Special From Paragon Racing Team
Byron, Michigan (April 13, 2011): As Erik Jones progresses through his budding racing career, one thing comes to mind when the 14-year-old thinks about the upcoming 2011 racing season; A Championship. That’s the #1 goal in the mind of the Byron, Michigan teenager as well as his entire Paragon Racing Team. The Championship they’re pursuing is the Inaugural JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts title.
"We’ve been working on the cars all winter getting them ready for the race season this year. We've already ran a few races earlier this season at Lanier (National Speedway in Braselton, Georgia) and South Alabama (Speedway in Opp, Alabama). We had a great run going in Alabama until we broke an oil cooler," Remarked Jones as he continues preparations for the remainder of the season. "I think this (JEGS/CRA/GM) is going to be a great new series, and we go to a lot of great race tracks, and some that I have not been too."
The chase for the JEGS/CRA/GM Championship begins at a track he’s familiar with, the famed ½ (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval of Toledo Speedway, located right across the Michigan / Ohio state line in Toledo, Ohio for the running of the inaugural event for the Salem, Indiana based series; the Toledo 100 Presented by JEGS.com. Last season at Toledo in the now defunct Northern Late Model Series, Jones shattered the track record for Template Body / Crate Motor cars in Qualifying.
"We had a great season last year, and I hope we can improve on that this year." The Byron High School Freshman added. "Toledo is one of my favorite race tracks that I have been to so far, and I'm excited to race there again. We had a great run going there last year in the old Northern Late Model Series, we broke the track record, but then we got caught up in a wreck on lap 63. We plan on making a run for the championship this season in JEGS/CRA/GM and I think we have a great team to be able to pursue this." Jones ended.
Jones comes into the upcoming 2011 campaign armed with one of the top rising stars amongst Crew Chiefs in North America in 19-year-old Butch VanDoorn, who’s older brother, Coopersville, Michigan standout, Johnny VanDoorn is the Two-Time Defending CRA Super Series Champion in Champion Racing Association’s (CRA) premiere touring series.
In addition to his full schedule in the JEGS/CRA/GM series, Jones also plans on making his CRA Super Series debut later in the year and will be making select appearances there as well as running events in the new Premier Boyne Super Late Model Series over on the Westside of his home state at the famed Berlin Raceway, located West of Grand Rapids in Marne, Michigan.
Amongst his list of accomplishments in 2010 in the old Northern Late Model Series includes Two Wins in the series with his first career Win coming at the track closest to his Byron, Michigan home; Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan as he scored the popular win after outdueling eventual 2010 Series Champion, Eddie Hoffman to win the Bob Cross Memorial 100 on August 20th.
Then Jones became the youngest driver in the 41-year history of one of the most tradition laden, end of the season, special events in the country; Oktoberfest Weekend at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, Wisconsin to win a Feature as Jones led all 100 laps of the John and Sue McKarns 100 on October 9th to capture his Second Victory of the year while securing the 2010 Rookie of the Year title and a Third Place Overall finish in the former Northern Late Model Series.
Jones began his racing career at the age of seven racing Quarter Midgets as a member of Mid Michigan Racing Association (MMRA) in Waterford, Michigan and was recognized as the MMRA Rookie of the Year. In 2007, he was the MMRA Light 160 Champion. In 2008 while still in Quarter Midgets, he moved up into the Light AA and World Formula classes and while competing in the 2008 Eastern Grands in Connecticut, he set fast time and a new track record in World Formula. He also qualified his Light AA into the A-Main and finished second overall.
The 2009 season began with Jones competing in the Pure Stock division at the Owosso Speedway and Three weeks into the season, the decision was made to move the then 12-year-old Jones into a more advanced division, the Pro Stocks, and the results were impressive. He scored one feature win, which came on August 29th after beating defending track champion, Leo Smith in one of the most thrilling races of the season.
Overall in 2009, Jones also racked up Three Top Five finishes and an impressive eight top 10 showings in 11 starts. Jones also scored two preliminary heat race wins as well to finish Eighth in the final points standings and win the 2009 Rookie of the Year title.
For the 2011 racing season, Car Owners, Dave and Carol Jones have assembled a top notch put crew which consists of; Butch VanDoorn, John VanDoorn, Branden Lines, Barry Bramblett, Ken Bond, and Brandon Rose. Jones' #4 Chevrolet Impala will carry primary sponsorship from Paragon Corvette Reproductions as well as Port City Race Cars, Simpson Race Products, CG Financial Services, Webster Looby & Baumgarten, M.P.H. Promotions, and Paragon Racing Team.
To learn more about Erik Jones and the Paragon Racing Team and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at www.paragonracingteam.com
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Winston Speedway Canceled for Tonight: April 15th
Winston Speedway has postponed their Opening Night due to inclement weather.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sammy Epling begins quest for 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Title This Weekend at Eldora Speedway
Sammy Epling begins quest for 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Title This Weekend at Eldora Speedway
Perry, Michigan (Thursday, April 14th, 2011): Sammy Epling has been getting anxious for the 2011 racing season to start. After an opening race weekend down at Clarksville Speedway back on March 11-12th, a series of rain outs on consecutive weekend has Epling chomping at the bit to get back out on the track. He'll get that chance to return under racing conditions this weekend.
The Perry, Michigan native will make the trip south to the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio for the 2011 season opener for the Sunoco American Late Model Series on Saturday, April 16th. The famed 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval in Western Ohio is expecting over 50 of the best UMP Late Models in the Midwest for the Grayville, Illinois based series now in its 16th year of touring around the Midwestern United States.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Northside Service / SJE Trucking Pontiac GTO UMP Late Model will make a run for the 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Championship. He'll also participate in several other events throughout the Midwest and especially in his home state of Michigan. In all, over 40 races are scheduled for the team throughout the 2011 racing season.
Last Saturday, April 9th, Epling and crew ventured over to the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval of I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the tracks' first Test and Tune of the season and Epling was very happy with the outcome; "The test went real well. We tried a few things you don't really have time to try when racing or you're not sure about if it will work." The 41-year-old explained.
"As far as this coming weekend goes, we plan on racing somewhere Friday night, either Winston (Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan) or Attica (Raceway Park in Attica Ohio). It all depends on the weather. For Saturday, it will be Eldora no doubt! It's the first night of points for Sunoco ALMS, so we'll be making the trip rain or shine. So if it rains I hope it starts early so they can make a decision before driving all the way there!" He laughed.
"No matter what my guys have everything ready to go, so thanks to them and all my sponsors and of course the fans who support me and my team." The 2010 Mt. Pleasant Speedway UMP Late Models Track Champion continued. "This season will be busy for sure. It'll be a lot of hard work, but I have a great bunch of guys who bust their butts to give me a good car."
When not racing the Sunoco ALMS series, you will probably find us right around home at I-96 and Mt Pleasant as well as a show or two at Merritt (Speedway in Merritt, Michigan) and Winston. There are a lot of big shows planned at just about every track in Michigan! We will need to be on our "A" game to be competitive." Epling added.
During the 2010 racing season, Epling captured the 2010 UMP Late Models Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. He also made the most of his limited appearances at I-96 Speedway as he scored three feature wins on the inner 3/8s mile including the tracks' Fall Finale at the end of the season, to finish sixth in the final points standings. He also made limited appearances in the Sunoco American Late Model Series as well as at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
"We had such a great season last year. I finally won my first ever Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant and we did so well in our few appearances at I-96. It gives us a ton of confidence heading into this season." Epling continued. "We're looking to do really well wherever we unload and we expect to be contenders every time we head out to race." He ended.
Epling's racing career began in 1985 racing in the Sportsman division at the old Santa Fe Speedway in his home state of Illinois. He raced there exclusively until 1991 scoring 10 Feature Wins and consistent top five finishes in the final points standings at Santa Fe. Prior to the start of the 1992 season, he purchased a Late Model from Eight-Time Track Champion, Frank Reaber and for the next two seasons, Epling called LaSalle Speedway home in his Late Model.
In 1994, he began traveling to other facilities such as Farmer City Speedway, Fairbury American Legion Speedway, and Kankakee Speedway all in his home state while also venturing across the state line to Crown Point Speedway in Indiana scoring a total of 12 Feature Wins from 1994-2001. He also traveled with the Northern All-Stars Series during the 2000 season finishing 13th in the final points and was the Rookie of the Year runner-up in that series.
In 2002, Epling moved to the Great Lakes State and settled in Perry, Michigan. He began venturing to short tracks throughout the state of Michigan making appearances primarily at Crystal Motor Speedway as well as I-96 Speedway, Merritt Speedway, Mid-Michigan Raceway Park, and Mt. Pleasant Speedway while not running for a track championship, he did score 10 feature wins including the end of the season Corn Harvest at Mid-Michigan Raceway Park twice in 2007 and 2009. He also ventured south to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on several occasions as well including appearances in the World 100.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Mastersbilt Chassis with power from Hedrick Precision Engines of Urbana, Illinois will sport a Pontiac GTO nose on his UMP Late Model and carry sponsorship decals from; Northside Service as well as SJE Trucking, Imaging Solutions, Shift Shop Transmissions, Mike Childers & Sons Excavating, Lane Automotive, Fusion Sign Company, Jeff Smith Home Improvements, Nashcar Trailers, Huffy's Marathon, MPH Promotions, SJE Motorsports, and Doug Finley Motorsports.
The SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports crew consists of: Car Owners Doug Finley and Jimmy Markski as well as Crew Members, Tommy Klopp, Jeff Smith, and J.R. Smith.
For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at: www.sammyepling.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "Sammy Epling / SJE Motorsports" then click on "Like" today.
Perry, Michigan (Thursday, April 14th, 2011): Sammy Epling has been getting anxious for the 2011 racing season to start. After an opening race weekend down at Clarksville Speedway back on March 11-12th, a series of rain outs on consecutive weekend has Epling chomping at the bit to get back out on the track. He'll get that chance to return under racing conditions this weekend.
The Perry, Michigan native will make the trip south to the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio for the 2011 season opener for the Sunoco American Late Model Series on Saturday, April 16th. The famed 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval in Western Ohio is expecting over 50 of the best UMP Late Models in the Midwest for the Grayville, Illinois based series now in its 16th year of touring around the Midwestern United States.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Northside Service / SJE Trucking Pontiac GTO UMP Late Model will make a run for the 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Championship. He'll also participate in several other events throughout the Midwest and especially in his home state of Michigan. In all, over 40 races are scheduled for the team throughout the 2011 racing season.
Last Saturday, April 9th, Epling and crew ventured over to the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval of I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the tracks' first Test and Tune of the season and Epling was very happy with the outcome; "The test went real well. We tried a few things you don't really have time to try when racing or you're not sure about if it will work." The 41-year-old explained.
"As far as this coming weekend goes, we plan on racing somewhere Friday night, either Winston (Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan) or Attica (Raceway Park in Attica Ohio). It all depends on the weather. For Saturday, it will be Eldora no doubt! It's the first night of points for Sunoco ALMS, so we'll be making the trip rain or shine. So if it rains I hope it starts early so they can make a decision before driving all the way there!" He laughed.
"No matter what my guys have everything ready to go, so thanks to them and all my sponsors and of course the fans who support me and my team." The 2010 Mt. Pleasant Speedway UMP Late Models Track Champion continued. "This season will be busy for sure. It'll be a lot of hard work, but I have a great bunch of guys who bust their butts to give me a good car."
When not racing the Sunoco ALMS series, you will probably find us right around home at I-96 and Mt Pleasant as well as a show or two at Merritt (Speedway in Merritt, Michigan) and Winston. There are a lot of big shows planned at just about every track in Michigan! We will need to be on our "A" game to be competitive." Epling added.
During the 2010 racing season, Epling captured the 2010 UMP Late Models Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. He also made the most of his limited appearances at I-96 Speedway as he scored three feature wins on the inner 3/8s mile including the tracks' Fall Finale at the end of the season, to finish sixth in the final points standings. He also made limited appearances in the Sunoco American Late Model Series as well as at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
"We had such a great season last year. I finally won my first ever Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant and we did so well in our few appearances at I-96. It gives us a ton of confidence heading into this season." Epling continued. "We're looking to do really well wherever we unload and we expect to be contenders every time we head out to race." He ended.
Epling's racing career began in 1985 racing in the Sportsman division at the old Santa Fe Speedway in his home state of Illinois. He raced there exclusively until 1991 scoring 10 Feature Wins and consistent top five finishes in the final points standings at Santa Fe. Prior to the start of the 1992 season, he purchased a Late Model from Eight-Time Track Champion, Frank Reaber and for the next two seasons, Epling called LaSalle Speedway home in his Late Model.
In 1994, he began traveling to other facilities such as Farmer City Speedway, Fairbury American Legion Speedway, and Kankakee Speedway all in his home state while also venturing across the state line to Crown Point Speedway in Indiana scoring a total of 12 Feature Wins from 1994-2001. He also traveled with the Northern All-Stars Series during the 2000 season finishing 13th in the final points and was the Rookie of the Year runner-up in that series.
In 2002, Epling moved to the Great Lakes State and settled in Perry, Michigan. He began venturing to short tracks throughout the state of Michigan making appearances primarily at Crystal Motor Speedway as well as I-96 Speedway, Merritt Speedway, Mid-Michigan Raceway Park, and Mt. Pleasant Speedway while not running for a track championship, he did score 10 feature wins including the end of the season Corn Harvest at Mid-Michigan Raceway Park twice in 2007 and 2009. He also ventured south to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on several occasions as well including appearances in the World 100.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Mastersbilt Chassis with power from Hedrick Precision Engines of Urbana, Illinois will sport a Pontiac GTO nose on his UMP Late Model and carry sponsorship decals from; Northside Service as well as SJE Trucking, Imaging Solutions, Shift Shop Transmissions, Mike Childers & Sons Excavating, Lane Automotive, Fusion Sign Company, Jeff Smith Home Improvements, Nashcar Trailers, Huffy's Marathon, MPH Promotions, SJE Motorsports, and Doug Finley Motorsports.
The SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports crew consists of: Car Owners Doug Finley and Jimmy Markski as well as Crew Members, Tommy Klopp, Jeff Smith, and J.R. Smith.
For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at: www.sammyepling.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "Sammy Epling / SJE Motorsports" then click on "Like" today.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Cans for Race Fans Program helping communities and supported by Michigan Dirt Cup
Novi, Michigan
The Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners is proud to host the "Cans for Race Fans" promotion, which will be happening throughout the state of Michigan on Sunday, April 17th, except where noted.
Michigan Dirt Cup and Allstar Performance are proud to support the 3rd Annual Cans for Race Fans food drive supporting local Michigan Communities food banks and their communities. Race teams will be out in force with their race cars in area parking lots, collecting donations. Stop by with a new nonperishable item and see the race cars, meet the drivers and take a few pictures. Here are the locations for each food drive;
(Butler Speedway): From April 11-17th, Dark Horse Brewing on 27th Street in Marshall, Michigan will be collecting food for the Marshall Area Community Services and Steve Shellenberger will have his #28 UMP Modified at this location collecting food from 12:00 to ??. Also on April 17th, Gerry Hart and Chad Hart will have their Sprint Cars at the Coldwater Wal-Mart from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m., collecting food for Branch Area Food Pantry and Marshall Area Community Services.
Help out, bring food items and check out the race cars. Many thanks to Steve Shellenberger, Darla Hart, Gerry Hart, Chad Hart and Dustin for setting these events up to kick off the racing season. The Quincy, Michigan speed plant, a 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval will be hosting MDC on Saturday, June 11th.
(Cherry Raceway): The Fife Lake, Michigan speed plant is still in the planning stages of their food drive and will be making an announcement soon regarding details as to when and where they will be hosting their portion of the MDC Cans for Race Fans food drive. The 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked paved oval will host MDC on Friday, July 22nd.
(Hartford Motor Speedway): Harding's Friendly Market, located on 10 North Street in Hartford, Michigan will be hosting their portion of the Cans for Race Fans food drive from 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m., and is supported by MDC's title sponsor of the Tour, Allstar Performance as well as Lane Automotive and QuickCar Racing Products. All food collected will be donated to the Hartford Cooperative Ministries.
The Hartford, Michigan facility, a big 1/2 (0.500) mile semi-banked dirt oval, the largest track on the inaugural 2011 MDC schedule, will host the 2011 season finale on Saturday, October 1st as this race will pay a whopping $5,000 to win!
(I-96 Speedway): The track will be hosting the second and final test and tune of the season on Saturday, April 16th from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., and Grandstand Admission is absolutely free! Track Management and staff asks that all fans who come out to watch Practice throughout the day to please bring a non-perishable food item to drop off at the track to benefit the Ionia County Community Food Network.
In addition, teams that are participating in the Test and Tune as well as those Teams from the AMA District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles divisions, who will be racing later in the evening at 6:00p.m., are also encouraged to bring food items to donate as well. The fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval in Lake Odessa, Michigan will host the inaugural race for MDC on Saturday, April 30th as part of the tracks Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker.
(Mt. Pleasant Speedway): The 3rd Annual Cans from Race Fans Food Drive to benefit Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, the Central Michigan Chapter of American Red Cross and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department is on Sunday, April 17th from 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. at Ric's Food Center on Mission Street in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Come out and fill the racecar hauler of Mt. Pleasant Speedway Late Model driver # 18 Alvie "Hot Rod" Haynes with non-perishable food items.
All donations stay locally and divided among the charities. Monetary donations also accepted. Also see several local racecars on display, kids can get autographs, have photos taken with drivers, meet and greet with drivers and get free T-shirts, candy and more. Prizes also available including autographed Tony Stewart Office Depot Hero Card, boys and girls kids and toddlers and children's bikes, restaurant gift certificates, burp cloths, Great Lakes Loons baseball tickets, plus FREE food, Biggby Coffee and pop courtesy of Pepsi and free Domino's breadsticks with donation of two (2) or more cans! More prizes added daily!
For information, call Jeremy Dickman at 1 (989) 506-8815 or Alvie Haynes at: 1 (989) 621-5985. The Mt. Pleasant, Michigan facility, a 1/3 (0.333) mile semi-banked dirt oval, will host MDC on a special Sunday, August 21st in the running of the prestigious Extreme 100.
(Owendale Speedway): The #9 UMP Modified driven by Defending Track Champion, Dale Kaake will be at Erla's Food Center in Cass City, Michigan while the #17k Flinn Stock (Four Cylinder) that is raced at near-by Crystal Motor Speedway driven by Andy and Amanda Kaaka will be at Nicks County Oven also in Cass City. Finally, the #39 UMP Modified piloted by Chad Spencer will be at the V.G's in Caro, Michigan.
All three locations will be hosting Cans for Race Fan food drives from 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. The Owendale, Michigan speed plant, a fast 1/4 (0.250) semi-banked dirt oval, will host MDC over the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend on Saturday, July 2nd.
(Winston Speedway): Winston Speedway will have a food drive this Sunday, April 17th to benefit local food pantries. Please help out and bring non-perishable can goods to the following sites; E&A Grocery on the corner of Apple and Walker in Muskegon, Michigan from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Also Montague Foods on Business 31 in Montague, Michigan from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Both locations will have race cars on display for everyone to look at and check out.
Kids, get your picture taken with one of the race cars. All food collected will be donated to Lebanon Lutheran Church, Whitehall and Trinity Lutheran Church, New Era. Donations can be dropped off at the ticket booth at the track or at Sprague Auto Parts. If you have your car done and would like to have it at either store, call Tom Sprague at: 1 (231) 206-1566. The Rothbury, Michigan facility, which is a 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval will host the MDC Tour on Friday, June 17th.
The MDC Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners begins their inaugural season with a visit to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday April 30th as part of the tracks Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker. For more information about the inaugural 2011 racing season for the Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners, visit the tour website at: www.michigandirtcup.com
The Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners is proud to host the "Cans for Race Fans" promotion, which will be happening throughout the state of Michigan on Sunday, April 17th, except where noted.
Michigan Dirt Cup and Allstar Performance are proud to support the 3rd Annual Cans for Race Fans food drive supporting local Michigan Communities food banks and their communities. Race teams will be out in force with their race cars in area parking lots, collecting donations. Stop by with a new nonperishable item and see the race cars, meet the drivers and take a few pictures. Here are the locations for each food drive;
(Butler Speedway): From April 11-17th, Dark Horse Brewing on 27th Street in Marshall, Michigan will be collecting food for the Marshall Area Community Services and Steve Shellenberger will have his #28 UMP Modified at this location collecting food from 12:00 to ??. Also on April 17th, Gerry Hart and Chad Hart will have their Sprint Cars at the Coldwater Wal-Mart from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m., collecting food for Branch Area Food Pantry and Marshall Area Community Services.
Help out, bring food items and check out the race cars. Many thanks to Steve Shellenberger, Darla Hart, Gerry Hart, Chad Hart and Dustin for setting these events up to kick off the racing season. The Quincy, Michigan speed plant, a 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval will be hosting MDC on Saturday, June 11th.
(Cherry Raceway): The Fife Lake, Michigan speed plant is still in the planning stages of their food drive and will be making an announcement soon regarding details as to when and where they will be hosting their portion of the MDC Cans for Race Fans food drive. The 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked paved oval will host MDC on Friday, July 22nd.
(Hartford Motor Speedway): Harding's Friendly Market, located on 10 North Street in Hartford, Michigan will be hosting their portion of the Cans for Race Fans food drive from 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m., and is supported by MDC's title sponsor of the Tour, Allstar Performance as well as Lane Automotive and QuickCar Racing Products. All food collected will be donated to the Hartford Cooperative Ministries.
The Hartford, Michigan facility, a big 1/2 (0.500) mile semi-banked dirt oval, the largest track on the inaugural 2011 MDC schedule, will host the 2011 season finale on Saturday, October 1st as this race will pay a whopping $5,000 to win!
(I-96 Speedway): The track will be hosting the second and final test and tune of the season on Saturday, April 16th from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., and Grandstand Admission is absolutely free! Track Management and staff asks that all fans who come out to watch Practice throughout the day to please bring a non-perishable food item to drop off at the track to benefit the Ionia County Community Food Network.
In addition, teams that are participating in the Test and Tune as well as those Teams from the AMA District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles divisions, who will be racing later in the evening at 6:00p.m., are also encouraged to bring food items to donate as well. The fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval in Lake Odessa, Michigan will host the inaugural race for MDC on Saturday, April 30th as part of the tracks Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker.
(Mt. Pleasant Speedway): The 3rd Annual Cans from Race Fans Food Drive to benefit Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, the Central Michigan Chapter of American Red Cross and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department is on Sunday, April 17th from 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. at Ric's Food Center on Mission Street in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Come out and fill the racecar hauler of Mt. Pleasant Speedway Late Model driver # 18 Alvie "Hot Rod" Haynes with non-perishable food items.
All donations stay locally and divided among the charities. Monetary donations also accepted. Also see several local racecars on display, kids can get autographs, have photos taken with drivers, meet and greet with drivers and get free T-shirts, candy and more. Prizes also available including autographed Tony Stewart Office Depot Hero Card, boys and girls kids and toddlers and children's bikes, restaurant gift certificates, burp cloths, Great Lakes Loons baseball tickets, plus FREE food, Biggby Coffee and pop courtesy of Pepsi and free Domino's breadsticks with donation of two (2) or more cans! More prizes added daily!
For information, call Jeremy Dickman at 1 (989) 506-8815 or Alvie Haynes at: 1 (989) 621-5985. The Mt. Pleasant, Michigan facility, a 1/3 (0.333) mile semi-banked dirt oval, will host MDC on a special Sunday, August 21st in the running of the prestigious Extreme 100.
(Owendale Speedway): The #9 UMP Modified driven by Defending Track Champion, Dale Kaake will be at Erla's Food Center in Cass City, Michigan while the #17k Flinn Stock (Four Cylinder) that is raced at near-by Crystal Motor Speedway driven by Andy and Amanda Kaaka will be at Nicks County Oven also in Cass City. Finally, the #39 UMP Modified piloted by Chad Spencer will be at the V.G's in Caro, Michigan.
All three locations will be hosting Cans for Race Fan food drives from 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. The Owendale, Michigan speed plant, a fast 1/4 (0.250) semi-banked dirt oval, will host MDC over the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend on Saturday, July 2nd.
(Winston Speedway): Winston Speedway will have a food drive this Sunday, April 17th to benefit local food pantries. Please help out and bring non-perishable can goods to the following sites; E&A Grocery on the corner of Apple and Walker in Muskegon, Michigan from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Also Montague Foods on Business 31 in Montague, Michigan from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Both locations will have race cars on display for everyone to look at and check out.
Kids, get your picture taken with one of the race cars. All food collected will be donated to Lebanon Lutheran Church, Whitehall and Trinity Lutheran Church, New Era. Donations can be dropped off at the ticket booth at the track or at Sprague Auto Parts. If you have your car done and would like to have it at either store, call Tom Sprague at: 1 (231) 206-1566. The Rothbury, Michigan facility, which is a 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval will host the MDC Tour on Friday, June 17th.
The MDC Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners begins their inaugural season with a visit to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday April 30th as part of the tracks Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker. For more information about the inaugural 2011 racing season for the Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners, visit the tour website at: www.michigandirtcup.com
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Mike Garvey Finishes 7th in Demolition Derby at Mobile
David Jones Back in Victory Lane at Mobile
by Chuck Corder
There’s a Demolition Derby set for Mobile International Speedway in June.
It got a head start in Midwest Cooling Towers Pro Late Models 100-lap feature at MIS on Saturday.
A brutal finish to an otherwise clean race left just six cars of the 17 that began the race on the half-mile oval.
When the debris settled and after the sixth and final restart with 96 laps completed, David Jones had just enough in his Alabama Pipe and Supply Ford fusion to hold off 2010 Track Champion D.J. VanderLey.
Jones is the Senior member of the Midwest Cooling Towers Pro-Late Model division and enjoys racing against the young up and comers. Saturday night’s victory was his first win at MIS since 1995. In 1995 the driver he passed for the lead, Thomas “Moose” Praytor, was 5 and DJ VanderLey, was 2. “These kids are really good and they have pushed me to make our car better and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in a long time.”
“This’ll help our confidence all year long,” Jones said. “I like it. Beatin’ and bangin’. That’s what short-track racing is all about. I wanna see sparks fly.”
It was certainly a race that tested not only one’s physical stamina, but their mental toughness as well.
Jones displayed some savvy racing all night long. He was content to hang back, especially during the multiple cautions late in the race, and it proved wise.
Jones was the beneficiary of keeping his nose clean and on the final restart he found himself out front. VanderLey started third on the final restart and vaulted up to second to put a charge into Jones, but could never get his nose under Jones’ bumper and attempt a pass.
“With four to go, I had a left rear flat and I thought I had lost the race,” Jones said, “but we got to put a tire on. D.J. drove me clean and here we are.”
VanderLey and Mike Garvey exchanged leads for most of the night until VanderLey finally took the lead back from the veteran driver just before the night took an unexpected, yellow-plagued turn the late in the race.
Garvey took exception with VanderLey’s move to the front. But VanderLey thought it was a modicum of payback for the way Garvey has raced him this season.
“Mike Garvey has wrecked me, he’s turned me,” the 19-year-old Auburn freshman said. “I didn’t wreck him. I didn’t turn him. I just touched him and they were ready to fight. Moving Garvey was a perfectly good, racing move.”
Soon after Garvey and Steven Davis decided to trade paint for position and Josh Bragg had no place to go, but through them. That’s what Bragg ultimately did, ending his night and Garvey’s in the process.
Davis returned only to have his night end on a frightening wreck that saw him get pushed into the outside wall down the front straightaway and turn his front end into an accordion. Davis walked away OK despite having the wind knocked out of him.
VanderLey held the lead as cars fell by the wayside until the third Lap 96 restart when John Thompson spun him on the restart before the green even dropped. VanderLey had to work his way back up from the back of the pack.
“John Thompson cost us the race. All hell broke loose at that point,” VanderLey said. “Guys lost their heads. They wrecked us on the restarts. They wrecked us going into (Turn) 3.”
Soaked with sweat and exhausted, Jones climbed out of his car with a wide, celebratory smile.
He celebrated with a trophy. He celebrated, like all of Saturday’s feature winners and a handful of fans, with tickets to next week’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Speedway.
He celebrated with a long overdue victory.
Pro Late Models � 1. David Jones, 2. D.J. VanderLey, 3. Chris Davidson, 4. Thomas Praytor, 5. John Thompson, 6. Michael Pitts, 7. Mike Garvey, 8. Hunter Robbins, 9. Josh Bragg, 10. Steven Davis, 11. Clifford Darby, 12. Eric Courville, 13. Donald Crocker, 14. Greg Poole, 15. Donnie Hamrac, 16. Elliott Massey, 17. Kris Kahalley
by Chuck Corder
There’s a Demolition Derby set for Mobile International Speedway in June.
It got a head start in Midwest Cooling Towers Pro Late Models 100-lap feature at MIS on Saturday.
A brutal finish to an otherwise clean race left just six cars of the 17 that began the race on the half-mile oval.
When the debris settled and after the sixth and final restart with 96 laps completed, David Jones had just enough in his Alabama Pipe and Supply Ford fusion to hold off 2010 Track Champion D.J. VanderLey.
Jones is the Senior member of the Midwest Cooling Towers Pro-Late Model division and enjoys racing against the young up and comers. Saturday night’s victory was his first win at MIS since 1995. In 1995 the driver he passed for the lead, Thomas “Moose” Praytor, was 5 and DJ VanderLey, was 2. “These kids are really good and they have pushed me to make our car better and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in a long time.”
“This’ll help our confidence all year long,” Jones said. “I like it. Beatin’ and bangin’. That’s what short-track racing is all about. I wanna see sparks fly.”
It was certainly a race that tested not only one’s physical stamina, but their mental toughness as well.
Jones displayed some savvy racing all night long. He was content to hang back, especially during the multiple cautions late in the race, and it proved wise.
Jones was the beneficiary of keeping his nose clean and on the final restart he found himself out front. VanderLey started third on the final restart and vaulted up to second to put a charge into Jones, but could never get his nose under Jones’ bumper and attempt a pass.
“With four to go, I had a left rear flat and I thought I had lost the race,” Jones said, “but we got to put a tire on. D.J. drove me clean and here we are.”
VanderLey and Mike Garvey exchanged leads for most of the night until VanderLey finally took the lead back from the veteran driver just before the night took an unexpected, yellow-plagued turn the late in the race.
Garvey took exception with VanderLey’s move to the front. But VanderLey thought it was a modicum of payback for the way Garvey has raced him this season.
“Mike Garvey has wrecked me, he’s turned me,” the 19-year-old Auburn freshman said. “I didn’t wreck him. I didn’t turn him. I just touched him and they were ready to fight. Moving Garvey was a perfectly good, racing move.”
Soon after Garvey and Steven Davis decided to trade paint for position and Josh Bragg had no place to go, but through them. That’s what Bragg ultimately did, ending his night and Garvey’s in the process.
Davis returned only to have his night end on a frightening wreck that saw him get pushed into the outside wall down the front straightaway and turn his front end into an accordion. Davis walked away OK despite having the wind knocked out of him.
VanderLey held the lead as cars fell by the wayside until the third Lap 96 restart when John Thompson spun him on the restart before the green even dropped. VanderLey had to work his way back up from the back of the pack.
“John Thompson cost us the race. All hell broke loose at that point,” VanderLey said. “Guys lost their heads. They wrecked us on the restarts. They wrecked us going into (Turn) 3.”
Soaked with sweat and exhausted, Jones climbed out of his car with a wide, celebratory smile.
He celebrated with a trophy. He celebrated, like all of Saturday’s feature winners and a handful of fans, with tickets to next week’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Speedway.
He celebrated with a long overdue victory.
Pro Late Models � 1. David Jones, 2. D.J. VanderLey, 3. Chris Davidson, 4. Thomas Praytor, 5. John Thompson, 6. Michael Pitts, 7. Mike Garvey, 8. Hunter Robbins, 9. Josh Bragg, 10. Steven Davis, 11. Clifford Darby, 12. Eric Courville, 13. Donald Crocker, 14. Greg Poole, 15. Donnie Hamrac, 16. Elliott Massey, 17. Kris Kahalley
Final Test and Tune for Cars / 2011 Opener for AMA District 14 Flat Track Bikes THIS Saturday, April 16th at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan
One Test and Tune is done and there's one more to go at I-96 Speedway as the second and final Test and Tune of the season is set for Saturday, April 16th from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., as the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval will once again be ready for the weekly divisions' teams as well as those traveling invaders, giving all of the above one last chance to shake their cars down before the official start of the 2011 racing season.
This will be the last opportunity for the weekly divisions within the United Midwest Promoters (UMP) to get some much needed track time before the chases for the 2011 Track Championships begins for the UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts (formerly Four Cylinders / Road Beaters).
In addition, the outer 1/2 (0,500) mile high-banked dirt oval in Lake Odessa, Michigan comes to life with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles shaking down their machines throughout the day on a rotating basis with the cars who'll be on the 3/8s mile. Then its Opening Night 2011 for the AMA D14 Bikes as the two-wheeled machines will begin their 2011 season starting at 6:00p.m., with a full show.
"We had a great first Test and Tune last Saturday. We had a ton of cars out here getting things shaken down for the upcoming season." Co-Owner / Promoter, Mike Mouch remarked. "This Saturday we should see even more cars that weren't quite ready last weekend coming out this weekend. Plus we've got the season opener for the Motorcycles. It's going to be a full day of activity and we hope everyone comes out and sees us." He added.
Grandstand Admission will be absolutely Free from 11:00a.m.-4:55p.m. Then after the Grandstands are evacuated, they will reopen at 5:00p.m., and Admission will be just $5.00 for a complete show of AMA District 14 Motorcycles on the fast 1/2 mile. Pit Passes: For the Cars only and from 11:00a.m.-4:55p.m., Pit Passes are $20.00 for Drivers and $10.00 for crew members.
For the Motorcycle Teams, there's a $10.00 charge for Riders and Crew Members to get into the Pits from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Patrons will then reenter the pits for that nights racing at $10.00 for Pit Passes for Riders. There's also a $20.00 entry fee per class and $30.00 Entry Fee for the Combo Class. For everyone else it's $10.00 to get into the pits.
After taking the Easter holiday weekend off, the 2011 racing season will Officially begin with Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker which is set for Saturday April 30th and will be headlined by the high-powered UMP Late Models in their first race of the season counting towards the chase for the 2011 Track Championship.
In addition, the UMP Modifieds will open their 2011 season in a Big Way! Not only is it their Season Opener, it's also the Inaugural Event for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners as the open wheeled machines will be going for a hefty $1,500 to Win as the night will also count towards UMP Track, State, and National Points as well as the chase for the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Series Title!
The UMP Street Stocks will be racing for $300 to Win and $100 Just to Start! In addition and for this race only, American Racer tires will be allowed in an effort to give prospective teams a chance to try out I-96 Speedway! The UMP Sport Compacts (formerly Four Cylinders / Road Beaters) will wrap up the festive evening as they'll be fighting for $150 to Win! All Four Weekly Divisions will be taking on the fast 3/8s during Weekly competition and in turn, beginning each respective chase for their 2011 Track Championships.
On Saturday nights during the 2011 racing season, (unless otherwise noted for traveling series who will Qualify) the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m.
For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the new and improved website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season in Lake Odessa, Michigan by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "I-96 Speedway" and click on "Like" today.
One Test and Tune is done and there's one more to go at I-96 Speedway as the second and final Test and Tune of the season is set for Saturday, April 16th from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., as the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval will once again be ready for the weekly divisions' teams as well as those traveling invaders, giving all of the above one last chance to shake their cars down before the official start of the 2011 racing season.
This will be the last opportunity for the weekly divisions within the United Midwest Promoters (UMP) to get some much needed track time before the chases for the 2011 Track Championships begins for the UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts (formerly Four Cylinders / Road Beaters).
In addition, the outer 1/2 (0,500) mile high-banked dirt oval in Lake Odessa, Michigan comes to life with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles shaking down their machines throughout the day on a rotating basis with the cars who'll be on the 3/8s mile. Then its Opening Night 2011 for the AMA D14 Bikes as the two-wheeled machines will begin their 2011 season starting at 6:00p.m., with a full show.
"We had a great first Test and Tune last Saturday. We had a ton of cars out here getting things shaken down for the upcoming season." Co-Owner / Promoter, Mike Mouch remarked. "This Saturday we should see even more cars that weren't quite ready last weekend coming out this weekend. Plus we've got the season opener for the Motorcycles. It's going to be a full day of activity and we hope everyone comes out and sees us." He added.
Grandstand Admission will be absolutely Free from 11:00a.m.-4:55p.m. Then after the Grandstands are evacuated, they will reopen at 5:00p.m., and Admission will be just $5.00 for a complete show of AMA District 14 Motorcycles on the fast 1/2 mile. Pit Passes: For the Cars only and from 11:00a.m.-4:55p.m., Pit Passes are $20.00 for Drivers and $10.00 for crew members.
For the Motorcycle Teams, there's a $10.00 charge for Riders and Crew Members to get into the Pits from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Patrons will then reenter the pits for that nights racing at $10.00 for Pit Passes for Riders. There's also a $20.00 entry fee per class and $30.00 Entry Fee for the Combo Class. For everyone else it's $10.00 to get into the pits.
After taking the Easter holiday weekend off, the 2011 racing season will Officially begin with Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker which is set for Saturday April 30th and will be headlined by the high-powered UMP Late Models in their first race of the season counting towards the chase for the 2011 Track Championship.
In addition, the UMP Modifieds will open their 2011 season in a Big Way! Not only is it their Season Opener, it's also the Inaugural Event for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners as the open wheeled machines will be going for a hefty $1,500 to Win as the night will also count towards UMP Track, State, and National Points as well as the chase for the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Series Title!
The UMP Street Stocks will be racing for $300 to Win and $100 Just to Start! In addition and for this race only, American Racer tires will be allowed in an effort to give prospective teams a chance to try out I-96 Speedway! The UMP Sport Compacts (formerly Four Cylinders / Road Beaters) will wrap up the festive evening as they'll be fighting for $150 to Win! All Four Weekly Divisions will be taking on the fast 3/8s during Weekly competition and in turn, beginning each respective chase for their 2011 Track Championships.
On Saturday nights during the 2011 racing season, (unless otherwise noted for traveling series who will Qualify) the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m.
For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the new and improved website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season in Lake Odessa, Michigan by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "I-96 Speedway" and click on "Like" today.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Hastings' Lauren Bush joins big boys in Berlin Raceway's new Super Lates division
By Jeff Chaney The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE -- Lauren Bush is racing with the big boys this year.
The 17-year-old Hastings High School junior plans to race Berlin Raceway’s new division this year, the Boyne Premier Super Lates division.
The class features template bodied Late Models that will remind race fans of NASCAR cars, and will have a field of very talented drivers, including Bush, who ended up fifth in points in last year’s Pro Stock division.
Bush was at Berlin on Saturday, taking part in the track’s first day of practice. Real racing begins April 23.
"It’s a big jump. There will be a lot of good racers to beat this year," Bush said. "I’m excited. To be racing against some of the top drivers, that should be interesting."
Drivers who plan to race in the Super Lates are former Busch Series and Truck Series champion Johnny Benson, former Champions Racing Association champion Johnny VanDoorn, current Nationwide driver Andy Ponstein and former ASA champion Brian Campbell.
Lauren Bush’s father, Joe Bush, a former four-time Late Model champion at Berlin, is excited to see where his daughter will stack up in a loaded field.
"There will be some heavy hitters in the division, and I think Lauren may be more intimidated that I am, because I want to see what she can do," said Joe Bush, the owner of his daughter’s car. "I think this will be the most competitive division out here this year, and from what I hear, it will have the most cars."
Berlin owner Mike Blackmer said the plan is to have an eight-race Super Lates series this year, including one of the races at Kalamazoo Speedway.
"This will be the top series we have at Berlin in a couple of years," Blackmer said. "It will probably take a couple of years to catch on. In the past, drivers of these cars would have to travel, now they can stay here and race. And the big thing is that we will have a points fund — $4,000 will go to the series champion at the end of the year."
Aside from the Super Lates, Blackmer said some other changes are planned for Berlin this year.
"Each week, we will have all divisions (Late Models, Super Stocks, Pro Stocks, Modifieds and 4-cylinders) racing. Nobody will take a week off," Blackmer said. "And, Berlin is dropping ticket prices. Tickets are now $10, and kids 12 and under get in free. That’s the lowest tickets have been in 10 years."
But the big intrigue is the new division.
"This is the closest thing we will have to the old ASA days," said longtime Berlin announcer Norm Jelsma, who will be a co-owner of Johnny Benson’s Super Lates car this year. "This should be big."
MARNE -- Lauren Bush is racing with the big boys this year.
The 17-year-old Hastings High School junior plans to race Berlin Raceway’s new division this year, the Boyne Premier Super Lates division.
The class features template bodied Late Models that will remind race fans of NASCAR cars, and will have a field of very talented drivers, including Bush, who ended up fifth in points in last year’s Pro Stock division.
Bush was at Berlin on Saturday, taking part in the track’s first day of practice. Real racing begins April 23.
"It’s a big jump. There will be a lot of good racers to beat this year," Bush said. "I’m excited. To be racing against some of the top drivers, that should be interesting."
Drivers who plan to race in the Super Lates are former Busch Series and Truck Series champion Johnny Benson, former Champions Racing Association champion Johnny VanDoorn, current Nationwide driver Andy Ponstein and former ASA champion Brian Campbell.
Lauren Bush’s father, Joe Bush, a former four-time Late Model champion at Berlin, is excited to see where his daughter will stack up in a loaded field.
"There will be some heavy hitters in the division, and I think Lauren may be more intimidated that I am, because I want to see what she can do," said Joe Bush, the owner of his daughter’s car. "I think this will be the most competitive division out here this year, and from what I hear, it will have the most cars."
Berlin owner Mike Blackmer said the plan is to have an eight-race Super Lates series this year, including one of the races at Kalamazoo Speedway.
"This will be the top series we have at Berlin in a couple of years," Blackmer said. "It will probably take a couple of years to catch on. In the past, drivers of these cars would have to travel, now they can stay here and race. And the big thing is that we will have a points fund — $4,000 will go to the series champion at the end of the year."
Aside from the Super Lates, Blackmer said some other changes are planned for Berlin this year.
"Each week, we will have all divisions (Late Models, Super Stocks, Pro Stocks, Modifieds and 4-cylinders) racing. Nobody will take a week off," Blackmer said. "And, Berlin is dropping ticket prices. Tickets are now $10, and kids 12 and under get in free. That’s the lowest tickets have been in 10 years."
But the big intrigue is the new division.
"This is the closest thing we will have to the old ASA days," said longtime Berlin announcer Norm Jelsma, who will be a co-owner of Johnny Benson’s Super Lates car this year. "This should be big."
First Test and Tune of 2011 Complete at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan
The 2011 racing season is officially here at I-96 Speedway as the first of two schedule Test and Tunes of the new season is now in the record books. 35 teams from seven different divisions including 16 UMP Modifieds made the early season trip to Lake Odessa, Michigan to get their machines dialed into the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked paved oval.
All four weekly divisions of UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts (Formerly Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters) were represented as well as teams focusing primarily on traveling with the Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour Powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners, as well as teams representing the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP, and even some teams representing divisions who are not scheduled to race at the track at all this season were on hand as well.
Two of the premiere UMP Late Models in the state of Michigan, Defending I-96 Speedway Track Champion, Eric Spangler along-with 2010 Mt. Pleasant Speedway Track Champion, Sammy Epling were two of the fastest cars overall throughout the day as they took turns fine tuning their rides as Spangler, out of Lake City, Michigan in his #27 Spangler Heating & Cooling Ford Mustang and Perry, Michigan's Epling and his #29 Northside Service Pontiac GTO were amongst the more popular stops as observers and others made their way through the pit area.
Only one significant incident occurred as Windsor, Ontario / Canada driver, Dan McIntyre rolled his #77 Evoy's Service Garage UMP Modified in turn one. He went back to the pits under his own power, fixed the damage and came back out and was one of the fastest cars in Practice. McIntyre, along-with the #71 Ovid Iron & Metal UMP Modified driven by Ovid, Michigan's Pat Ehlert were two of the fastest cars overall in UMP Modifieds Practice amongst a strong field on hand for the first Test and Tune.
Another I-96 Speedway Defending Track Champion, UMP Street Stocks reigning champ, Gary Vandermark took to the track for the first time as the Lowell, Michigan veteran in his #10 Showboat Automotive Chevrolet Monte Carlo was amongst the quickest cars of the day in this division as was the #65 Zylstra Construction Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Lake Odessa's own, Bill Brandt Jr., who kept pace with the reigning track champion according to unofficial times.
Finally in the UMP Sport Compacts (Formerly Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters) 2010 Rookie of the Year (18 and Over), Rick Peck was the class of the field as the Hastings, Michigan driver in his Bob's Repair Saturn SC-2 looked very strong throughout the day. Also another Lake Odessa, Michigan representative, Steve Wawiernia in his #88 Polly Products Chevrolet Cavalier was quick as well.
The second and final Test and Tune of the season is set for Saturday, April 16th from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., as the 3/8s mile will be ready once again for the weekly divisions of UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts as well as those traveling invaders, giving all of the above one last chance to shake their cars down before the official start of the 2011 racing season.
In addition, the outer 1/2 (0,500) mile high-banked dirt oval come to life on Saturday, April 16th during the second and final Test and Tune from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles shaking down their machines throughout the day on a rotating basis with the cars who'll be on the 3/8s mile. Then its Opening Night 2011 for the AMA D14 Bikes as the two-wheeled machines will begin their 2011 season starting at 6:00p.m., with a full show.
After taking the Easter holiday weekend off, the 2011 racing season will Officially begin with Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker which is set for Saturday April 30th and will be headlined by the high-powered UMP Late Models in their first race of the season counting towards the chase for the 2011 Track Championship.
In addition, the UMP Modifieds will open their 2011 season in a Big Way! Not only is it their Season Opener, it's also the Inaugural Event for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners as the open wheeled machines will be going for a hefty $1,500 to Win as the night will also count towards UMP Track, State, and National Points as well as the chase for the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Series Title!
The UMP Street Stocks are also on the card while the UMP Sport Compacts (formerly Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters) will wrap up the festive evening! All Four Weekly Divisions will be taking on the fast 3/8s during Weekly competition and in turn, beginning each respective chase for their 2011 Track Championships.
On Saturday nights during the 2011 racing season, (unless otherwise noted for traveling series who will Qualify) the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m.
For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the new and improved website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season in Lake Odessa, Michigan by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "I-96 Speedway" and click on "Like" today.
The 2011 racing season is officially here at I-96 Speedway as the first of two schedule Test and Tunes of the new season is now in the record books. 35 teams from seven different divisions including 16 UMP Modifieds made the early season trip to Lake Odessa, Michigan to get their machines dialed into the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked paved oval.
All four weekly divisions of UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts (Formerly Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters) were represented as well as teams focusing primarily on traveling with the Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour Powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners, as well as teams representing the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP, and even some teams representing divisions who are not scheduled to race at the track at all this season were on hand as well.
Two of the premiere UMP Late Models in the state of Michigan, Defending I-96 Speedway Track Champion, Eric Spangler along-with 2010 Mt. Pleasant Speedway Track Champion, Sammy Epling were two of the fastest cars overall throughout the day as they took turns fine tuning their rides as Spangler, out of Lake City, Michigan in his #27 Spangler Heating & Cooling Ford Mustang and Perry, Michigan's Epling and his #29 Northside Service Pontiac GTO were amongst the more popular stops as observers and others made their way through the pit area.
Only one significant incident occurred as Windsor, Ontario / Canada driver, Dan McIntyre rolled his #77 Evoy's Service Garage UMP Modified in turn one. He went back to the pits under his own power, fixed the damage and came back out and was one of the fastest cars in Practice. McIntyre, along-with the #71 Ovid Iron & Metal UMP Modified driven by Ovid, Michigan's Pat Ehlert were two of the fastest cars overall in UMP Modifieds Practice amongst a strong field on hand for the first Test and Tune.
Another I-96 Speedway Defending Track Champion, UMP Street Stocks reigning champ, Gary Vandermark took to the track for the first time as the Lowell, Michigan veteran in his #10 Showboat Automotive Chevrolet Monte Carlo was amongst the quickest cars of the day in this division as was the #65 Zylstra Construction Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Lake Odessa's own, Bill Brandt Jr., who kept pace with the reigning track champion according to unofficial times.
Finally in the UMP Sport Compacts (Formerly Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters) 2010 Rookie of the Year (18 and Over), Rick Peck was the class of the field as the Hastings, Michigan driver in his Bob's Repair Saturn SC-2 looked very strong throughout the day. Also another Lake Odessa, Michigan representative, Steve Wawiernia in his #88 Polly Products Chevrolet Cavalier was quick as well.
The second and final Test and Tune of the season is set for Saturday, April 16th from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., as the 3/8s mile will be ready once again for the weekly divisions of UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts as well as those traveling invaders, giving all of the above one last chance to shake their cars down before the official start of the 2011 racing season.
In addition, the outer 1/2 (0,500) mile high-banked dirt oval come to life on Saturday, April 16th during the second and final Test and Tune from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m., with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles shaking down their machines throughout the day on a rotating basis with the cars who'll be on the 3/8s mile. Then its Opening Night 2011 for the AMA D14 Bikes as the two-wheeled machines will begin their 2011 season starting at 6:00p.m., with a full show.
After taking the Easter holiday weekend off, the 2011 racing season will Officially begin with Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker which is set for Saturday April 30th and will be headlined by the high-powered UMP Late Models in their first race of the season counting towards the chase for the 2011 Track Championship.
In addition, the UMP Modifieds will open their 2011 season in a Big Way! Not only is it their Season Opener, it's also the Inaugural Event for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners as the open wheeled machines will be going for a hefty $1,500 to Win as the night will also count towards UMP Track, State, and National Points as well as the chase for the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Series Title!
The UMP Street Stocks are also on the card while the UMP Sport Compacts (formerly Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters) will wrap up the festive evening! All Four Weekly Divisions will be taking on the fast 3/8s during Weekly competition and in turn, beginning each respective chase for their 2011 Track Championships.
On Saturday nights during the 2011 racing season, (unless otherwise noted for traveling series who will Qualify) the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m.
For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the new and improved website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season in Lake Odessa, Michigan by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "I-96 Speedway" and click on "Like" today.
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