in the Borgman Race team budget. The Race for third was won by Rob Sternberg. Matt Sprague and Chad Weinrick rounded out the top five. Heat race winners were Borgman, Wilbern and Sprague.
Greg Smith’s disappointment because of a flat tire in the Modified division feature is not what he will remember about the “2007 Fall Spectacular”. Smith’s dominating win in the Factory Stock 30 lap main event easily eased the pain of him sitting in the infield waiting for a wrecker in the Modified main event. Driving a car normally driven by Brad Bates, Smith led from start to finish with out any serious challenges. The former 5 time Winston Speedway Sportsman champion proved he still can drive a stock car bringing back memories of his number 88 dominating the Sportsman class the previous five years. Bill Delong muscled his way from a transfer spot out of the Consolation feature all the way to a second place finish in the main. Modified driver Randy Whitten drove his fathers car to a third place finish over Tony Weinrick, and Kurt Woodard. Heat Races were won by Weinrick, Smith, Justin Gilmore and Scott Varney. A Make-up “B” feature from August 31st was won by Scott Erickson.
Mini Stock driver Luke Near waited until the last lap of their 20-lap feature to make his move. Don Keech had held the point for the previous 17 laps. Near was able to make his way under Keech in turn two and make it stick. Keech battled back only to spin all by himself in turns three and four allowing Crook to finish second. Paula Vanderstelt, Joe McCormick and Chris Rice completed the top five. The win was good for $300 and bragging rights for the fan favorite Near. Mark Farber and Near won heat races. In the Mini Mod class, driver Brad Wilson was the head of their five-car field. Wilson won both the Heat and Main event races.
Next Friday September 14th Winston Speedway will wrap up their season with the Late Model Championship event along with “Fun Day” activities including spectator drags, 4-cylinder reverse races, and Mechanic and Powder Puff events. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wilbern Crowned King of the "Fall Spectacular" at Winston Speedway
Over 150 racecars were on hand to entertain the fans and race their hearts out in the “Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway on Saturday September 8th. Drivers practically from every dirt track in the state of Michigan represented their track in a quest to become ‘Fall Spectacular” champion. By the end of the evening it was the Winston Speedway regulars who experienced the most success in sweeping five of the six racing divisions on the night. The term “Hired Gun” was also the talk of the night, as Mike Wilbern put on a performance in three different classes that would rank with one of the best nights in Winston Speedway history. Wilbern would have raced the water truck if someone had asked him. Wilbern won twice and finished fifth on the night earning close to $2,000 for his efforts.
Thirty-Eight Late Models were on hand for the “3rd Annual Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race sponsored by Grabe Excavating. Rich Neiser was on the verge of having his first season ever in a Late Model not winning a feature event since racing career began in the early nineteen nineties. Neiser worries were put to rest as he moved from his eight place starting position to the point passing Matt Pickard on lap 14 of the 40-lap event. Neiser used the high groove early in the event to move forward but his final pass of the night was right on the bottom after a caution restart.
“I had just stated to my crew before going out this could be the first season I have gone without winning a feature. The car was great. I was able to run high or low. What a great way to finish the season. I still cannot believe it,” stated Neiser. The $1500 win put Neiser’s earnings for the night to over two grand.
Tom Sprague Jr. continued his great season finishing a strong second. The “Hard Charger” awards went to Kevin Nelson Jr, and Elex Leyton who started 19th and 20th in the 22-car field. Not only did they race their way into the Main event through Consolation race wins, they charged to third and fourth place finishes. Mike Wilbern jumped in a Late Model for the first time this season and came from 13th to round out the top five. Pole sitter Matt Pickard finished sixth followed by Andy Sprague, Kyle Cole, Rob Taylor, and Paul Tucker. Heat races were won by Pickard, Rob Taylor, Tim Stott, and Sprague Jr.
Modified driver Mike Wilbern started third but was at the point before the end of the first lap. Rich Neiser was the only other driver to lead a lap as he and Wilbern swapped positions at the flagstand during the middle portion of their 40 lap event. By the end of the race it was all Wilbern as he pulled away to ten-car length lead win. Neiser was second followed by Andy Sprague, and Jacob Poel. Derek Poland was the Modified hard charger. After taking a “Promoters Choice” starting position to get into the field, Poland charged from dead last to fifth. John McCaul, Jeff Erickson, Dave Baker, Tim Dallman, and Rich Robinson Jr completed the top ten. Heat races were won by Jason Smith, Neiser, Wilbern, and Sprague.
How would you like to be the driver/car owner who loaned their car to a driver that beat your son for a main event win? That is exactly what happened in the Sportsman division. Veteran racer and former Multi Track Champion Dan Borgman still likes to race once in a while so he purchased a car in July. Borgman’s latest passion has been watching his son Kyle become one of the best Sportsman drivers in West Michigan. Unfortunately for Kyle his dad hired his friend Mike Wilbern to drive his car. While both drivers started on the front row, it was Wilbern who would lead every lap. Kyle Borgman was able to pull even with Wilbern with five to go, but Wilbern was too much at the end winning by five car lengths. All is OK in the Borgman family as much of the Winning purse will stay in the Borgman Race team budget. The Race for third was won by Rob Sternberg. Matt Sprague and Chad Weinrick rounded out the top five. Heat race winners were Borgman, Wilbern and Sprague.
Greg Smith’s disappointment because of a flat tire in the Modified division feature is not what he will remember about the “2007 Fall Spectacular”. Smith’s dominating win in the Factory Stock 30 lap main event easily eased the pain of him sitting in the infield waiting for a wrecker in the Modified main event. Driving a car normally driven by Brad Bates, Smith led from start to finish with out any serious challenges. The former 5 time Winston Speedway Sportsman champion proved he still can drive a stock car bringing back memories of his number 88 dominating the Sportsman class the previous five years. Bill Delong muscled his way from a transfer spot out of the Consolation feature all the way to a second place finish in the main. Modified driver Randy Whitten drove his fathers car to a third place finish over Tony Weinrick, and Kurt Woodard. Heat Races were won by Weinrick, Smith, Justin Gilmore and Scott Varney. A Make-up “B” feature from August 31st was won by Scott Erickson.
Mini Stock driver Luke Near waited until the last lap of their 20-lap feature to make his move. Don Keech had held the point for the previous 17 laps. Near was able to make his way under Keech in turn two and make it stick. Keech battled back only to spin all by himself in turns three and four allowing Crook to finish second. Paula Vanderstelt, Joe McCormick and Chris Rice completed the top five. The win was good for $300 and bragging rights for the fan favorite Near. Mark Farber and Near won heat races. In the Mini Mod class, driver Brad Wilson was the head of their five-car field. Wilson won both the Heat and Main event races.
Next Friday September 14th Winston Speedway will wrap up their season with the Late Model Championship event along with “Fun Day” activities including spectator drags, 4-cylinder reverse races, and Mechanic and Powder Puff events. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Rutan "Flips" his way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Friday, August 28
Rutan "Flips" his way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans were treated to one of the most exciting finishes of the season when the ASCS Sprints on Dirt series visited Friday August 31st. It is a rarity to see the winner of a race bring out the red flag during an event. Ben Rutan managed to do both on Friday night winning the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt main event. Rutan slid high on the last corner of the last lap and had his right rear tire tag the wall. Steve Irwin quickly gained on Rutan. Rather than lose the race, Rutan stood on the throttle and rode the wall entire down the front stretch and crossed the finish line flipping end over end and resting upside down.
Brett Mann and Irwin started on the front row for the 25-lap main event. Irwin jumped into the lead while Dustin Daggett and Mann battled. Daggett looked to be the class of the field as he powered his way to the front before a caution. After a caution Daggett’s restart was determined to be questionable after the field stacked up behind him causing damage to Mann who would have to exit the event with front-end damage. To the dismay of many fans Daggett was black flagged for not going to the rear of the field and his scoring card was pulled.
During the restart with just seven laps to go Rutan and Irwin raced side by side for the lead. Rutan eventually took the top spot when Irwin slipped off turn four. Rutan was coming out of turn four with the checkered flag in sight when he pounded the front stretch wall, allowing Irwin to catch up. Rutan then stood on the throttle and tumbled across the finish line.
The rest of the field did a remarkable job of avoiding Rutan in the middle groove of the front stretch. Nobody else was swept up in the incident. Rutan emerged from his car to a standing ovation from the ruckus capacity crowd. Victory lane ceremonies were conducted with Rutan’s car being lifted off the race track by the roll cage with heavy damage.
“The car didn’t feel right going into the corner,” said Rutan after the feature. “Then I ended up in the wall, and I could see (Irwin) there. So I just stood on the gas, and that’s when things got really wild.” The Main Event win was Rutan’s first of the 2007 season.
Rounding out the top five in “A” Main event were Gregg Dalman, Tim Norman, and Dain Naida. Heats were won by Dain, Rutan and Mann.
Fans were also treated to the Mini Stock and Factory Stock Season Championship races. Tim Epplett had earned the right to pace the Port City Racing Factory Stock main event with his lead in the point standings While the thirty year veteran ended up with a sixth place finish on the night, his steady runs resulted with him claiming the 2007 Factory Stock Season championship. Epplett’s season was special as he also picked up his first feature win of his career and later followed with two more main event wins. Janie Lorenz was winner of bragging rights and the night’s trophy. Lorenz entered the night second and points and was able to lead from start to finish. A hard charging Tony Weinrick was second. Robert Erickson, Bill Delong, and Justin Gilland completed the top five. Heat races were won by Delong, Erickson, and Joe Ferrier.
Don Keech turned fifty this week but that did not slow his efforts. Keech wrapped up the Spragues’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division Point title by winning the season championship race. The main event win was not easy as Luke Near pressured Keech all night. Near and Keech raced side by side before encountering lapped traffic late in the race. Near edged ahead of Keech only to back off as a lapped car blocked him. It was the advantage Keech needed as he went on to celebrate in Victory lane. The race for third was won by Adam Spencer over Glen Parker, and Joe McCormick. Heat races were won by Keech, and Andrew Bartoszek. Seth Moody claimed the 2007 Young Gun Season Point title.
How fitting that the two drivers who have shared the Point lead all season long would be line up next to each other in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Main event. John McCaul and Andy Sprague see each other more than their own family members. McCaul's two draw after his fast Qualifying effort put Sprague to his inside of the front row. While McCaul was dominant early in the season, it has been all Sprague late in the season. Tonight that did not change as Sprague led the field from start to finish. Sprague’s eighth win of the garnered him his first Track Championship of his career. John McCaul finished second ahead of Dan Dykman, Rich Neiser, and Steve McClees. Zak Rounds picked up his first checkered flag of the season picking up a Heat race win along with Greg Smith.
The Sportsman division saw Chad Weinrick power his way to victory lane. Weinrick held off Rob Sternberg late in the race by protecting the low groove. Weinrick’s win solidified his second place in the standings, but it was Ralph Sternberg who wrapped up the Sportsman Track title with a fifth place finish. Finishing in third and fourth positions in the main event were Jamie Gilmore and Larry Passenier in their main event. Heat races were won by Weinrick and Ben Falbe.
Next Weekend September 7th & 8th marks the “Fourth Annual Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway. It is a weekend for all race fans. Powder Puff, Mechanic races along with the Late Model Season Championship race highlight Friday Nights events, while Saturday is wall-to-wall action taking place for the “Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race program. Five divisions will be vying for huge trophies and racing purses. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Rutan "Flips" his way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans were treated to one of the most exciting finishes of the season when the ASCS Sprints on Dirt series visited Friday August 31st. It is a rarity to see the winner of a race bring out the red flag during an event. Ben Rutan managed to do both on Friday night winning the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt main event. Rutan slid high on the last corner of the last lap and had his right rear tire tag the wall. Steve Irwin quickly gained on Rutan. Rather than lose the race, Rutan stood on the throttle and rode the wall entire down the front stretch and crossed the finish line flipping end over end and resting upside down.
Brett Mann and Irwin started on the front row for the 25-lap main event. Irwin jumped into the lead while Dustin Daggett and Mann battled. Daggett looked to be the class of the field as he powered his way to the front before a caution. After a caution Daggett’s restart was determined to be questionable after the field stacked up behind him causing damage to Mann who would have to exit the event with front-end damage. To the dismay of many fans Daggett was black flagged for not going to the rear of the field and his scoring card was pulled.
During the restart with just seven laps to go Rutan and Irwin raced side by side for the lead. Rutan eventually took the top spot when Irwin slipped off turn four. Rutan was coming out of turn four with the checkered flag in sight when he pounded the front stretch wall, allowing Irwin to catch up. Rutan then stood on the throttle and tumbled across the finish line.
The rest of the field did a remarkable job of avoiding Rutan in the middle groove of the front stretch. Nobody else was swept up in the incident. Rutan emerged from his car to a standing ovation from the ruckus capacity crowd. Victory lane ceremonies were conducted with Rutan’s car being lifted off the race track by the roll cage with heavy damage.
“The car didn’t feel right going into the corner,” said Rutan after the feature. “Then I ended up in the wall, and I could see (Irwin) there. So I just stood on the gas, and that’s when things got really wild.” The Main Event win was Rutan’s first of the 2007 season.
Rounding out the top five in “A” Main event were Gregg Dalman, Tim Norman, and Dain Naida. Heats were won by Dain, Rutan and Mann.
Fans were also treated to the Mini Stock and Factory Stock Season Championship races. Tim Epplett had earned the right to pace the Port City Racing Factory Stock main event with his lead in the point standings While the thirty year veteran ended up with a sixth place finish on the night, his steady runs resulted with him claiming the 2007 Factory Stock Season championship. Epplett’s season was special as he also picked up his first feature win of his career and later followed with two more main event wins. Janie Lorenz was winner of bragging rights and the night’s trophy. Lorenz entered the night second and points and was able to lead from start to finish. A hard charging Tony Weinrick was second. Robert Erickson, Bill Delong, and Justin Gilland completed the top five. Heat races were won by Delong, Erickson, and Joe Ferrier.
Don Keech turned fifty this week but that did not slow his efforts. Keech wrapped up the Spragues’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division Point title by winning the season championship race. The main event win was not easy as Luke Near pressured Keech all night. Near and Keech raced side by side before encountering lapped traffic late in the race. Near edged ahead of Keech only to back off as a lapped car blocked him. It was the advantage Keech needed as he went on to celebrate in Victory lane. The race for third was won by Adam Spencer over Glen Parker, and Joe McCormick. Heat races were won by Keech, and Andrew Bartoszek. Seth Moody claimed the 2007 Young Gun Season Point title.
How fitting that the two drivers who have shared the Point lead all season long would be line up next to each other in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Main event. John McCaul and Andy Sprague see each other more than their own family members. McCaul's two draw after his fast Qualifying effort put Sprague to his inside of the front row. While McCaul was dominant early in the season, it has been all Sprague late in the season. Tonight that did not change as Sprague led the field from start to finish. Sprague’s eighth win of the garnered him his first Track Championship of his career. John McCaul finished second ahead of Dan Dykman, Rich Neiser, and Steve McClees. Zak Rounds picked up his first checkered flag of the season picking up a Heat race win along with Greg Smith.
The Sportsman division saw Chad Weinrick power his way to victory lane. Weinrick held off Rob Sternberg late in the race by protecting the low groove. Weinrick’s win solidified his second place in the standings, but it was Ralph Sternberg who wrapped up the Sportsman Track title with a fifth place finish. Finishing in third and fourth positions in the main event were Jamie Gilmore and Larry Passenier in their main event. Heat races were won by Weinrick and Ben Falbe.
Next Weekend September 7th & 8th marks the “Fourth Annual Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway. It is a weekend for all race fans. Powder Puff, Mechanic races along with the Late Model Season Championship race highlight Friday Nights events, while Saturday is wall-to-wall action taking place for the “Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race program. Five divisions will be vying for huge trophies and racing purses. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sprague, Sternberg and Rector Take Home Trophy Honors
Friday, August 15
Sprague, Sternberg and Rector Take Home Trophy Honors
It was the start of Season Championship races at Winston Speedway on Friday August 17th. The UMP Modified, Sportsman, and Young Gun Divisions were the focus divisions of the night. Five-foot trophies, bragging rights and an increased pay off had drivers pushing their cars to the limit.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Division Andy Sprague entered the evening as the Points Leader for the first time this season. Sprague’s three-point advantage over John McCaul placed him on the pole for the start of their Season Championship race. All season these two drivers have shared the spot light. Most nights Sprague and McCaul were nose to tail for a win. That changed tonight as Sprague made a mockery of the rest of the field winning by almost a half-track. McCaul will stay on the heals of Sprague in the Points chase as he finished second over Greg Smith, Rich Neiser and Mike Wilbern. James Peery and Wilbern were Heat Race Winners. Sprague was the Fastest Modified in Qualifying.
It was Ralph Sternberg who entered the night at the top of the Point Standings for the Port City Racing Sportsman division Championship race, but it was his brother Rob Sternberg who left with all the accolades for the evening. Starting in the fifth position Rob Sternberg made his way to the front and beside his brother on lap two. By Lap three the brothers were swapping paint coming out of turn two for the lead. On lap four Rob Sternberg muscled his way inside of his sibling and grabbed the point. Once out front Rob Sternberg showed why he leads the Sportsman Division in Main event wins. Tonight he earned his sixth. An equally strong run was put on by runner-up Jamie Gilmore. The fact that Gilmore started eighth and charged to the front was impressive. More impressive was the fact that ten days prior Gilmore had two stints placed in his heart. Gilmore exemplified the phrase “You can’t be so afraid of dying that you are afraid to live”. Mike Anderson, Larry Passenier and Ralph Sternberg rounded out the top five. Passenier and Rob Sternberg won Heat Races.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Young Gun Championship race also saw a driver win for the sixth time. A huge trophy had these 13-15 year old drivers racing fast and furious, but one driver continues to be the cream of the crop. Points Leader Seth Moody paced the field early but it was CJ Rector who the fans were watching charge his way to the front. Rector was able to make his way by Moody on lap four and never look back. The race for second was won by Moody over Andrew Bartoszek, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald. The Heat race was also won by Rector.
Late Model Driver Tom Sprague Jr continues to be the hottest driver in Winston’s top division. Sprague led every lap of the 25 lap main event. Sprague’s win made it five on the season at Winston and his fourth in a row. Sprague’s win tonight guarantees him a starting spot in the pole position for August 24ths Season Championship race and puts him in the drivers seat to win the 2007 Points Title. Tim Stott, Rich Neiser, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Rob Taylor completed the top five. Heat races provided some of the best action of the night as Eddie Reyes and Sprague Jr both captured checkered flags winning by less than a foot at the flagstand. Rob Taylor was the Fast Qualifier on the night.
The Factory Stock division had their fun doubled on the night with a make-up feature along with their regular main event. In the make-up feature from August 3rd Tony Weinrick led all 15 laps to take to the win. Jamie Lorenz, Brad Bates, Tim Epplett, and Justin Gilland rounded out the top five. In their second main event of the evening it was points Leader Tim Epplett leading the entire race and picking up his third Main event win of the season. Weinrick was second followed by Lorenz, Justin Gilmore, and Jerry Fairchild. Gilland, Bates and Fairchild all garnered Heat Race wins.
Don Keech was the best of class in the Mini Stock division. Keech swept both the Main Event and Heat Race events. John Foss was second in the Feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Kyle Hulett.
Friday August 24th the Late Model, Factory Stock and Mini Stock Season Championship races headline the night’s events. Can Tom Sprague Jr win his fifth feature in a row in the Late Models? Can thirty-year racing veteran Tim Epplett win his first Points title in the Factory Stock? For answers to these questions, Winston Speedway is the place to be next Friday. For the best in Family Entertainment make your way to Winston Speedway.
Sprague, Sternberg and Rector Take Home Trophy Honors
It was the start of Season Championship races at Winston Speedway on Friday August 17th. The UMP Modified, Sportsman, and Young Gun Divisions were the focus divisions of the night. Five-foot trophies, bragging rights and an increased pay off had drivers pushing their cars to the limit.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Division Andy Sprague entered the evening as the Points Leader for the first time this season. Sprague’s three-point advantage over John McCaul placed him on the pole for the start of their Season Championship race. All season these two drivers have shared the spot light. Most nights Sprague and McCaul were nose to tail for a win. That changed tonight as Sprague made a mockery of the rest of the field winning by almost a half-track. McCaul will stay on the heals of Sprague in the Points chase as he finished second over Greg Smith, Rich Neiser and Mike Wilbern. James Peery and Wilbern were Heat Race Winners. Sprague was the Fastest Modified in Qualifying.
It was Ralph Sternberg who entered the night at the top of the Point Standings for the Port City Racing Sportsman division Championship race, but it was his brother Rob Sternberg who left with all the accolades for the evening. Starting in the fifth position Rob Sternberg made his way to the front and beside his brother on lap two. By Lap three the brothers were swapping paint coming out of turn two for the lead. On lap four Rob Sternberg muscled his way inside of his sibling and grabbed the point. Once out front Rob Sternberg showed why he leads the Sportsman Division in Main event wins. Tonight he earned his sixth. An equally strong run was put on by runner-up Jamie Gilmore. The fact that Gilmore started eighth and charged to the front was impressive. More impressive was the fact that ten days prior Gilmore had two stints placed in his heart. Gilmore exemplified the phrase “You can’t be so afraid of dying that you are afraid to live”. Mike Anderson, Larry Passenier and Ralph Sternberg rounded out the top five. Passenier and Rob Sternberg won Heat Races.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Young Gun Championship race also saw a driver win for the sixth time. A huge trophy had these 13-15 year old drivers racing fast and furious, but one driver continues to be the cream of the crop. Points Leader Seth Moody paced the field early but it was CJ Rector who the fans were watching charge his way to the front. Rector was able to make his way by Moody on lap four and never look back. The race for second was won by Moody over Andrew Bartoszek, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald. The Heat race was also won by Rector.
Late Model Driver Tom Sprague Jr continues to be the hottest driver in Winston’s top division. Sprague led every lap of the 25 lap main event. Sprague’s win made it five on the season at Winston and his fourth in a row. Sprague’s win tonight guarantees him a starting spot in the pole position for August 24ths Season Championship race and puts him in the drivers seat to win the 2007 Points Title. Tim Stott, Rich Neiser, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Rob Taylor completed the top five. Heat races provided some of the best action of the night as Eddie Reyes and Sprague Jr both captured checkered flags winning by less than a foot at the flagstand. Rob Taylor was the Fast Qualifier on the night.
The Factory Stock division had their fun doubled on the night with a make-up feature along with their regular main event. In the make-up feature from August 3rd Tony Weinrick led all 15 laps to take to the win. Jamie Lorenz, Brad Bates, Tim Epplett, and Justin Gilland rounded out the top five. In their second main event of the evening it was points Leader Tim Epplett leading the entire race and picking up his third Main event win of the season. Weinrick was second followed by Lorenz, Justin Gilmore, and Jerry Fairchild. Gilland, Bates and Fairchild all garnered Heat Race wins.
Don Keech was the best of class in the Mini Stock division. Keech swept both the Main Event and Heat Race events. John Foss was second in the Feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Kyle Hulett.
Friday August 24th the Late Model, Factory Stock and Mini Stock Season Championship races headline the night’s events. Can Tom Sprague Jr win his fifth feature in a row in the Late Models? Can thirty-year racing veteran Tim Epplett win his first Points title in the Factory Stock? For answers to these questions, Winston Speedway is the place to be next Friday. For the best in Family Entertainment make your way to Winston Speedway.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Woodard Wins Factory Stock Invitational at Winston Speedway
Friday, August 10
Woodard Wins Factory Stock Invitational at Winston Speedway
The Port City Racing and Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Factory Stock Invitational highlighted the Friday night race program on August 10th at Winston Speedway. The night could have been called “Band of Brothers” night as two brothers battled for a division leading fifth win in the Sportsman division and another brother loaned his car to his sibling to win the Factory Stock Invitational. Ninety-seven racecars entertained the fans on a track that provided two and three abreast racing.
The center of attention of the night was on the 25 lap, $400 to win Factory Stock Invitational. Kurt Woodard started on the pole and looked to dominate early. Only a caution on lap seven slowed Woodard. On the restart Woodard maintained a commanding lead. Fans watched battles all over the track but there was one car that stood out. Jerry Fairchild was on a mission as he worked his way from his eighth place starting spot. Racing on the high side of the track Fairchild patiently made his way to second with ten laps to go. With five laps to go Woodard and Fairchild showed who were the class of the field by outdistancing their nearest competitors by over ten car lengths. The crowd was brought to their feet as Fairchild closed what seemed an impossible lead to rear of Woodard’s bumper. On the last lap Fairchild made an inside move going through turns one and two. With Fairchild pulling to the door of Woodard down the backstretch Tony Weinrick and Chuck Smith made contact on the frontstrech resulting with Weinrick resting along the wall and setting up a one-lap shoot out. On the restart Woodard did a great job of staying in the middle groove. Fairchild’s last-ditch effort at the flagstand came up a little short as he settled for second. Woodard normally drives in the Sportsman division, but when his little brother Kyle asked him to drive his car tonight he did not hesitate. The entire Woodard family has reason to celebrate their $400 winners share. After battling for the lead early Brad Bates completed his run with a solid third place finish. Tim Epplett raced his way through the consolation feature to garner a fourth place. Veteran racer Scott Varney completed the top five. Besides Epplett, Matt Haight, Al TenBrink, Derek Passenier and Frank Harris earned transfer spot in the Consolation Feature. Rafeal Moreno was credited with the Consolation win. Heat races winners were Troy Marciniak, Joe Ferrier, and Chuck Smith.
2006 Late Model Champion Kevin Nelson continues to battle the bad luck bug while points leader Tom Sprague Jr is on the top of his game. Sprague tripped the clock as the fastest Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model. Sprague then proceeded to draw the one chip out of the can for the second week in a row. Nelson was placed to his right on the front row and immediately put his car in the lead. Running on the top edge of the track Nelson looked well on his way to a win when he slipped off from turn two. Nelson was placed to the rear and Sprague was placed at the point. Sprague did not let Nelson’s misfortune damper his efforts. Sprague went onto win his forth Main event of the season, and his third in a row. Rich Neiser raced his way into the second spot followed by Tom Dusen, Rob Taylor and Matt Pickard. Heat Race winners were Eddie Reyes and Kevin Nelson Jr.
After a 2006 season in which Mike Wilbern dominated in winning a track and state points titles, it would be and understatement to say his 2007 season has been a struggle. Wilbern’s season has been filled with broken parts and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tonight that changed as Wilbern started up front in the 23-car field and stayed there for all twenty laps. Wilbern’s win was his second of the season. The race for second was entertaining as three different drivers shared the spot. The final turn saw Andy Spargue hold onto second place over Greg Smith, Rich Neiser and Derek Poland. Winners of Heat races were, Jeremy Holman, Fran Couch, and Rich Neiser.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be a playground for the Sternberg brothers. Both Rob and Ralph Sternberg entered the night with four main event wins under their belt. Both would lead laps tonight but Rob’s pass of Ralph on lap seven turned out to be the pass for the win. Dan Wilson made his first visit to Winston Speedway a strong one. Wilson was able to make his way by Ralph Stenberg on the last lap to finish second. Kyle Borgman and Mike Anderson completed the top five. Borgman and Harvey Gould won Heat races.
Luke Near continued his dominance as of late in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Near won both the Main event and Heat races. Near’s Main Event win was another standout effort as head led every single lap. Don Keech was second followed by April Spriggs, John Foss and Adam Spencer.
CJ Rector wishes he had started the season on opening night. At his present pace he would definitely be the Points leader. Rector has been the class of the field in the Young Gun division over the last 6 weeks picking up his fourth Main event win. Rector also won the Heat race. Andrew Bartozsek raced his way to second in the main event followed by Seth Moody, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald.
Friday August 17th will be the Sportsman and UMP Modified Season Championship races. All six divisions of racing will be back in full force. The Season is winding down but the action is heating up. The race for track championship titles is on the line. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Woodard Wins Factory Stock Invitational at Winston Speedway
The Port City Racing and Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Factory Stock Invitational highlighted the Friday night race program on August 10th at Winston Speedway. The night could have been called “Band of Brothers” night as two brothers battled for a division leading fifth win in the Sportsman division and another brother loaned his car to his sibling to win the Factory Stock Invitational. Ninety-seven racecars entertained the fans on a track that provided two and three abreast racing.
The center of attention of the night was on the 25 lap, $400 to win Factory Stock Invitational. Kurt Woodard started on the pole and looked to dominate early. Only a caution on lap seven slowed Woodard. On the restart Woodard maintained a commanding lead. Fans watched battles all over the track but there was one car that stood out. Jerry Fairchild was on a mission as he worked his way from his eighth place starting spot. Racing on the high side of the track Fairchild patiently made his way to second with ten laps to go. With five laps to go Woodard and Fairchild showed who were the class of the field by outdistancing their nearest competitors by over ten car lengths. The crowd was brought to their feet as Fairchild closed what seemed an impossible lead to rear of Woodard’s bumper. On the last lap Fairchild made an inside move going through turns one and two. With Fairchild pulling to the door of Woodard down the backstretch Tony Weinrick and Chuck Smith made contact on the frontstrech resulting with Weinrick resting along the wall and setting up a one-lap shoot out. On the restart Woodard did a great job of staying in the middle groove. Fairchild’s last-ditch effort at the flagstand came up a little short as he settled for second. Woodard normally drives in the Sportsman division, but when his little brother Kyle asked him to drive his car tonight he did not hesitate. The entire Woodard family has reason to celebrate their $400 winners share. After battling for the lead early Brad Bates completed his run with a solid third place finish. Tim Epplett raced his way through the consolation feature to garner a fourth place. Veteran racer Scott Varney completed the top five. Besides Epplett, Matt Haight, Al TenBrink, Derek Passenier and Frank Harris earned transfer spot in the Consolation Feature. Rafeal Moreno was credited with the Consolation win. Heat races winners were Troy Marciniak, Joe Ferrier, and Chuck Smith.
2006 Late Model Champion Kevin Nelson continues to battle the bad luck bug while points leader Tom Sprague Jr is on the top of his game. Sprague tripped the clock as the fastest Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model. Sprague then proceeded to draw the one chip out of the can for the second week in a row. Nelson was placed to his right on the front row and immediately put his car in the lead. Running on the top edge of the track Nelson looked well on his way to a win when he slipped off from turn two. Nelson was placed to the rear and Sprague was placed at the point. Sprague did not let Nelson’s misfortune damper his efforts. Sprague went onto win his forth Main event of the season, and his third in a row. Rich Neiser raced his way into the second spot followed by Tom Dusen, Rob Taylor and Matt Pickard. Heat Race winners were Eddie Reyes and Kevin Nelson Jr.
After a 2006 season in which Mike Wilbern dominated in winning a track and state points titles, it would be and understatement to say his 2007 season has been a struggle. Wilbern’s season has been filled with broken parts and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tonight that changed as Wilbern started up front in the 23-car field and stayed there for all twenty laps. Wilbern’s win was his second of the season. The race for second was entertaining as three different drivers shared the spot. The final turn saw Andy Spargue hold onto second place over Greg Smith, Rich Neiser and Derek Poland. Winners of Heat races were, Jeremy Holman, Fran Couch, and Rich Neiser.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be a playground for the Sternberg brothers. Both Rob and Ralph Sternberg entered the night with four main event wins under their belt. Both would lead laps tonight but Rob’s pass of Ralph on lap seven turned out to be the pass for the win. Dan Wilson made his first visit to Winston Speedway a strong one. Wilson was able to make his way by Ralph Stenberg on the last lap to finish second. Kyle Borgman and Mike Anderson completed the top five. Borgman and Harvey Gould won Heat races.
Luke Near continued his dominance as of late in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Near won both the Main event and Heat races. Near’s Main Event win was another standout effort as head led every single lap. Don Keech was second followed by April Spriggs, John Foss and Adam Spencer.
CJ Rector wishes he had started the season on opening night. At his present pace he would definitely be the Points leader. Rector has been the class of the field in the Young Gun division over the last 6 weeks picking up his fourth Main event win. Rector also won the Heat race. Andrew Bartozsek raced his way to second in the main event followed by Seth Moody, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald.
Friday August 17th will be the Sportsman and UMP Modified Season Championship races. All six divisions of racing will be back in full force. The Season is winding down but the action is heating up. The race for track championship titles is on the line. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Circle track racing no drag for Heskett
Thursday, August 09, 2007
By Scott Brandenburg
Chronicle correspondent
C.J. Heskett has made the move from drag racing to circle track racing and he isn't looking back.
Heskett, a 34-year-old Muskegon resident, had been a fixture on the local drag racing circuit for half his life before calling it quits.
At the end of last year an opportunity to try something new -- circle tracks -- presented itself and Heskett has been hooked ever since.
"I just got burned out on drag racing," said Heskett. "For the most part it's you racing against the clock and yourself and it's 10 seconds and you go into the pit and wait until your next 10 seconds.
"On the circle track you get to race against yourself and 15-20 other racers every time and I like that."
Even though the love of his new sport has blossomed quickly Heskett's execution on the dirt hasn't morphed overnight.
Heskett's best finish at either Winston Motor Speedway or Thunderbird Race Park is ninth this season and the adapting process has been slowed by a lack of race time for the Orchard View graduate.
"We started really late this season and then I messed my knee up and had to get that taken care of," said Heskett, who plans on competing again at Winston Friday. "I've only had 13 or 14 feature races this season and I really need the time behind the wheel to get better. I'm getting there though."
Last year Heskett was talking to John Hammerle about how Hammerle had a car no one was driving.
Pretty soon Heskett and Hammerle, who works at J. and J. Machine, came to the conclusion they'd give racing with the 2002 Masters Built car powered by Ford a try.
Since then the team, which is helped by Fran Couch, has put it's time and energy into getting the Late Model car to race as well as possible.
"We've still got a ways to go," said Heskett. We can definitely get more out of the car and I'm still learning. I learn a lot just by watching these guys and trying to do what they do."
The No. 5 car has had its moments this season, turning in the fastest time once and coming close several times.
Heskett knows a top 5 finish could be possible but he doesn't want to speculate.
Once the experience is in place Heskett hopes there will be nothing holding him back."
By Scott Brandenburg
Chronicle correspondent
C.J. Heskett has made the move from drag racing to circle track racing and he isn't looking back.
Heskett, a 34-year-old Muskegon resident, had been a fixture on the local drag racing circuit for half his life before calling it quits.
At the end of last year an opportunity to try something new -- circle tracks -- presented itself and Heskett has been hooked ever since.
"I just got burned out on drag racing," said Heskett. "For the most part it's you racing against the clock and yourself and it's 10 seconds and you go into the pit and wait until your next 10 seconds.
"On the circle track you get to race against yourself and 15-20 other racers every time and I like that."
Even though the love of his new sport has blossomed quickly Heskett's execution on the dirt hasn't morphed overnight.
Heskett's best finish at either Winston Motor Speedway or Thunderbird Race Park is ninth this season and the adapting process has been slowed by a lack of race time for the Orchard View graduate.
"We started really late this season and then I messed my knee up and had to get that taken care of," said Heskett, who plans on competing again at Winston Friday. "I've only had 13 or 14 feature races this season and I really need the time behind the wheel to get better. I'm getting there though."
Last year Heskett was talking to John Hammerle about how Hammerle had a car no one was driving.
Pretty soon Heskett and Hammerle, who works at J. and J. Machine, came to the conclusion they'd give racing with the 2002 Masters Built car powered by Ford a try.
Since then the team, which is helped by Fran Couch, has put it's time and energy into getting the Late Model car to race as well as possible.
"We've still got a ways to go," said Heskett. We can definitely get more out of the car and I'm still learning. I learn a lot just by watching these guys and trying to do what they do."
The No. 5 car has had its moments this season, turning in the fastest time once and coming close several times.
Heskett knows a top 5 finish could be possible but he doesn't want to speculate.
Once the experience is in place Heskett hopes there will be nothing holding him back."
Sunday, August 5, 2007
......and they walked away
Sunday, August 5
Sportsman drivers #16 Cody Weisner and #55 Harvey Gould had a violent crash Friday August 3rd. Gould hit Weisner at almost full speed right in front of the flagstand causing his car to clip another car and fliping his. Both Drivers walked away much to the awe and delight of the fans
Sportsman drivers #16 Cody Weisner and #55 Harvey Gould had a violent crash Friday August 3rd. Gould hit Weisner at almost full speed right in front of the flagstand causing his car to clip another car and fliping his. Both Drivers walked away much to the awe and delight of the fans
Thursday, August 2, 2007
McCaul leads points chase at two tracks
Thursday, August 02, 2007
By Scott Brandenburg
Chronicle correspondent
For 15 years, John McCaul has devoted part of the week and nearly all of the summer weekends to auto racing.
Judging by his resume the last four years at Winston Motor Speedway and Thunderbird Race Park, the Montague resident has gotten it all figured out in that time.
The No. 27 car has been nearly unstoppable over the course of a full season on the two local circle tracks, charging to two season points titles apiece in the modified division.
McCaul appears to be well on his way to a third points title on both tracks as he leads at both Winston and Thunderbird heading into August.
"A lot of it is just experience," said the 32-year-old McCaul. "We've got good equipment and we do our homework.
"There's quite a bit that goes into getting the cars set up to making them go."
McCaul owns a 100-point lead over second-place Andy Sprague in the UMP Mods standings at Thunderbird.
Over at Winston, it's a lot closer as McCaul leads Sprague by 29 points.
In addition to watching the points race at the local tracks closely, McCaul is keeping tabs on his standing in the regional and national UMP standings. In the region, he's top five and in the nation he's top 20 with plenty of racing to go.
"If I race well for my 35 races I can make a push," said McCaul. "I know that some of the drivers up there have more races than me right now."
McCaul owns his own business, called Tutak Trucking and Excavating, in Whitehall.
He thanked wife Becky and their two kids for being so supportive of giving up a lot of weekends during the year to racing. McCaul also gives a lot of credit to John Stuberg, who owns some of the cars McCaul drives and makes sure everything's in good shape.
Since the two formed a partnership five years ago, they have racked up the wins and the points.
The two-time defending champion at Thunderbird is looking forward to more wins and battles for the checkered flag for the rest of the year.
"I just love racing," said McCaul. "I love being up front with those competitive racers. Andy Sprague and Greg Smith and Mike Wilburn and those guys, they love to compete and it's just fun driving up there against them."
By Scott Brandenburg
Chronicle correspondent
For 15 years, John McCaul has devoted part of the week and nearly all of the summer weekends to auto racing.
Judging by his resume the last four years at Winston Motor Speedway and Thunderbird Race Park, the Montague resident has gotten it all figured out in that time.
The No. 27 car has been nearly unstoppable over the course of a full season on the two local circle tracks, charging to two season points titles apiece in the modified division.
McCaul appears to be well on his way to a third points title on both tracks as he leads at both Winston and Thunderbird heading into August.
"A lot of it is just experience," said the 32-year-old McCaul. "We've got good equipment and we do our homework.
"There's quite a bit that goes into getting the cars set up to making them go."
McCaul owns a 100-point lead over second-place Andy Sprague in the UMP Mods standings at Thunderbird.
Over at Winston, it's a lot closer as McCaul leads Sprague by 29 points.
In addition to watching the points race at the local tracks closely, McCaul is keeping tabs on his standing in the regional and national UMP standings. In the region, he's top five and in the nation he's top 20 with plenty of racing to go.
"If I race well for my 35 races I can make a push," said McCaul. "I know that some of the drivers up there have more races than me right now."
McCaul owns his own business, called Tutak Trucking and Excavating, in Whitehall.
He thanked wife Becky and their two kids for being so supportive of giving up a lot of weekends during the year to racing. McCaul also gives a lot of credit to John Stuberg, who owns some of the cars McCaul drives and makes sure everything's in good shape.
Since the two formed a partnership five years ago, they have racked up the wins and the points.
The two-time defending champion at Thunderbird is looking forward to more wins and battles for the checkered flag for the rest of the year.
"I just love racing," said McCaul. "I love being up front with those competitive racers. Andy Sprague and Greg Smith and Mike Wilburn and those guys, they love to compete and it's just fun driving up there against them."
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Neiser Wins on "Fan Appreciation Night" at Winston Speedway
Friday, August 1
Neiser Wins on "Fan Appreciation Night" at Winston Speedway
Friday August 3rd was “Fan Appreciation Night” at Winston Speedway. Part of the race program was dedicated to let the fans get an up close look at their favorite drivers and racecars. Fans were allowed on the front stretch of the track to a line of 100 racecars and drivers who aligned themselves four abreast. Photo opportunities and autographs were the main attraction for many. When the racing started it was non-stop action.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division one driver continues to be the cream of the crop. Tom Sprague Jr continues to show that when you combine talent with a little luck you are going to be hard to beat. Sprague Jr promptly pulled a one chip for the Main Event inversion after his fast Qualifying efforts. Starting on the pole Sprague took the lead and began to pull away from the rest of the field. By lap 13 Sprague was in lapped traffic. Four cautions in the last ten laps were the only delay in Sprague’s third trip to victory lane at Winston. A restart with five laps did see Kevin Nelson put a power slide in front of Sprague in turn one only to see Sprague sling shot past him in turn two. Once Sprague was out front all attention was focused on the battle for second. Rob Taylor powered his way to the outside of Nelson and was able to beat Nelson for the runner-up spot by a bumper. Rich Neiser was fourth. Matt Pickard completed the top five. Heat races were won by Denny Lynn Jr, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Scott Wenell.
It has been eight weeks since a UMP Modified driver other than John McCaul or Andy Sprague has seen victory lane. Tonight their streak ended as Rich Neiser was able to lead every lap for the win. Sprague and McCaul were glued to Neiser’s bumper the entire event. One slip was all they needed to take another win but Neiser hit all his marks flying on the very top groove of the track. Much to the delight of the fans Neiser celebrated his win with victory donuts on the front stretch. Fresh of a win at Butler Motor Speedway Wednesday night Sprague settled for second. Points Leader John McCaul was third. Greg Smith was fourth followed by Dan Dykman. Heat Race winners were Jamie Woodring, Tim Tuttle, and Neiser. Derek Poland was the fastest Modified in Time Trials.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division had the fans to their feet for a number of reasons, the first being a violent crash. A restart after a caution on lap three found Mike Wiseman and Kody Weisner make contact on the frontstretch that caused their cars to become hooked and coast into the frontstretch wall. Weisner was left stalled in front of the flagstand with cars dodging to the inside of the track. Harvey Gould was almost at full speed as he hit Weisner in the rear pushing Wesiner’s fuel cell almost to the back of the drivers seat. Gould careened to the inside where he rode over the top of Mike Pickard’s front end causing Gould’s car to flip violently to the inside of the track. The red flag was waved immediately. All drivers were OK but it will take many hours of work to see the cars of Weisner and Gould on the racetrack again. After a lengthy clean-up period Jared Guiin was the leader. Ralph Sternberg was able to find bite on the high side of the track and made his way to the point on lap eight. Sternberg’s pass held on for the rest of the race and he went on to win his fourth feature of the season. Sternberg’s win ironically ties him with his brother Rob for the divisional lead in main event wins and places him at the top of the Point Standings for the first time this season. Guinn was second followed by Mike Wiseman, Chad Weinrick, and Larry Passenier. Garnering Heat race wins were Ralph Sternberg and Brain Lasak.
The Factory Stock division fell culprit to the track curfew. Because they have a 25 lap Invitational next Friday August 10th, drivers elected to run double features on August 17th as a make up to tonight’s main event. Heat races were won by Devin Vanderstelt, Jamie Lorenz, and Robert Erickson.
Car counts and excitement in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division continue to grow. Luke Near’s front wheel drive Dodge continues to be at the front of the pack as of late. Near swept both the Feature and Heat races. Don Keech was second followed by Carl McCann. The race for fourth turned into a scramble as April Spriggs spun out in the last turn leaving Joe McCormick and Moorman dodging their way to the fourth and fifth spots.
Glen Parker was the winner in the Young Gun Division. Parker led every lap in besting Seth Moody, Andrew Bartoszek, CJ Rector and Eric Harrald for the win. Moody was the Heat Race winner.
The Factory Stock division will take center stage Next Friday Night August 10th. Port City Racing along with Integra Racing Shocks and Springs will be sponsoring a 25 lap $400 to win Factory Stock Invitational. Combine this with five other divisions of racing and it will be a Friday night of racing you will not want to miss. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Neiser Wins on "Fan Appreciation Night" at Winston Speedway
Friday August 3rd was “Fan Appreciation Night” at Winston Speedway. Part of the race program was dedicated to let the fans get an up close look at their favorite drivers and racecars. Fans were allowed on the front stretch of the track to a line of 100 racecars and drivers who aligned themselves four abreast. Photo opportunities and autographs were the main attraction for many. When the racing started it was non-stop action.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division one driver continues to be the cream of the crop. Tom Sprague Jr continues to show that when you combine talent with a little luck you are going to be hard to beat. Sprague Jr promptly pulled a one chip for the Main Event inversion after his fast Qualifying efforts. Starting on the pole Sprague took the lead and began to pull away from the rest of the field. By lap 13 Sprague was in lapped traffic. Four cautions in the last ten laps were the only delay in Sprague’s third trip to victory lane at Winston. A restart with five laps did see Kevin Nelson put a power slide in front of Sprague in turn one only to see Sprague sling shot past him in turn two. Once Sprague was out front all attention was focused on the battle for second. Rob Taylor powered his way to the outside of Nelson and was able to beat Nelson for the runner-up spot by a bumper. Rich Neiser was fourth. Matt Pickard completed the top five. Heat races were won by Denny Lynn Jr, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Scott Wenell.
It has been eight weeks since a UMP Modified driver other than John McCaul or Andy Sprague has seen victory lane. Tonight their streak ended as Rich Neiser was able to lead every lap for the win. Sprague and McCaul were glued to Neiser’s bumper the entire event. One slip was all they needed to take another win but Neiser hit all his marks flying on the very top groove of the track. Much to the delight of the fans Neiser celebrated his win with victory donuts on the front stretch. Fresh of a win at Butler Motor Speedway Wednesday night Sprague settled for second. Points Leader John McCaul was third. Greg Smith was fourth followed by Dan Dykman. Heat Race winners were Jamie Woodring, Tim Tuttle, and Neiser. Derek Poland was the fastest Modified in Time Trials.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division had the fans to their feet for a number of reasons, the first being a violent crash. A restart after a caution on lap three found Mike Wiseman and Kody Weisner make contact on the frontstretch that caused their cars to become hooked and coast into the frontstretch wall. Weisner was left stalled in front of the flagstand with cars dodging to the inside of the track. Harvey Gould was almost at full speed as he hit Weisner in the rear pushing Wesiner’s fuel cell almost to the back of the drivers seat. Gould careened to the inside where he rode over the top of Mike Pickard’s front end causing Gould’s car to flip violently to the inside of the track. The red flag was waved immediately. All drivers were OK but it will take many hours of work to see the cars of Weisner and Gould on the racetrack again. After a lengthy clean-up period Jared Guiin was the leader. Ralph Sternberg was able to find bite on the high side of the track and made his way to the point on lap eight. Sternberg’s pass held on for the rest of the race and he went on to win his fourth feature of the season. Sternberg’s win ironically ties him with his brother Rob for the divisional lead in main event wins and places him at the top of the Point Standings for the first time this season. Guinn was second followed by Mike Wiseman, Chad Weinrick, and Larry Passenier. Garnering Heat race wins were Ralph Sternberg and Brain Lasak.
The Factory Stock division fell culprit to the track curfew. Because they have a 25 lap Invitational next Friday August 10th, drivers elected to run double features on August 17th as a make up to tonight’s main event. Heat races were won by Devin Vanderstelt, Jamie Lorenz, and Robert Erickson.
Car counts and excitement in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division continue to grow. Luke Near’s front wheel drive Dodge continues to be at the front of the pack as of late. Near swept both the Feature and Heat races. Don Keech was second followed by Carl McCann. The race for fourth turned into a scramble as April Spriggs spun out in the last turn leaving Joe McCormick and Moorman dodging their way to the fourth and fifth spots.
Glen Parker was the winner in the Young Gun Division. Parker led every lap in besting Seth Moody, Andrew Bartoszek, CJ Rector and Eric Harrald for the win. Moody was the Heat Race winner.
The Factory Stock division will take center stage Next Friday Night August 10th. Port City Racing along with Integra Racing Shocks and Springs will be sponsoring a 25 lap $400 to win Factory Stock Invitational. Combine this with five other divisions of racing and it will be a Friday night of racing you will not want to miss. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Former Amateur Champion Vandoorn Wins at Toledo
Tuesday, July 22
Former Amateur Champion Vandoorn Wins at Toledo
Vandoorn Conquers Toledo; Stops Fair JR.'s Win Streak at 3
TOLEDO, OH (7-20-2007)--John VanDoorn, piloting Tim Steele’s #16, wheeled his way to victory in the Faygo 100 for the ARCA Royal Truck and Trailer/Allegiant Air Gold Cup Late Model feature Friday night at Toledo Speedway, putting a halt to Harold Fair Jr.’s 3 consecutive wins this season. Al Chittaro of Faygo presented John with the Gold Cup in the Glass Bowl Lanes Winner’s Circle.
A pair of quick yellow flags slowed the field in the first 50 laps as Dave Kuhlman jumped into the lead at the green flag. With an inversion of the top 11 cars, Kuhlman darted away as the pack battled with lapped traffic through much of the contest. At the half-way mark, Kevin Stahl had an engine let go in turn 3 and Brad Birr got caught up in the oil, sending him hard into the turn 3 wall. Both drivers were ok. While Dave sailed out front, Jay Sommers with battled with Steve Sauve, Van Doorn and a host of others for the second spot. The red flag came out on lap 63 when Kuhlman had the plug pop out of the rear end of his machine, coating the track. Sommers, behind Dave by about a ¼ of a lap, found the oil and slammed the turn 2 wall, stopping the action as the track was cleared and Jay’s car removed. Kuhlman ducked down pit road, as did Sauve. This found VanDoorn on the point at the re-start on lap 64, and the youngster sped away. Harold Fair Sr. tried to track down John and came home with a great second place run, Fair Jr. was third after dropping back just past lap 50 when he tagged the front straight wall. He was able to continue and followed his father at the finish, with Sauve fourth and fast qualifier Scott Hantz (15:287) fifth after a pit stop on a yellow flag. Kuhlman got back out and took sixth, with Jack Landis, Eric Lee, Justin Schroeder and Dr. Bob DuCharme completing the top ten. John Rowloff took 11th spot, netting him the Burge Wrecking Hard Charger Award.
Former Amateur Champion Vandoorn Wins at Toledo
Vandoorn Conquers Toledo; Stops Fair JR.'s Win Streak at 3
TOLEDO, OH (7-20-2007)--John VanDoorn, piloting Tim Steele’s #16, wheeled his way to victory in the Faygo 100 for the ARCA Royal Truck and Trailer/Allegiant Air Gold Cup Late Model feature Friday night at Toledo Speedway, putting a halt to Harold Fair Jr.’s 3 consecutive wins this season. Al Chittaro of Faygo presented John with the Gold Cup in the Glass Bowl Lanes Winner’s Circle.
A pair of quick yellow flags slowed the field in the first 50 laps as Dave Kuhlman jumped into the lead at the green flag. With an inversion of the top 11 cars, Kuhlman darted away as the pack battled with lapped traffic through much of the contest. At the half-way mark, Kevin Stahl had an engine let go in turn 3 and Brad Birr got caught up in the oil, sending him hard into the turn 3 wall. Both drivers were ok. While Dave sailed out front, Jay Sommers with battled with Steve Sauve, Van Doorn and a host of others for the second spot. The red flag came out on lap 63 when Kuhlman had the plug pop out of the rear end of his machine, coating the track. Sommers, behind Dave by about a ¼ of a lap, found the oil and slammed the turn 2 wall, stopping the action as the track was cleared and Jay’s car removed. Kuhlman ducked down pit road, as did Sauve. This found VanDoorn on the point at the re-start on lap 64, and the youngster sped away. Harold Fair Sr. tried to track down John and came home with a great second place run, Fair Jr. was third after dropping back just past lap 50 when he tagged the front straight wall. He was able to continue and followed his father at the finish, with Sauve fourth and fast qualifier Scott Hantz (15:287) fifth after a pit stop on a yellow flag. Kuhlman got back out and took sixth, with Jack Landis, Eric Lee, Justin Schroeder and Dr. Bob DuCharme completing the top ten. John Rowloff took 11th spot, netting him the Burge Wrecking Hard Charger Award.
Nate Bostrom Update
Tuesday, July 22
Former Winston Speedway Modified driver and present Sprint Car driver Nate Bostrom took quite a tumble Friday during Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series show. Bostrom was looking to stay on pace at the start of the Topless Sprint Feature when he ducked to the inside line. During the move he caught a competitors tire causing his car to flip and twist over in a violent nature. The impact was so hard the Fuel Cell came loose from the car. The Chassis was totaled
Nate's injuries were not life threatening, but the hard impact caused fractures in three vertebrae in his back. He is home but is very sore.
The Bostrom family would like to thank the workers involved in getting Nate out of the car. They put themselves in harms way with leaking fuel all around Nate and his sprint car. The Bostroms are very grateful. They would also like to thank those who expressed their concerns Friday Night and continue to do so.
The Bostrom race team will let Nate heal and evaluate the rest of the 2007 season.
Former Winston Speedway Modified driver and present Sprint Car driver Nate Bostrom took quite a tumble Friday during Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series show. Bostrom was looking to stay on pace at the start of the Topless Sprint Feature when he ducked to the inside line. During the move he caught a competitors tire causing his car to flip and twist over in a violent nature. The impact was so hard the Fuel Cell came loose from the car. The Chassis was totaled
Nate's injuries were not life threatening, but the hard impact caused fractures in three vertebrae in his back. He is home but is very sore.
The Bostrom family would like to thank the workers involved in getting Nate out of the car. They put themselves in harms way with leaking fuel all around Nate and his sprint car. The Bostroms are very grateful. They would also like to thank those who expressed their concerns Friday Night and continue to do so.
The Bostrom race team will let Nate heal and evaluate the rest of the 2007 season.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Turning up the heat - #20 Chad WeinrickTurning up the heat
Thursday, July 19
Turning up the heat - #20 Chad WeinrickTurning up the heat
Scott Brandenburg Chronicle correspondent
Three years ago, Chad Weinrick wasn't even on the local auto racing radar. Today, the Twin Lake resident has his name listed with some of the top local racing drivers in the nation. In just his second full season of racing, Weinrick has raced well enough to move into the top five in the nation in the UMP points standings for the Sportsman class. Despite a relative lack of experience, Weinrick has his sights set high for the remainder of the season as well. "I'd love to win the points race nationally," said Weinrick. "That's what I'm shooting for. I think I can do it."
The national points winner will be awarded to the person who accumulates the most points out of 25 feature races. If a driver competes in more than 25, only the best 25 will be counted. Weinrick is having such a steady season at both Winston Motor Speedway and Thunderbird Raceway that he has totaled the fourth-best total in points in the nation at 1,343 -- only 138 behind leader Greg Kimmons of Illinois.
According to Weinrick, he isn't worried too much about catching Kimmons because there's several tracks to choose from around the Chicago area and Kimmons' likely has more races finished than he does. In fact, the top three in the standings are from Illinois. Weinrick is also leading the way at Winston with 611 points in the Sportsman series, 10 points ahead of Ralph Sternberg. "The first thing I think about when I get in the car and start driving is getting to the front," said the 34-year-old Orchard View graduate. "I'm very aggressive when it comes to trying to move up." Turning up the heat For several years, Weinrick's race of choice was drag racing. However, three years ago he traded his dragster to his friend Dean Wilkerson for a race car and competed for half a season in the Bombers class.
Weinrick immediately decided he wanted to move up and bought a 2006 Monte Carlo, which looks more like the Winston Cup cars than what many local competitors drive. He's looked awfully comfortable in his No. 20 car ever since. Last year, Weinrick won the Mid-Michigan points series and finished runner-up at Winston. This year could be even better. "I'm having a blast," said Weinrick. "Everything's been going great and I got a lot of people rooting me on and helping me out and a very supportive family.
I'd like to thank my wife, Christy, for being so understanding." C.J. Heskett's the engine builder behind the Weinrick team, Fran Couch helps work on the car and Brandon Olsen serves as the crew chief. Together, the team, which has sponsors from Vor-tech Heating and Cooling, Four Seasons Home Crafters, Fairfield Dentral, Old Clover Bar and Mossy Oak Builders, is speeding toward a possible points title. So far, Weinrick has three feature wins -- two at Winston and one at Thunderbird. His best race may have been in this past Saturday's 75-lap Quad Memorial at Thunderbird. In that race, Weinrick started 15th, sat in 20th at the halfway point and roared back to take third. "I cleaned the radiator off and they made me go to the back of the pack," said Weinrick. "It helped though. "I can't really explain how I've done so well so quickly. Things have just clicked."
Turning up the heat - #20 Chad WeinrickTurning up the heat
Scott Brandenburg Chronicle correspondent
Three years ago, Chad Weinrick wasn't even on the local auto racing radar. Today, the Twin Lake resident has his name listed with some of the top local racing drivers in the nation. In just his second full season of racing, Weinrick has raced well enough to move into the top five in the nation in the UMP points standings for the Sportsman class. Despite a relative lack of experience, Weinrick has his sights set high for the remainder of the season as well. "I'd love to win the points race nationally," said Weinrick. "That's what I'm shooting for. I think I can do it."
The national points winner will be awarded to the person who accumulates the most points out of 25 feature races. If a driver competes in more than 25, only the best 25 will be counted. Weinrick is having such a steady season at both Winston Motor Speedway and Thunderbird Raceway that he has totaled the fourth-best total in points in the nation at 1,343 -- only 138 behind leader Greg Kimmons of Illinois.
According to Weinrick, he isn't worried too much about catching Kimmons because there's several tracks to choose from around the Chicago area and Kimmons' likely has more races finished than he does. In fact, the top three in the standings are from Illinois. Weinrick is also leading the way at Winston with 611 points in the Sportsman series, 10 points ahead of Ralph Sternberg. "The first thing I think about when I get in the car and start driving is getting to the front," said the 34-year-old Orchard View graduate. "I'm very aggressive when it comes to trying to move up." Turning up the heat For several years, Weinrick's race of choice was drag racing. However, three years ago he traded his dragster to his friend Dean Wilkerson for a race car and competed for half a season in the Bombers class.
Weinrick immediately decided he wanted to move up and bought a 2006 Monte Carlo, which looks more like the Winston Cup cars than what many local competitors drive. He's looked awfully comfortable in his No. 20 car ever since. Last year, Weinrick won the Mid-Michigan points series and finished runner-up at Winston. This year could be even better. "I'm having a blast," said Weinrick. "Everything's been going great and I got a lot of people rooting me on and helping me out and a very supportive family.
I'd like to thank my wife, Christy, for being so understanding." C.J. Heskett's the engine builder behind the Weinrick team, Fran Couch helps work on the car and Brandon Olsen serves as the crew chief. Together, the team, which has sponsors from Vor-tech Heating and Cooling, Four Seasons Home Crafters, Fairfield Dentral, Old Clover Bar and Mossy Oak Builders, is speeding toward a possible points title. So far, Weinrick has three feature wins -- two at Winston and one at Thunderbird. His best race may have been in this past Saturday's 75-lap Quad Memorial at Thunderbird. In that race, Weinrick started 15th, sat in 20th at the halfway point and roared back to take third. "I cleaned the radiator off and they made me go to the back of the pack," said Weinrick. "It helped though. "I can't really explain how I've done so well so quickly. Things have just clicked."
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
John Lowe "Sprints" His Way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Friday, July 18
John Lowe "Sprints" His Way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Drivers can always tell you where and when they picked up their first main event win. For one Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series driver he will remember Friday July 20th, 2007 and Winston Speedway. After nearly an hour and numerous cautions including a red flag John Lowe found him self on the front stretch celebrating his first sprint car win of his career.
The Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series started their main event four different times before the first lap was taken off the record book. The longest stop in racing action happened when Muskegon driver Nate Bostrom rode up on top of another competitors wheel on the front stretch. Bostrom’s car flipped and twisted with a hard impact right in front of the stands. Bostrom’s hit was so hard his fuel cell came loose from his racecar. Bostrom was able to exit his car very gingerly on his own, but was taken by ambulance for further evaluation. When racing action resumed it looked like Mike Astrouskas was going to lead from start to finish from his pole starting position. Astrouskas set a torrid pace on the low groove of the track while John Lowe and Nick Landon kept working the high groove. As laps wound down fans witnessed Lowe’s and Landon’s efforts come to life. With six laps to go Lowe, Astrouskas and Landon had the fans on their feet as they came out of turn two three abreast. By the time they completed the lap Astrouskas had fallen from first to third and Lowe and Landon were racing side by side. Lowe finally gained a comfortable lead with three laps to go. Landon’s effort to grab the point away from Lowe resulted with him sliding to the top of the track in turn two on the white flag lap. Landon’s error cost him as Astrouskas took advantage grabbing the runner-up spot. Landon settled for third. Steve Irwin was fourth followed by Tim Evilizer. Heat Race winners were Steve Irwin and Mike Astrouskas.
Many of the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified drivers have to be scratching their heads. It seems every week Andy Sprague and John McCaul are out front racing for the win by nights end. Tonight was no different. Sprague started on the outside front row with McCaul right behind. Sprague made his way to the point quickly on the high groove while McCaul cleared traffic and jumped to the low groove. With eight laps to go Sprague came out of turn four deciding to change his racing line. Coming down the front stretch McCaul and Sprague made contact with each other all the way past the grandstands. The resulting contact left Sprague spinning and McCaul being sent to the rear after the yellow flag was waved. Sprague held onto the lead for two more caution restarts to pick up his sixth feature win at Winston. Greg Smith continues to show his poise in his rookie Modified season coming from his tenth place starting position to finish second. Steve McClees was third followed by Derek Poland and Jeremy Holman. After his mishap racing for the win Points Leader McCaul charged his way from the rear of the field to finish eleventh. Heat Races were won by Smith and Randy Whitten. Sprague Swept the Qualifying and Dash events.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division saw their part of the race program cut short. A 30-minute red flag caution in the Sprint car race main event along with a lengthy Factory Stock feature were the main culprits for Winston reaching its 11:30 PM curfew. The Sportsman division will run two features on Friday July 27th. In Heat race action Stan Dodds and Rob Sternberg took wins. Sternberg also claimed Dash event honors.
It the Factory stock division Jerry Fairchild held off a hard charging Robert Erickson to claim his first main event win of 2007. Fairchild started on the outside pole and stayed there for the entire fifteen lap event. After eight cautions, a red flag for a roll over and nearly 50 minutes Fairchild had his photo taken in the Port City Racing victory lane. Jamie Lorenz, Tony Weinrick and Tim Epplett rounded out the top five. Weinrick, Erickson, and Derek Passenier won Heat races. Erickson claimed the Dash event.
Luke Near showed fans why he was a three- time track champion in the Mini Stocks at the turn of the century. Near has only raced part time since 2004 but he has not lost his touch. The Rothbury native swept every event in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division claiming wins in the Dash, Heat Race and Main event. Carl McCann raced his way to second in the feature followed by Don Keech, Don England and April Spriggs.
The Young Gun division continues to see their drivers get better each week. CJ Rector in particular has found himself up to speed. After starting the season late Rector has been on a terror the last month. For the third time in four weeks Rector raced his way to the win. Andrew Bartoszek was second followed by Glen Parker, Seth Moody and Eric Harrald.
Next Friday July 27th is Mittler Welding Supplies Night. All six Winston Speedway divisions will be back in action. All of the racing divisions have tight point battles. Who will rise to the top and claim the 2007 Track championship? For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
John Lowe "Sprints" His Way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Drivers can always tell you where and when they picked up their first main event win. For one Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series driver he will remember Friday July 20th, 2007 and Winston Speedway. After nearly an hour and numerous cautions including a red flag John Lowe found him self on the front stretch celebrating his first sprint car win of his career.
The Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series started their main event four different times before the first lap was taken off the record book. The longest stop in racing action happened when Muskegon driver Nate Bostrom rode up on top of another competitors wheel on the front stretch. Bostrom’s car flipped and twisted with a hard impact right in front of the stands. Bostrom’s hit was so hard his fuel cell came loose from his racecar. Bostrom was able to exit his car very gingerly on his own, but was taken by ambulance for further evaluation. When racing action resumed it looked like Mike Astrouskas was going to lead from start to finish from his pole starting position. Astrouskas set a torrid pace on the low groove of the track while John Lowe and Nick Landon kept working the high groove. As laps wound down fans witnessed Lowe’s and Landon’s efforts come to life. With six laps to go Lowe, Astrouskas and Landon had the fans on their feet as they came out of turn two three abreast. By the time they completed the lap Astrouskas had fallen from first to third and Lowe and Landon were racing side by side. Lowe finally gained a comfortable lead with three laps to go. Landon’s effort to grab the point away from Lowe resulted with him sliding to the top of the track in turn two on the white flag lap. Landon’s error cost him as Astrouskas took advantage grabbing the runner-up spot. Landon settled for third. Steve Irwin was fourth followed by Tim Evilizer. Heat Race winners were Steve Irwin and Mike Astrouskas.
Many of the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified drivers have to be scratching their heads. It seems every week Andy Sprague and John McCaul are out front racing for the win by nights end. Tonight was no different. Sprague started on the outside front row with McCaul right behind. Sprague made his way to the point quickly on the high groove while McCaul cleared traffic and jumped to the low groove. With eight laps to go Sprague came out of turn four deciding to change his racing line. Coming down the front stretch McCaul and Sprague made contact with each other all the way past the grandstands. The resulting contact left Sprague spinning and McCaul being sent to the rear after the yellow flag was waved. Sprague held onto the lead for two more caution restarts to pick up his sixth feature win at Winston. Greg Smith continues to show his poise in his rookie Modified season coming from his tenth place starting position to finish second. Steve McClees was third followed by Derek Poland and Jeremy Holman. After his mishap racing for the win Points Leader McCaul charged his way from the rear of the field to finish eleventh. Heat Races were won by Smith and Randy Whitten. Sprague Swept the Qualifying and Dash events.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division saw their part of the race program cut short. A 30-minute red flag caution in the Sprint car race main event along with a lengthy Factory Stock feature were the main culprits for Winston reaching its 11:30 PM curfew. The Sportsman division will run two features on Friday July 27th. In Heat race action Stan Dodds and Rob Sternberg took wins. Sternberg also claimed Dash event honors.
It the Factory stock division Jerry Fairchild held off a hard charging Robert Erickson to claim his first main event win of 2007. Fairchild started on the outside pole and stayed there for the entire fifteen lap event. After eight cautions, a red flag for a roll over and nearly 50 minutes Fairchild had his photo taken in the Port City Racing victory lane. Jamie Lorenz, Tony Weinrick and Tim Epplett rounded out the top five. Weinrick, Erickson, and Derek Passenier won Heat races. Erickson claimed the Dash event.
Luke Near showed fans why he was a three- time track champion in the Mini Stocks at the turn of the century. Near has only raced part time since 2004 but he has not lost his touch. The Rothbury native swept every event in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division claiming wins in the Dash, Heat Race and Main event. Carl McCann raced his way to second in the feature followed by Don Keech, Don England and April Spriggs.
The Young Gun division continues to see their drivers get better each week. CJ Rector in particular has found himself up to speed. After starting the season late Rector has been on a terror the last month. For the third time in four weeks Rector raced his way to the win. Andrew Bartoszek was second followed by Glen Parker, Seth Moody and Eric Harrald.
Next Friday July 27th is Mittler Welding Supplies Night. All six Winston Speedway divisions will be back in action. All of the racing divisions have tight point battles. Who will rise to the top and claim the 2007 Track championship? For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
The Sternberg Brothers - "Going Around in Circles"
Thursday, July 12, 2007
By Scott BrandenburgChronicle correspondent
After spending the past decade traveling to different tracks, Ralph and Rob Sternberg made the decision to focus on Winston Motor Speedway this summer.
Midway through the season, the Sternberg brothers are happy to call Winston home.
Through the first 10 weeks, Ralph and Rob have combined to win six feature races -- three apiece in the Sportsman Division.
Although it isn't cut-throat competition, Rob makes it clear that "he got to three wins first."
"Ralph had to catch up to me," joked Rob, who is seven years younger than his brother.
Ralph maintains his sense of humor in the sibling rivalry.
"I think I'll get the tie-breaker," said Ralph, who is engaged to be married to Tami Kieft after the racing season. "I need the points more."
Ralph recently moved into second in the Sportsman Division standings -- 22 points behind Chad Weinrick. Rob is in fifth place after missing a few weeks early in the season.
The thing that matters most is they're finishing races and competing for top honors each week.
"It's been a while since we were both doing this well at the same time," said Rob. "That's really made this a fun year. In recent years, we'd be up there from time to time together, but mostly one of us would do well and the other one wouldn't."
The highlight of the season for Rob this year has been the auto racing version of a turkey -- winning the fast dash, a heat and the feature in the same day.
"That, and the time I started seventh and ended up winning, are the highlights of the year," said Rob, who has two sons -- Robbie and Damian -- his wife Rhonda. "When you can come from behind, you really feel like you've earned it."
Ralph is the more consistent, smooth and aggressive driver of the two, while Rob likes to adapt his game to the conditions of the race and the drivers. Last year, the elder Sternberg brother capped off the racing season by winning his third Great Lake National title at Crystal Motor Speedway. He is the only racer to win three.
"That's a pretty cool accomplishment," said Ralph. "To do something no one's ever done before feels pretty good."
Both Sternberg brothers got their driving skills from their dad, Ralph Sr.
Their dad raced at Winston and Thunderbird and earned several wins while driving the No. 73 car. Both younger drivers have driven that since, although Rob has currently switched to No. 37.
Ralph Sr., who owns Stern's Towing, sponsors both of his sons and doesn't play favorites when rooting for a winner.
"If they're both up there, I say just make sure you get the money," said the elder Sternberg, who turns 65 next week. "They're both doing real well. Every race is different and they're both doing good every race."
The Sternbergs also have a family feel to their pit crews.
Robbie, and nephew Josh, help both cars and Damian's getting a feel for it as well.
"He's just learning, but he's going to be the next one," said Rob. "He's learning fast."
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Nelson, Sprague, Sternberg, and Erickson are Top Guns at Winston
Modified #1 Andy Sprague
Friday, July 11
Nelson, Sprague, Sternberg, and Erickson are Top Guns at Winston
The top drivers at Winston Speedway did not let “Friday the 13th’ be a sign of bad luck as many of them became multi-time feature winners. Fans were treated to comfortable weather and some great racing as the second half of the season got under way.
Outside front row starter Rich Neiser looked like he was going to dominate the main event in Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division. Neiser led the first seventeen laps and kept himself on the point for five caution restarts. Kevin Nelson put Neiser’s victory circle plans on hold. After racing his way into second from his sixth place starting position Nelson put a sling shot move on Neiser going into turn one and coming out of turn two that would have made Dale Earnhardt proud. Once out front Nelson pulled away to pick up the win. Matt Pickard followed suit passing Neiser on the low line with six laps to go to garner the runner-up spot. Neiser settled for third over Tom Sprague Jr and Kevin Nelson Jr. Heat races were won by Tom Dusen and Pickard. Kevin Nelson swept the Dash and Qualifying events.
The UMP Modified division has become the John McCaul and Andy Sprague show. Derek Poland did his best early to hold off the dynamic duo but that only lasted until lap eight. Sprague and McCaul were out front the rest of the race like many weeks before battling bumper to bumper. This week it was Sprague’s turn in victory lane. Sprague’s win was his fifth of the season at Winston. McCaul finished a close second followed by Poland, Dan Dykman and Eddie Reyes. Daryl Woodring and Poland took checkered flags in Heat races. Sprague was the Dash winner. McCaul was the fastest in Time trials.
Rob Sternberg gained bragging rights over his brother Ralph Sternberg by becoming the first driver to pick up four wins in the Port City Racing Sportsman division. Rob Sternberg patiently used the low line to get to the front from his sixth place starting position. Kyle Borgman set the early pace but bumping and banging among the front-runners gave Rob Sternberg a clear path on the bottom side of the track. The paint swapping continued with Rob Sternberg out front. When the dust settled Stan Dodds was the runner-up followed by Bob Shirk, Larry Passeneir, and Chad Weinrick. Heat race winners went to Rob Sternberg and Weinrick. Dash Honors went to Ralph Sternberg.
Last Saturdays Demolition Derby action carried over into the Factory Stock division. Twenty-one cars were on hand but only twelve started the main event. Tony Weinrick and Tim Epplett were winners of the “Crash Fest” Heat Races. The main event saw Robert Erickson pull off a power slide in front of Tim Epplett in turn two with just two laps to go to gain the top spot. Erickson’s power move helped him capture his fifth feature win of the season at Winston and his ninth over all in the UMP Factory stock National Point Standings. Epplett was second followed across the line by Jamie Lorenz, Justin Gilmore and Dash winner Tony Weinrick.
Luke Near pulled off racing’s version of the “Turkey” winning the Main Event, Heat Race and Dash events in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Don Keech raced his way to second in the Main Event followed by Carl McCann, April Spriggs, and Nathan Tarte.
Young Gun driver CJ Rector picked up his second feature win in the last three weeks by besting Seth Moody, Andrew Bartoszek, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald. Parker took Heat Race Honors. Moody won the Dash event.
Friday July 20th the Michigan Traditional Sprints will be on hand making their second appearance of the season at Winston. The Late Models will not be running that night, but the five other divisions of Winston will be on had for another excitement filled evening. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Friday, July 11
Nelson, Sprague, Sternberg, and Erickson are Top Guns at Winston
The top drivers at Winston Speedway did not let “Friday the 13th’ be a sign of bad luck as many of them became multi-time feature winners. Fans were treated to comfortable weather and some great racing as the second half of the season got under way.
Outside front row starter Rich Neiser looked like he was going to dominate the main event in Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division. Neiser led the first seventeen laps and kept himself on the point for five caution restarts. Kevin Nelson put Neiser’s victory circle plans on hold. After racing his way into second from his sixth place starting position Nelson put a sling shot move on Neiser going into turn one and coming out of turn two that would have made Dale Earnhardt proud. Once out front Nelson pulled away to pick up the win. Matt Pickard followed suit passing Neiser on the low line with six laps to go to garner the runner-up spot. Neiser settled for third over Tom Sprague Jr and Kevin Nelson Jr. Heat races were won by Tom Dusen and Pickard. Kevin Nelson swept the Dash and Qualifying events.
The UMP Modified division has become the John McCaul and Andy Sprague show. Derek Poland did his best early to hold off the dynamic duo but that only lasted until lap eight. Sprague and McCaul were out front the rest of the race like many weeks before battling bumper to bumper. This week it was Sprague’s turn in victory lane. Sprague’s win was his fifth of the season at Winston. McCaul finished a close second followed by Poland, Dan Dykman and Eddie Reyes. Daryl Woodring and Poland took checkered flags in Heat races. Sprague was the Dash winner. McCaul was the fastest in Time trials.
Rob Sternberg gained bragging rights over his brother Ralph Sternberg by becoming the first driver to pick up four wins in the Port City Racing Sportsman division. Rob Sternberg patiently used the low line to get to the front from his sixth place starting position. Kyle Borgman set the early pace but bumping and banging among the front-runners gave Rob Sternberg a clear path on the bottom side of the track. The paint swapping continued with Rob Sternberg out front. When the dust settled Stan Dodds was the runner-up followed by Bob Shirk, Larry Passeneir, and Chad Weinrick. Heat race winners went to Rob Sternberg and Weinrick. Dash Honors went to Ralph Sternberg.
Last Saturdays Demolition Derby action carried over into the Factory Stock division. Twenty-one cars were on hand but only twelve started the main event. Tony Weinrick and Tim Epplett were winners of the “Crash Fest” Heat Races. The main event saw Robert Erickson pull off a power slide in front of Tim Epplett in turn two with just two laps to go to gain the top spot. Erickson’s power move helped him capture his fifth feature win of the season at Winston and his ninth over all in the UMP Factory stock National Point Standings. Epplett was second followed across the line by Jamie Lorenz, Justin Gilmore and Dash winner Tony Weinrick.
Luke Near pulled off racing’s version of the “Turkey” winning the Main Event, Heat Race and Dash events in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Don Keech raced his way to second in the Main Event followed by Carl McCann, April Spriggs, and Nathan Tarte.
Young Gun driver CJ Rector picked up his second feature win in the last three weeks by besting Seth Moody, Andrew Bartoszek, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald. Parker took Heat Race Honors. Moody won the Dash event.
Friday July 20th the Michigan Traditional Sprints will be on hand making their second appearance of the season at Winston. The Late Models will not be running that night, but the five other divisions of Winston will be on had for another excitement filled evening. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Borrowed car can't even stop Borgman
Sportsman #72 Kyle Borgman
Thursday, July 05, 2007
By Scott Brandenburg Chronicle correspondent
Kyle Borgman's on such a roll on the local auto racing circuits not even a blown out motor can stop him.
Two weekends ago, Borgman blew the engine of his white Monte Carlo in a heat race at Thunderbird Raceway, putting his string of consecutive weeks with a win in jeopardy.
Luckily though Borgman's girlfriend, Sarah Klein, had a sister, Sadie Klein, who was willing to let him race her red Monte Carlo in the feature race.
Despite starting eighth in the field and with a different car Borgman again blistered the field for another win, his third in three weeks at Thunderbird.
This race he won while using a borrowed car just happened to be the mid-season championships.
"It had a similar setup and it only took me a lap or two to get comfortable with it," said Borgman, a recent Oakridge graduate. "Every time I go into a race I think I'm going to win. If you don't have that mentality, then why race?"
Borgman now has four wins at Thunderbird this season. He's also got two wins over at Winston Motor Speedway.
In all the 18-year-old Muskegonite has six wins in 19 races with no end in sight.
Borgman's dad Dan may give him some competition in the near future though. A racing veteran, dad liked the way Borgman handled the red Monte Carlo so much he bought it from Sadie Klein.
"I told him good luck," said Borgman when he found out his dad bought the car. "He's a good driver. It should be a lot of fun racing against him."
Borgman's had nothing but fun since moving up to the Sportsman Class at Thunderbird near the end of last season. That's when he purchased his Monte Carlo.
Borgman posted a late win last year and has been tearing up the track ever since.
The most impressive win Borgman's posted this season was when he began a race in the 14 slot and moved all the way up to take the checkered flag.
"There's a lot of turns and not a lot of straightaways so it's not that easy to pass," said Borgman. "I just look to see where the car ahead of me is going and then make my move. If it's up then I go down and if they're down then I go up."
Borgman and his dad and mom Jill all work for the family business, Borgman Tree Service. He says he helps out over 30 hours a week with the company when they're busy.
In the down time, Borgman spends "a lot" of time working on the car along with Dick Grenell.
Lately, Borgman's been spending plenty of time in the winner's circle too.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
By Scott Brandenburg Chronicle correspondent
Kyle Borgman's on such a roll on the local auto racing circuits not even a blown out motor can stop him.
Two weekends ago, Borgman blew the engine of his white Monte Carlo in a heat race at Thunderbird Raceway, putting his string of consecutive weeks with a win in jeopardy.
Luckily though Borgman's girlfriend, Sarah Klein, had a sister, Sadie Klein, who was willing to let him race her red Monte Carlo in the feature race.
Despite starting eighth in the field and with a different car Borgman again blistered the field for another win, his third in three weeks at Thunderbird.
This race he won while using a borrowed car just happened to be the mid-season championships.
"It had a similar setup and it only took me a lap or two to get comfortable with it," said Borgman, a recent Oakridge graduate. "Every time I go into a race I think I'm going to win. If you don't have that mentality, then why race?"
Borgman now has four wins at Thunderbird this season. He's also got two wins over at Winston Motor Speedway.
In all the 18-year-old Muskegonite has six wins in 19 races with no end in sight.
Borgman's dad Dan may give him some competition in the near future though. A racing veteran, dad liked the way Borgman handled the red Monte Carlo so much he bought it from Sadie Klein.
"I told him good luck," said Borgman when he found out his dad bought the car. "He's a good driver. It should be a lot of fun racing against him."
Borgman's had nothing but fun since moving up to the Sportsman Class at Thunderbird near the end of last season. That's when he purchased his Monte Carlo.
Borgman posted a late win last year and has been tearing up the track ever since.
The most impressive win Borgman's posted this season was when he began a race in the 14 slot and moved all the way up to take the checkered flag.
"There's a lot of turns and not a lot of straightaways so it's not that easy to pass," said Borgman. "I just look to see where the car ahead of me is going and then make my move. If it's up then I go down and if they're down then I go up."
Borgman and his dad and mom Jill all work for the family business, Borgman Tree Service. He says he helps out over 30 hours a week with the company when they're busy.
In the down time, Borgman spends "a lot" of time working on the car along with Dick Grenell.
Lately, Borgman's been spending plenty of time in the winner's circle too.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Anderson Wins Sportsman Invitational at Winston Speedway
Friday, July 4 2007
Anderson Wins Sportsman Invitational at Winston Speedway
The Port City Racing Sportsman Invitational highlighted the events at Winston Speedway on Friday July 6th. Another near capacity crowd was treated to great racing and an awesome display of “Fireworks”. The pit area was packed with 108 racecars. For many on hand the biggest highlight of the night was watching one of Winston’s true gentlemen pick up his first career main event win at the youthful age of sixty. Mike Anderson not only won his first main event, it came in biggest race of the season for Sportsman division. Anderson started racing at the seasoned age of fifty-four. Anderson’s reputation is nothing less than one of the most well liked and respected drivers in the pit area. Anderson proved tonight that “Nice Guys” can finish first.
The twenty-five laps of the Sportsman Invitational main event had to seem like a hundred to Mike Anderson. Starting on the pole Anderson was able to hold off some of the best Sportsman drivers in the state to pick up the $500 Port City Racing winners check. The win did not come easy. Anderson was pressured early by last week’s feature winner Jamie Gilmore. Late in the race Anderson would have to hold off three- time “Great Lakes Nationals” winner Ralph Sternberg. In both cases Anderson rose to the occasion. Anderson raced a perfect line from start to finish. Ralph Sternberg finished in the second spot followed Gilmore, Rob Sternberg, and Brian Lasak. The transfer spots from the Consolation Feature were won by Kyle Borgman and Larry Passenier. The Consolation Feature win and the TenBrink Motorsports $175 winners check went to Justin Gilmore. Heats were won by Chad Weinrick, Ralph Sternberg, and Lasak.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division Matt Pickard used the low line the from his seventh place starting position to pull even with leader Kevin Nelson Jr with four laps to go. Nelson had paced the field running the high line most of the event but with five laps to go went to the bottom of the track to look for better traction and protect his lead. What transpired coming out of turn two was one of those racing deals. If you were a Nelson Jr fan you would say Pickard spun Nelson Jr coming out of turn two. If you were a Pickard fan you would say that Nelson Jr came down into Pickard and spun himself. Ultimately Nelson Jr was placed to the rear of the field and Pickard was left at the point. With three laps to go Pickard held off a hard charging Jim Fairbanks to pick up his second third Feature win of the season. Tim Stott, Tom Sprague Jr, and Dean Huizenga completed the top five. Heat race wins went to Kevin Juusola and Elex Leyton. The fastest Late Model in Time Trial was Sprague Jr with a time of 15.517 seconds around the 3/8th’s oval.
UMP Modified driver Andy Sprague did not want a “Dejavu’ moment. Two weeks ago Sprague was beaten at the line after a restart with one lap to go. Sprague had dominated that entire event only to lose to John McCaul in the last ten feet of the race. Tonight nineteen laps went without a caution. During this time Sprague had made his way from fifth to first and was pulling away from the field on the high side. Then the unthinkable happened. As Sprague powered out of turn two of the last lap the caution would fly. John McCaul would be placed on his bumper just as he was two weeks ago. Sprague’s short-term memory kicked in. Unlike two weeks ago where he stayed at the top of the track for the one lap shoot out, this time moved to the bottom of the track. McCaul was able to stay glued Sprague’s bumper but could not complete the pass. Sprague’s win was his third of the season and showed his fast qualifying effort in Time Trials was no fluke. The race for third was a wild one as Dan Dykman, Derek Poland and Mike Wilbern were left spinning and crashing on the front stretch as the checkered flag was waved. When the dust cleared Tim Tuttle was third followed by Dykman and Poland. Dean Wilkerson and Wilbern won Heat Races.
In the Factory Stock main event driver Robert Erickson picked up another main event win. It only took Erickson five laps to make his way to the front and go onto take the win. The race for second turned into a dodge fest as a lapped car caused a spin of the front-runners in turn four of the last lap left. Jerry Fairchild was the first to maneuver his way through the melee to second followed by Tony Weinrick, Devin Vanderstelt, and Tim Epplett. Heat Races were won by Erickson, Weinrick and Bill Delong.
Mini Stock drivers Don Keech and Luke Near swapped the lead back and forth throughout the Sprague’s Auto Parts main event. The last pass by Keech caused Near to catch an inside tire sending Near’s car airborne but still running. Fans were brought to their feet as Near battled back closing a gap of twenty car lengths to only lose by two feet at the finish line. John Foss, Joe McCormick and Kyle Hulett rounded out the top five. Keech also won the Heat Race.
Andrew Bartoszek continued his fine season sweeping the Main Event and Heat race in the Young Gun division. Seth Moody, CJ Rector, Glenn Parker and Cody Moorman completed the top five of the main event.
Next Friday July 13th hopes to be lucky for some drivers as the Point standings are tight in all racing divisions. All six classes of racing will be in full force as the second half of the season is under way. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Anderson Wins Sportsman Invitational at Winston Speedway
The Port City Racing Sportsman Invitational highlighted the events at Winston Speedway on Friday July 6th. Another near capacity crowd was treated to great racing and an awesome display of “Fireworks”. The pit area was packed with 108 racecars. For many on hand the biggest highlight of the night was watching one of Winston’s true gentlemen pick up his first career main event win at the youthful age of sixty. Mike Anderson not only won his first main event, it came in biggest race of the season for Sportsman division. Anderson started racing at the seasoned age of fifty-four. Anderson’s reputation is nothing less than one of the most well liked and respected drivers in the pit area. Anderson proved tonight that “Nice Guys” can finish first.
The twenty-five laps of the Sportsman Invitational main event had to seem like a hundred to Mike Anderson. Starting on the pole Anderson was able to hold off some of the best Sportsman drivers in the state to pick up the $500 Port City Racing winners check. The win did not come easy. Anderson was pressured early by last week’s feature winner Jamie Gilmore. Late in the race Anderson would have to hold off three- time “Great Lakes Nationals” winner Ralph Sternberg. In both cases Anderson rose to the occasion. Anderson raced a perfect line from start to finish. Ralph Sternberg finished in the second spot followed Gilmore, Rob Sternberg, and Brian Lasak. The transfer spots from the Consolation Feature were won by Kyle Borgman and Larry Passenier. The Consolation Feature win and the TenBrink Motorsports $175 winners check went to Justin Gilmore. Heats were won by Chad Weinrick, Ralph Sternberg, and Lasak.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division Matt Pickard used the low line the from his seventh place starting position to pull even with leader Kevin Nelson Jr with four laps to go. Nelson had paced the field running the high line most of the event but with five laps to go went to the bottom of the track to look for better traction and protect his lead. What transpired coming out of turn two was one of those racing deals. If you were a Nelson Jr fan you would say Pickard spun Nelson Jr coming out of turn two. If you were a Pickard fan you would say that Nelson Jr came down into Pickard and spun himself. Ultimately Nelson Jr was placed to the rear of the field and Pickard was left at the point. With three laps to go Pickard held off a hard charging Jim Fairbanks to pick up his second third Feature win of the season. Tim Stott, Tom Sprague Jr, and Dean Huizenga completed the top five. Heat race wins went to Kevin Juusola and Elex Leyton. The fastest Late Model in Time Trial was Sprague Jr with a time of 15.517 seconds around the 3/8th’s oval.
UMP Modified driver Andy Sprague did not want a “Dejavu’ moment. Two weeks ago Sprague was beaten at the line after a restart with one lap to go. Sprague had dominated that entire event only to lose to John McCaul in the last ten feet of the race. Tonight nineteen laps went without a caution. During this time Sprague had made his way from fifth to first and was pulling away from the field on the high side. Then the unthinkable happened. As Sprague powered out of turn two of the last lap the caution would fly. John McCaul would be placed on his bumper just as he was two weeks ago. Sprague’s short-term memory kicked in. Unlike two weeks ago where he stayed at the top of the track for the one lap shoot out, this time moved to the bottom of the track. McCaul was able to stay glued Sprague’s bumper but could not complete the pass. Sprague’s win was his third of the season and showed his fast qualifying effort in Time Trials was no fluke. The race for third was a wild one as Dan Dykman, Derek Poland and Mike Wilbern were left spinning and crashing on the front stretch as the checkered flag was waved. When the dust cleared Tim Tuttle was third followed by Dykman and Poland. Dean Wilkerson and Wilbern won Heat Races.
In the Factory Stock main event driver Robert Erickson picked up another main event win. It only took Erickson five laps to make his way to the front and go onto take the win. The race for second turned into a dodge fest as a lapped car caused a spin of the front-runners in turn four of the last lap left. Jerry Fairchild was the first to maneuver his way through the melee to second followed by Tony Weinrick, Devin Vanderstelt, and Tim Epplett. Heat Races were won by Erickson, Weinrick and Bill Delong.
Mini Stock drivers Don Keech and Luke Near swapped the lead back and forth throughout the Sprague’s Auto Parts main event. The last pass by Keech caused Near to catch an inside tire sending Near’s car airborne but still running. Fans were brought to their feet as Near battled back closing a gap of twenty car lengths to only lose by two feet at the finish line. John Foss, Joe McCormick and Kyle Hulett rounded out the top five. Keech also won the Heat Race.
Andrew Bartoszek continued his fine season sweeping the Main Event and Heat race in the Young Gun division. Seth Moody, CJ Rector, Glenn Parker and Cody Moorman completed the top five of the main event.
Next Friday July 13th hopes to be lucky for some drivers as the Point standings are tight in all racing divisions. All six classes of racing will be in full force as the second half of the season is under way. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Taylor, Gilmore and McCann Win at Winston Speedway
Friday, June 27
Taylor, Gilmore and McCann Win at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans saw two drivers make it into victory lane for the first time this season and also witnessed one diver win two main events on the night. The weather was perfect for another great crowd and the 85 drivers who entertained them Friday June 29th.
Nineteen cars were on hand in the Integra Shocks and Springs Late Model division to take the green flag for their main event. For five laps the front row of Rob Taylor and Tom Sprague Jr rode side by side. It was not until lap six that fans saw a clear leader in Taylor. The low side had gained bite and Taylor began to pull away. By lap ten Taylor was fighting his way through lapped traffic. All the stars aligned right for Taylor as he combined a fast car with a caution free main event. When he received the checkered flag runner-up Sprague Jr was twenty car lengths behind. The win was Taylor’s first main event win of the season. Matt Pickard, Tom Dusen and Kevin Nelson rounded out the top five. John McDonald and Nelson won heat races. Taylor was the quickest in Time Trials with a time of 15.647 seconds around the 3/8ths mile oval of Winston Speedway.
UMP Modified driver John McCaul continued his strong hold on the top of the Point Standings. Starting seventh McCaul was able to track down leader Rich Neiser on lap seven and pass him on the front stretch on lap eight. From there McCaul was untouchable. Andy Sprague muscled his way by Neiser entering lapped traffic with four laps to go to gain the runner-up spot. Neiser held onto third over Greg Smith and Derek Poland. Sprague and Tim Tuttle won Heat races. McCaul was the quick qualifier.
In the Port City Racing Sportsman division Jamie Gilmore found himself on the point after pole sitter Mike Peterson brought out the caution with a spin in turn two. Gilmore had been applying pressure to Peterson at the time and proved it was not if he was going to be the leader but when was he going to be the leader. Gilmore has been steady all season long but tonight once he was out front he was not going to be caught. Gilmore was the winner by ten-car lengths when the checkered flag was waved. The Main event win was the first of the season for Gilmore. Points Leader Chad Weinrick showed his strength by coming from eighth to second. Bob Shirk, Mike Wiseman and Ralph Sternberg completed the top five. Sternberg and Stan Dodds won Heat Races.
Factory Stock driver Jamie Lorenz continued his winning ways. After a tough loss in the mid-season championship race last Friday night Lorenz again proved why he is at the top of the point standings. Lorenz led every lap of their fifteen lap main event to win his fourth feature event of the season. Tim Epplett held off a hard charging Jerry Fairchild for the second spot. Duane Townsend and Devin Vanderstelt were credited with fourth and fifth place after two drivers were docked positions for jumping restarts during the race. Frank Harris and Fairchild won Heat Races.
It is not to often a driver has bragging rights of winning two features in one night. Sprague's Auto Parts Mini Stock driver Carl McCann did exactly that. McCann went from sixth to first on lap one of their make-up Mid Season Championship. Once out front McCann hit all of his marks and took home Trophy honors. Don Keech was second followed by April Spriggs, Jerry Meyering and Don England. The second Mini Stock feature of the night again saw McCann flex his muscle. This time Keech was glued to his bumper for most of the event but was not able to make the pass. April Spriggs again finished third followed by Don England and Randy Larabee. Spriggs was the Heat Race Winner.
Next weekend Winston Speedway is packed full of entertainment. Friday night July 6th Port City Racing will be sponsoring an Invitational for the Sportsman Division along with our regular racing division action. Saturday night the Lakeshore Demolition Derby Association will be holding their third event of the summer. Both Friday and Saturday programs will also be highlighted with “July 4th” Fireworks. For the best in family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Taylor, Gilmore and McCann Win at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans saw two drivers make it into victory lane for the first time this season and also witnessed one diver win two main events on the night. The weather was perfect for another great crowd and the 85 drivers who entertained them Friday June 29th.
Nineteen cars were on hand in the Integra Shocks and Springs Late Model division to take the green flag for their main event. For five laps the front row of Rob Taylor and Tom Sprague Jr rode side by side. It was not until lap six that fans saw a clear leader in Taylor. The low side had gained bite and Taylor began to pull away. By lap ten Taylor was fighting his way through lapped traffic. All the stars aligned right for Taylor as he combined a fast car with a caution free main event. When he received the checkered flag runner-up Sprague Jr was twenty car lengths behind. The win was Taylor’s first main event win of the season. Matt Pickard, Tom Dusen and Kevin Nelson rounded out the top five. John McDonald and Nelson won heat races. Taylor was the quickest in Time Trials with a time of 15.647 seconds around the 3/8ths mile oval of Winston Speedway.
UMP Modified driver John McCaul continued his strong hold on the top of the Point Standings. Starting seventh McCaul was able to track down leader Rich Neiser on lap seven and pass him on the front stretch on lap eight. From there McCaul was untouchable. Andy Sprague muscled his way by Neiser entering lapped traffic with four laps to go to gain the runner-up spot. Neiser held onto third over Greg Smith and Derek Poland. Sprague and Tim Tuttle won Heat races. McCaul was the quick qualifier.
In the Port City Racing Sportsman division Jamie Gilmore found himself on the point after pole sitter Mike Peterson brought out the caution with a spin in turn two. Gilmore had been applying pressure to Peterson at the time and proved it was not if he was going to be the leader but when was he going to be the leader. Gilmore has been steady all season long but tonight once he was out front he was not going to be caught. Gilmore was the winner by ten-car lengths when the checkered flag was waved. The Main event win was the first of the season for Gilmore. Points Leader Chad Weinrick showed his strength by coming from eighth to second. Bob Shirk, Mike Wiseman and Ralph Sternberg completed the top five. Sternberg and Stan Dodds won Heat Races.
Factory Stock driver Jamie Lorenz continued his winning ways. After a tough loss in the mid-season championship race last Friday night Lorenz again proved why he is at the top of the point standings. Lorenz led every lap of their fifteen lap main event to win his fourth feature event of the season. Tim Epplett held off a hard charging Jerry Fairchild for the second spot. Duane Townsend and Devin Vanderstelt were credited with fourth and fifth place after two drivers were docked positions for jumping restarts during the race. Frank Harris and Fairchild won Heat Races.
It is not to often a driver has bragging rights of winning two features in one night. Sprague's Auto Parts Mini Stock driver Carl McCann did exactly that. McCann went from sixth to first on lap one of their make-up Mid Season Championship. Once out front McCann hit all of his marks and took home Trophy honors. Don Keech was second followed by April Spriggs, Jerry Meyering and Don England. The second Mini Stock feature of the night again saw McCann flex his muscle. This time Keech was glued to his bumper for most of the event but was not able to make the pass. April Spriggs again finished third followed by Don England and Randy Larabee. Spriggs was the Heat Race Winner.
Next weekend Winston Speedway is packed full of entertainment. Friday night July 6th Port City Racing will be sponsoring an Invitational for the Sportsman Division along with our regular racing division action. Saturday night the Lakeshore Demolition Derby Association will be holding their third event of the summer. Both Friday and Saturday programs will also be highlighted with “July 4th” Fireworks. For the best in family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Mid Season Championship Night at Winston Speedway
Friday, June 22
Mid Season Championship Night at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway Mid Season Championship night was filled with lots of action, drama, and a violent crash in the Late Models that brought a hush over the crowd. Six divisions raced for Mid-Season bragging rights, trophies and championship payoffs. Two and three wide racing continues to be the norm and not the exception. Good car counts and great crowds have new owners Lois and Tom Sprague pleasantly surprised. With the price of gas and a slow economy their worst of fears have not come to light. The Sprague’s are providing a racing environment that fans and drivers are enjoying. In turn the fans and drivers are supporting Winston Speedway.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Mid Season Championship it took three attempts before the first lap was taken off the scoring tower. A three-car spin off turns three and four was followed by a violent snap roll in turn three on the next restart. One of Winston’s fan favorites Eddie Reyes entered turn three catching an inside tire barrier causing his #25 Late Model to snap roll twice pushing his roll cage down to the top of his helmet. Reyes was briefly knocked out. The Red flag was waved and racing action was halted for 30 minutes. Every precaution was taken and ultimately Reyes walked to the ambulance to a standing ovation. When racing action resumed a single file start was in order. Points Leader Tom Sprague Jr would hold the point followed by 2006 Track champion Kevin Nelson. For the rest of the race including four more cautions Sprague and Nelson broke away from the field to stage their own little war. Sprague drove the highline while Nelson’s efforts came on the bottom edge of the track. The last caution came with five laps to go. Sprague did a tremendous job of hitting his marks and holding off Nelson for the win. Sprague padded his point lead and earned his second feature win of the 2007 season. Nelson was followed by Rob Taylor, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Tom Dusen. Heat races were won by Tim Stott and Rob Taylor. The fast qualifier on the night was Sprague.
The UMP modified class proved it is not how many laps you lead, but it is the last lap that is the most important. Front row starters Andy Sprague and John McCaul showed why they are the top two drivers in the point standings. For much of the race the first six cars drove side by side just like they had started. It was not until lap fifteen that fans saw a clear leader. Andy Sprague was credited with leading every lap up until a caution with one lap to go. Sprague had near misses working his way through lapped traffic and was looking to match his brother Tom Sprague Jr’s efforts. It was not to be as Sprague’s line on the high side had lost its grip. John McCaul had worked the bottom of the track the entire event. On the last lap as they came out of turn three it was apparent that Sprague was spinning his tires while McCaul was closing the gap. Through turns three and four it was too close to call. The crowd was brought to their feet as McCaul edged Sprague by a foot to take the win and trophy honors. Fast Qualifier Rich Neiser third won the race for over Greg Smith and Mike Wilbern. Brandon Tiaplolas and Neiser won Heat Races.
Port City Racing Sportsman driver Kyle Borgman continues to flex his muscle. Borgman made quick work of Points Leader Chad Weinrick at the start of the race and never looked back. Borgman was on a Sunday cruise up front while six drivers battled for the second position. In one of the best moves of the night Stan Dodds jumped to the high side and went from 5th to second in the last lap to garner the runner up spot. Ralph Sternberg was third followed by Weinrick and Rob Sternberg. Borgman also claimed the Heat Race win.
The Factory Stock class had the most drama on the night. Two drivers saw a run of emotions in the night. Robert Erickson thought he had his night ended in a Heat race crash. Erickson’s crew was replacing front suspension parts and tires right up until feature time so he could start in his fourth place starting spot. Points leader Jamie Lorenz also saw a roller coaster ride of emotions. At the start of the race Tim Epplett held the point. Erickson’s car looked worse for wear but his crew had done a great job. Erickson took the lead on lap seven. Lorenz began to challenge for the lead with six to go when the unthinkable happened. As Erickson and Lorenz battled side by side a lapped car determined their fate. Entering turn three a lapped car was well off the pace. As Lorenz an Erickson passed the lapped car it suddenly began to accelerate taking out Lorenz as Erickson narrowly escaped his demise. Erickson ended his Cinderella story in victory lane while Lorenz was left wondering what might have been. Tim Epplett finished second. Bill Delonge charged his way from his 12th place starting position to finish third. Tony Weinrick and Derek Passenier rounded out the top five. Lorenz and Devin Vanderstelt captured Heat race wins.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division will have their Mid Season Championship race next Friday night. They will run two features on the night. The lengthy delay in the Late Model event caused the race program to reach its 11:30 PM curfew before the Mini Stocks could run their main event. Carl McCann won the Heat Race earlier in the race program.
The Young Gun Division saw its Point Leader Seth Moody make his way to victory lane. Moody held off Heat Race winner and hard charger CJ Rector for the top spot. Andrew Bartoszek was third followed by Eric Harrald, and Cody Moorman.
Next Friday night June 29th Winston Speedway will be back in full force. Six classes of racing will provide the action. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Mid Season Championship Night at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway Mid Season Championship night was filled with lots of action, drama, and a violent crash in the Late Models that brought a hush over the crowd. Six divisions raced for Mid-Season bragging rights, trophies and championship payoffs. Two and three wide racing continues to be the norm and not the exception. Good car counts and great crowds have new owners Lois and Tom Sprague pleasantly surprised. With the price of gas and a slow economy their worst of fears have not come to light. The Sprague’s are providing a racing environment that fans and drivers are enjoying. In turn the fans and drivers are supporting Winston Speedway.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Mid Season Championship it took three attempts before the first lap was taken off the scoring tower. A three-car spin off turns three and four was followed by a violent snap roll in turn three on the next restart. One of Winston’s fan favorites Eddie Reyes entered turn three catching an inside tire barrier causing his #25 Late Model to snap roll twice pushing his roll cage down to the top of his helmet. Reyes was briefly knocked out. The Red flag was waved and racing action was halted for 30 minutes. Every precaution was taken and ultimately Reyes walked to the ambulance to a standing ovation. When racing action resumed a single file start was in order. Points Leader Tom Sprague Jr would hold the point followed by 2006 Track champion Kevin Nelson. For the rest of the race including four more cautions Sprague and Nelson broke away from the field to stage their own little war. Sprague drove the highline while Nelson’s efforts came on the bottom edge of the track. The last caution came with five laps to go. Sprague did a tremendous job of hitting his marks and holding off Nelson for the win. Sprague padded his point lead and earned his second feature win of the 2007 season. Nelson was followed by Rob Taylor, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Tom Dusen. Heat races were won by Tim Stott and Rob Taylor. The fast qualifier on the night was Sprague.
The UMP modified class proved it is not how many laps you lead, but it is the last lap that is the most important. Front row starters Andy Sprague and John McCaul showed why they are the top two drivers in the point standings. For much of the race the first six cars drove side by side just like they had started. It was not until lap fifteen that fans saw a clear leader. Andy Sprague was credited with leading every lap up until a caution with one lap to go. Sprague had near misses working his way through lapped traffic and was looking to match his brother Tom Sprague Jr’s efforts. It was not to be as Sprague’s line on the high side had lost its grip. John McCaul had worked the bottom of the track the entire event. On the last lap as they came out of turn three it was apparent that Sprague was spinning his tires while McCaul was closing the gap. Through turns three and four it was too close to call. The crowd was brought to their feet as McCaul edged Sprague by a foot to take the win and trophy honors. Fast Qualifier Rich Neiser third won the race for over Greg Smith and Mike Wilbern. Brandon Tiaplolas and Neiser won Heat Races.
Port City Racing Sportsman driver Kyle Borgman continues to flex his muscle. Borgman made quick work of Points Leader Chad Weinrick at the start of the race and never looked back. Borgman was on a Sunday cruise up front while six drivers battled for the second position. In one of the best moves of the night Stan Dodds jumped to the high side and went from 5th to second in the last lap to garner the runner up spot. Ralph Sternberg was third followed by Weinrick and Rob Sternberg. Borgman also claimed the Heat Race win.
The Factory Stock class had the most drama on the night. Two drivers saw a run of emotions in the night. Robert Erickson thought he had his night ended in a Heat race crash. Erickson’s crew was replacing front suspension parts and tires right up until feature time so he could start in his fourth place starting spot. Points leader Jamie Lorenz also saw a roller coaster ride of emotions. At the start of the race Tim Epplett held the point. Erickson’s car looked worse for wear but his crew had done a great job. Erickson took the lead on lap seven. Lorenz began to challenge for the lead with six to go when the unthinkable happened. As Erickson and Lorenz battled side by side a lapped car determined their fate. Entering turn three a lapped car was well off the pace. As Lorenz an Erickson passed the lapped car it suddenly began to accelerate taking out Lorenz as Erickson narrowly escaped his demise. Erickson ended his Cinderella story in victory lane while Lorenz was left wondering what might have been. Tim Epplett finished second. Bill Delonge charged his way from his 12th place starting position to finish third. Tony Weinrick and Derek Passenier rounded out the top five. Lorenz and Devin Vanderstelt captured Heat race wins.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division will have their Mid Season Championship race next Friday night. They will run two features on the night. The lengthy delay in the Late Model event caused the race program to reach its 11:30 PM curfew before the Mini Stocks could run their main event. Carl McCann won the Heat Race earlier in the race program.
The Young Gun Division saw its Point Leader Seth Moody make his way to victory lane. Moody held off Heat Race winner and hard charger CJ Rector for the top spot. Andrew Bartoszek was third followed by Eric Harrald, and Cody Moorman.
Next Friday night June 29th Winston Speedway will be back in full force. Six classes of racing will provide the action. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Irwin’s Garner wins at Winston Speedway
Friday, June 13
Irwin’s Garner wins at Winston Speedway
A near capacity crowd came out to witness the inaugural visit of the Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series at Winston Speedway on Friday June 15th. Although this wingless sprint car series is new it was a familiar sprint car name taking top honors at the end of the night. The “Irwin” family name rings a bell to many sprint car enthusiasts in Michigan. Father Mark and brothers Joe and Steve did not let the family name down as two of the three were in victory lane before the end of the night.
Like any other new series, the Michigan Traditional Sprint Car Series is doing their best to build a driver, and fan base. Fifteen sprint cars made the trip to Winston in their second event of the 2007 season. Although the car count was low the excitement for the return of sprint car action was high. The MTSCS did not disappoint the fans as they put on a good show.
For half of the 20 lap MTSCS main event, Heat race winner Mike Astrouskas looked like he was going to run away from the field from his pole position. Astrouskas lead at the halfway point was ten-car lengths. Astrouskas early efforts were all for naught as a caution flag on lap ten brought Steve Irwin to his rear bumper. Steve Irwin had made his way from his sixth place starting position to the runner-up spot by picking off cars on the low line. Steve Irwin’s last pass before the caution was of his brother and Heat race Joe Irwin on lap eight. It was apparent to all the fans that Steve Irwin was the man on the move. The caution turned out to be Astrouskas demise, as Steve Irwin was able to make a pass two turns into the restart and never look back. Steve Irwin has had success at Winston Speedway in previous years running with a wing. Tonight he proved winged or non-winged he knows his way around Winston. Steve Irwin has been the only main event winner in the young MTSCS for 2007. A win at Merritt Speedway combined with tonight’s win make Steve Irwin perfect on the MTSCS season. Astrouskas was the runner-up followed by Joe Irwin. Rookie and former Winston Modified driver Nate Bostrom finished in the fourth spot edging Tim Eviliser.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified division Andy Sprague was the man of the hour. Sprague started up front and stayed there. By lap ten Sprague was lapping cars and had a half track lead over the rest of the competition. The #1 car of Sprague was challenged late in the race after a caution with four laps to go. John McCaul made a race of it as him and Sprague broke away form the field. McCaul raced Sprague hard for the win but came up a little short to finish in the runner-up spot. Dan Dykman, Rich Neiser and Fast Qualifier Tim Tuttle completed the top five. Heat Races were won by Dean Wilkerson and Neiser.
Port City Racing Sportsman driver Ralph Sternberg showed just how important it is to use the front row to your advantage. Front row starters Sternberg and Kyle Borgman did not give each other an inch in the early going as they raced side by side. It was not until lap three did the fans get to see Sternberg gain an advantage over Borgman a recent Oakridge High School graduate. It was a lead that Sternberg never gave up in taking his third main event of the season. Borgman finished second followed by Rob Sternberg, Mike Anderson and Jared Guinn. Heat Races were won by Borgman and Ralph Sternberg.
For fourteen laps youngster Derek Passenier passed the flagstand first in the Factory Stock division. Unfortunately their feature is fifteen laps long. As Passenier saw the white flag he also saw Jamie Lorenz to his inside. Passenier had fought through seven caution restarts but this was going to be his greatest challenge. They raced side by side down the backstretch but it was Lorenz proving why he already had three main event wins under his belt before the start of the evening. Lorenz made it stick on the bottom through turns three and four going on to pick up his fourth Feature event win. Passenier’s runner-up spot was his best finish of the season. Robert Erickson, Tim Epplett and Justin Gilland rounded out the top five. Lorenz, Epplett and Bill Delong won Heat Races.
Sprague’s Auto parts Minis Stock Drivers Carl McCann and Don Keech continue to be the class of the field. McCann won the Feature event. Keech won the Heat race. In their main event McCann went from sixth to first in one lap. Keech was able to reel him in late in the race but was not able to make the pass for the win. Paul Rice, Jerry Meyering, and Kyle Hullett made up the rest of the top five.
Winning your first feature event is something you always remember. Tonight was such the case for 13-year-old driver CJ Rector. Rector’s win was one of the most exciting finishes of the season in the Young Gun Division. Rector waited patiently the entire race to make his move for the lead. Entering turn three on the last lap Rector dove to the inside of Glen Parker and made it stick. Coming out of turn for Rector was at the point and took home his first Main event win of his stock car career. Parker settled for second followed by Andrew Bartoszek, Eric Harrald, and Cody Moorman. Bartozsek won the Young Gun Heat race.
Next Friday June 22nd will be Mid-Season Championship races for all divisions. The point battles for all divisions are tight and bragging rights are on the line. Look for the action to be fast and furious. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Fairbanks, Wilbern and Weinrick take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Friday, June 7
Fairbanks, Wilbern and Weinrick take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway’s annual “Kids Night” was the center of attention for all the youngsters and race fans at the beginning of the June 8th race program. By the end of the night it was the two and three abreast racing along with the close finishes that was all the rave as they headed to the exits at the for their trip home. The give away of Bicycles to over 60 youngsters along with other gifts and prizes make this event one of the most enjoyable to the drivers, crews, and fans of Winston Speedway. There is nothing more special than to see a smile and hear the laughter of children.
In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs Late Model division Jim Fairbanks and Rob Taylor had the fans on their feet for most of the race. Each driver had the lead on three different occasions. Taylor found the low line to his liking while Fairbanks cruised the high line the entire event. They raced side by side for almost the entire race. When the white flag was waved it was anybody’s guess of who was going to be the winner. As they headed down the backstretch Fairbanks held the advantage going into turn three. Fairbanks tried to slam the door coming out of turn four to not allow Taylor to his inside. As they went by the Flagstand for the win Fairbanks advantage was less than a foot. It was a great run for both drivers as their finishes were their best at Winston this season. Fairbanks has become a recent regular at Winston and has found it to his liking. Two and three abreast racing along with success will do that to you. The race for third was one by Tom Sprague Jr followed by Rich Neiser and Kevin Nelson. The consolation feature transfer spots went to Eddie Reyes and Scott Wenell. Kevin Juusola was credited with the win. Heat races were won by Andy Chester, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Rob Taylor. Matt Pickard won the Dash. CJ Heskett was the quick qualifier.
The Modified division feature turned into a four car shootout. Greg Smith grabbed the early lead from the outside pole before giving way to Mike Wilbern on lap three. By lap five Andy Sprague and John McCaul were in the mix. These four drivers were the class of the field but it was Wilbern’s night to shine. A restart after a caution with seven laps to go had Wilbern hitting all his marks, as he was able to slightly pull away and take the win. Andy Sprague powered his way to the runner up spot ahead of Smith and McCaul. Dan Dykman completed the top five. Heat races were won by Wilbern and Tim Tuttle. Sprague took Dash Race honors. John McCaul was the fastest Modified in Time Trials.
The Sternberg brothers winning streak was finally halted in the Port City Racing Sportsman division. Chad Weinrick looked like he was going to let victory slip through his hands. After leading the first eighteen laps Weinrick let Ralph Sternberg make his way inside of him down the frontstrech for the lead. Weinrick drove his Chevy hard into turn one and was able to diamond the corner coming out of turn two to regain the lead. A lead Weinrick did not relinquish as he picked up his second Feature win of the season and increased his points lead. Ralph Sternberg settled for second followed by Jamie Gilmore, Mike Anderson and Rob Sternberg. Gilmore and Kyle Borgman were the Heat Race winners. Rob Sternberg won the Dash event.
Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. In the Bomber division Jamie Lorenze and Tony Weinrick raced side by side on the last lap. Entering turn three Weinrick had to have a smile on his face as rode the high line and was able to use a lapped car as a pick to gain the lead entering turn three. The only problem was that same lapped car would slide in his high line groove in turn four. Lorenze did not let the opportunity slip away as he charged to the inside of both cars and took the win. When Weinrick was finally able to get by the lapper he came up a half a car length short to finish second. Seventeen-year-old Justin Gilmore finished a season best third followed by Tim Epplett and Robert Erickson. Epplett captured a Heat race. Weinrick swept his Heat race and Dash race events.
Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock driver Don Keech pulled off a perfect night. Keech won every event including the Feature, Heat Race and Dash event. In the feature Randy Larabee was second followed by John Foss, Adam Spencer and Jerry Meyering.
Some of the same youngsters who were eligible for winning a bike were also putting their foot to the floor in their Young Guns cars. Seth Moody won the charge of these 13 to 15 year old drivers in their Feature event. Andrew Bartozsek was second followed by CJ Rector, Eric Harrald and Glen Parker. Bartozsek was the Dash winner. Parker was the Heat race winner.
On Friday Night June 15th look for some the fastest laps of the season. The Michigan Traditional Sprints will be on hand to add to the excitement of five other racing divisions. The Late Models will have the night off. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
For complete results and news visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com
Fairbanks, Wilbern and Weinrick take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway’s annual “Kids Night” was the center of attention for all the youngsters and race fans at the beginning of the June 8th race program. By the end of the night it was the two and three abreast racing along with the close finishes that was all the rave as they headed to the exits at the for their trip home. The give away of Bicycles to over 60 youngsters along with other gifts and prizes make this event one of the most enjoyable to the drivers, crews, and fans of Winston Speedway. There is nothing more special than to see a smile and hear the laughter of children.
In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs Late Model division Jim Fairbanks and Rob Taylor had the fans on their feet for most of the race. Each driver had the lead on three different occasions. Taylor found the low line to his liking while Fairbanks cruised the high line the entire event. They raced side by side for almost the entire race. When the white flag was waved it was anybody’s guess of who was going to be the winner. As they headed down the backstretch Fairbanks held the advantage going into turn three. Fairbanks tried to slam the door coming out of turn four to not allow Taylor to his inside. As they went by the Flagstand for the win Fairbanks advantage was less than a foot. It was a great run for both drivers as their finishes were their best at Winston this season. Fairbanks has become a recent regular at Winston and has found it to his liking. Two and three abreast racing along with success will do that to you. The race for third was one by Tom Sprague Jr followed by Rich Neiser and Kevin Nelson. The consolation feature transfer spots went to Eddie Reyes and Scott Wenell. Kevin Juusola was credited with the win. Heat races were won by Andy Chester, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Rob Taylor. Matt Pickard won the Dash. CJ Heskett was the quick qualifier.
The Modified division feature turned into a four car shootout. Greg Smith grabbed the early lead from the outside pole before giving way to Mike Wilbern on lap three. By lap five Andy Sprague and John McCaul were in the mix. These four drivers were the class of the field but it was Wilbern’s night to shine. A restart after a caution with seven laps to go had Wilbern hitting all his marks, as he was able to slightly pull away and take the win. Andy Sprague powered his way to the runner up spot ahead of Smith and McCaul. Dan Dykman completed the top five. Heat races were won by Wilbern and Tim Tuttle. Sprague took Dash Race honors. John McCaul was the fastest Modified in Time Trials.
The Sternberg brothers winning streak was finally halted in the Port City Racing Sportsman division. Chad Weinrick looked like he was going to let victory slip through his hands. After leading the first eighteen laps Weinrick let Ralph Sternberg make his way inside of him down the frontstrech for the lead. Weinrick drove his Chevy hard into turn one and was able to diamond the corner coming out of turn two to regain the lead. A lead Weinrick did not relinquish as he picked up his second Feature win of the season and increased his points lead. Ralph Sternberg settled for second followed by Jamie Gilmore, Mike Anderson and Rob Sternberg. Gilmore and Kyle Borgman were the Heat Race winners. Rob Sternberg won the Dash event.
Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. In the Bomber division Jamie Lorenze and Tony Weinrick raced side by side on the last lap. Entering turn three Weinrick had to have a smile on his face as rode the high line and was able to use a lapped car as a pick to gain the lead entering turn three. The only problem was that same lapped car would slide in his high line groove in turn four. Lorenze did not let the opportunity slip away as he charged to the inside of both cars and took the win. When Weinrick was finally able to get by the lapper he came up a half a car length short to finish second. Seventeen-year-old Justin Gilmore finished a season best third followed by Tim Epplett and Robert Erickson. Epplett captured a Heat race. Weinrick swept his Heat race and Dash race events.
Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock driver Don Keech pulled off a perfect night. Keech won every event including the Feature, Heat Race and Dash event. In the feature Randy Larabee was second followed by John Foss, Adam Spencer and Jerry Meyering.
Some of the same youngsters who were eligible for winning a bike were also putting their foot to the floor in their Young Guns cars. Seth Moody won the charge of these 13 to 15 year old drivers in their Feature event. Andrew Bartozsek was second followed by CJ Rector, Eric Harrald and Glen Parker. Bartozsek was the Dash winner. Parker was the Heat race winner.
On Friday Night June 15th look for some the fastest laps of the season. The Michigan Traditional Sprints will be on hand to add to the excitement of five other racing divisions. The Late Models will have the night off. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
For complete results and news visit: www.winstonmotorspeedway.com
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Nelson Leads the Way at Winston Speedway
Friday, May 30, 2007
Nelson Leads the Way at Winston Speedway
Winston Motor Speedway fans were treated to a trip down memory lane Friday June 1st. Veteran Late Model drivers Kevin Nelson and John Grega have battled each other on West Michigan racetracks since the early 80’s. It was dejavu for many fans as these two drivers found them selves at the front of the pack battling door to door for the win in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs 25 lap Late Model Feature.
In the early going of the Late Model feature it looked like Kevin Nelson Jr was going to lead every lap from his pole starting position. Nelson Jr was on cruise control until a drive train mechanical problem brought his car to a stop on the backstretch with eleven laps to go. The lead was handed over to Points Leader Tom Sprague Jr. who had raced his way to Nelson Jr’s bumper before his demise. John Grega was second for the restart followed by Kevin Nelson, Rob Taylor and Tom Dusen. With the high side groove the place to be Nelson was able to make his way around Grega for the second spot one lap later. With nine laps to go Nelson pulled even with Sprague Jr down the front stretch. As they entered turn one Nelson and Sprague battled for the high groove. Contact resulted in Nelson going over the embankment bringing out the caution. Sprague was subsequently put to the rear while Nelson was placed at the point. One lap later it was Tom Dusen losing grip and spinning off turn two from his third place in the running order. For the next nine laps and two more caution restarts long time West Michigan race fans could do nothing but grin. Nelson and Grega had been through this scenario many times over the last 25 years. Both of them showed they still can turn the wheel with the best of them. Nelson raced the high line with Grega to his inside. Grega could pull even to Nelson’s door going into turns one and three but Nelson pulled away coming out of turns two and four. When the checkered flag was waved Nelson was the winner. Grega was second followed by Rob Taylor and Matt Pickard. The fifth spot went to a man on a mission. After being placed in the rear of the field Sprague Jr charged from 20th to fifth in 10 laps to round out the top five. In Heat race action Roger Brooks, Scott Wenell, and Rob Taylor were winners. The Consolation feature saw Brooks and Latch transfer. Eddie Reyes was credited with the Consolation Feature win. Nelson took Dash event honors. Bob Finlay was the quick qualifier.
It took until lap eight for Fast Qualifier John McCaul to make his way to the lead in the Modified main event. Once McCaul was up front there was no stopping him. Not even a broken tie rod on the left front with one lap to go could slow McCaul. The win for McCaul was his second in as many weeks. Mike Wilbern earned the runner-up spot over Andy Sprague, Tim Tuttle, and Derek Poland. Fran Couch and Wilbern were the Heat race winners. Rich Neiser won the Dash event.
Sportsman driver Rob Sternberg continues to be the hottest driver at Winston Motor Speedway. Sternberg started up front in Port City Racing 20 lap Sportsman feature and stayed there. The win was Sternberg’s third of the season. The closet challenger was Kyle Borgman who edged Chad Weinrick for the runner-up position. Kurt Woodard was fourth. Jamie Gilmore was fifth. Sportsman heat race winners were Stan Dodds and Jared Guinn. Borgman took Dash event honors.
The Bomber division saw a hard charging Tony Weinrick come up a little bit short in his attempt to take the win from pole sitter Jamie Lorenz. The win for Lorenz was no fluke as he visited victory circle for the third time this season. While Weinrick was putting on a show for the fans moving through the field it was Lorenz who was hitting all of his marks and making no mistakes. Tim Epplett, Bill Delonge, and Derek Passeneir completed the top five. Epplett and Lorenze were Heat race winners. Robert Erickson won the Dash race.
Mini Stock driver Carl McCann returned after taking a week off and dominated the night’s events for the four-cylinder class. McCann swept all three events taking wins in the Feature, Heat, and Dash events. Don Keech was second in the main event followed by Jerry Meyering, Kurt Hulett and Nate Tarte.
The Young Gun drivers continue to get laps under their belt. This 12-15 year old class gets better each week. Seth Moody was the Feature winner followed by Andrew Bartoszek, Eric Harrald, CJ Rector, and Glen Parker. Bartoszek won the Heat Race. Harrald took Dash event honors.
June 8th will be the “Kids Night” at Winston Speedway. This annual event has become one of the most popular among fans. There is something very special about bringing a smile to a youngsters face. Six classes of racing will also entertain the fans. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Nelson Leads the Way at Winston Speedway
Winston Motor Speedway fans were treated to a trip down memory lane Friday June 1st. Veteran Late Model drivers Kevin Nelson and John Grega have battled each other on West Michigan racetracks since the early 80’s. It was dejavu for many fans as these two drivers found them selves at the front of the pack battling door to door for the win in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs 25 lap Late Model Feature.
In the early going of the Late Model feature it looked like Kevin Nelson Jr was going to lead every lap from his pole starting position. Nelson Jr was on cruise control until a drive train mechanical problem brought his car to a stop on the backstretch with eleven laps to go. The lead was handed over to Points Leader Tom Sprague Jr. who had raced his way to Nelson Jr’s bumper before his demise. John Grega was second for the restart followed by Kevin Nelson, Rob Taylor and Tom Dusen. With the high side groove the place to be Nelson was able to make his way around Grega for the second spot one lap later. With nine laps to go Nelson pulled even with Sprague Jr down the front stretch. As they entered turn one Nelson and Sprague battled for the high groove. Contact resulted in Nelson going over the embankment bringing out the caution. Sprague was subsequently put to the rear while Nelson was placed at the point. One lap later it was Tom Dusen losing grip and spinning off turn two from his third place in the running order. For the next nine laps and two more caution restarts long time West Michigan race fans could do nothing but grin. Nelson and Grega had been through this scenario many times over the last 25 years. Both of them showed they still can turn the wheel with the best of them. Nelson raced the high line with Grega to his inside. Grega could pull even to Nelson’s door going into turns one and three but Nelson pulled away coming out of turns two and four. When the checkered flag was waved Nelson was the winner. Grega was second followed by Rob Taylor and Matt Pickard. The fifth spot went to a man on a mission. After being placed in the rear of the field Sprague Jr charged from 20th to fifth in 10 laps to round out the top five. In Heat race action Roger Brooks, Scott Wenell, and Rob Taylor were winners. The Consolation feature saw Brooks and Latch transfer. Eddie Reyes was credited with the Consolation Feature win. Nelson took Dash event honors. Bob Finlay was the quick qualifier.
It took until lap eight for Fast Qualifier John McCaul to make his way to the lead in the Modified main event. Once McCaul was up front there was no stopping him. Not even a broken tie rod on the left front with one lap to go could slow McCaul. The win for McCaul was his second in as many weeks. Mike Wilbern earned the runner-up spot over Andy Sprague, Tim Tuttle, and Derek Poland. Fran Couch and Wilbern were the Heat race winners. Rich Neiser won the Dash event.
Sportsman driver Rob Sternberg continues to be the hottest driver at Winston Motor Speedway. Sternberg started up front in Port City Racing 20 lap Sportsman feature and stayed there. The win was Sternberg’s third of the season. The closet challenger was Kyle Borgman who edged Chad Weinrick for the runner-up position. Kurt Woodard was fourth. Jamie Gilmore was fifth. Sportsman heat race winners were Stan Dodds and Jared Guinn. Borgman took Dash event honors.
The Bomber division saw a hard charging Tony Weinrick come up a little bit short in his attempt to take the win from pole sitter Jamie Lorenz. The win for Lorenz was no fluke as he visited victory circle for the third time this season. While Weinrick was putting on a show for the fans moving through the field it was Lorenz who was hitting all of his marks and making no mistakes. Tim Epplett, Bill Delonge, and Derek Passeneir completed the top five. Epplett and Lorenze were Heat race winners. Robert Erickson won the Dash race.
Mini Stock driver Carl McCann returned after taking a week off and dominated the night’s events for the four-cylinder class. McCann swept all three events taking wins in the Feature, Heat, and Dash events. Don Keech was second in the main event followed by Jerry Meyering, Kurt Hulett and Nate Tarte.
The Young Gun drivers continue to get laps under their belt. This 12-15 year old class gets better each week. Seth Moody was the Feature winner followed by Andrew Bartoszek, Eric Harrald, CJ Rector, and Glen Parker. Bartoszek won the Heat Race. Harrald took Dash event honors.
June 8th will be the “Kids Night” at Winston Speedway. This annual event has become one of the most popular among fans. There is something very special about bringing a smile to a youngsters face. Six classes of racing will also entertain the fans. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
McCaul Claims “Integra Racing Shocks & Springs”
Friday, May 23
McCaul Claims “Integra Racing Shocks & Springs” Invitational Title
The Integra Racing Shocks & Springs UMP Modified Invitational highlighted a great night of racing on Friday, May 25th at Winston Speedway. A couple of former Michigan Modified track and state champions proved that they are still the drivers to beat in this open wheeled division on the 3/8ths clay oval of Winston. 2006 champion Mike Wilbern and 2005 champion John McCaul had the fans on their feet with their efforts to take home the $750 winners share from Integra. It was thirty laps of white knuckle racing as these two drivers put on a great show.
Modified driver Derek Poland earned the right to draw for the inversion after being the fastest in qualifying. Poland’s lap of 16.81 seconds also earned him a contingency award for a new set of racing springs from Integra. Poland’s inversion draw put Wilbern on the pole and himself on the outside of the front row. At the start it looked as Wilbern was going to run away from the field as he gained a ten-car advantage over Poland by lap four. A caution for a spinning car on lap five tightened the field. On the restart all eyes were drawn to John McCaul who had his car hooked up and flying on the outside groove. By lap eight McCaul had cleared Poland and was running side by side with Wilbern as they passed the flagstand. For the next three laps McCaul and Wilbern raced side by side. McCaul led for the first time on lap eleven by a foot. At the half way point McCaul started working his way through lapped traffic. With just three laps to go McCaul was running three abreast with lapped cars when a caution was waved for Andy Sprague spinning off the backstretch. Starting single file from the second position Mike Wilbern made great move on the restart getting under McCaul to take the apparent lead. Wilbern’s pass was nullified as Jeremy Holman and Steve McCleese tangled in turn three before a lap was completed. Wilbern had showed his hand and McCaul was not going to let it happen again. McCaul moved down from the high side groove and hugged the inside of the track for the last three laps to take the win. In Wilbern’s efforts to get by McCaul he jumped to the high side losing a spot to runner-up Rich Neiser who was waiting in the wings for McCaul or Wilbern to make a mistake. Greg Smith and Poland completed the top five. Dave Baker, Steve Hilliker, Tim Tuttle, Jeremy Holman and Eddie Reyes made up the rest of the top ten. Dan Dykman and Julie Taylor earned the transfer spot from the Consolation feature. Randy Whitten was credited with the Consolation Feature win. Heat Race winners were won by Taylor, Ricky Whipple, and Tuttle. The Dash event was won by Poland.
In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs Late Model Division Kevin Nelson Jr picked up his second feature win of the season. Starting in the third spot Nelson Jr made his way by pole sitter Jim Fairbanks on lap four and never looked back. By lap seven Nelson Jr was putting on a clinic of how to get through lapped traffic. Nelson Jr was able to put his car in the high and low grooves as he maneuvered his way through the 21-car field. Nelson’s final two laps were the toughest. Nelson could not breath a sigh of relief until the checkered flag was waved. Hard charging Points leader Tom Sprague made his way to his bumper and drove it as hard as he could on the last lap but came up three foot short to finish in second place. Fairbanks, Matt Pickard, and Kevin Nelson completed the top five. Heat Race honors went to Bob Findlay and Fairbanks. Nelson won the Time Trial and Dash Events.
The Sternberg brothers continue to share the winner’s circle in the Port City Racing Sportsman division. This week it was Rob Sternberg. Not only did Rob Sternberg win the Dash and Heat Race, he came from his eighth place starting position in the main event to take the win. Rob Sternberg win was hard earned as he and Chad Weinrick raced each other hard and clean lap after lap door to door before Rob Sternberg edged his way to the lead. The win was Rob Sternberg’s third main event win of the season. Weinrick held onto second over Ralph Sternberg, Kyle Borgman and Mike Anderson. Borgman was the other Heat race winner.
Port City Racing Factory Stock driver Tim Epplett has found victory lane to his liking. After picking up his first feature win in 31 years of racing last week Epplett retuned to victory circle this week. For most of the race Points leader Robert Erickson looked like he had things well under control pacing the field. It was not until the white flag lap that Erickson realized Epplett was to his outside and determined not to finish second. As they crossed the finish line Epplett held the advantage by less than two feet. Jamie Lorenze, Devin Vanderstelt, and Tony Weinrick made up the rest of the top five. Bill Delonge and Erickson garnered heat race wins. Weinrick too Dash event honors.
Nathon Walton made the best of his return visit in the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Walton has taken his talents to the asphalt of Berlin recently but could not pass up the opportunity to drive the 2006 Track Championship car of Carl McCann. Walton showed his diversity as he led every lap taking the win in this four-cylinder division. Hard charger Mark Farber finished second followed by Don Keech, Adam Spencer, and Hullett. Farber won the Dash and Heat race events earlier in the evening.
Young Gun Driver Eric Harrald led the way in the main event and heat race leading every lap to take the wins. In the Main event Andrew Bartoszek was second followed by Seth Moody, Moorman and Glen Parker. Moody took Dash honors.
Next Friday night Winston Speedway returns with six classes of racing. The weather is getting hot and so is the racing action at Winston. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Pickard, Sprague and Sternberg Take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Friday, May 16, 2006
Pickard, Sprague and Sternberg Take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Repeat main event winners headlined the racing action Friday May 18th at Winston Motor Speedway. The Late Model, Modified and Sportsman division all saw their first repeat winners of the season. The weather was great and so was the racing action.In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs late models Matt Pickard drove his #55 Late Model to his second win in the past three weeks. Pickard made his way from his sixth place starting position to the front by working the low groove of the track. Once Pickard made his way by then leader Kevin Nelson on lap eight he pulled away from the field. Tom Sprague Jr battled his way from eighth to finish in the runner-up spot. The battle for third was exciting as Dale Sheehy, Nelson, and Rich Neiser raced three abreast for the majority of the last three laps. Sheehy earned third position as he nipped Neiser and Nelson who completed the top five. Eddie Reyes and Scott Wenell earned the transfer spots from the Consolation Feature while Bill McCormick was credited with the win. Wenell and Mick Latch won heat races. Sprague Jr swept the Dash and Qualifying events.
Modified Fast Qualifier Randy Whitten drew a two chip that put Andy Sprague on the pole for the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modified feature. Sprague led every lap to take his second win of the season. It was not easy as John McCaul put on the pressure until lapped traffic came into play. With seven to go Sprague and McCaul were left guessing which way to get around a lapped car. Sprague guessed right and was able to pull away while McCaul was left bottlenecked and settling for second. Dan Dykman, Greg Smith and Derek Poland rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Brandon Gunia and Rich Neiser. Sprague won the Dash.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be to the liking of the Sternberg family. This week it was Ralph Sternberg leading every lap to take the win over his brother Rob Sternberg. Ralph’s win backed up his brothers win last week and was his second of the season. Mike Welch claimed the third spot. Chad Weinrick held on to the fourth spot after contact with a spinning Stand Dodds and Kyle Borgman. Dodds was credited with the fourth spot while Borgman was placed as the last finisher on the lead lap. Jared Guinn won his first race of the season claiming a Heat Race win along with Weinrick. Ralph Sternberg won the Dash.
Jamie Lorenze garnered the win in the Port City Racing Bomber Division. Lorenze went from fifth to first in two laps and held off a hard charging Tony Weinrick. Devin Vanderstelt was third followed by Robert Erickson and Dave Sayas. Heats were won by Weinrick and Erickson. Lorenze also won the Dash event.
The return of Mark Farber to the Spragues Auto Parts Mini Stock class did not go unnoticed. Farber swept every event of the night for the four-cylinder class claiming the Dash, Heat and Main events. Don Keech chased Farber to a second place in the feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Jason Hullett.Young Gun Driver Seth Moody topped a four-car field picking up his second feature win of the season. Moody also won the Heat race. Glen Parker took the checkered flag in the Dash event.
Next week Integra Racing Shocks & Springs will be sponsoring a $750 to win UMP Modified Invitational to headline the night’s event. Combine this with five other classes of racing an Winston Speedway will be the place to be for all of your racing action. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Pickard, Sprague and Sternberg Take Top Honors at Winston Speedway
Repeat main event winners headlined the racing action Friday May 18th at Winston Motor Speedway. The Late Model, Modified and Sportsman division all saw their first repeat winners of the season. The weather was great and so was the racing action.In the Integra Racing Shocks & Springs late models Matt Pickard drove his #55 Late Model to his second win in the past three weeks. Pickard made his way from his sixth place starting position to the front by working the low groove of the track. Once Pickard made his way by then leader Kevin Nelson on lap eight he pulled away from the field. Tom Sprague Jr battled his way from eighth to finish in the runner-up spot. The battle for third was exciting as Dale Sheehy, Nelson, and Rich Neiser raced three abreast for the majority of the last three laps. Sheehy earned third position as he nipped Neiser and Nelson who completed the top five. Eddie Reyes and Scott Wenell earned the transfer spots from the Consolation Feature while Bill McCormick was credited with the win. Wenell and Mick Latch won heat races. Sprague Jr swept the Dash and Qualifying events.
Modified Fast Qualifier Randy Whitten drew a two chip that put Andy Sprague on the pole for the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modified feature. Sprague led every lap to take his second win of the season. It was not easy as John McCaul put on the pressure until lapped traffic came into play. With seven to go Sprague and McCaul were left guessing which way to get around a lapped car. Sprague guessed right and was able to pull away while McCaul was left bottlenecked and settling for second. Dan Dykman, Greg Smith and Derek Poland rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Brandon Gunia and Rich Neiser. Sprague won the Dash.
The Port City Racing Sportsman division continues to be to the liking of the Sternberg family. This week it was Ralph Sternberg leading every lap to take the win over his brother Rob Sternberg. Ralph’s win backed up his brothers win last week and was his second of the season. Mike Welch claimed the third spot. Chad Weinrick held on to the fourth spot after contact with a spinning Stand Dodds and Kyle Borgman. Dodds was credited with the fourth spot while Borgman was placed as the last finisher on the lead lap. Jared Guinn won his first race of the season claiming a Heat Race win along with Weinrick. Ralph Sternberg won the Dash.
Jamie Lorenze garnered the win in the Port City Racing Bomber Division. Lorenze went from fifth to first in two laps and held off a hard charging Tony Weinrick. Devin Vanderstelt was third followed by Robert Erickson and Dave Sayas. Heats were won by Weinrick and Erickson. Lorenze also won the Dash event.
The return of Mark Farber to the Spragues Auto Parts Mini Stock class did not go unnoticed. Farber swept every event of the night for the four-cylinder class claiming the Dash, Heat and Main events. Don Keech chased Farber to a second place in the feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Jason Hullett.Young Gun Driver Seth Moody topped a four-car field picking up his second feature win of the season. Moody also won the Heat race. Glen Parker took the checkered flag in the Dash event.
Next week Integra Racing Shocks & Springs will be sponsoring a $750 to win UMP Modified Invitational to headline the night’s event. Combine this with five other classes of racing an Winston Speedway will be the place to be for all of your racing action. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
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