When you hear the last name Grega in Michigan racing circles you automatically think of John Grega. If you became a race fan this season you might only know the name Spike Grega. While John might have the Michigan Motor sports Hall of Fame on his resume, it has been his younger brother Spike who has been stealing the limelight. Spike has not lost a main event at Winston this season. Tonight Spike Grega pulled off double feature wins claiming both of the Johnny Mac's Auto sponsored Bomber Features. It was his fourth win of the young season
Feature Winners:
Bomber Feature #1: #97 Spike Grega
Bomber Feature #2: #97 Spike Grega
Warrior Feature #1:#7 Ryan Hamm
Warrior Feature #2 #9 Nick Curtis
Mini Stock Feature #1: #21 Brandon Tramper
Mini Stock Feature #2: #21 Brandon Tramper
Sportsman: #37 Rob Sternberg
Modifieds: #1 Jeff Erickson
Late Models: #61 Jim Fairbanks
118 Total Cars
26 Warriors
15 Mini Stock
25 Bomber
16 Street Stock
20 Modifieds
16 Late Models
Complete Results
http://www.winstonspeedway.net/Results/2010/4_30_10.pdf
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Cruz Pedregon: West Michigan Racing
(Photo Courtesy of Randy Ellen Photography)Many of today's athletes no longer take the time to return to their grassroots. Many feel it is below them and they do not want to take the time to be bothered at facilities that do not provide personal security and appearance fees.
That was not the case last Friday as West Michigan Race fans got to see Cruz Pedregon at Winston Speedway's "Player Hater 50". Pedregon is widely known for his Drag Racing career. Pedregon was the 1992 and 2008 NHRA Funny Car Champion. In 1997 Pedregon became the first Motorsports athlete to received the "Premio De Oro," the only national award for Hispanic athletes
That was not the case last Friday as West Michigan Race fans got to see Cruz Pedregon at Winston Speedway's "Player Hater 50". Pedregon is widely known for his Drag Racing career. Pedregon was the 1992 and 2008 NHRA Funny Car Champion. In 1997 Pedregon became the first Motorsports athlete to received the "Premio De Oro," the only national award for Hispanic athletes
It was very refreshing to see Pedregon mingle with the drivers and fans. More than one driver and fan stated how impressed they were with him. Even though Pedregon struggled in his race car Friday night, he sure was a winner in my eyes.
SMRE Performance Returns for 2010
West Michigan Racing.com is proud to announce the return of SMRE Performance as a marketing partner for 2010. SMRE has become one of the top Engine building companys in the world let alone West Michigan.SMRE Circle Track power plants were under the hood of 2008 Mt Pleasant Speedway Late Model Champion Justin Robinson, 2008 ALMS Sunoco Rookie of the Year Ryan Vanderveen, Winston Speedway 2007 Late Model Rookie of the Year CJ Heskett and Steve Fairbanks 2008 Corharvest Late Model Winner to name a few.
SMRE engines have made their way all over the world including Italy, UK, and Brazil.
Whether it is for the street, drag or circle track they can provide the engine that will fit your needs.
To take and look and listen to their motors click on the link below:
They can be reached at: 231-773-8150 Tell them you saw them on West Michigan Racing.com
Thank you SMRE for your support.
Jeep VanWormer: Press Release April 28th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 28, 2010
Jeep Van Wormer Scores Third Win in a Row in Player Hater 50; Eyes K-C Doubleheader Next!
(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) Jeep Van Wormer and his #55 Dirt Late Model team continued their winning ways on Friday night, April 23 at the Winston Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan! Integra Shocks and Port City Racing, who are supporters of the Iron Motorsports team, sponsored the annual running of the 'Player Hater 50' at Winston on Friday and a $2,000 winner's check was on the line. Jeep won his heat race in preliminary action and later drew the pole position for the 50-lap main event.
The Pinconning, Michigan native took the lead at the drop of the green flag and paced the field for each and every circuit in the A-Main. Jeep captured his third checkered flag in a row and the $2,000 top prize by defeating Brian Ruhlman, Ryan Unzicker, JR Hotovy, and Curtis Roberts. You can view complete results from the 'Player Hater 50' by logging onto www.winstonspeedway.net.
"We are starting to get a little momentum on our side and our Rocket car is performing very well right now," quoted Van Wormer this week. "It was cool to win at Winston on Friday in front of a bunch of family and friends. We don't get a lot of opportunities to race around home, so it was nice to run well and get into victory lane at Winston. I have to thank all of my family, crew, and sponsors for their support this season, as I couldn't do this without their help. Hopefully, we can keep this ball rolling and have a strong weekend at K-C."
The Iron Motorsports team will look to keep their winning streak alive this upcoming weekend at the K-C Raceway in Chillicothe, Ohio. The south-central Ohio venue will play host to a $5,000 to win unsanctioned show this Friday, April 30 and a $10,000 to win O'Reilly All Star Late Model Series (ASLMS) event on Saturday, May 1. The pair of high-profile races makes up the 2nd Annual 'Dirt Track World Cup Classic' weekend. If a driver can sweep the doubleheader, an extra $2,000 bonus will be paid out. Additional information concerning the 'Dirt Track World Cup Classic' can be obtained online at www.kc-raceway.com.
In other news, the #55 team has received their allotment of tickets to sell for the upcoming 'Dream 100' and 'World 100' at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio! Both general admission and reserved tickets are available for purchase. Please visit www.jeepvanwormer.com for additional information!
The IMS team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support of the #55 team: Bayline Fire Protection, Globe Technologies, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Cornett Racing Engines, ACPT, Allstar Performance, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Oil Systems, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., Delph Communications, Duralite Wheels, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, Integra Shocks & Springs, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R2C Performance, Ringers Gloves, Scott Performance Wire, Sweet Mfg., TWM Racing, V.P. Racing Fuels, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Wilwood Engineering, and Wrisco.
To learn more about the Iron Motorsports team, log onto their home on the web located at www.jeepvanwormer.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
www.delphcommunications.com
April 28, 2010
Jeep Van Wormer Scores Third Win in a Row in Player Hater 50; Eyes K-C Doubleheader Next!
(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) Jeep Van Wormer and his #55 Dirt Late Model team continued their winning ways on Friday night, April 23 at the Winston Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan! Integra Shocks and Port City Racing, who are supporters of the Iron Motorsports team, sponsored the annual running of the 'Player Hater 50' at Winston on Friday and a $2,000 winner's check was on the line. Jeep won his heat race in preliminary action and later drew the pole position for the 50-lap main event.
The Pinconning, Michigan native took the lead at the drop of the green flag and paced the field for each and every circuit in the A-Main. Jeep captured his third checkered flag in a row and the $2,000 top prize by defeating Brian Ruhlman, Ryan Unzicker, JR Hotovy, and Curtis Roberts. You can view complete results from the 'Player Hater 50' by logging onto www.winstonspeedway.net.
"We are starting to get a little momentum on our side and our Rocket car is performing very well right now," quoted Van Wormer this week. "It was cool to win at Winston on Friday in front of a bunch of family and friends. We don't get a lot of opportunities to race around home, so it was nice to run well and get into victory lane at Winston. I have to thank all of my family, crew, and sponsors for their support this season, as I couldn't do this without their help. Hopefully, we can keep this ball rolling and have a strong weekend at K-C."
The Iron Motorsports team will look to keep their winning streak alive this upcoming weekend at the K-C Raceway in Chillicothe, Ohio. The south-central Ohio venue will play host to a $5,000 to win unsanctioned show this Friday, April 30 and a $10,000 to win O'Reilly All Star Late Model Series (ASLMS) event on Saturday, May 1. The pair of high-profile races makes up the 2nd Annual 'Dirt Track World Cup Classic' weekend. If a driver can sweep the doubleheader, an extra $2,000 bonus will be paid out. Additional information concerning the 'Dirt Track World Cup Classic' can be obtained online at www.kc-raceway.com.
In other news, the #55 team has received their allotment of tickets to sell for the upcoming 'Dream 100' and 'World 100' at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio! Both general admission and reserved tickets are available for purchase. Please visit www.jeepvanwormer.com for additional information!
The IMS team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support of the #55 team: Bayline Fire Protection, Globe Technologies, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Cornett Racing Engines, ACPT, Allstar Performance, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Oil Systems, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., Delph Communications, Duralite Wheels, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, Integra Shocks & Springs, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R2C Performance, Ringers Gloves, Scott Performance Wire, Sweet Mfg., TWM Racing, V.P. Racing Fuels, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Wilwood Engineering, and Wrisco.
To learn more about the Iron Motorsports team, log onto their home on the web located at www.jeepvanwormer.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
www.delphcommunications.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
VanDoorn Top 10 Draft Pick of Speed51.com
Photo Courtesty of Speed51.comPick #6
Johnny Van Doorn
Age - 22
Hometown - Coopersville, MI
Series - CRA Super Series
If Johnny VanDoorn were a football player, he would make an excellent wide receiver. He is tall and lanky, but tough as nails… the Coopersville, MI native would make a perfect target for Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford to his over the middle.
Problem is, VanDoorn is a racecar driver. So instead of making millions catching passes for a living, he is just scrapping by to race his heart out.
VanDoorn has gone against the best of the Midwest and won. He beat out three-time CRA Super Series champion Scott Hantz for that series title in 2009 and he's a former winner of the All American 400 at Nashville.
This guy is prime for the picking. At 22, he's got enough maturation behind the wheel for the big time. He's personable and speaks very well, but he's not outgoing enough to push his career forward. Sometimes, drivers need to be a near, “pain in the ass,” to certain people to get a shot. In fact, we see a lot of drivers get that opportunity just because they've hung around the right places.
Now, contrary to popular opinion, VanDoorn is not necessarily low-buck. He does have a car owner, but he does make his success on a more limited budget compared to some.
This year he needs to continue winning in the CRA Super Series, but also get another victory in a signature event to re-establish himself as a guy who deserves a shot. Overall he has 14 top-10 votes, but no number-1s. He did, however, receive a pair of number two selections.
Click on the Title to take a look at the entire article.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sprints on Dirt at Crystal
ASCS SOD Season Starts Saturday at Crystal
April 26, 2010
by T.J. Buffenbarger
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP series kicks off the 2010 season Saturday night at Crystal Motor Speedway. Home of the first ever Sprints on Dirt event in 1980, Saturday will be the first of three appearances during the 2010 season and the 106th all time at the 1/3-mile oval in Crystal, Michigan.
During the season opener, Dustin Daggett will attempt to collect his sixth straight feature victory at Crystal. Since September of 2006 Daggett has won an astounding nine of his last 10 starts at Crystal. In addition, Daggett is chasing the record for feature wins all time in the ASCS SOD series needing only six more feature wins to tie the record.
One of the drivers looking to an end to Daggett’s win streak is defending ASCS SOD champion Brett Mann. Mann will defend his title aboard his family owned car for the first time in three and a half seasons. Mann has four feature wins at Crystal, the last of which came in 2004.
Gregg Dalman is another feature winner from last season scheduled to appear at Crystal on Saturday. Dalman scored one feature victory in 2009 at Winston Speedway, passing Daggett in the closing laps to secure the victory. Dalman has been close to the ASCS SOD point title on several occasions, and is looking to finally get over the hump in 2010 with a good start at the opening event at Crystal.
As an added bonus Lucas Oil ASCS National Sprint Car Series regular Darren Long, driving for veteran sprint car driver Joe Gaerte and former champion Tim Norman, is scheduled to make his first ASCS regional appearance of the 2010 season Saturday at Crystal. Long has eight career ASCS SOD feature wins with one coming at Crystal in 2003.
Hot Laps are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. with racing at 7:30. Fans that cannot make Crystal Motor Speedway can listen and/or watch the action online at racesontheweb.com.
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP is in its 31st season of competition. Twenty-seven races are on the calendar scheduled throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Ontario.
The American Sprint Car Series, in its 19th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing events, brings the best of Sprint Car racing to nearly 100 different tracks throughout 25 states and Canada in 2009. Anchored by the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series, ASCS also consists of several different regions throughout the nation.
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.
I-96 Speedway set to Open for 40th Year
Lake Odessa, MI.
By: Lucas Bila
After two very successful weekends of practice, the 40th season of racing at I-96 Speedway starts this weekend on Saturday night May 1st with the fifth annual Ice Breaker.
To begin with, a new configured 3/8 mile track as replaced the old ¼ mile race track. And with over 75 race cars from four cylinders to full blown sprint cars and every thing in between, having taken practice laps, the track is shaping up to be already one of the fastest 3/8’s in the Midwest.
Then add to the mix, an opening night payout of $300.00 to win for the Four Cylinders! This amounts to one of the biggest payouts for this division in the state. With that kind of payout, I-96 is expecting 25-30 of the front wheel drive cars, including some pavement racers trying their hand at the dirt.
Now factor in the $800.00 to win UMP modified feature, along with the UMP Late Models and the UMP street stocks and you have a formula for a huge opening night.
I-96 is pleased to announce one of its major sponsors for 2010, Landrum Spring Sales and Service. They have helped with the sponsorship of the modified feature winner.
“I am really excited to get the season started”, says track owner Mike Mouch. “My family, myself and track crew, along with Mike Strevel have been working night and day for the last 3 -4 months to get the season started.”
“The new track is fast and wide and has a lot of grip”, stated UMP modified driver Mark Anderson after turning over 25 practice laps. “I look forward to racing on it”.
Mouch and his crew has also been working on the restrooms as well as the track as they continue to make upgrades and improvements to the racing facility.
Gates open at 4:00, hot laps at 6:00 and first race at 7:00.
I-96 speedway is located off of interstate 96 at exit 64. Go south ½ mile, then west on Portland road to the track. For more info www.i96speedway.com.
Berlin Raceway Hopes to Open on May 1st
Modified's to race for $1,500-to-win Saturday May 1 and May 8 with $500 bonus; Super Stocks to join this Saturday for full 5-in-1 show!
Marne, MI - Following beautiful weather this past week in Marne, Mother Nature decided to rain on the Berlin Raceway party, forcing the cancellation of the 60th Anniversary Opening Night. After trying to work with Kalamazoo Speedway on aligning division schedules, it was determined that they could not make it work.
Given the situation, Berlin has announced that they will host all of their regular classes this Saturday! The Model Coverall Modifieds will compete for $1,500-to-win and $200-to-start, and then again on Saturday May 8 for the same prize fund! The highest average finisher between the two events will earn a $500 bonus, creating an even greater incentive for area drivers!
In addition to this announcement, the Engine Pro Super Stocks will race on Saturday night, with the originally scheduled Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders.
The lightning quick Coors Light Late Models will race for 60-laps on Saturday, in the first of the ten race points fund bonus presented by Port City Racecars. Drivers in the premiere division have the potential to win $11,500 in prize money with the partnership from Harley Boeve.
Tickets are only $12.00 for adults and available online by going to www.berlinraceway.com, or by calling 616-662-2051. Kids 6-12 are always $5.00 and seniors 60 and over receive $2.00 off their general admission ticket.
Marne, MI - Following beautiful weather this past week in Marne, Mother Nature decided to rain on the Berlin Raceway party, forcing the cancellation of the 60th Anniversary Opening Night. After trying to work with Kalamazoo Speedway on aligning division schedules, it was determined that they could not make it work.
Given the situation, Berlin has announced that they will host all of their regular classes this Saturday! The Model Coverall Modifieds will compete for $1,500-to-win and $200-to-start, and then again on Saturday May 8 for the same prize fund! The highest average finisher between the two events will earn a $500 bonus, creating an even greater incentive for area drivers!
In addition to this announcement, the Engine Pro Super Stocks will race on Saturday night, with the originally scheduled Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders.
The lightning quick Coors Light Late Models will race for 60-laps on Saturday, in the first of the ten race points fund bonus presented by Port City Racecars. Drivers in the premiere division have the potential to win $11,500 in prize money with the partnership from Harley Boeve.
Tickets are only $12.00 for adults and available online by going to www.berlinraceway.com, or by calling 616-662-2051. Kids 6-12 are always $5.00 and seniors 60 and over receive $2.00 off their general admission ticket.
Monday, April 26, 2010
UPDATE: From Crystal: Ronn Flinn
Taken From Reports fron VerWayne Greenhoe
UPDATE: 4/26/2010
When I last spoke with him last night, Ron was asking for the charger to his cell phone and his laptop... so he is doing better. There was a rumor he was organizing a 3 on 2 basketball game against the nurses but that isn't true. He wanted to go 5 on 2but the nurses couldn't get that many of them off on break at the same time.
Seriously though, Ryan asked me to extend a big THANK YOU for all the prayers and well wishes. It means a lot to the family.
I've gotten a number of emails asking if CMS will cancel for this Saturday and I promise you 190% that if the weather is good, the races will go on. Ron would never abide calling the races simply because he wasn't there. In fact, the staff often says it goes smoother without him there. I post that simply because I know he will read this and it will make him go goofy at the mouth.
4/25/2010
More as it is given to me.
Just spoke with Kim and she tells me Ron is out of surgery and is resting comfortably. They were able to fix the artery that was 100% blocked, but are waiting to do more on Tuesday because they didn't want to put too much stress on the heart. Doctors have confirned he did have a heart attack but that he is doing much better right now. Again, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
This is the type news I don't like to pass along but... Last night, Ron Flinn contacted me about 1:15 AM and explained he was having discomfort in his chest and his arms were tingling. He went by car to Carson City Hospital and was later transferred to a Grand Rapids hospital. Ron called me this morning about 10:45AM to tell me it appears he has a severely blocked coronary artery and they were talking about doing at least a stent and possibly a coronary bypass surgery. Ron seemed to be in good spirits, a little weak but he had probably been awake all night after being awake and running all day yesterday.
He has promised to keep me up to date as to progress and I promise to keep YOU up to date. At this time, please don't call the hospital until things become a bit more calm. He is in serious but stable condition. These type of surgeries are very routine now and the expected outcome is good. Watch the Crystal Motor Speedway website for updates and please keep Ron and his extended family in your thoughts and prayers.
UPDATE: 4/26/2010
When I last spoke with him last night, Ron was asking for the charger to his cell phone and his laptop... so he is doing better. There was a rumor he was organizing a 3 on 2 basketball game against the nurses but that isn't true. He wanted to go 5 on 2but the nurses couldn't get that many of them off on break at the same time.
Seriously though, Ryan asked me to extend a big THANK YOU for all the prayers and well wishes. It means a lot to the family.
I've gotten a number of emails asking if CMS will cancel for this Saturday and I promise you 190% that if the weather is good, the races will go on. Ron would never abide calling the races simply because he wasn't there. In fact, the staff often says it goes smoother without him there. I post that simply because I know he will read this and it will make him go goofy at the mouth.
4/25/2010
More as it is given to me.
Just spoke with Kim and she tells me Ron is out of surgery and is resting comfortably. They were able to fix the artery that was 100% blocked, but are waiting to do more on Tuesday because they didn't want to put too much stress on the heart. Doctors have confirned he did have a heart attack but that he is doing much better right now. Again, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
This is the type news I don't like to pass along but... Last night, Ron Flinn contacted me about 1:15 AM and explained he was having discomfort in his chest and his arms were tingling. He went by car to Carson City Hospital and was later transferred to a Grand Rapids hospital. Ron called me this morning about 10:45AM to tell me it appears he has a severely blocked coronary artery and they were talking about doing at least a stent and possibly a coronary bypass surgery. Ron seemed to be in good spirits, a little weak but he had probably been awake all night after being awake and running all day yesterday.
He has promised to keep me up to date as to progress and I promise to keep YOU up to date. At this time, please don't call the hospital until things become a bit more calm. He is in serious but stable condition. These type of surgeries are very routine now and the expected outcome is good. Watch the Crystal Motor Speedway website for updates and please keep Ron and his extended family in your thoughts and prayers.
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