Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, April 30th, 2011): The first of two nights of racing to help celebrate the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend at I-96 Speedway featured the first event of the 2011 racing season for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles on Friday, May 6th. A solid field of rider and their bikes were on the grounds competing in several different divisions and treating the fans in the grandstands to a thrilling night of two-wheeled racing action.
AMA District 14 is a non-profit organization based in Midland, Michigan that promotes all aspects of motorcycling including Flat Track Racing as well as Motocross, Hare Scrambles, Enduros, Ice Races, Hill Climbing, ATV Racing, and Road Racing. AMA District 14 Club Council, Inc., is made up of AMA clubs and promoters in the lower peninsula of Michigan and a small Eastern corner of the Upper Peninsula.
As for the results of the first of five race nights to be held at I-96 in 2011 for the Flat Track riders and teams, Nick Myers and Jacob Nichols were the big winners of the night as both picked up two Feature Wins. Myers' picked up his victories in the premiere division, the Combo 16 years old and over division as well as the 401-505cc while Nichols scored his wins in the 0-51cc Chain 4-8 years old and 0-51cc Multi Speed divisions.
The rest of the feature winners were; Koda Ronald - 201-250cc Open, Steve Duffy - 251-400cc Open, Gage Beland - 52-65cc 6-11 years old, Jason Rosencrantz - 451cc Open, Rick Hitchcock - 401-505cc B, Jayson Bloss - 66-85cc 6-11 years old, Nick Myers - 401-505cc A, Elijah Wiseman - 0-51cc Pee Wee Shaft, Cory Clare - Veterans 30 and over, John Tejchma - Vintage 0-400cc, Aaron Clare - Vintage 401cc and over, and Jim Bauerle - Super Senior 50 and over.
This event was the first of five to be held at I-96. The remaining 2011 schedule in Lake Odessa, Michigan will see the AMA District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles visiting on Friday, June 3rd, Friday, July 8th, Saturday, July 9th, and the season finale, which is set for Friday, July 22nd as part of the DMX Nation Bike Rally on Tuesday-Saturday, July 19-23rd and is highlighted by the traveling stars of the AMA Grand National Flat Track Motorcycles Series on Saturday, July 23rd.
AMA District 14 Flat Track races are run on various lengths of oval tracks which range from 2,250 feet up to roughly 5/8s of a mile. As in all types of AMA amateur racing, classes are available for riders in different age groups and skill levels and on a wide variety of machine types and sizes. Each year, the amateur dirt track season culminates with the AMA National Championships in short-track and 1/2 mile competition.
In 2010, the AMA District 14 organization celebrated its 35th year in sanctioned racing/road riding events and is governed by a Board that includes the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Division Chairs, and AMA Congress Representatives. Membership ranges from 2,000-4,000 riders and is the longest running Michigan Motorcycle Association in the state. For more information about AMA District 14 Motorcycles Association, log onto their website at: www.ama-d14.org
As for the rest of this weekend at I-96 Speedway, Night II of the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend Celebration is TOMORROW; Saturday, May 7th, as the cars take over with a full 4 in 1 show on tap as the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will be going for a cool $1,500 to Win! They'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks, and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts on the 3/8s mile.
Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., while the Drivers Meeting will begin at 5:30p.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. You can even follow us on Twitter, just go to: www.twitter.com and search "I-96 Speedway"
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Sammy Epling's Mother Day Weekend
Home state bound with two races in two nights on tap for Sammy Epling over Mother's Day Weekend
Perry, Michigan (Friday, May 6th, 2011): After only one night of racing in the month of April which resulted in a blown motor at Attica Raceway Park in Attica, Ohio back on April 22nd, Sammy Epling was eager to back on the track to wrap up a rainy month for the Perry, Michigan driver. Opening Night at Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan was canceled earlier in the week, leaving Epling with his last option to wrap up the month on Saturday, April 30th.
I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan was the site of Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker and a stellar field of 39 teams invaded the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval. After winning his Qualifier Heat Race, Epling's #29 NorthsideTowing.net / SJE Trucking Pontiac GTO finished a respectable ninth in the 20-car starting field after a race long battle between himself and positions 6-12 who jockeyed for position throughout the Feature. 2010 UMP DIRTcar National Champion, Rusty Schlenk took the win over Dona Marcoullier and Ohio invader Jon Henry.
"I-96 started out great, we won our heat to put us in the show, which was big with the talent of drivers that were there," Remarked the Perry, Michigan driver. "But in trying to keep up with the track, we made a change that I probably should not have made, and we were no good in the feature. But you live and learn and we'll be back this weekend. We're always learning." He added.
Up next, the 41-year-old will race twice this weekend beginning on Friday, May 6th with a return trip to the site of his first career Track Championship, the 1/3 (0.333) mile semi-banked dirt oval of Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for their 2011 season opener. Then it's back to I-96 on Saturday, May 7th for the team as the tracks' Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will race for a hefty $1,500 to win payday. A field of 40+ teams is expected to make the trip.
"We were going to go to Limaland Motorsports Park in Lima, Ohio for the Sunoco American Late Model Series opener. That's our main focus this season is that series. But that race was already postponed! Third time this year the Sunoco ALMS has tried to get a show in! So instead we'll head North to Mt. Pleasant for their opener, I enjoy racing there a lot," Continued Epling. "Then we're going back to I-96 Saturday night. It's always good to be close to home. Also I would like to say Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there." He ended.
Epling's #29 Mastersbilt Chassis sporting a Pontiac GTO nose on his UMP Late Model will carry sponsorship decals from; NorthsideTowing.net 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, Hedrick Precision Engines, Dowker Racing Engines, M.P.H. 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.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Jeep Van Wormer Prepares for Double-Dip at Limaland and I-96 this Weekend
Jeep Van Wormer Prepares for Double-Dip at Limaland and I-96 this Weekend
(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) Jeep Van Wormer and his Iron Motorsports team had a pair of high-profile Dirt Late Model events on their radar over the April 29-30 weekend. On Friday night, the Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, Michigan played host to the 'Cabin Fever 50,' which was sanctioned by the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Jeep timed in seventeenth fastest during the qualifying session and later finished third in his heat race. After rolling off from the inside of the fifth row in the $10,000 to win main event, Jeep used the outside groove of the 9/16-mile speedplant to advance up to sixth by lap 24. Unfortunately, the Pinconning, Michigan native smacked the turn three wall while battling for position and retired from the 50-lapper in the twenty-first position.
The #55 team made repairs to their Rocket racecar and ventured south to the K-C Raceway in Chillicothe, Ohio on Saturday evening for a $4,000 to win O'Reilly All Star Late Model Series showdown. Jeep laid down the fourth quickest lap during time trials and later ran second in his stacked heat race. After drawing the pole position for the A-Main, Jeep led the early stages of the race and was in command until a caution came out on lap 17. Problems underneath of the hood unfortunately derailed his chance at victory, as he retired during the caution period and finished a very disappointing twentieth in the final rundown. Full results from both programs can be found online at www.dirtondirt.com.
Next up for the team will be a May 6-7 doubleheader in the states of Ohio and Michigan once again. On Friday night, the American Late Model Series (ALMS) will host a $2,000 to win battle at the Limaland Motorsports Park in Lima, Ohio. The dirt-slinging action will quickly turn to the I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday evening for a $1,500 to win race. You can view Jeep's upcoming schedule by clicking on www.jeepvanwormer.com.
The Iron Motorsports team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support: Bayline Fire Protection, Globe Technologies, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Fletcher Made Horsepower, ACPT, All-Pro Cylinder Heads, Allstar Performance, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Oil Systems, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., BSB Manufacturing, Complete Battery Source, Delph Communications, Dyer's Top Rods, Eibach Springs, Exide Technologies, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, Keyser's Port City Racing, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Penske Shocks, Peterson Fluid Systems, 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
(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) Jeep Van Wormer and his Iron Motorsports team had a pair of high-profile Dirt Late Model events on their radar over the April 29-30 weekend. On Friday night, the Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, Michigan played host to the 'Cabin Fever 50,' which was sanctioned by the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Jeep timed in seventeenth fastest during the qualifying session and later finished third in his heat race. After rolling off from the inside of the fifth row in the $10,000 to win main event, Jeep used the outside groove of the 9/16-mile speedplant to advance up to sixth by lap 24. Unfortunately, the Pinconning, Michigan native smacked the turn three wall while battling for position and retired from the 50-lapper in the twenty-first position.
The #55 team made repairs to their Rocket racecar and ventured south to the K-C Raceway in Chillicothe, Ohio on Saturday evening for a $4,000 to win O'Reilly All Star Late Model Series showdown. Jeep laid down the fourth quickest lap during time trials and later ran second in his stacked heat race. After drawing the pole position for the A-Main, Jeep led the early stages of the race and was in command until a caution came out on lap 17. Problems underneath of the hood unfortunately derailed his chance at victory, as he retired during the caution period and finished a very disappointing twentieth in the final rundown. Full results from both programs can be found online at www.dirtondirt.com.
Next up for the team will be a May 6-7 doubleheader in the states of Ohio and Michigan once again. On Friday night, the American Late Model Series (ALMS) will host a $2,000 to win battle at the Limaland Motorsports Park in Lima, Ohio. The dirt-slinging action will quickly turn to the I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday evening for a $1,500 to win race. You can view Jeep's upcoming schedule by clicking on www.jeepvanwormer.com.
The Iron Motorsports team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support: Bayline Fire Protection, Globe Technologies, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Fletcher Made Horsepower, ACPT, All-Pro Cylinder Heads, Allstar Performance, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Oil Systems, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., BSB Manufacturing, Complete Battery Source, Delph Communications, Dyer's Top Rods, Eibach Springs, Exide Technologies, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, Keyser's Port City Racing, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Penske Shocks, Peterson Fluid Systems, 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, May 4, 2011
West Michigan Race Track 2011 Schedules
Need one place to see where all the action is on the weekend? Check out our Track Schedule Page for a quick reference to their track schedule. It is a great "FAVORITE" to add. Click HERE or the Title to take you there.
It is also located to the right along with some other West Michigan Racing Links that can save you time when you are searching for news from area tracks and drivers.
It is also located to the right along with some other West Michigan Racing Links that can save you time when you are searching for news from area tracks and drivers.
Garvey Runner-up at Mobile
Pollard Cruises to Victory in Dominant Fashion at Mobile
By Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining
Bubba Pollard continued to show that he is at the top of the heap in the South on Saturday night by winning the Midwest Cooling Towers Pro Late Model Series 100 lap feature at Mobile International Speedway (AL) in dominant fashion. In route to his fourth win of 2011, Pollard lapped all but six of the cars in the race, and led all but two of the 100 laps after starting on the pole following the Dice Roll Invert.
"We had a good car,” said Pollard. “We didn't put [new] tires on the car in practice and didn't know what the car was going to do in qualifying, but we've been working on the race trim now that the cars are impounded and you don't get to work on the cars after qualifying. We gave up a little in qualifying, but we were lucky to get the dice roll and start out front and get the clean air. I think that clean air here is really important.
"We really didn't gave a great racecar, it was free off of the corners. Actually, the harder I drove it toward the end of the race, the better it got. I just tried to keep heat in the right front so I could get up off the corner and I changed my driving style a little bit to keep the car up under me."
Mike Garvey raced in the top three for the first half of the race. On lap 52, Josh Bragg lost a right front tire and as a result came to a stop at the entrance of turn three, bringing out the caution. On the ensuing restart, DJ VanderLey made a hard challenge on the outside of Pollard fighting for the lead, however four laps later he began to drift back. Garvey took advantage, drawing up to VanderLey’s rear bumper and passing him on lap 69 to take second. Garvey then started to chase Pollard, but couldn’t get close enough to catch the Senoia, Georgia native.
“It was time to go... you try to save something but we just didn’t have anything to go with,” said Garvey. “Everybody ran a good race, it was a clean race. We ran hard and finished second, but we just got to make it a little better.”
Eddie Craig put up a solid third place finish after starting towards the back of the field. After racing for many years, then scaling back for a few, Craig brought a new Late Model prepared by Panhandle Motorsports to Mobile and cautiously worked his way up through the field. After 16th and 20th place finishes at South Alabama in March and Pensacola last week, Craig was very happy with the progress he and his team are making so far.
“I had a great night,” said Craig. “The car was good all night long. We started out in the back. This was our third race back in a Pro Late Model. Mike Williamson with Panhandle Motorsports prepared that car. The car is very fast but I just qualified off the pace so I thought I’d just ride for a while and then try to come on up around lap 50 or 60. The car has the capability of winning a race this year but I need to be on the track more and put some laps down. It was fun, a lot of fun.”
DJ VanderLey was fast once again in his VDL Fuel Systems Late Model. The 2010 MIS Pro Late Model Champion set the fastest lap in qualifying and started seventh after the invert. By lap 30, VanderLey had moved up to second, and was looking to be a threat to Bubba Pollard. His best effort came just past half-way after a restart following a caution. He restarted lap 52 on the outside, and held his line for four laps, pressuring Pollard for the lead. VanderLey then began to fade and as the field strung out around the speedway, he found himself in a late race battle for fourth with Josh Bragg. The two made contact coming off of turn four on lap 97 to bring out the race’s final yellow flag. Afterward, VanderLey was able to hold on to finish fourth and maintained the points lead in the Midwest Cooling Tower Pro Late Model Series standings.
“The car was free all night, and just worn out the tires,” said VanderLey. “I drove as hard as I could, apparently a little bit too hard and worn the car out. We tried, gave the best we had tonight, but it wasn’t quite enough. The main thing we learned tonight was to pace a little more so we don’t wear out the tires as hard.”
VanderLey will take his lesson, and the points lead, into the next Pro Late Model event at MIS on May 14th. He leads Mike Garvey by 19 points as he attempts to claim back to back championships at the half-mile oval. Race winner Bubba Pollard is now eighth, 60 points behind VanderLey after missing the first race due being in “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro. The next Pro Late Model event in the deep south is at Montgomery Motor Speedway as the Show Me the Money Series continues their 2011 season.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MIDWEST COOLING TOWERS
PRO LATE MODEL SERIES
ROUND TWO
1)Bubba Pollard
2)Mike Garvey
3)Eddie Craig
4)DJ VanderLey
5)Josh Bragg
6)Donnie Hamrac
7)Kyle Bryant
8)Thomas Praytor
9)Logan Boyett
10) Michael Pitts
11) Dave Mader III
12) Greg Poole
13) David Jones
14) Kris Kahalley
By Daniel Vining, Twitter: @danielvining
Bubba Pollard continued to show that he is at the top of the heap in the South on Saturday night by winning the Midwest Cooling Towers Pro Late Model Series 100 lap feature at Mobile International Speedway (AL) in dominant fashion. In route to his fourth win of 2011, Pollard lapped all but six of the cars in the race, and led all but two of the 100 laps after starting on the pole following the Dice Roll Invert.
"We had a good car,” said Pollard. “We didn't put [new] tires on the car in practice and didn't know what the car was going to do in qualifying, but we've been working on the race trim now that the cars are impounded and you don't get to work on the cars after qualifying. We gave up a little in qualifying, but we were lucky to get the dice roll and start out front and get the clean air. I think that clean air here is really important.
"We really didn't gave a great racecar, it was free off of the corners. Actually, the harder I drove it toward the end of the race, the better it got. I just tried to keep heat in the right front so I could get up off the corner and I changed my driving style a little bit to keep the car up under me."
Mike Garvey raced in the top three for the first half of the race. On lap 52, Josh Bragg lost a right front tire and as a result came to a stop at the entrance of turn three, bringing out the caution. On the ensuing restart, DJ VanderLey made a hard challenge on the outside of Pollard fighting for the lead, however four laps later he began to drift back. Garvey took advantage, drawing up to VanderLey’s rear bumper and passing him on lap 69 to take second. Garvey then started to chase Pollard, but couldn’t get close enough to catch the Senoia, Georgia native.
“It was time to go... you try to save something but we just didn’t have anything to go with,” said Garvey. “Everybody ran a good race, it was a clean race. We ran hard and finished second, but we just got to make it a little better.”
Eddie Craig put up a solid third place finish after starting towards the back of the field. After racing for many years, then scaling back for a few, Craig brought a new Late Model prepared by Panhandle Motorsports to Mobile and cautiously worked his way up through the field. After 16th and 20th place finishes at South Alabama in March and Pensacola last week, Craig was very happy with the progress he and his team are making so far.
“I had a great night,” said Craig. “The car was good all night long. We started out in the back. This was our third race back in a Pro Late Model. Mike Williamson with Panhandle Motorsports prepared that car. The car is very fast but I just qualified off the pace so I thought I’d just ride for a while and then try to come on up around lap 50 or 60. The car has the capability of winning a race this year but I need to be on the track more and put some laps down. It was fun, a lot of fun.”
DJ VanderLey was fast once again in his VDL Fuel Systems Late Model. The 2010 MIS Pro Late Model Champion set the fastest lap in qualifying and started seventh after the invert. By lap 30, VanderLey had moved up to second, and was looking to be a threat to Bubba Pollard. His best effort came just past half-way after a restart following a caution. He restarted lap 52 on the outside, and held his line for four laps, pressuring Pollard for the lead. VanderLey then began to fade and as the field strung out around the speedway, he found himself in a late race battle for fourth with Josh Bragg. The two made contact coming off of turn four on lap 97 to bring out the race’s final yellow flag. Afterward, VanderLey was able to hold on to finish fourth and maintained the points lead in the Midwest Cooling Tower Pro Late Model Series standings.
“The car was free all night, and just worn out the tires,” said VanderLey. “I drove as hard as I could, apparently a little bit too hard and worn the car out. We tried, gave the best we had tonight, but it wasn’t quite enough. The main thing we learned tonight was to pace a little more so we don’t wear out the tires as hard.”
VanderLey will take his lesson, and the points lead, into the next Pro Late Model event at MIS on May 14th. He leads Mike Garvey by 19 points as he attempts to claim back to back championships at the half-mile oval. Race winner Bubba Pollard is now eighth, 60 points behind VanderLey after missing the first race due being in “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro. The next Pro Late Model event in the deep south is at Montgomery Motor Speedway as the Show Me the Money Series continues their 2011 season.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MIDWEST COOLING TOWERS
PRO LATE MODEL SERIES
ROUND TWO
1)Bubba Pollard
2)Mike Garvey
3)Eddie Craig
4)DJ VanderLey
5)Josh Bragg
6)Donnie Hamrac
7)Kyle Bryant
8)Thomas Praytor
9)Logan Boyett
10) Michael Pitts
11) Dave Mader III
12) Greg Poole
13) David Jones
14) Kris Kahalley
Checkered Flags: Grandville's Tom Thomas rebounds from wreck to win following week
Checkered Flags: Grandville's Tom Thomas rebounds from wreck to win following week
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
(Courtesy Photo Randy Ellen Photography)
It has been checkers or wreckers so far for Tom Thomas. Thomas crashed hard in the April 23 Intimidator 100 at Kalamazoo Speedway. However, he bounced back strong to win this past Saturday's 50 lapper at Kalamazoo.
Five more drivers to salute this week. Keep those suggestions coming to stevekracer@aol.com.
Ray Clay, Zeeland
Clay held off Steve Needles to win Saturday night’s Late Model feature race at the Berlin Raceway in Marne. Clay has returned to Late Model racing after a three-year break.
Dustin Daggett, Portland
Daggett won Saturday night’s season-opening SOD Sprints on Dirt feature race at Crystal Motor Speedway. Daggett started ninth in the 25-lap main and took over the lead on lap 18.
Tommy Fedewa, Leslie
Fedewa grabbed the lead on the final lap of this past Friday night’s Sprint Car feature race at Spartan Speedway in Lansing. Fedewa was third heading into turn three before overtaking second place Taylor Ferns and leader Chris Hettinger.
Rusty Schlenk, Jackson
Schlenk, the 2010 UMP national champion, won Saturday night’s 20-lap Late Model feature race at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa.
Tom Thomas, Grandville
Thomas won Saturday night’s 50-lap Outlaw Super Late Model feature race at Kalamazoo Speedway, one week after wrecking his car in the track’s Intimidator 100.
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
It has been checkers or wreckers so far for Tom Thomas. Thomas crashed hard in the April 23 Intimidator 100 at Kalamazoo Speedway. However, he bounced back strong to win this past Saturday's 50 lapper at Kalamazoo.
Five more drivers to salute this week. Keep those suggestions coming to stevekracer@aol.com.
Ray Clay, Zeeland
Clay held off Steve Needles to win Saturday night’s Late Model feature race at the Berlin Raceway in Marne. Clay has returned to Late Model racing after a three-year break.
Dustin Daggett, Portland
Daggett won Saturday night’s season-opening SOD Sprints on Dirt feature race at Crystal Motor Speedway. Daggett started ninth in the 25-lap main and took over the lead on lap 18.
Tommy Fedewa, Leslie
Fedewa grabbed the lead on the final lap of this past Friday night’s Sprint Car feature race at Spartan Speedway in Lansing. Fedewa was third heading into turn three before overtaking second place Taylor Ferns and leader Chris Hettinger.
Rusty Schlenk, Jackson
Schlenk, the 2010 UMP national champion, won Saturday night’s 20-lap Late Model feature race at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa.
Tom Thomas, Grandville
Thomas won Saturday night’s 50-lap Outlaw Super Late Model feature race at Kalamazoo Speedway, one week after wrecking his car in the track’s Intimidator 100.
Michigan Traditional Sprint Series Preview 2011
Mother nature has once again caused us to post pone racing due to this, pits & the parking lot are still to wet to do anything. We regret having to cancel, but this event has been rescheduled for July 10th 2011.
Next race :
Sunday May 29th at
Crystal Motor Speedway
http://www.crystalmotorspeedway.com/
The MTS Sprint series has put together a 12 race schedule for 2011. This Schedule includes 9 Michigan races and 3 races in Ohio. The season opener will be the first of two Sunday races at the Millstream Speedway in Finlay Ohio. Both races at Millstream will be co-sanctioned with the road the Hewitt series. August 20th Waynesfield Raceway Park will host the second leg of the Ohio vs. Michigan Challenge races, with Butler Motor Speedway hosting the other on July 16th. Cherry Raceway will host two times in 2011 the first will be a Friday night with Merritt Raceway the next night on Saturday June 11th. The second night for Cherry will be a Sunday night race July 3rd. Merritt Speedway will have the 2nd annual Northern National Sprint tic event on August 5th and 6th. Crystal Motor Speedway will also host 2 events Sunday may 29th and the Great lakes Nationals event September 17th. MTS would also like to welcome back Owendale Speedway to the schedule September 10th.
Also added by Lane Automotive in 2011 will be a lottery for half off a new Triple X Racing Chassis at the 2011 Banquet. Drivers must race at least 75% of the races scheduled to be eligible.
Schedule 2011
Date Speedway Location
Sun. May 1st Millstream Speedway Findlay OH
Sun. May 29th Crystal Motor Speedway Crystal MI
Fri. June 10th Cherry Raceway Fife Lake MI
Sat. June 11th Merritt Raceway Lake City MI
Sun. July 3rd Cherry Raceway Fife Lake MI
Sat. July 16th Butler Speedway Quincy MI
Sun. July 31st Millstream Speedway Findlay OH
Fri. August 5th Merritt Raceway Lake City MI
Sat. August 6th Merritt Raceway Lake City MI
Sat. August 20th Waynesfield Raceway Park Waynesfield OH
Sat. September 10th Owendale Speedway Owendale MI
Sat. September 17th Crystal Motor Speedway Crystal MI
Next race :
Sunday May 29th at
Crystal Motor Speedway
http://www.crystalmotorspeedway.com/
The MTS Sprint series has put together a 12 race schedule for 2011. This Schedule includes 9 Michigan races and 3 races in Ohio. The season opener will be the first of two Sunday races at the Millstream Speedway in Finlay Ohio. Both races at Millstream will be co-sanctioned with the road the Hewitt series. August 20th Waynesfield Raceway Park will host the second leg of the Ohio vs. Michigan Challenge races, with Butler Motor Speedway hosting the other on July 16th. Cherry Raceway will host two times in 2011 the first will be a Friday night with Merritt Raceway the next night on Saturday June 11th. The second night for Cherry will be a Sunday night race July 3rd. Merritt Speedway will have the 2nd annual Northern National Sprint tic event on August 5th and 6th. Crystal Motor Speedway will also host 2 events Sunday may 29th and the Great lakes Nationals event September 17th. MTS would also like to welcome back Owendale Speedway to the schedule September 10th.
Also added by Lane Automotive in 2011 will be a lottery for half off a new Triple X Racing Chassis at the 2011 Banquet. Drivers must race at least 75% of the races scheduled to be eligible.
Schedule 2011
Date Speedway Location
Sun. May 1st Millstream Speedway Findlay OH
Sun. May 29th Crystal Motor Speedway Crystal MI
Fri. June 10th Cherry Raceway Fife Lake MI
Sat. June 11th Merritt Raceway Lake City MI
Sun. July 3rd Cherry Raceway Fife Lake MI
Sat. July 16th Butler Speedway Quincy MI
Sun. July 31st Millstream Speedway Findlay OH
Fri. August 5th Merritt Raceway Lake City MI
Sat. August 6th Merritt Raceway Lake City MI
Sat. August 20th Waynesfield Raceway Park Waynesfield OH
Sat. September 10th Owendale Speedway Owendale MI
Sat. September 17th Crystal Motor Speedway Crystal MI
I-96 Speedway will be in action Twice over the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend
I-96 Speedway will be in action Twice over the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011): With Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker now in the record books, I-96 Speedway is gearing up for two straight nights of racing to celebrate the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend THIS Friday and Saturday, May 6th and 7th.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles will bring the ultra quick 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval to life for the first time in 2011 THIS Friday, May 6th in race #1 of their season series in Lake Odessa, Michigan.
This is the first of a five-race series for the two-wheeled machines at I-96. The remaining dates for the AMAD14 / I-96 Series are: Friday, June 3rd (1/2 mile) - Friday, July 8th (3/8s mile) - Saturday, July 9th (3/8s mile), and Friday, July 22nd (1/2 mile).
For all Friday AMA D14 shows in 2011 at I-96, the Pit Gates Open at 4:00p.m., while the Grandstands Open up at 6:00p.m. Practice starts at 7:00p.m., with Racing beginning at 8:00p.m. Grandstand Admission is just $5.00 while Pit Passes are $15.00. There's also a $20.00 entry fee for riders per division they compete in.
Then THIS Saturday, May 7th, the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Series take over with a full 4 in 1 show to continue the celebration of the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend. The premiere division at I-96 Speedway; The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will be going for a hefty $1,500 to Win.
Also on the card will be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Race Fuels UMP Street Stocks, and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts as all four divisions will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
Every Saturday night, unless noted for a traveling series' who participate in Time Trials, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., while the Drivers Meeting will begin at 5:30p.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.
Ticket Prices every Saturday night, unless noted for a traveling series', are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
Starting TODAY; Tuesday, May 3rd, Bi-weekly Tuesday Night Test & Tunes begin and will go from 5:00p.m-"Dark" and is open to cars only! The next scheduled Test & Tune after TODAY, Tuesday, May 3rd will be on May 17th and will continue on a bi-weekly basis through at the month of June.
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. You can even follow us on Twitter, just go to: www.twitter.com and search "I-96 Speedway"
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011): With Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker now in the record books, I-96 Speedway is gearing up for two straight nights of racing to celebrate the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend THIS Friday and Saturday, May 6th and 7th.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles will bring the ultra quick 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval to life for the first time in 2011 THIS Friday, May 6th in race #1 of their season series in Lake Odessa, Michigan.
This is the first of a five-race series for the two-wheeled machines at I-96. The remaining dates for the AMAD14 / I-96 Series are: Friday, June 3rd (1/2 mile) - Friday, July 8th (3/8s mile) - Saturday, July 9th (3/8s mile), and Friday, July 22nd (1/2 mile).
For all Friday AMA D14 shows in 2011 at I-96, the Pit Gates Open at 4:00p.m., while the Grandstands Open up at 6:00p.m. Practice starts at 7:00p.m., with Racing beginning at 8:00p.m. Grandstand Admission is just $5.00 while Pit Passes are $15.00. There's also a $20.00 entry fee for riders per division they compete in.
Then THIS Saturday, May 7th, the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Series take over with a full 4 in 1 show to continue the celebration of the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend. The premiere division at I-96 Speedway; The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will be going for a hefty $1,500 to Win.
Also on the card will be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Race Fuels UMP Street Stocks, and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts as all four divisions will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
Every Saturday night, unless noted for a traveling series' who participate in Time Trials, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., while the Drivers Meeting will begin at 5:30p.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.
Ticket Prices every Saturday night, unless noted for a traveling series', are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
Starting TODAY; Tuesday, May 3rd, Bi-weekly Tuesday Night Test & Tunes begin and will go from 5:00p.m-"Dark" and is open to cars only! The next scheduled Test & Tune after TODAY, Tuesday, May 3rd will be on May 17th and will continue on a bi-weekly basis through at the month of June.
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. You can even follow us on Twitter, just go to: www.twitter.com and search "I-96 Speedway"
Monday, May 2, 2011
Daggett Grabs Crystal in ASCS SOD Opener
Daggett Grabs Crystal in ASCS SOD Opener
By Mike Strevel
CRYSTAL, Mich. (April 30, 2011) – On a crisp, cool evening, Dustin Daggett took the checkered flag for the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP 32nd season opener at Ron Flinn’s Crystal Motor Speedway.
A tremendous field of 24 winged sprint cars made an appearance kicking off the long anticipated season of exciting open wheel action.
Daggett of Portland, MI, started in ninth position for the 25-lap main event. There were only a handful of yellow flags that slowed the action, however one red flag marred the action when Robert Huisken flipped end over end in turn one ending his evening. While sore, Huisken was unhurt. The feature winner in his Maxim chassis was able to capture the $1,200 first prize in exciting fashion.
Daggett stated, “Starting ninth was a small challenge, however the car was handling well and the cautions were timed out rather well”. The winning driver taking his ninth straight Crystal Motor Speedway Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP thanked his fine sponsors including Miles Petroleum, Sweet Manufacturing, Glen’s Gas & Welding, Steve Winnie Auto Sales and Richardson Farms.
Front row starters were Mike Daggett & Tim Champlin. Mike Daggett led the first 17 laps of the feature before Dustin Daggett was finally able to complete the pass for the lead and eventual victory. Gregg Dalman, Ryan Grubaugh and Jared Horstman all challenged for top five positions with Brett Mann getting into the top five at the end of the main event. It did look like the elder Daggett might take the honors, however the winningest driver in SOD history was able to make the pass and capture the main event.
The top five finishers of the 32nd season opener for the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP were Dustin Daggett, Mike Daggett, Dalman, Grubaugh and Mann.
Heat race wins were captured by Grubaugh, Dalman and Horstman, the fast car dash went to D. Daggett and the B-main was cancelled and all 21 cars started the feature that were running.
Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP Results-
Saturday April 30, 2011
Crystal Motor Speedway- Crystal, MI
Heat Races (Top 16 in passing points transfer to the “A” Feature):
Engler Machine and Tool Heat Race #1 (8 laps): 1. 3w Ryan Grubaugh, 2. 19 Brett Mann, 3. 11 Trey Smith, 4. 41 Jim Goetgeluck, 5. 22t Tank Brakenberry, 6. 10s Jay Steinbach, 7. 2T Ralph Brakenberry. DNS: 61x Don Smith.
Lane Automotive/Comp Cams Heat Race #2 (8 Laps): 1. 49t Gregg Dalman, 2. 88 Mike Daggett, 3. 2m Dustin Daggett, 4. 8 Tim Champlin, 5. 49 Shawn Dancer, 6. 91 Joe Bares, 7. 29s Marques Huffer, 8. 31 Andy Teunessen.
ARP Fastners Heat Race #3 (8 Laps): 1. 17 Jared Horstman, 2. 55 Kirk Cheney, 3. 46 Robert Huisken, 4. 14 Gary Fast, 5. 10 Davey Brown, 6. 27r Ryan Ruhl, 7. 21 Matt Lumbert, 8. 70 Jim Lingar.
B-Main (Cancelled all 21 cars running transferred to A Main)
Gaerte Engines Fast Car Dash (4 Laps): 1. 2m Dustin Daggett, 2. 11 Trey Smith, 3. 14 Gary Fast, 4. 41 Jim Goetgeluck.
Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP “A” Feature
“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 2m Dustin Daggett, 2. 88 Mike Daggett, 3. 49t Gregg Dalman, 4. 3w Ryan Grubaugh, 5. 19 Brett Mann, 6. 17 Jared Horstman, 7. 8 Tim Champlin, 8. 27r Ryan Ruhl, 9. 14 Gary Fast, 10. 91 Joe Bares, 11. 11 Trey Smith, 12. 10 Davey Brown, 13. 55 Kirk Cheney, 14. 49 Shawn Dancer, 15. 41 Jim Goetgeluck, 16. 10s Jay Steinbach, 17. 21 Matt Lumbert, 18. 22t Tank Brakenberry, 19. 2t Ralph Brakenberry, 20. 46 Robert Huisken, 21. 31 Andy Teunessen. DNS: 29s Marques Huffer, 70-Jim Lingar, 61x-Don Smith.
Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP Points (Top Ten): 1. Dustin Daggett 150, 2. Mike Daggett 142, 3. Gregg Dalman 135, 4. Ryan Grubaugh 130, 5. Brett Mann 125, 6. Jared Horstman 122, 7. Tim Champlin 119, 8. Ryan Ruhl 116, 9. Gary Fast 113, 10. Joe Bares 110.
By Mike Strevel
CRYSTAL, Mich. (April 30, 2011) – On a crisp, cool evening, Dustin Daggett took the checkered flag for the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP 32nd season opener at Ron Flinn’s Crystal Motor Speedway.
A tremendous field of 24 winged sprint cars made an appearance kicking off the long anticipated season of exciting open wheel action.
Daggett of Portland, MI, started in ninth position for the 25-lap main event. There were only a handful of yellow flags that slowed the action, however one red flag marred the action when Robert Huisken flipped end over end in turn one ending his evening. While sore, Huisken was unhurt. The feature winner in his Maxim chassis was able to capture the $1,200 first prize in exciting fashion.
Daggett stated, “Starting ninth was a small challenge, however the car was handling well and the cautions were timed out rather well”. The winning driver taking his ninth straight Crystal Motor Speedway Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP thanked his fine sponsors including Miles Petroleum, Sweet Manufacturing, Glen’s Gas & Welding, Steve Winnie Auto Sales and Richardson Farms.
Front row starters were Mike Daggett & Tim Champlin. Mike Daggett led the first 17 laps of the feature before Dustin Daggett was finally able to complete the pass for the lead and eventual victory. Gregg Dalman, Ryan Grubaugh and Jared Horstman all challenged for top five positions with Brett Mann getting into the top five at the end of the main event. It did look like the elder Daggett might take the honors, however the winningest driver in SOD history was able to make the pass and capture the main event.
The top five finishers of the 32nd season opener for the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP were Dustin Daggett, Mike Daggett, Dalman, Grubaugh and Mann.
Heat race wins were captured by Grubaugh, Dalman and Horstman, the fast car dash went to D. Daggett and the B-main was cancelled and all 21 cars started the feature that were running.
Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP Results-
Saturday April 30, 2011
Crystal Motor Speedway- Crystal, MI
Heat Races (Top 16 in passing points transfer to the “A” Feature):
Engler Machine and Tool Heat Race #1 (8 laps): 1. 3w Ryan Grubaugh, 2. 19 Brett Mann, 3. 11 Trey Smith, 4. 41 Jim Goetgeluck, 5. 22t Tank Brakenberry, 6. 10s Jay Steinbach, 7. 2T Ralph Brakenberry. DNS: 61x Don Smith.
Lane Automotive/Comp Cams Heat Race #2 (8 Laps): 1. 49t Gregg Dalman, 2. 88 Mike Daggett, 3. 2m Dustin Daggett, 4. 8 Tim Champlin, 5. 49 Shawn Dancer, 6. 91 Joe Bares, 7. 29s Marques Huffer, 8. 31 Andy Teunessen.
ARP Fastners Heat Race #3 (8 Laps): 1. 17 Jared Horstman, 2. 55 Kirk Cheney, 3. 46 Robert Huisken, 4. 14 Gary Fast, 5. 10 Davey Brown, 6. 27r Ryan Ruhl, 7. 21 Matt Lumbert, 8. 70 Jim Lingar.
B-Main (Cancelled all 21 cars running transferred to A Main)
Gaerte Engines Fast Car Dash (4 Laps): 1. 2m Dustin Daggett, 2. 11 Trey Smith, 3. 14 Gary Fast, 4. 41 Jim Goetgeluck.
Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP “A” Feature
“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 2m Dustin Daggett, 2. 88 Mike Daggett, 3. 49t Gregg Dalman, 4. 3w Ryan Grubaugh, 5. 19 Brett Mann, 6. 17 Jared Horstman, 7. 8 Tim Champlin, 8. 27r Ryan Ruhl, 9. 14 Gary Fast, 10. 91 Joe Bares, 11. 11 Trey Smith, 12. 10 Davey Brown, 13. 55 Kirk Cheney, 14. 49 Shawn Dancer, 15. 41 Jim Goetgeluck, 16. 10s Jay Steinbach, 17. 21 Matt Lumbert, 18. 22t Tank Brakenberry, 19. 2t Ralph Brakenberry, 20. 46 Robert Huisken, 21. 31 Andy Teunessen. DNS: 29s Marques Huffer, 70-Jim Lingar, 61x-Don Smith.
Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP Points (Top Ten): 1. Dustin Daggett 150, 2. Mike Daggett 142, 3. Gregg Dalman 135, 4. Ryan Grubaugh 130, 5. Brett Mann 125, 6. Jared Horstman 122, 7. Tim Champlin 119, 8. Ryan Ruhl 116, 9. Gary Fast 113, 10. Joe Bares 110.
Randy Ellen Photos of Opening Night at I-96 Speedway
Click on the Heading to take a look of some of the racing action from Saturday Night at I-96. Photos can be ordered from: randyellenphotography.com
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Borgman Late Model Winner at Crystal
Crystal Motor Speedway Late Models
1. Kyle Borgman (Muskegon, MI), 2. Tom Dusen (Muskegon, MI), 3. Keith Gentz (Grant, MI), 4. Jeff Kohn (Sheridan, MI), 5. Roger Wing (Middleton, MI), 6. Mike Nugent (Belding, MI), 7. Mark Andersen (Blanchard, MI), 8. Matt Pickard (Grant, MI), 9. Carl Ries (Blanchard, MI), 10. Mickey Carman, Jr. (Climax, MI), 11. Dean Huizenga (Belmont, MI), 12. Joshua Knoll (Barryton, Mi), 13. Milt Montgomery (Palo, MI),
For Complete Reults of the Night Click Here
1. Kyle Borgman (Muskegon, MI), 2. Tom Dusen (Muskegon, MI), 3. Keith Gentz (Grant, MI), 4. Jeff Kohn (Sheridan, MI), 5. Roger Wing (Middleton, MI), 6. Mike Nugent (Belding, MI), 7. Mark Andersen (Blanchard, MI), 8. Matt Pickard (Grant, MI), 9. Carl Ries (Blanchard, MI), 10. Mickey Carman, Jr. (Climax, MI), 11. Dean Huizenga (Belmont, MI), 12. Joshua Knoll (Barryton, Mi), 13. Milt Montgomery (Palo, MI),
For Complete Reults of the Night Click Here
Wiersma scores back to back victories at Berlin
Wiersma scores back to back victories
Roelofs, VanDrunen, Clay, Hermiller and Bergakker also win
Marne, MI – Week two is in the books at Berlin Raceway and all of the divisions provided amazing racing action throughout the night. Winners on the night included: Brian Wiersma (Engine Pro Super Stock), Cole Roelofs (Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder A), Kyle VanDrunen (Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder B), Ray Clay (Coors Light Late Model), Brandon Hermiller (Kerkstra Services Pro Stock), and Brian Bergakker (Model Coverall Modifieds).
The Engine Pro Super Stocks were on track first for their 30-lap feature, #50 Justin Regnerus and #1 Brian Wiersma were on the front row. Regnerus established himself as the leader and the rest of the field seemed content to ride single file for the moment. On lap 5, #18 Denny Anderson overtook the #78 of Will Olmsted as Regnerus was building a substantial lead. Problems for the #77 of Andrew Nylaan brushed the wall coming out of turn 4 and it appeared that he cut a tire down; he stopped in turn 4 and brought out the first caution of the night. On the restart, Wiersma and Regnerus were in a good battle for the lead and it took a few laps, but Wiersma took the lead on lap 10. Their battle kept the rest of the field close and Regnerus was trying fend off the hard-charging Anderson and #94.5 Nick Gebben. Anderson was looking high but at the same time, Regnerus was gaining on Wiersma – the pair pulling even in the corners. Wiersma shook him off after a few laps and Regnerus was once again holding off Anderson. With 10 to go, Regnerus got a good run on Wiersma, but wasn’t quite able to make the pass; Wiersma was very good coming off of turn 2 and was making the high line work for him. This allowed fast qualified Gebben to join the battle but their fun was on hold as the #26 of Seth Moody slid across the front stretch, bringing out the second caution. The next restart was single file and just enough of a break. Wiersma started to pull away from the field and scored back to back victories. Regnerus, Gebben, Anderson, #51 Justin Ryan, #66 Nate Walton, #16 Kelsey Steele, #3 Travis Nylaan, Olmsted and Moody rounded out the top ten.
The Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder A feature rolled next and #18 Justin Lyzenga and #20 Tyler Nawrocki started this 15 lap feature on the front row. Right from the start, #14 Jason DeVos was muscling his way through the field, making it three wide and also making contact with Nawrocki. DeVos then spun on the backstretch and brought out the first caution of the night on lap 1. Just after the restart with #354 Chris McKinley leading, the #18 Justin Lyzenga hit the wall between turns 3 and 4 bringing out the caution and then the red flag. Once the cars were started, there was a three-car breakaway for the lead: McKinley, #17 Kyle Hamm and #024 Cole Roelofs. On Lap 6, there was another three-wide battle between #2 Darrell Holtzlander, #28 Phil Speet and #51 Brad Hastings which resulted in Hastings sideways coming in to 4, but he managed to save it. Lap 7 saw Roelofs slip by Hamm for second and by the next time around he was side by side with McKinley. Roelofs led lap 9, but McKinley was fighting back on the outside. The pair continued to run side by side for three laps, but with two laps to go, Roelofs began to pull away and he went on to get the win. The rest of the top ten were McKinley, Hamm, Speet, Holtzlander, Hastings, #20 Jackson Walker, Nawrocki, #77 Jared Lyzenga and DeVos.
Right after the A feature, the 15-lap Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder B feature was up with #44 Nicole DeVos and #28 Brandon Cavagnaro lead the field to the green flag. Caution was out before a lap was even completed, #32 Jim Woltanski, #13 Craig Snoeyink and #63 Paul Ritchie all went off the backstretch coming out of turn 2. The field was reset and #62 Richard Church rocketed to the front and enjoyed a comfortable lead, however the #10 of Dave Duyst and the #41 of Kyle VanDrunen were slowly cutting in to it. On lap 4, Duyst and Church were leaning on each other and their contact slower them down and VanDrunen took the top stop away. He then sped on to a one and a half second lead and the battle was on for second between Church, Ritchie and Duyst which is just what VanDrunen wanted to see. Ritchie broke free and began chasing down the leader with 6 to go and while he managed to cut the difference lap by lap, there was not enough time to catch and pass the leader. VanDrunen held him off to get his first victory in his second start. The rest of the top ten were Ritchie, Duyst, #84 Steve Thompson, Church, #91 Rob Ream, #257 Trevor Doornbos, DeVos, Cavagnaro and #75 Dan Ream.
Sixty laps were on tap for the Coors Light Late Model division; #12 Tim DeVos was on the pole and #21 Terry VanHaitsma started on his outside. DeVos was immediately challenged for the lead and passed by #X Ray Clay. As soon as Clay hit the lead, he pulled away from the field, leaving the field to battle for 2nd, it was #55 Chris Anthony and DeVos doing battle and Anthony taking the spot, leaving DeVos in third to fend off the rest of the field. The #37 Terry Senneker was on the move, using the high line to blow past #1 Barry Hartwell, #32 Ross Meeuwsen and #21 Terry VanHaitsma; he took the #14 of Steve Needles with him. On lap 14, Needles took the third position after a three wide battle with Senneker and VanHaitsma. Meanwhile, Anthony was still working on Clay’s lead and Needles was comfortably in third. DeVos, VanHaitsma, Senneker, Harwell and Meeuwsen were all still doing battle but then settled in to single file racing for a moment. On lap 24, Senneker began his battle with DeVos for fourth. Senneker would get side by side with him, but DeVos would pull away. Senneker would then re-group and try again a few laps later. Clay began lapping cars on lap 28 and was still being chased by Anthony. Needles finally caught Anthony and passed him for second on lap 43. They were also slowly cutting down Clay’s lead which was over six seconds at one point. With 9 laps to go, Senneker finally got past DeVos and Needles managed to cut Clay’s lead down to just under one second. He ran out of time to chase him down, Clay got the win and the rest of the top ten were Needles, Senneker, DeVos, Anthony, VanHaitsma, Meeuwsen, #6 Dave Zagaiski, Hartwell and #33 Monte Tolan.
The #20 of Dave Hull and #84 Darin Niemi led the Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks to the green flag for their 25 lap feature. The cars immediately fell in to single file racing, but there was one car trying to get to the front - #76 Brian Tillema. He passes the #15 Scott Root and #18 Mitch Meppelink on the outside and then started to work on Niemi. While Hull continued to lead, the top four were only separated by a second and as soon as Tillema got around Niemi, he began stalking Hull. Just after Tillema made that pass, the caution was out for Niemi who hit the wall on the front stretch and then his car caught on fire. Niemi exited the car and was OK. This brought out the red flag for clean up. Tillema took the lead on the restart, but the car on the move was the #6 of Brandon Hermiller. Hermiller got by Meppelink and then Hull, giving chase to Tillema. They were racing hard, side by side and on lap 18, Hermiller was scored as the leader, but Tillema was fighting back. With three laps to go, Hermiller finally cleared Tillema and managed to put some distance on him. Hermiller took the checkers and got his first win of the season. Tillema had to settle for second and the rest of the top ten were Hull, Meppelink, #51 Weston Jewett, #15 Scott Root, #23 Shawn Simon, #1 Brett DeKraker, #88 Tony Davis and #F1 Randy Veldman.
Providing the final feature of the night was the Model Coverall Modified class; #97L Dave Lake and #8 Billy Eppink led the field to the green for a 30-lap feature. The field rode two by two for the first lap before Eppink fell in line behind Lake. Caution was out early in this race, the #76 of Ryan Gruppen went off the backstretch. Just after the restart, #12 Brian Bergakker took the lead, however caution was out again just five laps later. Gruppen was off the back again and #80 Curt Filkins was also involved. There was then a two-car breakaway and the field was back to single file racing. On lap 10, #7 Ryan Hamm was sideways at the start/finish line, but he saved it. On lap 13, the #22 of Billy Shotko moved up to third and Bergakker was checking out. With 4 to go, #6 Ben Kleis overtook Eppink for fourth while Bergakker absolutely dominated the race, winning by 4.835 seconds. Lake, Shotko, Kleis, Eppink, #7 Trevor Berry, #99 Mark Fliearman, #222 Caleb Bisacky, #29 Rob Shoemaker and Hamm rounded out the top ten.
Coming up at Berlin Raceway is the Premier Boyne Machine Super Lates Night. It will be the first night of racing for the Super Lates and the Vintage Racing Organization of America. Joining them will be the Engine Pro Super Stocks, Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders. Tickets are $12 for adults (12+) and kids 11 and under are free; racing starts at 7:00 p.m. and for more information, please visit www.berlinraceway.com.
###
Lisa Walker
Berlin Raceway
lwalker@berlinraceway.com
616-622-2051
Roelofs, VanDrunen, Clay, Hermiller and Bergakker also win
Marne, MI – Week two is in the books at Berlin Raceway and all of the divisions provided amazing racing action throughout the night. Winners on the night included: Brian Wiersma (Engine Pro Super Stock), Cole Roelofs (Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder A), Kyle VanDrunen (Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder B), Ray Clay (Coors Light Late Model), Brandon Hermiller (Kerkstra Services Pro Stock), and Brian Bergakker (Model Coverall Modifieds).
The Engine Pro Super Stocks were on track first for their 30-lap feature, #50 Justin Regnerus and #1 Brian Wiersma were on the front row. Regnerus established himself as the leader and the rest of the field seemed content to ride single file for the moment. On lap 5, #18 Denny Anderson overtook the #78 of Will Olmsted as Regnerus was building a substantial lead. Problems for the #77 of Andrew Nylaan brushed the wall coming out of turn 4 and it appeared that he cut a tire down; he stopped in turn 4 and brought out the first caution of the night. On the restart, Wiersma and Regnerus were in a good battle for the lead and it took a few laps, but Wiersma took the lead on lap 10. Their battle kept the rest of the field close and Regnerus was trying fend off the hard-charging Anderson and #94.5 Nick Gebben. Anderson was looking high but at the same time, Regnerus was gaining on Wiersma – the pair pulling even in the corners. Wiersma shook him off after a few laps and Regnerus was once again holding off Anderson. With 10 to go, Regnerus got a good run on Wiersma, but wasn’t quite able to make the pass; Wiersma was very good coming off of turn 2 and was making the high line work for him. This allowed fast qualified Gebben to join the battle but their fun was on hold as the #26 of Seth Moody slid across the front stretch, bringing out the second caution. The next restart was single file and just enough of a break. Wiersma started to pull away from the field and scored back to back victories. Regnerus, Gebben, Anderson, #51 Justin Ryan, #66 Nate Walton, #16 Kelsey Steele, #3 Travis Nylaan, Olmsted and Moody rounded out the top ten.
The Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder A feature rolled next and #18 Justin Lyzenga and #20 Tyler Nawrocki started this 15 lap feature on the front row. Right from the start, #14 Jason DeVos was muscling his way through the field, making it three wide and also making contact with Nawrocki. DeVos then spun on the backstretch and brought out the first caution of the night on lap 1. Just after the restart with #354 Chris McKinley leading, the #18 Justin Lyzenga hit the wall between turns 3 and 4 bringing out the caution and then the red flag. Once the cars were started, there was a three-car breakaway for the lead: McKinley, #17 Kyle Hamm and #024 Cole Roelofs. On Lap 6, there was another three-wide battle between #2 Darrell Holtzlander, #28 Phil Speet and #51 Brad Hastings which resulted in Hastings sideways coming in to 4, but he managed to save it. Lap 7 saw Roelofs slip by Hamm for second and by the next time around he was side by side with McKinley. Roelofs led lap 9, but McKinley was fighting back on the outside. The pair continued to run side by side for three laps, but with two laps to go, Roelofs began to pull away and he went on to get the win. The rest of the top ten were McKinley, Hamm, Speet, Holtzlander, Hastings, #20 Jackson Walker, Nawrocki, #77 Jared Lyzenga and DeVos.
Right after the A feature, the 15-lap Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder B feature was up with #44 Nicole DeVos and #28 Brandon Cavagnaro lead the field to the green flag. Caution was out before a lap was even completed, #32 Jim Woltanski, #13 Craig Snoeyink and #63 Paul Ritchie all went off the backstretch coming out of turn 2. The field was reset and #62 Richard Church rocketed to the front and enjoyed a comfortable lead, however the #10 of Dave Duyst and the #41 of Kyle VanDrunen were slowly cutting in to it. On lap 4, Duyst and Church were leaning on each other and their contact slower them down and VanDrunen took the top stop away. He then sped on to a one and a half second lead and the battle was on for second between Church, Ritchie and Duyst which is just what VanDrunen wanted to see. Ritchie broke free and began chasing down the leader with 6 to go and while he managed to cut the difference lap by lap, there was not enough time to catch and pass the leader. VanDrunen held him off to get his first victory in his second start. The rest of the top ten were Ritchie, Duyst, #84 Steve Thompson, Church, #91 Rob Ream, #257 Trevor Doornbos, DeVos, Cavagnaro and #75 Dan Ream.
Sixty laps were on tap for the Coors Light Late Model division; #12 Tim DeVos was on the pole and #21 Terry VanHaitsma started on his outside. DeVos was immediately challenged for the lead and passed by #X Ray Clay. As soon as Clay hit the lead, he pulled away from the field, leaving the field to battle for 2nd, it was #55 Chris Anthony and DeVos doing battle and Anthony taking the spot, leaving DeVos in third to fend off the rest of the field. The #37 Terry Senneker was on the move, using the high line to blow past #1 Barry Hartwell, #32 Ross Meeuwsen and #21 Terry VanHaitsma; he took the #14 of Steve Needles with him. On lap 14, Needles took the third position after a three wide battle with Senneker and VanHaitsma. Meanwhile, Anthony was still working on Clay’s lead and Needles was comfortably in third. DeVos, VanHaitsma, Senneker, Harwell and Meeuwsen were all still doing battle but then settled in to single file racing for a moment. On lap 24, Senneker began his battle with DeVos for fourth. Senneker would get side by side with him, but DeVos would pull away. Senneker would then re-group and try again a few laps later. Clay began lapping cars on lap 28 and was still being chased by Anthony. Needles finally caught Anthony and passed him for second on lap 43. They were also slowly cutting down Clay’s lead which was over six seconds at one point. With 9 laps to go, Senneker finally got past DeVos and Needles managed to cut Clay’s lead down to just under one second. He ran out of time to chase him down, Clay got the win and the rest of the top ten were Needles, Senneker, DeVos, Anthony, VanHaitsma, Meeuwsen, #6 Dave Zagaiski, Hartwell and #33 Monte Tolan.
The #20 of Dave Hull and #84 Darin Niemi led the Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks to the green flag for their 25 lap feature. The cars immediately fell in to single file racing, but there was one car trying to get to the front - #76 Brian Tillema. He passes the #15 Scott Root and #18 Mitch Meppelink on the outside and then started to work on Niemi. While Hull continued to lead, the top four were only separated by a second and as soon as Tillema got around Niemi, he began stalking Hull. Just after Tillema made that pass, the caution was out for Niemi who hit the wall on the front stretch and then his car caught on fire. Niemi exited the car and was OK. This brought out the red flag for clean up. Tillema took the lead on the restart, but the car on the move was the #6 of Brandon Hermiller. Hermiller got by Meppelink and then Hull, giving chase to Tillema. They were racing hard, side by side and on lap 18, Hermiller was scored as the leader, but Tillema was fighting back. With three laps to go, Hermiller finally cleared Tillema and managed to put some distance on him. Hermiller took the checkers and got his first win of the season. Tillema had to settle for second and the rest of the top ten were Hull, Meppelink, #51 Weston Jewett, #15 Scott Root, #23 Shawn Simon, #1 Brett DeKraker, #88 Tony Davis and #F1 Randy Veldman.
Providing the final feature of the night was the Model Coverall Modified class; #97L Dave Lake and #8 Billy Eppink led the field to the green for a 30-lap feature. The field rode two by two for the first lap before Eppink fell in line behind Lake. Caution was out early in this race, the #76 of Ryan Gruppen went off the backstretch. Just after the restart, #12 Brian Bergakker took the lead, however caution was out again just five laps later. Gruppen was off the back again and #80 Curt Filkins was also involved. There was then a two-car breakaway and the field was back to single file racing. On lap 10, #7 Ryan Hamm was sideways at the start/finish line, but he saved it. On lap 13, the #22 of Billy Shotko moved up to third and Bergakker was checking out. With 4 to go, #6 Ben Kleis overtook Eppink for fourth while Bergakker absolutely dominated the race, winning by 4.835 seconds. Lake, Shotko, Kleis, Eppink, #7 Trevor Berry, #99 Mark Fliearman, #222 Caleb Bisacky, #29 Rob Shoemaker and Hamm rounded out the top ten.
Coming up at Berlin Raceway is the Premier Boyne Machine Super Lates Night. It will be the first night of racing for the Super Lates and the Vintage Racing Organization of America. Joining them will be the Engine Pro Super Stocks, Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders. Tickets are $12 for adults (12+) and kids 11 and under are free; racing starts at 7:00 p.m. and for more information, please visit www.berlinraceway.com.
###
Lisa Walker
Berlin Raceway
lwalker@berlinraceway.com
616-622-2051
Mark Anderson wins Inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Tour Race at I-96 Speedway
Mark Anderson wins Inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Tour Race at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, April 30th, 2011): The 2011 racing season is officially here as I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan opened the doors with a bang! The Inaugural Event for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners highlighted Opening Night 2011 / 6th Annual Ice Breaker. The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts were also on the card as a stellar crowd on hand witnessed a thrilling night of racing highlighted by a whopping 146 cars jamming the pit area.
The first Feature of the 2011 racing season on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval would be the 20-lap main event for the Jim’s Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts. Formerly known as the Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters, and new for 2011, the beginners division at the track now falls under the guidelines of the United Midwest Promoters (UMP) organization beginning this season and the response was tremendous with 21 machines on the grounds.
Harley Farkle and Jaret Allen led the field to the green flag but it would be Rick Peck diving underneath the front row heading into the first corner to grab the early lead. Rich Lieb followed Peck by the front row starters and the two drivers pulled away to battle. Lieb took the lead on lap seven and held it for two laps until defending track champion, Dan Reimersma went by the top two cars to take over the top spot and pull away from the rest of the pack.
With just two laps to go, Reimersma suddenly slowed, this allowed Peck who passed Lieb earlier for second with five laps to go, take advantage of Reimersma’s misfortune. From there, Peck, the 2010 18 and Over Rookie of the Year, held off one final charge from Lieb to take the checkered flag in his Frisbee & Sons Plastering Saturn to give the Hastings, Michigan driver the first feature win of the 2011 racing season.
Lieb settled for second with Tim Horvath II, J.T. Leach, and Jeff Burke finishing off the top five. Farkle would finish sixth ahead of Allen, Reimersma, Scott Rumsey, and Mike Vezino who completed the top 10. Peck and Lieb would collect Positional Heat Race victories.
The high powered Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models were next up for their 20-lap Feature and the stout field, which started the night at 39 machines, would be paired down to the 20-car starting field who would be lead to Chief Starter, Tim Beebe’s green flag by Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame driver John Grega and Tom Sprague Jr., and it would be Sprague Jr., leading the first lap before Dona Marcoullier shot by to grab the lead for himself on lap two.
2010 UMP National Champion, Rusty Schlenk worked his way through the field from his 10th starting spot and was soon in second place and began reeling in Marcoullier who had built up a sizable advantage. Schlenk caught up to Marcoullier just past the ½ way point of the race and an epic battle ensued between the two stout pilots.
Schlenk was finally able to take over the lead with just four laps to go, but Marcoullier didn’t give up and tried every trick in his arsenal to get by reigning UMP National Champion and did briefly grab the lead back. But Schlenk used lapped traffic to motor back around Marcoullier and the Jackson, Michigan standout in his Main & Company Incorporated Chevrolet would go on to score an impressive feature win.
Marcoullier settled for second as Buckeye State standout Jon Henry finished third over Rich Neiser and Sprague Jr., who were the top five. Grega slipped down to sixth while Dan Hubbell, Curtis Roberts who started 16th, Sammy Epling, and Dale Sheehy finished off the top 10. Epling, Schlenk, Marcoullier, and Sprague Jr., all scored Qualifier Heat Races while defending track champion Eric Spangler and Ryan VanderVeen scored the two B Main wins to transfer into the feature.
The headliners for the evening were the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds as not only was it Opening Night at I-96 for UMP Track, State, and National Points, it was also the Inaugural race for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners. A stellar field of 63 Modifieds were on the grounds and after they were all sorted out, one of the strongest starting fields seen in recent memory took the green flag for their 25-lap Feature.
The final 20-car field was brought out of turn four by Dan DeLong and Brad Wilson, but it would be Mark Anderson, who rocketed past the front row from his inside second row starting spot to take the early lead while the rest of the stellar field of open-wheeled machines jockeyed for position behind Anderson, who the previous night scored the feature win at Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, Michigan as was looking to make it two for two on the weekend.
Jeff Erickson Jr., was looking to stop the weekend sweep of Anderson and was soon on his back bumper and the battle that took place was something special for the crowd on hand who witnessed it. Erickson Jr., searched high and low, trying to find a way around Anderson throughout what turned out to be a caution free race. Erickson Jr., even took the lead briefly on several occasions only to see Anderson charge right back by. When all was said and done, it would be Anderson in victory lane as the Lowell, Michigan veteran in his Accurate Engines Chevrolet would fight off Erickson Jr., to score the $1,500 pay day!
Erickson Jr., settled for the runner-up spot with Curt Spaulding also finishing on the podium in third over Aaron Morey and Buckeye State invader Aaron Morey who completed the top five. 2010 Winston Motor Speedway track champion Andy Sprague who started 13th, was sixth while Canadian Justin Coulter, DeLong, Defending Track Champion Rich Robinson Jr., and Marc Kurth rounded out the top 10. Jacob Poel, Spaulding, Kurth, and Sprague all collected Qualifier Heat Race wins while Brian Ruhlman, Scott Payton, and Robinson Jr., all won C Mains to transfer into the B Main. Ruhlman won his second race of the night to transfer to the Feature along-with Robinson Jr., Payton, and Tom Bell.
The final race of the night was the 20-lap Feature for the Renegade Race Fuels UMP Street Stocks as a strong field of 23 machines saw the front row of Josh Frye and Derek Poland and it would be Poland, the 2010 Fall Finale Champion at I-96 in UMP Street Stocks grabbing the early lead while the rest of the pack settled in behind him.
Two early cautions bunched up the field and on the second caution, defending track champion Gary Vandermark was forced to pit with a flat tire. He returned and started shot gun on the field and at the drop of the green, quickly worked his way back up into the top 10. Unfortunately, Vandermark dropped out at the ½ way mark and was done for the night.
All the while, Poland continued to show the way around the 3/8s mile dirt oval as he had fellow Muskegon area veteran, Dan Dykman all over his back bumper for the lead. Soon they were joined by the Weinrick Brothers, Chad and Tony and the quartet pulled away to battle. They were eventually joined by David Grega. Despite the constant pressure from the pack behind him, Poland never faltered and in the end, the Muskegon, Michigan veteran in his Arizona Charlie’s Wholesale Chevrolet would hang on for the feature win.
Dykman settled for second with Chad Weinrick, Tony Weinrick, and Grega completing the top five. Mike Sparks finished sixth as Frye, Aaron Wolf, Cody Denny, and Paula Ebel rounded out the top 10. C. Weinrick and Frye scored the heat race victories.
Upcoming next, the Mother’s Day Holiday Weekend will see I-96 Speedway in action twice beginning on Friday, May 6th as the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles will hit the ½ mile for the first time in 2011 in race #1 of their season series in Lake Odessa, Michigan. For all Friday AMA D14 shows in 2011, the Pit Gates Open at 4:00p.m., while the Grandstands Open up at 6:00p.m. Practice starts at 7:00p.m., with Racing beginning at 8:00p.m.
Then on Saturday, May 7th, the cars take over with a full 4 in 1 show on tap as the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will be going for $1,500 to Win! They'll be joined by the UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks and UMP Sport Compacts on the 3/8s mile. Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., while the Drivers Meeting will begin at 5:30p.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.
Starting on Tuesday, May 3rd, Bi-weekly Tuesday Night Test & Tunes begin and will go from 5:00p.m-“Dark”. The next scheduled Test & Tune after May 3rd will be on May 17th and will continue on a bi-weekly basis through at the month of June.
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. You can even follow us on Twitter, just go to: www.twitter.com and search “I-96 Speedway”
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, April 30th, 2011): The 2011 racing season is officially here as I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan opened the doors with a bang! The Inaugural Event for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners highlighted Opening Night 2011 / 6th Annual Ice Breaker. The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Sport Compacts were also on the card as a stellar crowd on hand witnessed a thrilling night of racing highlighted by a whopping 146 cars jamming the pit area.
The first Feature of the 2011 racing season on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval would be the 20-lap main event for the Jim’s Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts. Formerly known as the Four-Cylinders / Road Beaters, and new for 2011, the beginners division at the track now falls under the guidelines of the United Midwest Promoters (UMP) organization beginning this season and the response was tremendous with 21 machines on the grounds.
Harley Farkle and Jaret Allen led the field to the green flag but it would be Rick Peck diving underneath the front row heading into the first corner to grab the early lead. Rich Lieb followed Peck by the front row starters and the two drivers pulled away to battle. Lieb took the lead on lap seven and held it for two laps until defending track champion, Dan Reimersma went by the top two cars to take over the top spot and pull away from the rest of the pack.
With just two laps to go, Reimersma suddenly slowed, this allowed Peck who passed Lieb earlier for second with five laps to go, take advantage of Reimersma’s misfortune. From there, Peck, the 2010 18 and Over Rookie of the Year, held off one final charge from Lieb to take the checkered flag in his Frisbee & Sons Plastering Saturn to give the Hastings, Michigan driver the first feature win of the 2011 racing season.
Lieb settled for second with Tim Horvath II, J.T. Leach, and Jeff Burke finishing off the top five. Farkle would finish sixth ahead of Allen, Reimersma, Scott Rumsey, and Mike Vezino who completed the top 10. Peck and Lieb would collect Positional Heat Race victories.
The high powered Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models were next up for their 20-lap Feature and the stout field, which started the night at 39 machines, would be paired down to the 20-car starting field who would be lead to Chief Starter, Tim Beebe’s green flag by Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame driver John Grega and Tom Sprague Jr., and it would be Sprague Jr., leading the first lap before Dona Marcoullier shot by to grab the lead for himself on lap two.
2010 UMP National Champion, Rusty Schlenk worked his way through the field from his 10th starting spot and was soon in second place and began reeling in Marcoullier who had built up a sizable advantage. Schlenk caught up to Marcoullier just past the ½ way point of the race and an epic battle ensued between the two stout pilots.
Schlenk was finally able to take over the lead with just four laps to go, but Marcoullier didn’t give up and tried every trick in his arsenal to get by reigning UMP National Champion and did briefly grab the lead back. But Schlenk used lapped traffic to motor back around Marcoullier and the Jackson, Michigan standout in his Main & Company Incorporated Chevrolet would go on to score an impressive feature win.
Marcoullier settled for second as Buckeye State standout Jon Henry finished third over Rich Neiser and Sprague Jr., who were the top five. Grega slipped down to sixth while Dan Hubbell, Curtis Roberts who started 16th, Sammy Epling, and Dale Sheehy finished off the top 10. Epling, Schlenk, Marcoullier, and Sprague Jr., all scored Qualifier Heat Races while defending track champion Eric Spangler and Ryan VanderVeen scored the two B Main wins to transfer into the feature.
The headliners for the evening were the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds as not only was it Opening Night at I-96 for UMP Track, State, and National Points, it was also the Inaugural race for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners. A stellar field of 63 Modifieds were on the grounds and after they were all sorted out, one of the strongest starting fields seen in recent memory took the green flag for their 25-lap Feature.
The final 20-car field was brought out of turn four by Dan DeLong and Brad Wilson, but it would be Mark Anderson, who rocketed past the front row from his inside second row starting spot to take the early lead while the rest of the stellar field of open-wheeled machines jockeyed for position behind Anderson, who the previous night scored the feature win at Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, Michigan as was looking to make it two for two on the weekend.
Jeff Erickson Jr., was looking to stop the weekend sweep of Anderson and was soon on his back bumper and the battle that took place was something special for the crowd on hand who witnessed it. Erickson Jr., searched high and low, trying to find a way around Anderson throughout what turned out to be a caution free race. Erickson Jr., even took the lead briefly on several occasions only to see Anderson charge right back by. When all was said and done, it would be Anderson in victory lane as the Lowell, Michigan veteran in his Accurate Engines Chevrolet would fight off Erickson Jr., to score the $1,500 pay day!
Erickson Jr., settled for the runner-up spot with Curt Spaulding also finishing on the podium in third over Aaron Morey and Buckeye State invader Aaron Morey who completed the top five. 2010 Winston Motor Speedway track champion Andy Sprague who started 13th, was sixth while Canadian Justin Coulter, DeLong, Defending Track Champion Rich Robinson Jr., and Marc Kurth rounded out the top 10. Jacob Poel, Spaulding, Kurth, and Sprague all collected Qualifier Heat Race wins while Brian Ruhlman, Scott Payton, and Robinson Jr., all won C Mains to transfer into the B Main. Ruhlman won his second race of the night to transfer to the Feature along-with Robinson Jr., Payton, and Tom Bell.
The final race of the night was the 20-lap Feature for the Renegade Race Fuels UMP Street Stocks as a strong field of 23 machines saw the front row of Josh Frye and Derek Poland and it would be Poland, the 2010 Fall Finale Champion at I-96 in UMP Street Stocks grabbing the early lead while the rest of the pack settled in behind him.
Two early cautions bunched up the field and on the second caution, defending track champion Gary Vandermark was forced to pit with a flat tire. He returned and started shot gun on the field and at the drop of the green, quickly worked his way back up into the top 10. Unfortunately, Vandermark dropped out at the ½ way mark and was done for the night.
All the while, Poland continued to show the way around the 3/8s mile dirt oval as he had fellow Muskegon area veteran, Dan Dykman all over his back bumper for the lead. Soon they were joined by the Weinrick Brothers, Chad and Tony and the quartet pulled away to battle. They were eventually joined by David Grega. Despite the constant pressure from the pack behind him, Poland never faltered and in the end, the Muskegon, Michigan veteran in his Arizona Charlie’s Wholesale Chevrolet would hang on for the feature win.
Dykman settled for second with Chad Weinrick, Tony Weinrick, and Grega completing the top five. Mike Sparks finished sixth as Frye, Aaron Wolf, Cody Denny, and Paula Ebel rounded out the top 10. C. Weinrick and Frye scored the heat race victories.
Upcoming next, the Mother’s Day Holiday Weekend will see I-96 Speedway in action twice beginning on Friday, May 6th as the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles will hit the ½ mile for the first time in 2011 in race #1 of their season series in Lake Odessa, Michigan. For all Friday AMA D14 shows in 2011, the Pit Gates Open at 4:00p.m., while the Grandstands Open up at 6:00p.m. Practice starts at 7:00p.m., with Racing beginning at 8:00p.m.
Then on Saturday, May 7th, the cars take over with a full 4 in 1 show on tap as the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will be going for $1,500 to Win! They'll be joined by the UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks and UMP Sport Compacts on the 3/8s mile. Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., while the Drivers Meeting will begin at 5:30p.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.
Starting on Tuesday, May 3rd, Bi-weekly Tuesday Night Test & Tunes begin and will go from 5:00p.m-“Dark”. The next scheduled Test & Tune after May 3rd will be on May 17th and will continue on a bi-weekly basis through at the month of June.
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. You can even follow us on Twitter, just go to: www.twitter.com and search “I-96 Speedway”
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