Saturday, May 14, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
VanDoorn, Jones, Carlson make the Draft
West Michigan Drivers were part of the Speed51.com draft selection. To view all of the picks go to www.speed51.com
Pick #11
Johnny VanDoorn
Age - 23
Hometown – Coopersville, MI
Series – CRA Super Series, SLMs
When it comes to champions there’s no bigger championship trophy than the Super Bowl trophy and although many teams have posted back to back wins in consecutive seasons, no team in recent history has ever won three in a row. That’s exactly what Johnny VanDoorn is trying to do this year. After claiming the CRA Super Series title in 2009 and 2010, VanDoorn is already on track to break records and capture his third consecutive championship.
The 23-year-old from Coopersville, Michigan won the famed All American 400 and finished second in CRA Super Series standings in only his first full season in late models. After a sophomore slump in 2008 with only one win, VanDoorn changed teams and went to Kaos Motorsports for the 2009 season. They won in their first race out and haven’t looked back since after five wins and two championships.
Pros: The back-to-back champion, who works as a fabricator at Port City Racecars, is simply marketable. He’s a very polite, hard-working young man who’s not afraid to talk a little and never forgets to thank his sponsors.
Cons: VanDoorn needs to step out of his comfort zone a little more often. We’ve seen him travel down for a few sporadic shows around the Southeast and usually see him at the Snowball Derby every year but we’d like to see him run the big shows more regularly and maybe see him grab another big win like his All American 400 victory in 2007.
Pick #12
Erik Jones
Age - 14
Hometown – Byron, MI
Series – PLM, CRA JEGS All-Stars Tour
The #12 pick in the NFL draft was Christian Ponder, a quarterback from Florida State who went to the Minnesota Vikings. Ponder wasn’t the popular pick that early on in the draft and many critics say he’s not quite ready to be a starting NFL QB just yet, but with some time and polishing, he could be quite good. The time and polishing is about all that stands in 14-year-old Erik Jones’ way from being the next bright young star in short track racing.
Jones has turned heads quickly on the Midwestern Pro Late Model scene. He came into the Varney Late Model Series in 2010 and won three races, becoming the youngest winner in that series’ history. He also won the series’ prestigious event during Oktoberfest weekend at LaCrosse (WI). He’s traveled outside his Midwestern roots, as well, putting a good showing together at the Snowflake 100, starting 34th and finishing 7th. He also led laps earlier this season at the Pro Rattler 125 at South Alabama and finished third in the opening JEGS CRA All-Stars Tour event at Toledo (OH).
Pros: Making some noise against tough talent and not afraid to race, and succeed, against top competition.
Cons: Still young at just 14, so as much seat time as possible will only help his development. Running in the Crate Late Model classes is good, but we’d like to see him in some Super Late Model shows near the end of the year to see how he handles the high horsepower.
Pick #51
Dakota Carlson
Age - 23
Hometown – Cedar Springs, MI
Series – Outlaw Super Late Models
Dakota Carlson is not only a strong competitor on the racetrack, but the Michigan State University student is pretty good in the classroom, as well. Carlson has been getting it done in his Outlaw Super Late Model over the past few seasons, earning the win in the first Great Lakes Outlaw Series race. He finished fourth in Great Lakes points in 2010 and is a past winner of such big Outlaw shows as the Firecracker 150 at Auto City (MI) and the East Vs. West Shootout at Dixie (MI).
Pros: Has won some big shows in the past and isn’t afraid to mix it up on the track. Has worked with Johnny Benson, Sr. in Michigan, so he knows how to make cars go fast.
Cons: A tad on the pudgy side. Admitted in an article last year that he thinks he’s too old to make it to the next level at just 23, so maybe he’s okay with being a short track ace in the future.
Pick #11
Johnny VanDoorn
Age - 23
Hometown – Coopersville, MI
Series – CRA Super Series, SLMs
When it comes to champions there’s no bigger championship trophy than the Super Bowl trophy and although many teams have posted back to back wins in consecutive seasons, no team in recent history has ever won three in a row. That’s exactly what Johnny VanDoorn is trying to do this year. After claiming the CRA Super Series title in 2009 and 2010, VanDoorn is already on track to break records and capture his third consecutive championship.
The 23-year-old from Coopersville, Michigan won the famed All American 400 and finished second in CRA Super Series standings in only his first full season in late models. After a sophomore slump in 2008 with only one win, VanDoorn changed teams and went to Kaos Motorsports for the 2009 season. They won in their first race out and haven’t looked back since after five wins and two championships.
Pros: The back-to-back champion, who works as a fabricator at Port City Racecars, is simply marketable. He’s a very polite, hard-working young man who’s not afraid to talk a little and never forgets to thank his sponsors.
Cons: VanDoorn needs to step out of his comfort zone a little more often. We’ve seen him travel down for a few sporadic shows around the Southeast and usually see him at the Snowball Derby every year but we’d like to see him run the big shows more regularly and maybe see him grab another big win like his All American 400 victory in 2007.
Pick #12
Erik Jones
Age - 14
Hometown – Byron, MI
Series – PLM, CRA JEGS All-Stars Tour
The #12 pick in the NFL draft was Christian Ponder, a quarterback from Florida State who went to the Minnesota Vikings. Ponder wasn’t the popular pick that early on in the draft and many critics say he’s not quite ready to be a starting NFL QB just yet, but with some time and polishing, he could be quite good. The time and polishing is about all that stands in 14-year-old Erik Jones’ way from being the next bright young star in short track racing.
Jones has turned heads quickly on the Midwestern Pro Late Model scene. He came into the Varney Late Model Series in 2010 and won three races, becoming the youngest winner in that series’ history. He also won the series’ prestigious event during Oktoberfest weekend at LaCrosse (WI). He’s traveled outside his Midwestern roots, as well, putting a good showing together at the Snowflake 100, starting 34th and finishing 7th. He also led laps earlier this season at the Pro Rattler 125 at South Alabama and finished third in the opening JEGS CRA All-Stars Tour event at Toledo (OH).
Pros: Making some noise against tough talent and not afraid to race, and succeed, against top competition.
Cons: Still young at just 14, so as much seat time as possible will only help his development. Running in the Crate Late Model classes is good, but we’d like to see him in some Super Late Model shows near the end of the year to see how he handles the high horsepower.
Pick #51
Dakota Carlson
Age - 23
Hometown – Cedar Springs, MI
Series – Outlaw Super Late Models
Dakota Carlson is not only a strong competitor on the racetrack, but the Michigan State University student is pretty good in the classroom, as well. Carlson has been getting it done in his Outlaw Super Late Model over the past few seasons, earning the win in the first Great Lakes Outlaw Series race. He finished fourth in Great Lakes points in 2010 and is a past winner of such big Outlaw shows as the Firecracker 150 at Auto City (MI) and the East Vs. West Shootout at Dixie (MI).
Pros: Has won some big shows in the past and isn’t afraid to mix it up on the track. Has worked with Johnny Benson, Sr. in Michigan, so he knows how to make cars go fast.
Cons: A tad on the pudgy side. Admitted in an article last year that he thinks he’s too old to make it to the next level at just 23, so maybe he’s okay with being a short track ace in the future.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP Invades I-96 Speedway THIS Saturday, May 14th
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Tuesday, May 10th, 2011): Two weeks into the 2011 racing season, I-96 Speedway has seen the four weekly divisions within the UMP DIRTcar series put on some excellent races so far. Now it's time for some traveling invaders to come in and show the great fans of the Lake Odessa, Michigan speed plant a little bit of what they have to offer and it all begins this weekend with Sprint Cars!
This Saturday, May 14th, the traveling cars and stars of the Engine Pro American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP will make their first of four appearances of the 2011 racing season and in addition, they'll take on the fast 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval and highlighting Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants Night at the Races!
Current Series Points Leader, Two-Time Series Champion, All-Time Series Wins Leader, and home track favorite, Dustin Daggett from near-by Portland, Michigan will headline the stellar field while Defending Series Champion, Ryan Grubaugh from near-by St. Johns, Michigan as well as Three-Time I-96 Track Champion and another Two-Time Series Champion, Brett Mann will lead the rest of the talented field of Winged Sprint Cars who will highlight the first of two straight weekends of Winged Sprint Cars racing at I-96.
Joining the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP will be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, who'll move up to the 1/2 mile for the first of two straight weekends on the big track. Also on the card will be the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts as they'll both utilize the 3/8s mile leaving the outer 1/2 mile for the Sprint Cars and Modifieds.
On Saturday, May 14th, 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 for THIS Saturday, May 14th will be: Adults (13-61): $15.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00, Children (6-12): $8.00, 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!): $35.00. Pit Passes: $25.00.
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP will make three more appearances in 2011 at I-96 as those remaining shows will all be on the inner 3/8s mile. Those dates are set for Saturday, June 18th, Saturday, August 13th, and Saturday, September 24th in the series 2011 Season Championships, which serves as the headliners for the tracks 4th annual Dirt Gold Cup Fall Finale.
The historic series made three appearances at I-96 during the 2010 racing season with Darren Long scoring the Feature win on June 19th while Daggett grabbed the victories in the final two appearances on August 7th as well as in the season finale on September 25th while Grubaugh finished third in the Fall Finale to secure the 2010 Series Championship.
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP sanctions winged Sprint Car races at speedways throughout Michigan, Ohio and the Canadian province of Ontario and will enjoy its 32nd season of operation. The 2011 schedule can be viewed at: www.sprintsondirt.com
In its 20th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing, the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) brings the best of Sprint Car racing to approximately 100 different tracks throughout 30 states and Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of 10 different Regions throughout the nation. Additional information regarding ASCS is available at: www.ascsracing.com
Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants, part of the Miles Petroleum Group which includes; Miles Petroleum, Miles Propane, Environmental Waste & Recovery Service, M.P. Lubricants, M.P.I. Service Center, and more, is based in Merrill, Michigan and is the Official Fuel of I-96 Speedway and proud title sponsor of all four Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt races in Lake Odessa, Michigan during the 2011 racing season.
To be the #1 leader in the research, selling and marketing of innovative, high value, high quality racing performance products, Renegade will accomplish this by ensuring that there products and level of service are of the highest quality, and provide long-term value, as well as maintaining a level of excellence in the execution of operations which puts all competitors to shame.
Their objective is to provide superior service to existing customers, to ensure there is no loss of business and to grow sales to these customers. Also, to bring in new customers with a new vision, "A vision of quality and utmost satisfaction." For more information about Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants and the Miles Petroleum Group, please call: 1 (989) 643-0700 or log onto the website at: www.mpioil.com
Upcoming events to wrap up the month of May starts with Saturday May 21st as the fire breathing, winged warriors of the World of Outlaws Sprints Series will invade for their yearly appearance on the big 1/2 mile featuring the likes of 20-time Series Champion Steve Kinser as well as Defending Series Champion, and Two-Time Defending I-96 Race Winner, Jason Meyers headline the stellar field of the best Sprint Car Drivers in the World.
Four-Time Series Champion Donny Schatz, as well as Danny Lasoski, Joey Saldana, Sammy Swindell, Jac Haudenschild, Jason Sides, Craig Dollansky, Chad Kemenah, Kraig Kinser, Lucas Wolfe, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Paul McMahan, Cody Darrah, and the rest of the best Sprint Car drivers in the World are just some of who'll be invading I-96 Speedway.
Also on the card, the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds will take to the 1/2 mile for the second week in a row in support of the World of Outlaws. Tickets are still available by calling: 1 (815) 344-2023. For Saturday, May 21st, the Pit Gates Open will open at 3:00p.m., the Grandstands swing open at 5:00p.m., while Practice will start at the same time, 5:00p.m. Qualifying for the World of Outlaws Sprints Series begins at 6:00p.m., and after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Starts at 7:00p.m.
The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will enjoy the next two consecutive weekends off before returning to action on Saturday, May 28th as part of the tracks' Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Celebration. The Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts will also return after taking May 21st off as all three returning divisions will be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds who go back to the 3/8s mile after spending two consecutive weekends on the 1/2 mile.
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"
This Saturday, May 14th, the traveling cars and stars of the Engine Pro American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP will make their first of four appearances of the 2011 racing season and in addition, they'll take on the fast 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval and highlighting Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants Night at the Races!
Current Series Points Leader, Two-Time Series Champion, All-Time Series Wins Leader, and home track favorite, Dustin Daggett from near-by Portland, Michigan will headline the stellar field while Defending Series Champion, Ryan Grubaugh from near-by St. Johns, Michigan as well as Three-Time I-96 Track Champion and another Two-Time Series Champion, Brett Mann will lead the rest of the talented field of Winged Sprint Cars who will highlight the first of two straight weekends of Winged Sprint Cars racing at I-96.
Joining the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP will be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, who'll move up to the 1/2 mile for the first of two straight weekends on the big track. Also on the card will be the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts as they'll both utilize the 3/8s mile leaving the outer 1/2 mile for the Sprint Cars and Modifieds.
On Saturday, May 14th, 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 for THIS Saturday, May 14th will be: Adults (13-61): $15.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00, Children (6-12): $8.00, 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!): $35.00. Pit Passes: $25.00.
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP will make three more appearances in 2011 at I-96 as those remaining shows will all be on the inner 3/8s mile. Those dates are set for Saturday, June 18th, Saturday, August 13th, and Saturday, September 24th in the series 2011 Season Championships, which serves as the headliners for the tracks 4th annual Dirt Gold Cup Fall Finale.
The historic series made three appearances at I-96 during the 2010 racing season with Darren Long scoring the Feature win on June 19th while Daggett grabbed the victories in the final two appearances on August 7th as well as in the season finale on September 25th while Grubaugh finished third in the Fall Finale to secure the 2010 Series Championship.
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP sanctions winged Sprint Car races at speedways throughout Michigan, Ohio and the Canadian province of Ontario and will enjoy its 32nd season of operation. The 2011 schedule can be viewed at: www.sprintsondirt.com
In its 20th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing, the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) brings the best of Sprint Car racing to approximately 100 different tracks throughout 30 states and Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of 10 different Regions throughout the nation. Additional information regarding ASCS is available at: www.ascsracing.com
Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants, part of the Miles Petroleum Group which includes; Miles Petroleum, Miles Propane, Environmental Waste & Recovery Service, M.P. Lubricants, M.P.I. Service Center, and more, is based in Merrill, Michigan and is the Official Fuel of I-96 Speedway and proud title sponsor of all four Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt races in Lake Odessa, Michigan during the 2011 racing season.
To be the #1 leader in the research, selling and marketing of innovative, high value, high quality racing performance products, Renegade will accomplish this by ensuring that there products and level of service are of the highest quality, and provide long-term value, as well as maintaining a level of excellence in the execution of operations which puts all competitors to shame.
Their objective is to provide superior service to existing customers, to ensure there is no loss of business and to grow sales to these customers. Also, to bring in new customers with a new vision, "A vision of quality and utmost satisfaction." For more information about Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants and the Miles Petroleum Group, please call: 1 (989) 643-0700 or log onto the website at: www.mpioil.com
Upcoming events to wrap up the month of May starts with Saturday May 21st as the fire breathing, winged warriors of the World of Outlaws Sprints Series will invade for their yearly appearance on the big 1/2 mile featuring the likes of 20-time Series Champion Steve Kinser as well as Defending Series Champion, and Two-Time Defending I-96 Race Winner, Jason Meyers headline the stellar field of the best Sprint Car Drivers in the World.
Four-Time Series Champion Donny Schatz, as well as Danny Lasoski, Joey Saldana, Sammy Swindell, Jac Haudenschild, Jason Sides, Craig Dollansky, Chad Kemenah, Kraig Kinser, Lucas Wolfe, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Paul McMahan, Cody Darrah, and the rest of the best Sprint Car drivers in the World are just some of who'll be invading I-96 Speedway.
Also on the card, the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds will take to the 1/2 mile for the second week in a row in support of the World of Outlaws. Tickets are still available by calling: 1 (815) 344-2023. For Saturday, May 21st, the Pit Gates Open will open at 3:00p.m., the Grandstands swing open at 5:00p.m., while Practice will start at the same time, 5:00p.m. Qualifying for the World of Outlaws Sprints Series begins at 6:00p.m., and after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Starts at 7:00p.m.
The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will enjoy the next two consecutive weekends off before returning to action on Saturday, May 28th as part of the tracks' Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Celebration. The Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts will also return after taking May 21st off as all three returning divisions will be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds who go back to the 3/8s mile after spending two consecutive weekends on the 1/2 mile.
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"
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Three Races in Three Days will keep Sammy Epling Busy from May 13-15th
Perry, Michigan (Tuesday, May 10th, 2011): Two fourth place finishes in two nights over the May 6-7th weekend has Perry, Michigan veteran, Sammy Epling optimistic heading into a busy three races in three days weekend beginning on Friday, May 13th and continuing until Sunday, May 15th for the fourth time rescheduled Sunoco American Late Model Series season opener.
The 41-year-old had a respectable weekend beginning on May 6th at Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan where the Defending Track Champion finished a solid fourth. The following night called for a short trip south, then west to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan where Epling again finished fourth. Both nights, the winner of each feature was veteran, Curtis Roberts.
"We finished fourth both nights, didn't tear up anything, so it was a good weekend for sure," Epling remarked. Curtis was the man this past weekend. He just took off and was long gone. Curtis and I are friends. You can't take anything away from him, he was fast both nights. We'll give him some good competition this season though. It was just his weekend this time." He added.
Beginning on Friday, May 13th, a trip back to Mt. Pleasant for a regular show is in store for Epling's #29 NorthsideTowing.net Pontiac GTO. Then on Saturday, May 14th, the first of two straight nights in the Buckeye State will see the Doug Finley Motorsports crew make the trip to the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval of Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon, Ohio for another weekly show.
After Oakshade, it's onto the four times rescheduled Sunoco American Late Model Series 2011 season opener at the big 1/2 (0.500) mile semi-banked dirt oval of Millstream Speedway in Findlay, Ohio. "The Sunoco ALM Series is our #1 priority this season. But man I tell you, they've had a heck of a time getting a show in. Hopefully we'll get this one in finally. Although I wouldn't mind opening the ALMS season in Illinois." He smiled.
After Millstream, the next two Sunoco ALM Series races are in Epling's home state of Illinois beginning on Friday, May 20th at Kankakee Motor Speedway in Kankakee, Illinois and then continuing on Saturday, May 21st at Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Illinois. Epling, who now calls Perry, Michigan home, has both dates circled on his 2011 calendar.
"We wanted to get over there earlier this season for the World of Outlaws Late Model shows in my home state, but the weather held us back. Hopefully we can have a good weekend this weekend (May 13-15th) and continue building some momentum for those two shows in my home state." Epling 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.
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.
Monday, May 9, 2011
West Michigan Racing: WEEKEND WINNERS
BERLIN RACEWAY
•Super Lates -- Brian Campbell
•Pro Stocks -- Brandon Hermiller
•4 Cylinders -- Cole Roelofs
•VROA -- Samantha Jansen
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Jeff Kohn
•IMCA Modifieds -- Chad Wernette
•Street Stocks -- Will Stanley
•Flinn Stocks -- Taylor Daniels
•Pro Stocks -- Barry Rinard
•Pro Trucks -- Bob Griffin
I-96 SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Curtis Roberts
•Modifieds -- Mark Anderson
•Street Stocks -- Derek Poland
•Sports Compact -- Rick Peck
KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Andy Bozell
•Modifieds -- Mike Brooks
•Street Stocks -- Eric McGlothlen
•Pro Trucks -- Lloyd Brooks
•Cyber Stocks -- Nick Layman
BUTLER SPEEDWAY
•Winged Sprints -- Chade Blonde
•Modifieds -- Steve Shellenberger
•Sportsman -- Dwayne Feltner
•Street Stocks -- Chris Garrett
HARTFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- J.R. Hotovy
•Modifieds -- Curt Spalding
•Stock Cars -- Tom Disterheft
•Pure Stocks -- Ryan Flagel
MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Curtis Roberts
•Modifieds -- Robert Whitman
•Stock Cars -- Gary VanderMark
•Mod Minis -- Trever Fedewa
•Stock Minis -- Marq Eaton
SPARTAN SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Logan Beckwith
•Spartan Stocks -- Damon Place
•Modifieds -- Larry Wallace
•Pony Stocks -- Todd Metz Sr.
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
•Factory Stocks 1 -- Dan Wilson
•Factory Stocks 2 -- Bill May
•Street Stocks 1 -- Derek Poland
•Street Stocks 2 -- Troy Marciniak
•Thunder Stocks 1 -- Mel Whitten
•Thunder Stocks 2 -- Mike Pickard
•Mini Stocks 1 -- Jim Peery
•Mini Stocks 2 -- Cody Morman
•Warriors 1 -- Ryan Hamm
•Warriors 2 -- Adam Grabe
WINSTON MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Rich Neiser
•Modifieds -- Jacob Poel
•Street Stocks -- Chad Weinrick
•Factory Stocks -- Robbie Sternberg
•Mini Stocks -- Paul Namey
•Warriors -- Dan Reimersma
•Young Guns 1 -- Sean Sobers
•Young Guns 2 -- Heather Strueler
•Super Lates -- Brian Campbell
•Pro Stocks -- Brandon Hermiller
•4 Cylinders -- Cole Roelofs
•VROA -- Samantha Jansen
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Jeff Kohn
•IMCA Modifieds -- Chad Wernette
•Street Stocks -- Will Stanley
•Flinn Stocks -- Taylor Daniels
•Pro Stocks -- Barry Rinard
•Pro Trucks -- Bob Griffin
I-96 SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Curtis Roberts
•Modifieds -- Mark Anderson
•Street Stocks -- Derek Poland
•Sports Compact -- Rick Peck
KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Andy Bozell
•Modifieds -- Mike Brooks
•Street Stocks -- Eric McGlothlen
•Pro Trucks -- Lloyd Brooks
•Cyber Stocks -- Nick Layman
BUTLER SPEEDWAY
•Winged Sprints -- Chade Blonde
•Modifieds -- Steve Shellenberger
•Sportsman -- Dwayne Feltner
•Street Stocks -- Chris Garrett
HARTFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- J.R. Hotovy
•Modifieds -- Curt Spalding
•Stock Cars -- Tom Disterheft
•Pure Stocks -- Ryan Flagel
MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Curtis Roberts
•Modifieds -- Robert Whitman
•Stock Cars -- Gary VanderMark
•Mod Minis -- Trever Fedewa
•Stock Minis -- Marq Eaton
SPARTAN SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Logan Beckwith
•Spartan Stocks -- Damon Place
•Modifieds -- Larry Wallace
•Pony Stocks -- Todd Metz Sr.
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
•Factory Stocks 1 -- Dan Wilson
•Factory Stocks 2 -- Bill May
•Street Stocks 1 -- Derek Poland
•Street Stocks 2 -- Troy Marciniak
•Thunder Stocks 1 -- Mel Whitten
•Thunder Stocks 2 -- Mike Pickard
•Mini Stocks 1 -- Jim Peery
•Mini Stocks 2 -- Cody Morman
•Warriors 1 -- Ryan Hamm
•Warriors 2 -- Adam Grabe
WINSTON MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•Late Models -- Rich Neiser
•Modifieds -- Jacob Poel
•Street Stocks -- Chad Weinrick
•Factory Stocks -- Robbie Sternberg
•Mini Stocks -- Paul Namey
•Warriors -- Dan Reimersma
•Young Guns 1 -- Sean Sobers
•Young Guns 2 -- Heather Strueler
Samantha Jansen's pink car goes well with Victory Lane at Berlin Raceway
(Photo Courtesy of Tom DeVette)
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE -- Samantha Jansen doesn't need a pink car to be noticed anymore.
The 24-year-old resident of Guelph, Ontario, stands out just fine at Berlin Raceway, thanks to two appearances in Victory Lane.
Jansen will get the chance to shine a little more at the track this season thanks to an increased number of visits by the Vintage Racing Organization of America. The VROA made its first visit to Berlin on Saturday and will return for eight more visits, the next one May 28.
Jansen, a project manager in her hometown, won the VROA championship in 2009 and currently is the winningest female in the circuit's history. Her 1933 Plymouth coupe has gotten a lot of mileage on the track and a lot of recognition off of it.
"It was my choice to make the car this color," Jansen said. "They always announce my name as Sam so everyone thinks I'm a boy. This way there would be no confusion."
Sam or Samantha, the driver is still a winner.
Jansen, Terry Byrne and Max Wirebaugh were triple-wide at one point during the race, but early caution flags narrowed the field and helped Jansen secure the lead seven laps into a truncated 16-lap feature. The race was stopped due to reaching its time limit, and Jansen was given the checkered flag since she led at the time.
"I like the speed and I like the banking of the track, and the fans are amazing," Jansen said. "I started 11th in this race and the first three laps were pretty crazy. I prefer going around the track on the outside lines and that helped me move up (in the standings)."
Jansen won last year in dramatic fashion when she passed a car on the last lap to take a VROA feature. This time, she had a bit more breathing room.
"Usually when they stop a race I'm the one in second," said Jansen, who raced go-karts at the age of 14. "I've been racing for a long time because I had a paper route and I was too lazy to walk through it, so I asked my dad to buy me the go-kart. He said he would on the condition that I race it."
A mechanic who races vintage cars and works with Jansen's dad got Jansen turned on to the vintage circuit, and she has been successful ever since.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Curtis Roberts Scores $1,500 Payday at I-96 Speedway
9 Curtis Roberts - Coleman, Michigan. Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models Feature Winner for Saturday, May 7th, 2011. (Randy Ellen Photo)
Curtis Roberts Scores $1,500 Payday at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, May 7th, 2011): The second of two nights of racing at I-96 Speedway to celebrate the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend was on Saturday, May 7th as the tracks premiere division within the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar series, the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models highlighted the evening with an impressive $1,500 payday going to the winner.
The Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Race Fuels UMP Street Stocks, and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts were also in action on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval as an excellent crowd was on hand celebrating the Mother's Day Holiday Weekend in Lake Odessa, Michigan.
The Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks rolled out first for their 20-lap Feature as defending track champion Gary Vandermark and Bill Brandt Jr., brought the field down to the green flag and it would be Vandermark leading the charge into the first corner while the rest of the field sorted themselves out behind him.
Four cautions slowed the pace down and on each "Delaware Double-File" restart; Vandermark took advantage of being by himself on the front row while the rest of the pack was double-file behind him. Vandermark, who was the feature winner the night before at Mt. Pleasant Speedway, continued to fend off the advances of Brandt Jr., who was searching for a path by the reigning champion.
When all was said and done though, Vandermark was up to the challenge and the Lowell, Michigan veteran in his P.A.T. Landscaping & Restoration Chevrolet would lead all 20 laps to score his first feature of the season at I-96, and second feature triumph of the weekend.
Brandt Jr., finished second while new points leader Cody Denny finished third over 2009 track champion Aaron Wolf, and new rookie points leader Jay Chlebek finished off the top five. Another rookie, Keith Shumaker was sixth while Ron Wiers, Josh Frye, Hillary Smith, and a third rookie, Bruce Howe finished off the top 10. Vandermark started the night off by winning the heat race.
Up next were the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds and starting on the front row for their 20-lap feature would be Tim Stemler and Zack Olger. But for the second week in a row, Mark Anderson, who started third, shot by the front row to take the early lead just as he done the previous week in the inaugural race for the Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour, in which he won.
Anderson, the current point leader at I-96, would bring Jacob Poel, who started fifth and won the feature the previous evening at Winston Motor Speedway, with him and Poel would end up stealing the lead away from Anderson to lead lap one and from there the battle was on. Anderson briefly took the lead on lap four only to lose it again to Poel a lap later. Anderson swiped the lead back away from Poel on lap seven and tried to get away from him and the rest of the field, who were still battling for position.
Poel would never let Anderson stray too far out in front of him, but it was Anderson who was up to the challenge as the Lowell, Michigan veteran would keep Poel at a safe distance behind him by putting lapped cars between them, and for the second time in two starts, Anderson's Accurate Engines Chevrolet would pull into victory lane after winning his second feature in a row and also for the second time in a row, the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds Feature went caution free!
Poel settled for second while Travis Stemler was third over Jeff Erickson Jr., and Tim Stemler who completed the top five. Olger finished sixth while John McClure, Steven Hilliker, Ken Beutler, and Larry Vanderwoude wrapped up the top 10. Anderson and Poel were the heat race winners.
The headliners for the evening were the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models who rolled out for their Feature and it would be Tom Sprague Jr., and Ben Hidy scheduled to start on the front row. However on the wave lap, Hidy lost a left front tire and had to be towed to the pits. He returned moments later and started at the rear of the field.
So it ended up being Sprague Jr., and Rich Neiser leading the field to Chief Starter, Tim Beebe's green flag and on lap one, Neiser, who won the feature the previous night at Winston Motor Speedway, spun coming out of turn four to bring out the caution flag. Curtis Roberts, who like Neiser, won a feature 24 hours earlier, only at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. Would take the lead while Sprague Jr., ducked in behind him.
Roberts tried to lose Sprague Jr., and the rest of the field in lapped traffic and soon Brandon Thirlby and Sammy Epling caught up to Sprague Jr., and the battle was on for second through fourth while Roberts slowly pulled away from the rest of the pack. In the end, Roberts would overcome one final restart with six laps to go and the Coleman, Michigan veteran in his Superior Metal Recycling Ford would walk away with his first I-96 feature of the season and second victory of the weekend.
New points leader, Sprague Jr., finished second with Thirlby, Epling, and two-time and defending track champion Eric Spangler, who started 17th after having to make the show through the B Main for the second week in a row, wrapped up the top five. Dan Hubbell finished sixth while Phil Ausra, Dave Hartman, Billy Bray, and Hidy finished off the top 10. Thirlby, Roberts, and Neiser scored qualifier heat race wins while Hartman took the B Main victory and transferred to the feature along-with Spangler, John Grega, David Hilliker, and Kathy Jarvis.
The final 20-lap Feature of the night would be for the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts and the front row consisted of defending track champion Dan Reimersma and Greg Pinard and it would be Reimersma leading the field into turn one while the rest of the pack jockeyed for position.
Opening Night feature winner, Rick Peck, who started sixth, quickly worked his way up to Reimersma's back bumper and the battle began. Peck, the 2010 18 and over rookie of the year, searched high and low desperately trying to figure out a way around the race long leader, but Reimersma was up to the task each and every time. Even a few cautions that slowed things down temporarily and allowed Peck to pick and choose which lane to take once the green flag flew wasn't enough to get around the reigning track champion.
Through it all, Reimersma was quick on the draw and once the checkered flag waved, it would be Reimersma's Sharkwater Shots Honda driving underneath the checkered first and like two drivers before him on this night, the Ada, Michigan driver would collect his second feature of the weekend as he won the previous night at Winston Motor Speedway. This was his first triumph at I-96 in 2011.
Peck finished second while Chuck Peterson II, who started 16th and finished an impressive third over Tim Horvath II and new rookie of the year points leader Mike Vezino who completed the top five. Scott Rumsey finished sixth while 17-year-old Calvin Stemler, the 2010 17 and under rookie of the year was seventh as a trio of rookies, 15-year-old Jordan King, 14-year-old Mariah Caswell, and 9-year-old Christopher Joyce rounded out the top 10. Vezino and Pinard picked up the heat race wins.
This Saturday, May 14th, the Fire Breathing, Winged Warriors of the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP make their first of four appearances of the 2011 racing season highlighting Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants Night at the Races!
Defending Series Champion, Ryan Grubaugh from near-by St. Johns, Michigan as well as Current Series Points Leader, Two-Time Series Champion, All-Time Series Wins Leader, and home track favorite, Dustin Daggett from near-by Portland, Michigan will headline the stellar field while Three-Time I-96 Speedway Track Champion and another Two-Time Series Champion, Brett Mann and the rest of the talented field of Winged Sprint Cars will take on the fast 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval.
The 32-year-old series will make three more appearances in Lake Odessa, Michigan in 2011 and those remaining shows will all be on the inner 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval. Those dates are set for Saturday, June 18th, Saturday, August 13th, and Saturday, September 24th in the series 2011 Season Championships, which serves as the headliners for the tracks 4th annual Dirt Gold Cup Fall Finale.
As for Saturday, May 14th and joining the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP will be three of the tracks weekly divisions within the UMP DIRTcar series, the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks, and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts will also be in action and will all utilize the 3/8s mile leaving the outer 1/2 mile for the Sprint Cars. The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will enjoy their first of two consecutive weekends off.
On Saturday, May 14th, 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 for THIS Saturday, May 14th will be: Adults (13-61): $15.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00, Children (6-12): $8.00, 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!): $35.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
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"
Brian Campell wins Super Lates feature, Johnny Benson 13th at Berlin Raceway
Brian Campell wins Super Lates feature, Johnny Benson 13th at Berlin Raceway
By Steve Ungrey | The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE -- Most drivers do not want to see a caution flag.
Brian Campbell was the exception Saturday, because it was the only chance he had to catch the field.
The Grand Rapids driver took advantage of a yellow flag four laps from the end of the Boyne Machine Premier Super Lates 100-lap feature, and he hung on for a checkered flag at Berlin Raceway.
Campbell, who was victorious for the second week in a row following a win last week in Toledo, was the top qualifier and started seventh after the draw for the race order. From there, he bided his time and laid off using his tires until late in the feature.
When Campbell reached second, that was when he tried to make his move.
"I was expecting this thing to have a couple yellow flags but I didn’t think I’d have to wait this long," Campbell said. "To come home and win one of these races is always something special."
Tim Steele started the race in the lead, but Anthony caught up to him 41 laps into the feature and passed him. Steele kept the lead until there were four laps to go, when the first caution came out on an accident involving Andy Ponstein and Josh Hobson.
Campbell overtook Steele on the restart and hung on. Anthony then clipped Campbell a lap later, forcing Campbell to spin, and Anthony and Johnny Benson Jr. spun off the backstretch. Campbell recovered his momentum and Anthony went on to take second, while Benson eventually finished 13th.
"We had a couple really good restarts to get the job done. We never would have caught up if it had not been for that yellow," Campbell said. "We did a good job preserving the tires to get into second, but we needed that caution to have a shot at first place. We stole one from Chris tonight, because Chris deserved this with how well he raced. I knew I could not catch him because he was out that far."
This is the first of seven Premier Super Lates features in West Michigan. The next is scheduled for May 28, and another will run later this summer at Kalamazoo Speedway.
It was a Mother’s Day present of sorts for Campbell, as his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Shelby, were able to take part in the festivities. With two wins under his belt, Campbell hopes more of these festivities follow.
"We were lucky to come out here and win," Campbell said. "I got to kiss my daughter and celebrate with the family. It’s a great way to celebrate the day before Mother’s Day. Now I’ve got two race wins under my belt and it’s a good way to start the year."
THE BUZZ
Saturday’s feature winners: Dave Lake (Super Stock), Brandon Hermiller (Pro Stock), Samantha Jansen (Vintage Racing Organization of America), Brian Campbell (Premier Super Lates), Cole Roelofs (4-cylinder)
Driver of the night: For the second week in a row, Cole Roelofs won both a heat and a feature race when he took the 4-cylinder event ahead of Phil Speet. Roelofs was .666 seconds in front of Speet.
Tough luck award: Johnny Benson Jr. was in the top five for most of the Premier Super Lates event, but caution flags and an accident in the final laps dropped Benson to 13th. This is the first of Benson’s appearances in this year’s Super Lates feature.
Move of the night: Brian Campbell took advantage of the caution flag with four laps remaining in the Premier Super Lates feature. He passed Chris Anthony to claim his second feature win in a row.
Up next: Late Models, Super Stock, Pro Stock and 4-cylinders are part of Lottery Night on Saturday, presented by Paragon Lanes.
By Steve Ungrey | The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE -- Most drivers do not want to see a caution flag.
Brian Campbell was the exception Saturday, because it was the only chance he had to catch the field.
The Grand Rapids driver took advantage of a yellow flag four laps from the end of the Boyne Machine Premier Super Lates 100-lap feature, and he hung on for a checkered flag at Berlin Raceway.
Campbell, who was victorious for the second week in a row following a win last week in Toledo, was the top qualifier and started seventh after the draw for the race order. From there, he bided his time and laid off using his tires until late in the feature.
When Campbell reached second, that was when he tried to make his move.
"I was expecting this thing to have a couple yellow flags but I didn’t think I’d have to wait this long," Campbell said. "To come home and win one of these races is always something special."
Tim Steele started the race in the lead, but Anthony caught up to him 41 laps into the feature and passed him. Steele kept the lead until there were four laps to go, when the first caution came out on an accident involving Andy Ponstein and Josh Hobson.
Campbell overtook Steele on the restart and hung on. Anthony then clipped Campbell a lap later, forcing Campbell to spin, and Anthony and Johnny Benson Jr. spun off the backstretch. Campbell recovered his momentum and Anthony went on to take second, while Benson eventually finished 13th.
"We had a couple really good restarts to get the job done. We never would have caught up if it had not been for that yellow," Campbell said. "We did a good job preserving the tires to get into second, but we needed that caution to have a shot at first place. We stole one from Chris tonight, because Chris deserved this with how well he raced. I knew I could not catch him because he was out that far."
This is the first of seven Premier Super Lates features in West Michigan. The next is scheduled for May 28, and another will run later this summer at Kalamazoo Speedway.
It was a Mother’s Day present of sorts for Campbell, as his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Shelby, were able to take part in the festivities. With two wins under his belt, Campbell hopes more of these festivities follow.
"We were lucky to come out here and win," Campbell said. "I got to kiss my daughter and celebrate with the family. It’s a great way to celebrate the day before Mother’s Day. Now I’ve got two race wins under my belt and it’s a good way to start the year."
THE BUZZ
Saturday’s feature winners: Dave Lake (Super Stock), Brandon Hermiller (Pro Stock), Samantha Jansen (Vintage Racing Organization of America), Brian Campbell (Premier Super Lates), Cole Roelofs (4-cylinder)
Driver of the night: For the second week in a row, Cole Roelofs won both a heat and a feature race when he took the 4-cylinder event ahead of Phil Speet. Roelofs was .666 seconds in front of Speet.
Tough luck award: Johnny Benson Jr. was in the top five for most of the Premier Super Lates event, but caution flags and an accident in the final laps dropped Benson to 13th. This is the first of Benson’s appearances in this year’s Super Lates feature.
Move of the night: Brian Campbell took advantage of the caution flag with four laps remaining in the Premier Super Lates feature. He passed Chris Anthony to claim his second feature win in a row.
Up next: Late Models, Super Stock, Pro Stock and 4-cylinders are part of Lottery Night on Saturday, presented by Paragon Lanes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)