Saturday, July 23, 2011
Nate Walton: Winston Speedway Champion to Berlin Raceway Champion?
Hudsonville's Nate Walton hopes to build on first-half success at Berlin Raceway
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Nate Walton of Hudsonville has been one of the most pleasant first-half surprises at Berlin Raceway, and there are at least two people who still can’t believe what he has done.
Walton is first on that list, and No. 2 is his mother, Julie Walton.
"I told my mom I was leading the (Super Stocks) standings, and she said to me, 'Really?'" Walton said.
Believe it.
Walton, 21, entered this weekend’s Midseason Championships with a one-point lead over Nick Gebben of Zeeland. The track opened its two-night program Friday with feature races for its 4 Cylinders A and B classes, plus qualifying and heat races for its four other weekly classes. The traveling Auto Value Super Sprints Series also is in town.
Action resumes at 7 p.m. Saturday with feature races.
It’s not that Walton hasn’t been competitive during the past four seasons he has raced at the Marne half-mile. He is a former Mini Stocks champion on the dirt track at Winston Speedway, too.
But the best he has finished in Berlin points came a year ago when he placed 11th overall. Plus, it is a class that has experienced veterans like Brian Wiersma and Denny Anderson, who have been racing since before Walton was born.
Walton also is breaking in a new Super Stocks car. He planned to buy a house during the offseason, but he changed his mind and purchased the car, and he will continue living with mom and dad for now.
"We are real happy because this is a brand new car this year, and we are trying to learn the car," Walton said. "We really don’t run for points. We are out there to have fun, and we keep working on it. The fact that we are up there is pretty cool, but we know we have a long ways to go. We will be happy to finish in the top five."
Consistency has helped Walton climb to the top of the points standings. Walton, an auto mechanic during the weekdays, hasn’t won a feature this season, and he has yet to set fast time. However, he has finished all but one feature race.
"Nate is the only driver in the top four who doesn’t have a win, but he has been consistent," said Walton’s father and crew chief, Gary Walton. "He qualified second tonight, and that was the seventh time he has done that."
Class points leaders Cole Roelofs (4 Cylinders A) and Tyler Nawrocki (4 Cylinders B) captured Midseason Championship 15-lap mains Friday. It was the fourth feature win for both drivers.
Roelofs nipped Chris McKinley by 0.029 of a second after the two raced door-to-door over the final four laps, with the two swapping the lead late. Roelofs led the final two laps.
"I just kept waiting for the car to come to me, and it got a little bit better, a little bit better," Roelofs said. "I knew I was catching him in turns three and four. I saw him pull ahead (in turns one and two), and I knew I had to catch him in three and four. I was able to make it stick on the bottom and take it home."
Nawrocki grabbed the lead on the second lap and pulled away for a 2.008 second win over Steve Thompson.
"This is my best year by far, the wins keep coming," Nawrocki said. "I can’t thank my dad enough because he sets the car up for me. I just drive it. He pays all the bills. I have to thank all the sponsors. I’m a happy camper today."
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Nate Walton of Hudsonville has been one of the most pleasant first-half surprises at Berlin Raceway, and there are at least two people who still can’t believe what he has done.
Walton is first on that list, and No. 2 is his mother, Julie Walton.
"I told my mom I was leading the (Super Stocks) standings, and she said to me, 'Really?'" Walton said.
Believe it.
Walton, 21, entered this weekend’s Midseason Championships with a one-point lead over Nick Gebben of Zeeland. The track opened its two-night program Friday with feature races for its 4 Cylinders A and B classes, plus qualifying and heat races for its four other weekly classes. The traveling Auto Value Super Sprints Series also is in town.
Action resumes at 7 p.m. Saturday with feature races.
It’s not that Walton hasn’t been competitive during the past four seasons he has raced at the Marne half-mile. He is a former Mini Stocks champion on the dirt track at Winston Speedway, too.
But the best he has finished in Berlin points came a year ago when he placed 11th overall. Plus, it is a class that has experienced veterans like Brian Wiersma and Denny Anderson, who have been racing since before Walton was born.
Walton also is breaking in a new Super Stocks car. He planned to buy a house during the offseason, but he changed his mind and purchased the car, and he will continue living with mom and dad for now.
"We are real happy because this is a brand new car this year, and we are trying to learn the car," Walton said. "We really don’t run for points. We are out there to have fun, and we keep working on it. The fact that we are up there is pretty cool, but we know we have a long ways to go. We will be happy to finish in the top five."
Consistency has helped Walton climb to the top of the points standings. Walton, an auto mechanic during the weekdays, hasn’t won a feature this season, and he has yet to set fast time. However, he has finished all but one feature race.
"Nate is the only driver in the top four who doesn’t have a win, but he has been consistent," said Walton’s father and crew chief, Gary Walton. "He qualified second tonight, and that was the seventh time he has done that."
Class points leaders Cole Roelofs (4 Cylinders A) and Tyler Nawrocki (4 Cylinders B) captured Midseason Championship 15-lap mains Friday. It was the fourth feature win for both drivers.
Roelofs nipped Chris McKinley by 0.029 of a second after the two raced door-to-door over the final four laps, with the two swapping the lead late. Roelofs led the final two laps.
"I just kept waiting for the car to come to me, and it got a little bit better, a little bit better," Roelofs said. "I knew I was catching him in turns three and four. I saw him pull ahead (in turns one and two), and I knew I had to catch him in three and four. I was able to make it stick on the bottom and take it home."
Nawrocki grabbed the lead on the second lap and pulled away for a 2.008 second win over Steve Thompson.
"This is my best year by far, the wins keep coming," Nawrocki said. "I can’t thank my dad enough because he sets the car up for me. I just drive it. He pays all the bills. I have to thank all the sponsors. I’m a happy camper today."
I-96 Speedway RESULTS for Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Michigan Festival of Speed Kicks Off the Weekend at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Friday, July 22nd, 2011): The bikes and riders of the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Series as well as Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe highlighted Day I of the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive at I-96 Speedway on Friday, July 22nd. The two-wheeled machines took on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval in preparation for the traveling stars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidsons who will invade on Saturday, July 23rd.
After the AMA Flat Track Motorcycle races were over, legendary country music outlaw, David Allan Coe, along-with special guests, "Small Town Son" entertained the massive crowd on hand well into the evening during the first of two consecutive days of AMA Flat Track Motorcycle racing and Live Country Music in Lake Odessa, Michigan.
As for the motorcycle races, 14 different divisions were on the grounds representing several regions of AMA Flat Track racing including the host region, which includes District 14. The night was also proudly sponsored by Hot Rod Harley-Davidson out of Muskegon, Michigan and the Main Event Winners of the night in each riders division were: Devin Pfeiffer who won two mains in both the 201-250cc Open and 401-505cc B Features.
Australian, Michael Kirkness, who now calls Jefferson City, Missouri home and is one of the traveling stars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Series who'll be competing in the Expert division against the likes of Chris Carr, Sammy Halbert, Jake Johnson, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Jared Mees, and more won the Combo Division Feature, the premiere division within the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Series.
Other Feature Winners included: Bret Tremblay - Veterans 30+, Steve Packard - Vintage 0-400cc, Aaron Fortenberry - 251-450cc Open, Ross Robinson - 251cc+ Open Twin, David Soderstrom - Seniors 40+, Jordan Hitchcock - 451cc+ Open Single, Bobby Lynn II - Vintage 401cc+ Open, Gage Beland - 52-65cc 6-11 years old, Tyler Hicks - 401-505cc A, Jayson Bloss - 66-85cc 6-11 years old, and Bill Lynn - Super Seniors 50+.
Saturday, July 23rd, the big day is here! The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive features the traveling superstars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Flat Track Motorcycle Series as super stars like multi-time series champion, the Legendary Chris Carr, who is in the midst of his Farewell Tour. Also defending series champion, Jake Johnson, current series points leader, Sammy Halbert, the most recent winner on the tour back on July 9th in Hagerstown, Maryland, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., and more will headline the massive list of riders expecting to invade.
Other stars expected includes; Brad Baker, Steven Bonsey, Jeffrey Carver Jr., Chad Cose, Joe Kopp, Johnny Lewis, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith, Matt Weidman, Henry Wiles, and more will all be in action. If you have never seen motorcycles hitting speeds of over 140mph on the straight away and sliding sideways three-wide into the corners you will be amazed from the start to the finish. These are the biggest, baddest, and best Motorcycle Flat Track Riders in the World and Auto First Car Care Center as well as Right Way Automotive has brought them back this year for you to witness talent and speed at its best on two wheels.
If the races weren't enough, Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe will be back performing LIVE in Concert for the second day in a row starting at 4:00p.m. The Band "Jaded 8" opens for Mr. Coe. The Time Line for the days' events will see the Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates opening at: 12:00p.m. Practice / Qualifying is at 3:30p.m. Jaded 8 opens and then David Allan Coe goes on-stage starting at 4:00p.m. Opening Ceremonies are at 7:00p.m. Racing starts at 7:30p.m.
Ticket Prices are: Adult Reserved (13 and Over): $35.00, Adult General Admission (13 and Over): $30.00, Child Reserved (12 and Under): $25.00, Child General Admission (12and Under): $20.00. In addition, Tickets for the David Allan Coe / Jaded 8 Concert are $20.00 and are only Available on Race Day and are in addition to the race event tickets.
Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the 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 (Friday, July 22nd, 2011): The bikes and riders of the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Series as well as Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe highlighted Day I of the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive at I-96 Speedway on Friday, July 22nd. The two-wheeled machines took on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval in preparation for the traveling stars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidsons who will invade on Saturday, July 23rd.
After the AMA Flat Track Motorcycle races were over, legendary country music outlaw, David Allan Coe, along-with special guests, "Small Town Son" entertained the massive crowd on hand well into the evening during the first of two consecutive days of AMA Flat Track Motorcycle racing and Live Country Music in Lake Odessa, Michigan.
As for the motorcycle races, 14 different divisions were on the grounds representing several regions of AMA Flat Track racing including the host region, which includes District 14. The night was also proudly sponsored by Hot Rod Harley-Davidson out of Muskegon, Michigan and the Main Event Winners of the night in each riders division were: Devin Pfeiffer who won two mains in both the 201-250cc Open and 401-505cc B Features.
Australian, Michael Kirkness, who now calls Jefferson City, Missouri home and is one of the traveling stars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Series who'll be competing in the Expert division against the likes of Chris Carr, Sammy Halbert, Jake Johnson, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Jared Mees, and more won the Combo Division Feature, the premiere division within the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Series.
Other Feature Winners included: Bret Tremblay - Veterans 30+, Steve Packard - Vintage 0-400cc, Aaron Fortenberry - 251-450cc Open, Ross Robinson - 251cc+ Open Twin, David Soderstrom - Seniors 40+, Jordan Hitchcock - 451cc+ Open Single, Bobby Lynn II - Vintage 401cc+ Open, Gage Beland - 52-65cc 6-11 years old, Tyler Hicks - 401-505cc A, Jayson Bloss - 66-85cc 6-11 years old, and Bill Lynn - Super Seniors 50+.
Saturday, July 23rd, the big day is here! The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive features the traveling superstars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Flat Track Motorcycle Series as super stars like multi-time series champion, the Legendary Chris Carr, who is in the midst of his Farewell Tour. Also defending series champion, Jake Johnson, current series points leader, Sammy Halbert, the most recent winner on the tour back on July 9th in Hagerstown, Maryland, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., and more will headline the massive list of riders expecting to invade.
Other stars expected includes; Brad Baker, Steven Bonsey, Jeffrey Carver Jr., Chad Cose, Joe Kopp, Johnny Lewis, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith, Matt Weidman, Henry Wiles, and more will all be in action. If you have never seen motorcycles hitting speeds of over 140mph on the straight away and sliding sideways three-wide into the corners you will be amazed from the start to the finish. These are the biggest, baddest, and best Motorcycle Flat Track Riders in the World and Auto First Car Care Center as well as Right Way Automotive has brought them back this year for you to witness talent and speed at its best on two wheels.
If the races weren't enough, Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe will be back performing LIVE in Concert for the second day in a row starting at 4:00p.m. The Band "Jaded 8" opens for Mr. Coe. The Time Line for the days' events will see the Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates opening at: 12:00p.m. Practice / Qualifying is at 3:30p.m. Jaded 8 opens and then David Allan Coe goes on-stage starting at 4:00p.m. Opening Ceremonies are at 7:00p.m. Racing starts at 7:30p.m.
Ticket Prices are: Adult Reserved (13 and Over): $35.00, Adult General Admission (13 and Over): $30.00, Child Reserved (12 and Under): $25.00, Child General Admission (12and Under): $20.00. In addition, Tickets for the David Allan Coe / Jaded 8 Concert are $20.00 and are only Available on Race Day and are in addition to the race event tickets.
Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the 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"
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Brian Campbell scores Late Model win on Racing Awareness night at Berlin
Brian Campbell scores Late Model win on Racing Awareness night at Berlin
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Brian Campbell couldn't think of a better way to raise awareness for children's health issues.
Sitting in Victory Lane with his Late Model vehicle, right in front of the crowd at Berlin Raceway, puts it front and center.
The Wyoming driver won for the second time this season at Berlin and fifth overall counting other tracks. He captured the 100-lap Premier Boyne Machine Super Lates feature event, beating out Chris Anthony and Terry VanHaitsma for the checkered flag.
"I don't believe I've ever won a race on a Racing Awareness theme night," Campbell said. "We're having a pretty solid season overall."
Andrew Nylaan started out on the pole with Anthony in the second spot, but Anthony zoomed into the lead and Nylaan found himself challenged by Campbell. Campbell soon overtook Nylaan and then passed Anthony on lap 22, but Anthony took the lead back eight laps later on a restart following a caution flag.
Halfway through the feature, Campbell took back the lead and never relinquished it.
"He could dog me fairly close and we had a little left in the bank for a rainy day just in case," Campbell said. "I checked in the mirror a couple times and my spotter was giving me the play by play. We're here for the car and it's definitely an awesome night. To make it to victory lane is priceless."
The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital opened Jan. 11 of this year, featuring 14 floors and 206 beds. All care is provided by pediatric nurses and therapists, with more than 150 pediatric specialist doctors in 40 specialties.
This was the second of three nights devoted to the Racing Awareness team. The team consists of Motor Racing Network radio broadcaster Jeff Striegle, former Super Stocks track champion Mike Bursley and Berlin track announcer Norm Jelsma.
Berlin donated $1 from every ticket sold to the Racing Awareness team, in support of the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. The next Racing Awareness night is set for Aug. 27.
Check out a weekend wrapup of winners from around West Michigan and the state:
BERLIN RACEWAY
•Premier Boyne Machine Super Lates: Brian Campbell
•Modifieds: Billy Shotko
•Super Stocks: Justin Ryan
•Pro Stocks: Brandon Hermiller
•4 Cylinders A: Jason Scheid
•4 Cylinders B: Tyler Nawrocki
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•SOD Sprints On Dirt: Steve Brubacker
•Pro Stocks: Derek Schestag
•Trucks: Scott Nieman
•IMCA Modifieds: A.J. Ward
•Street Stocks: Bill Wilkins
•Flinn Stocks: Austin Bean
I-96 SPEEDWAY
•UMP DIRTcar Racing Series: Zack Olger
•Modifieds: Jacob Poel
•Street Stocks: Bill Brandt Jr.
•Sport Compacts: Chris Tomczak
KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
•Must See Racing Xtreme Series: Brian Gerster
•Super Late Models: Andy Bozell
•Super Stocks: Chris Shannon
U.S. 131 MOTORSPORTS PARK
•Pro Extreme: Jason Hamstra
•Pro Nitrous: Mahana Al-Naemi
•Extreme 10.5: Frankie Taylor
•Pro Extreme Motorcycle: Ashley Owens
•Extreme Pro Stock: Cary Goforth
•Top Sportsman: Glenn Butcher
•Pro Junior Dragster: Shainna Nelson
AROUND THE STATE
BUTLER SPEEDWAY
•Modifieds: Jake Bailey
•Sportsman: Mike Langdon
•Street Stocks: Chris Garrett
FLAT ROCK SPEEDWAY
•Street Stocks: Chad Guinn
•Street Stocks B: Jim Selmi
•Figure 8s: Greg Studt
MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Mark Andersen
•Modifieds: Rich Robinson Jr.
•Modified Mini Stocks: Joey Burch
•Stock Minis: Steve Keeler Jr.
•Stock Cars: Josh Loomis
SPARTAN SPEEDWAY
•Super Late Models: Dominique Van Wieringen
•Modifieds: Larry Wallace
•Spartan Stocks A: Ron Heeney
•Spartan Stocks B: Matt Childers
•Pony Stocks A: Todd Metz Jr.
•Pony Stocks B: Patrick Dennison
WINSTON SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Kevin Nelson Jr.
•Modifieds: Mark Anderson
•Street Stocks: Dan Dykman
•Factory Stocks: Dennis Bringedahl
•4 Cylinders: Paul Namey
•Warriors: Dan Reimersma
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Brian Campbell couldn't think of a better way to raise awareness for children's health issues.
Sitting in Victory Lane with his Late Model vehicle, right in front of the crowd at Berlin Raceway, puts it front and center.
The Wyoming driver won for the second time this season at Berlin and fifth overall counting other tracks. He captured the 100-lap Premier Boyne Machine Super Lates feature event, beating out Chris Anthony and Terry VanHaitsma for the checkered flag.
"I don't believe I've ever won a race on a Racing Awareness theme night," Campbell said. "We're having a pretty solid season overall."
Andrew Nylaan started out on the pole with Anthony in the second spot, but Anthony zoomed into the lead and Nylaan found himself challenged by Campbell. Campbell soon overtook Nylaan and then passed Anthony on lap 22, but Anthony took the lead back eight laps later on a restart following a caution flag.
Halfway through the feature, Campbell took back the lead and never relinquished it.
"He could dog me fairly close and we had a little left in the bank for a rainy day just in case," Campbell said. "I checked in the mirror a couple times and my spotter was giving me the play by play. We're here for the car and it's definitely an awesome night. To make it to victory lane is priceless."
The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital opened Jan. 11 of this year, featuring 14 floors and 206 beds. All care is provided by pediatric nurses and therapists, with more than 150 pediatric specialist doctors in 40 specialties.
This was the second of three nights devoted to the Racing Awareness team. The team consists of Motor Racing Network radio broadcaster Jeff Striegle, former Super Stocks track champion Mike Bursley and Berlin track announcer Norm Jelsma.
Berlin donated $1 from every ticket sold to the Racing Awareness team, in support of the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. The next Racing Awareness night is set for Aug. 27.
Check out a weekend wrapup of winners from around West Michigan and the state:
BERLIN RACEWAY
•Premier Boyne Machine Super Lates: Brian Campbell
•Modifieds: Billy Shotko
•Super Stocks: Justin Ryan
•Pro Stocks: Brandon Hermiller
•4 Cylinders A: Jason Scheid
•4 Cylinders B: Tyler Nawrocki
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
•SOD Sprints On Dirt: Steve Brubacker
•Pro Stocks: Derek Schestag
•Trucks: Scott Nieman
•IMCA Modifieds: A.J. Ward
•Street Stocks: Bill Wilkins
•Flinn Stocks: Austin Bean
I-96 SPEEDWAY
•UMP DIRTcar Racing Series: Zack Olger
•Modifieds: Jacob Poel
•Street Stocks: Bill Brandt Jr.
•Sport Compacts: Chris Tomczak
KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
•Must See Racing Xtreme Series: Brian Gerster
•Super Late Models: Andy Bozell
•Super Stocks: Chris Shannon
U.S. 131 MOTORSPORTS PARK
•Pro Extreme: Jason Hamstra
•Pro Nitrous: Mahana Al-Naemi
•Extreme 10.5: Frankie Taylor
•Pro Extreme Motorcycle: Ashley Owens
•Extreme Pro Stock: Cary Goforth
•Top Sportsman: Glenn Butcher
•Pro Junior Dragster: Shainna Nelson
AROUND THE STATE
BUTLER SPEEDWAY
•Modifieds: Jake Bailey
•Sportsman: Mike Langdon
•Street Stocks: Chris Garrett
FLAT ROCK SPEEDWAY
•Street Stocks: Chad Guinn
•Street Stocks B: Jim Selmi
•Figure 8s: Greg Studt
MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Mark Andersen
•Modifieds: Rich Robinson Jr.
•Modified Mini Stocks: Joey Burch
•Stock Minis: Steve Keeler Jr.
•Stock Cars: Josh Loomis
SPARTAN SPEEDWAY
•Super Late Models: Dominique Van Wieringen
•Modifieds: Larry Wallace
•Spartan Stocks A: Ron Heeney
•Spartan Stocks B: Matt Childers
•Pony Stocks A: Todd Metz Jr.
•Pony Stocks B: Patrick Dennison
WINSTON SPEEDWAY
•Late Models: Kevin Nelson Jr.
•Modifieds: Mark Anderson
•Street Stocks: Dan Dykman
•Factory Stocks: Dennis Bringedahl
•4 Cylinders: Paul Namey
•Warriors: Dan Reimersma
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I-96 Speedway Press Release - Monday, July 18th, 2011
I-96 Speedway Press Release - Monday, July 18th, 2011
Michigan Festival of Speed set for Friday-Saturday, July 22-23rd at I-96 Speedway
(AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Series & TWO Concerts by David Allan Coe Highlight Weekend)
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Monday, July 18th, 2011): The event originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 20th at I-96 Speedway has been officially cancelled due to sponsor obligations and the extensive track preparations that are required for this weekend's Motorcycle Races and two concerts. With so much work needed to be done prior to those events, plus a forecast calling for a high temperature of nearly 100 degrees during the day and temps in the mid 80s at night, I-96 Management and Staff have decided to cancel the I-96 Speedway VS North America Wednesday Night Showdown.
The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive is now set for Friday and Saturday, July 22-23rd at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan featuring the Bikes and Riders of the AMA Pro Grand Nationals Harley-Davidson Flat Track Series, Two Concerts by Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe, and AMA Regional Flat Track Bikes.
THIS Friday, July 22nd it's the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive Day I as the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycles will headline the racing action on the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval as the Flat Trackers from District 14 and other Regions from throughout the Midwest will prepare for the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson stars who'll be invading the next day. This is also the AMA Regional and Districts' fifth and final race of their season series at I-96 for 2011.
Then once the Motorcycle races are completed, Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe will be performing LIVE in concert as the Country Music Outlaw will entertain everyone on the grounds well into the evening with all of his greatest hits. The concert will start approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Races.
Tickets for Friday, July 22nd are $25.00 for EVERYONE across the board which gets you in the pits, the grandstands, and admission into the concert! Open Access throughout the grounds of I-96 Speedway! In addition AMA Riders Entry Fee will be $20.00 Per Class Entered. For Friday, July 22nd, the Pit Gates Open: 4:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open: 6:00p.m. Practice: 7:00p.m. Racing Starts: 8:00p.m. Then the David Allan Coe Concert will start at approximately 10:30p.m.
Then THIS Saturday, July 23rd, the big day is here! The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive features the traveling superstars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Flat Track Motorcycle Series featuring such super stars as defending series champion, Jake Johnson as well as multi-time series champion, the Legendary Chris Carr, current series points leader, Sammy Halbert, also the most recent winner on the tour on July 9th in Hagerstown, Maryland, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., and more will headline the massive list of riders expecting to invade.
More stars making the trip includes; Brad Baker, Steven Bonsey, Jeffrey Carver Jr., Chad Cose, Joe Kopp, Johnny Lewis, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith, Matt Weidman, Henry Wiles, and more will all be in action. This is an event that will be a great time with great entertainment happening in every corner of the property.
If you have never seen 20+ American Made motorcycles hitting speeds of over 140mph on the straight away and sliding sideways three-wide into the corners you will be amazed from the start to the finish. These are the biggest, baddest, and best Motorcycle Flat Track Riders in the World and Auto First has brought them back this year for you to witness talent and speed at its best on two wheels.
If the races weren't enough, before the racing events, Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe will be back performing LIVE in Concert for the second day in a row starting at 4:00p.m. The Time Line for the days' events will see the Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates opening at: 12:00p.m. Practice / Qualifying is at 3:30p.m. David Allan Coe goes on-stage at 4:00p.m. Opening Ceremonies are at 7:00p.m. Racing starts at 7:30p.m.
Advance tickets are available at the Speedway Office by calling: 1 (616) 642-0555. Office Hours are 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. THIS Tuesday-Friday, July 19-22nd. Advance Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 23rd: Adult Reserved (13 and Over): $30.00, Adult General Admission (13 and Over): $25.00, Child Reserved (12 and Under): $20.00, Child General Admission (12 and Under): $15.00.
On RACE DAY (Saturday, July 23rd) Ticket Prices are: Adult Reserved (13 and Over): $35.00, Adult General Admission (13 and Over): $30.00, Child Reserved (12 and Under): $25.00, Child General Admission (12 and Under): $20.00. In addition, Tickets for the David Allan Coe Concert are $20.00 and are only Available on Race Day and are in addition to the race event tickets.
Camping is allowed every weekend and especially for the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the remainder of the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the 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"
Michigan Festival of Speed set for Friday-Saturday, July 22-23rd at I-96 Speedway
(AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Series & TWO Concerts by David Allan Coe Highlight Weekend)
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Monday, July 18th, 2011): The event originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 20th at I-96 Speedway has been officially cancelled due to sponsor obligations and the extensive track preparations that are required for this weekend's Motorcycle Races and two concerts. With so much work needed to be done prior to those events, plus a forecast calling for a high temperature of nearly 100 degrees during the day and temps in the mid 80s at night, I-96 Management and Staff have decided to cancel the I-96 Speedway VS North America Wednesday Night Showdown.
The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive is now set for Friday and Saturday, July 22-23rd at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan featuring the Bikes and Riders of the AMA Pro Grand Nationals Harley-Davidson Flat Track Series, Two Concerts by Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe, and AMA Regional Flat Track Bikes.
THIS Friday, July 22nd it's the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive Day I as the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycles will headline the racing action on the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval as the Flat Trackers from District 14 and other Regions from throughout the Midwest will prepare for the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson stars who'll be invading the next day. This is also the AMA Regional and Districts' fifth and final race of their season series at I-96 for 2011.
Then once the Motorcycle races are completed, Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe will be performing LIVE in concert as the Country Music Outlaw will entertain everyone on the grounds well into the evening with all of his greatest hits. The concert will start approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Races.
Tickets for Friday, July 22nd are $25.00 for EVERYONE across the board which gets you in the pits, the grandstands, and admission into the concert! Open Access throughout the grounds of I-96 Speedway! In addition AMA Riders Entry Fee will be $20.00 Per Class Entered. For Friday, July 22nd, the Pit Gates Open: 4:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open: 6:00p.m. Practice: 7:00p.m. Racing Starts: 8:00p.m. Then the David Allan Coe Concert will start at approximately 10:30p.m.
Then THIS Saturday, July 23rd, the big day is here! The Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive features the traveling superstars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Flat Track Motorcycle Series featuring such super stars as defending series champion, Jake Johnson as well as multi-time series champion, the Legendary Chris Carr, current series points leader, Sammy Halbert, also the most recent winner on the tour on July 9th in Hagerstown, Maryland, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., and more will headline the massive list of riders expecting to invade.
More stars making the trip includes; Brad Baker, Steven Bonsey, Jeffrey Carver Jr., Chad Cose, Joe Kopp, Johnny Lewis, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith, Matt Weidman, Henry Wiles, and more will all be in action. This is an event that will be a great time with great entertainment happening in every corner of the property.
If you have never seen 20+ American Made motorcycles hitting speeds of over 140mph on the straight away and sliding sideways three-wide into the corners you will be amazed from the start to the finish. These are the biggest, baddest, and best Motorcycle Flat Track Riders in the World and Auto First has brought them back this year for you to witness talent and speed at its best on two wheels.
If the races weren't enough, before the racing events, Country Music Legend, David Allan Coe will be back performing LIVE in Concert for the second day in a row starting at 4:00p.m. The Time Line for the days' events will see the Pit Gates & Grandstand Gates opening at: 12:00p.m. Practice / Qualifying is at 3:30p.m. David Allan Coe goes on-stage at 4:00p.m. Opening Ceremonies are at 7:00p.m. Racing starts at 7:30p.m.
Advance tickets are available at the Speedway Office by calling: 1 (616) 642-0555. Office Hours are 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. THIS Tuesday-Friday, July 19-22nd. Advance Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 23rd: Adult Reserved (13 and Over): $30.00, Adult General Admission (13 and Over): $25.00, Child Reserved (12 and Under): $20.00, Child General Admission (12 and Under): $15.00.
On RACE DAY (Saturday, July 23rd) Ticket Prices are: Adult Reserved (13 and Over): $35.00, Adult General Admission (13 and Over): $30.00, Child Reserved (12 and Under): $25.00, Child General Admission (12 and Under): $20.00. In addition, Tickets for the David Allan Coe Concert are $20.00 and are only Available on Race Day and are in addition to the race event tickets.
Camping is allowed every weekend and especially for the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the remainder of the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the 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, July 18, 2011
Randy Ellen Photography: I96 Speedway July 16th
Click on the Title or Photo to take a look at some of the great racing photos from last Saturday night at I96 Speedway. Photos can be ordered through Randy Ellen's website.
Randy Ellen Photography: Winston Speedway July 15th
Click on the Title or Photo to take a look at some of the great racing photos from last Friday night at Winston. Photos can be ordered through Randy Ellen's website.
Butler Speedway see’s a new winner and a new points leader for the Michigan Traditional Sprints
Butler Speedway see’s a new winner and a new points leader for the Michigan Traditional Sprints
By Trevor Hollis
In what was supposed to be the half way point of the season for the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints, the Butler Speedway hosted 22 of the best non-wing sprint cars the state of Michigan has seen. Going into the night only 45 points separated the top 5 in the current standings but only three of those top five were on hand to race on Saturday night so it looked like we would all see a new points leader. Gregg Dallman, the opening night winner at the Merritt Speedway, went into the night as the points leader but was down at the Eldora speedway chasing a championship with the NRA sprint invaders so it looked as though, with a good run Traverse City native and Cherry raceway winner Joe Bares would leave Quincy, Mi with the points lead and strong motivation to run well going into the series next event, the second annual Sprint Tic weekend at Merritt Speedway.
The first eight cars of the night rolled out for the Full Circle Energy heat race number one and it proved to be a very good indicator of things to come. Indiana native and regular at the Gas City speedway Jason Holt made the trip up to Michigan to try his hand with the Michigan Traditional Sprints and right out of the gate he was hooked up. Holt started on the pole and never looked back as a caution free race put him in victory lane over Joe Bares and Michigan Vs Ohio challenger Tyler Hewitt. The Hoosier race tire heat race number two saw former Butler Speedway sprint car champion and MTS regular Chuck Wilson in the winner’s circle. Jim Payne, who would have a very interesting night would come home second and rookie of the year contender, Kevin Hawk would round out the top three. Next up in the program was the best race of the night in the Allstar Performance heat race number 3. John Nelson of Ada Ohio took the early race lead and looked to be on track to picking up a heat race win but Doug Zimmerman of Montgomery, Mi made a tremendous move coming out of turn number 4 to nip the 9n at the line by inches and steal the win away. Nelson would hold on to second place and rounding out the top 3 would be former Greenville, mi native and current Indiana racer Don Smith Jr.
After the redraw 18 year old rookie and the driver currently 5th in points in MTS standing Kevin Hawk would start on the pole alongside heat race one winner Jason Holt. The field clicked off 10 lightning quick laps before a caution for a spin involving Jim Payne, Mark Irwin, and Don Smith Jr slowed the field down for the first time. Smith was unable to continue. Once racing action resumed it was Holt that had taken over the lead. The field was again slowed for a second time when the pole sitter Kevin Hawk spun in turn four and was not able to keep his machine rolling. Hawk was forced to restart on the tail and the young man’s hope of picking up his first ever feature win went out the window. As the 25 lap Northwestern Auto Machine A feature started to wind down Holt had checked out on the field but a tremendous battle raged on for second between John Nelson in the 9n and the 19 of Joe Bares. With two laps to go Nelson over drove turn 2 and went up the track allowing Bares to sneak by to complete a one two finish for DRC racecars. Holt was able to easily pick up the feature win with Joe Bares coming home second, John Nelson was third, Doug Zimmerman fourth, Tyler Hewitt round out the top five. Asked afterwards about the run Holt gave all the credit to God and a perfect set up on his Physical Medicine Consultants, AED motorsports DRC racecar.
After four events in 2011 Joe Bares has taken over the points lead in the season standings with a small lead over Chuck Wilson and son Chad Wilson. After a rough night of racing rookie Kevin Hawk still sits fourth in points and rounding out the top 5 is Columbiaville native Mark Irwin. In the Michigan vs Ohio challenge Jason Holt and Joe Bares are one-two. Jon Nelson, Doug Zimmerman, and Tyler Hewitt are your top 5.
The Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional sprints will next be in action as part of the second annual Sprint Tic Weekend at the Merritt Speedway in Merritt, Mi coming up on Friday August 5th and Saturday August 6th. Friday will have the non-wing sprints, MORA mini outlaws, Mini sprints, and pro trucks in action with a live band to follow. Saturday will feature once again the non-wing sprints, MORA mini outlaws and mini sprints but will also see the Late Models, UMP modifides, and pro trucks in action. Weekend passes for the sprint tic weekend are $30 and camping will be $10. Lap sponsorship options are available for the Sprint tic weekend and information on Payout and the remaining schedule can be found on the MTS website at www.mtsprints.com.
A feature Finishing order (Butler Speedway): 1- 41 Jason Holt, 2 – 19 Joe Bares, 3 – 9n John Nelson, 4 – 19z Doug Zimmerman, 5 – 21 Tyler Hewitt, 6 – 31 Chuck Wilson, 7 – 7 Nic Rogers, 8 – 14 Chad Wilson, 9 – 48 Scott Hull, 10 – 3a Mike Austraukus, 11 - 35 Mark Strpko, 12 – 18 Mark Irwin, 13 – 00 Joe Irwin, 14 – 100 Jim Payne, 15 – 1h Kevin Hawk, 16 – 0k Don O’keefe, 17 – 44 Tom Davies, 18 – 12b Mike Baker, 19 – 06 Don Bostrom, 20 – 5k Dave Ockerman, 21 – 61x Donald Smith, 22 – 58w Jacob Caines.
By Trevor Hollis
In what was supposed to be the half way point of the season for the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints, the Butler Speedway hosted 22 of the best non-wing sprint cars the state of Michigan has seen. Going into the night only 45 points separated the top 5 in the current standings but only three of those top five were on hand to race on Saturday night so it looked like we would all see a new points leader. Gregg Dallman, the opening night winner at the Merritt Speedway, went into the night as the points leader but was down at the Eldora speedway chasing a championship with the NRA sprint invaders so it looked as though, with a good run Traverse City native and Cherry raceway winner Joe Bares would leave Quincy, Mi with the points lead and strong motivation to run well going into the series next event, the second annual Sprint Tic weekend at Merritt Speedway.
The first eight cars of the night rolled out for the Full Circle Energy heat race number one and it proved to be a very good indicator of things to come. Indiana native and regular at the Gas City speedway Jason Holt made the trip up to Michigan to try his hand with the Michigan Traditional Sprints and right out of the gate he was hooked up. Holt started on the pole and never looked back as a caution free race put him in victory lane over Joe Bares and Michigan Vs Ohio challenger Tyler Hewitt. The Hoosier race tire heat race number two saw former Butler Speedway sprint car champion and MTS regular Chuck Wilson in the winner’s circle. Jim Payne, who would have a very interesting night would come home second and rookie of the year contender, Kevin Hawk would round out the top three. Next up in the program was the best race of the night in the Allstar Performance heat race number 3. John Nelson of Ada Ohio took the early race lead and looked to be on track to picking up a heat race win but Doug Zimmerman of Montgomery, Mi made a tremendous move coming out of turn number 4 to nip the 9n at the line by inches and steal the win away. Nelson would hold on to second place and rounding out the top 3 would be former Greenville, mi native and current Indiana racer Don Smith Jr.
After the redraw 18 year old rookie and the driver currently 5th in points in MTS standing Kevin Hawk would start on the pole alongside heat race one winner Jason Holt. The field clicked off 10 lightning quick laps before a caution for a spin involving Jim Payne, Mark Irwin, and Don Smith Jr slowed the field down for the first time. Smith was unable to continue. Once racing action resumed it was Holt that had taken over the lead. The field was again slowed for a second time when the pole sitter Kevin Hawk spun in turn four and was not able to keep his machine rolling. Hawk was forced to restart on the tail and the young man’s hope of picking up his first ever feature win went out the window. As the 25 lap Northwestern Auto Machine A feature started to wind down Holt had checked out on the field but a tremendous battle raged on for second between John Nelson in the 9n and the 19 of Joe Bares. With two laps to go Nelson over drove turn 2 and went up the track allowing Bares to sneak by to complete a one two finish for DRC racecars. Holt was able to easily pick up the feature win with Joe Bares coming home second, John Nelson was third, Doug Zimmerman fourth, Tyler Hewitt round out the top five. Asked afterwards about the run Holt gave all the credit to God and a perfect set up on his Physical Medicine Consultants, AED motorsports DRC racecar.
After four events in 2011 Joe Bares has taken over the points lead in the season standings with a small lead over Chuck Wilson and son Chad Wilson. After a rough night of racing rookie Kevin Hawk still sits fourth in points and rounding out the top 5 is Columbiaville native Mark Irwin. In the Michigan vs Ohio challenge Jason Holt and Joe Bares are one-two. Jon Nelson, Doug Zimmerman, and Tyler Hewitt are your top 5.
The Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional sprints will next be in action as part of the second annual Sprint Tic Weekend at the Merritt Speedway in Merritt, Mi coming up on Friday August 5th and Saturday August 6th. Friday will have the non-wing sprints, MORA mini outlaws, Mini sprints, and pro trucks in action with a live band to follow. Saturday will feature once again the non-wing sprints, MORA mini outlaws and mini sprints but will also see the Late Models, UMP modifides, and pro trucks in action. Weekend passes for the sprint tic weekend are $30 and camping will be $10. Lap sponsorship options are available for the Sprint tic weekend and information on Payout and the remaining schedule can be found on the MTS website at www.mtsprints.com.
A feature Finishing order (Butler Speedway): 1- 41 Jason Holt, 2 – 19 Joe Bares, 3 – 9n John Nelson, 4 – 19z Doug Zimmerman, 5 – 21 Tyler Hewitt, 6 – 31 Chuck Wilson, 7 – 7 Nic Rogers, 8 – 14 Chad Wilson, 9 – 48 Scott Hull, 10 – 3a Mike Austraukus, 11 - 35 Mark Strpko, 12 – 18 Mark Irwin, 13 – 00 Joe Irwin, 14 – 100 Jim Payne, 15 – 1h Kevin Hawk, 16 – 0k Don O’keefe, 17 – 44 Tom Davies, 18 – 12b Mike Baker, 19 – 06 Don Bostrom, 20 – 5k Dave Ockerman, 21 – 61x Donald Smith, 22 – 58w Jacob Caines.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
I-96 Speedway RESULTS for Saturday, July 16th, 2011
Olger, Poel, Brandt Jr., and Tomczak Score Wins in the I-96 Speedway Summer Spectacular
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, July 16th, 2011): It was the I-96 Speedway Summer Spectacular on Saturday, July 16th as the weekly cars and stars within the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series returned to the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval after a two week vacation from the Lake Odessa, Michigan speed plant. A solid field of cars in all four divisions greeted the nice crowd on hand.
The first feature of the night would be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds as their 25-lap feature would see Andy Sprague and 2007 Track Champion, Shannon Fisk start on the front row and lead the field into the first corner. Fisk would edge Sprague coming out of turn two and would lead the first two laps before Jacob Poel, who started fourth, rocketed his way using the outside lane and take over the lead on lap three.
Poel would then set a torrid pace as only one caution slowed down the action on lap six. On that one and only restart, Poel would pull away from the rest of the field putting lapped traffic between himself and the rest of the field. No one seriously challenged him throughout the remainder of the feature which went the last 19 laps caution free.
The Spring Lake, Michigan driver in his Poel's PRO-ACT Welding & Fabrication Chevrolet would go on to collect his third feature win of the 2011 racing season and move to within three markers of the points lead. Former two-time track champion, Todd Feutz finished second while Travis Stemler, current points leader and UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Michigan State points leader, Mark Anderson was fourth over Fisk who completed the top five.
Jared Guinn was sixth as 18-year-old Andy Galgoci, Tim Stemler from 16th, Ken Beutler, and Nick Curtis would finish off the final top 10. Anderson and Travis Stemler picked up the heat race victories.
The premier division within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series at I-96 Speedway, the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models rolled out next as Chris Nash and Zack Olger led the field to chief starter, Tim Beebe's green flag to start their 25-lap feature. After a couple of complete restarts it would be Kris Patterson Jr., grabbing the early lead while the rest of the pack jockeyed for position.
Olger, who was steering Rusty Seaver's #18 car for the night, was shuffled back to second but quickly caught back up to the son of Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer and multi-time I-96 Speedway track champion, Kris Patterson. On lap eight, Olger would slide by Patterson Jr., and take the lead for himself and brought Tom Sprague Jr., with him.
Sprague Jr., searched high and low trying to find a path around Olger who was at a disadvantage in an unfamiliar ride. But in the end, Olger hung tough in the unfamiliar car and after all was said and done, the St. Johns, Michigan driver would steer Seaver's Knight's Auto Sales Chevrolet into victory lane and win his second feature of the 2011 racing season.
Sprague Jr., settled for second but would be able to retake the points lead with Olger moving up to second in the season long points chase. Patterson Jr., slipped back to third while Phil Ausra and Rookie Jason Wiley would complete the top five. Rookie of the Year points leader, Kathy Jarvis finished sixth ahead of Luke Hubbell and Nash who would complete the field. Nash and Olger collected heat race wins.
The next race of the evening would be the 20-lap feature for the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks as the front row of Current Points Leader, Bill Brandt Jr., and Cody Denny would lead the pack to the green flag. Just like the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models, it took a couple of restarts before the field settled down and when they did, Brandt Jr., jumped out to the early advantage.
Several cautions and attrition played a major role in the outcome of the feature, but each and every time, it would be Brandt Jr., leading the field back to the green in the Delaware Double-File restarts and each time he would continuously stave off the constant barrage of challengers behind him over the course of the entire race.
When the checkered flag finally fell, it would be Brandt Jr's Zylstra Construction Chevrolet who would see it first as the Lake Odessa, Michigan pilot collected his second consecutive feature win and extend his points lead in the process. Jay Chlebek finished second while Landon Hidy, Hillary Smith, and Bob Wolf were the top five.
Ryan Alexander, in his first start at I-96 Speedway, finished sixth while 15-year-old rookie, Carlind Forsythe was seventh. Denny, defending track champion, Gary Vandermark, and Duane Nelson would wrap up the final top 10. Chlebek and Vandermark won the heat races.
The final feature of the night would be the 20-lap Feature for the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts as the front row consisted of 19-year-old Caleb Schuiling and Chuck Peterson II and it would be Chad Tomczak, who started on the inside of row four powering his way up to the front from his seventh starting spot and taking the lead as the field completed lap one.
Defending track champion, Dan Reimersma, who started last, 19th in the field after problems in his heat race, methodically worked his way through the field as the veteran sliced and diced his way through heavy traffic and as the 1/2 way signal was given, he found himself in second spot and slowly but surely began to reel in the race long leader.
Reimersma finally did catch Tomczak as the white flag came out and he searched high and low for a way around the Winston Motor Speedway points leader. However, Tomczak wasn't to be denied as the Casnovia, Michigan competitor in his River City Motors Honda would hold off Reimersma and lead all 20 laps for his first I-96 Speedway Feature win of his career. Reimersma was second while current points leader, Rick Peck finished third over Tim Horvath II and Rookie Kyle Brigance rounded out the top five.
Greg Pinard finished in sixth as 16-year-old rookie, Kenny Playter, the grandson of former track champion, Gene Playter was seventh. Peterson II, 13-year-old Harper Hotchkiss, and another Rookie, Keith Brigance completed the top 10. Peck, Pinard, and J.T. Leach were the winners of the heat races.
Complete and Updated Information regarding the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive will be available in the mid/late morning hours of Monday, July 18th, 2011.
Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the 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, July 16th, 2011): It was the I-96 Speedway Summer Spectacular on Saturday, July 16th as the weekly cars and stars within the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series returned to the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval after a two week vacation from the Lake Odessa, Michigan speed plant. A solid field of cars in all four divisions greeted the nice crowd on hand.
The first feature of the night would be the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds as their 25-lap feature would see Andy Sprague and 2007 Track Champion, Shannon Fisk start on the front row and lead the field into the first corner. Fisk would edge Sprague coming out of turn two and would lead the first two laps before Jacob Poel, who started fourth, rocketed his way using the outside lane and take over the lead on lap three.
Poel would then set a torrid pace as only one caution slowed down the action on lap six. On that one and only restart, Poel would pull away from the rest of the field putting lapped traffic between himself and the rest of the field. No one seriously challenged him throughout the remainder of the feature which went the last 19 laps caution free.
The Spring Lake, Michigan driver in his Poel's PRO-ACT Welding & Fabrication Chevrolet would go on to collect his third feature win of the 2011 racing season and move to within three markers of the points lead. Former two-time track champion, Todd Feutz finished second while Travis Stemler, current points leader and UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Michigan State points leader, Mark Anderson was fourth over Fisk who completed the top five.
Jared Guinn was sixth as 18-year-old Andy Galgoci, Tim Stemler from 16th, Ken Beutler, and Nick Curtis would finish off the final top 10. Anderson and Travis Stemler picked up the heat race victories.
The premier division within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series at I-96 Speedway, the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models rolled out next as Chris Nash and Zack Olger led the field to chief starter, Tim Beebe's green flag to start their 25-lap feature. After a couple of complete restarts it would be Kris Patterson Jr., grabbing the early lead while the rest of the pack jockeyed for position.
Olger, who was steering Rusty Seaver's #18 car for the night, was shuffled back to second but quickly caught back up to the son of Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer and multi-time I-96 Speedway track champion, Kris Patterson. On lap eight, Olger would slide by Patterson Jr., and take the lead for himself and brought Tom Sprague Jr., with him.
Sprague Jr., searched high and low trying to find a path around Olger who was at a disadvantage in an unfamiliar ride. But in the end, Olger hung tough in the unfamiliar car and after all was said and done, the St. Johns, Michigan driver would steer Seaver's Knight's Auto Sales Chevrolet into victory lane and win his second feature of the 2011 racing season.
Sprague Jr., settled for second but would be able to retake the points lead with Olger moving up to second in the season long points chase. Patterson Jr., slipped back to third while Phil Ausra and Rookie Jason Wiley would complete the top five. Rookie of the Year points leader, Kathy Jarvis finished sixth ahead of Luke Hubbell and Nash who would complete the field. Nash and Olger collected heat race wins.
The next race of the evening would be the 20-lap feature for the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks as the front row of Current Points Leader, Bill Brandt Jr., and Cody Denny would lead the pack to the green flag. Just like the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models, it took a couple of restarts before the field settled down and when they did, Brandt Jr., jumped out to the early advantage.
Several cautions and attrition played a major role in the outcome of the feature, but each and every time, it would be Brandt Jr., leading the field back to the green in the Delaware Double-File restarts and each time he would continuously stave off the constant barrage of challengers behind him over the course of the entire race.
When the checkered flag finally fell, it would be Brandt Jr's Zylstra Construction Chevrolet who would see it first as the Lake Odessa, Michigan pilot collected his second consecutive feature win and extend his points lead in the process. Jay Chlebek finished second while Landon Hidy, Hillary Smith, and Bob Wolf were the top five.
Ryan Alexander, in his first start at I-96 Speedway, finished sixth while 15-year-old rookie, Carlind Forsythe was seventh. Denny, defending track champion, Gary Vandermark, and Duane Nelson would wrap up the final top 10. Chlebek and Vandermark won the heat races.
The final feature of the night would be the 20-lap Feature for the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts as the front row consisted of 19-year-old Caleb Schuiling and Chuck Peterson II and it would be Chad Tomczak, who started on the inside of row four powering his way up to the front from his seventh starting spot and taking the lead as the field completed lap one.
Defending track champion, Dan Reimersma, who started last, 19th in the field after problems in his heat race, methodically worked his way through the field as the veteran sliced and diced his way through heavy traffic and as the 1/2 way signal was given, he found himself in second spot and slowly but surely began to reel in the race long leader.
Reimersma finally did catch Tomczak as the white flag came out and he searched high and low for a way around the Winston Motor Speedway points leader. However, Tomczak wasn't to be denied as the Casnovia, Michigan competitor in his River City Motors Honda would hold off Reimersma and lead all 20 laps for his first I-96 Speedway Feature win of his career. Reimersma was second while current points leader, Rick Peck finished third over Tim Horvath II and Rookie Kyle Brigance rounded out the top five.
Greg Pinard finished in sixth as 16-year-old rookie, Kenny Playter, the grandson of former track champion, Gene Playter was seventh. Peterson II, 13-year-old Harper Hotchkiss, and another Rookie, Keith Brigance completed the top 10. Peck, Pinard, and J.T. Leach were the winners of the heat races.
Complete and Updated Information regarding the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive will be available in the mid/late morning hours of Monday, July 18th, 2011.
Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 for absolutely Free. For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the 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"
Justin Ryan benefits from wrecks in Super Stocks victory at Berlin Raceway
Justin Ryan benefits from wrecks in Super Stocks victory at Berlin Raceway
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- The odds of one accident taking out the frontrunners aren't exactly slim.
To have it happen twice in one race? Now that’s something only a driver back in the pack can appreciate.
Justin Ryan nearly got tangled up in a third wreck, but the Grand Rapids driver hung on for his first feature victory during Saturday’s action at Berlin Raceway.
He hung on to top Seth Moody for the checkered flag in the 30-lap Super Stocks division.
"It was great," Ryan said. "My brother in law is Alec Carll, so when I married my wife I was helping out there a lot and I eventually decided to get into this. It feels great to get this feature victory.
"I can’t appreciate enough all the help I got for this. Maybe it will sink in later."
This is Ryan’s third year racing at Berlin. He was the 2009 Rookie of the Year in the Super Stocks division after tying for seventh place overall.
His first year was full of excitement, including six top-10 finishes and a runner-up spot clinched on Sept. 19, 2009.
From there, Ryan slid to 14th last year but entered Saturday in the eighth spot.
Ryan started in the sixth position and hung on as Travis Nylaan, Denny Anderson and Kelsey Steele began the race in the top three positions.
Nylaan and Anderson eventually separated from the pack and Anderson caught up to Nylaan at the seventh lap.
Shortly after, Nylaan and Anderson collided in turn one, and both drivers were fine but were knocked out of the race.
That left Steele, Ryan and Nate Walton as the top three, and Walton eventually passed Ryan.
Walton made a run at Steele with nine laps to go and eventually T-boned into her, forcing both drivers into the turn-one wall.
That left a surprised Ryan in the lead, although Moody nearly clipped his right rear tire before the drivers crossed the checkered-flag line.
"I would never have thought this would happen," Ryan said. "I was surprised at how stable their cars were running, but I think they both were going for their first win and I have a heavy heart for what happened to them. But they’re both fine.
"My spotter told me (Moody) was looking there on my right and I hoped I had enough left to stay out of it. We’d have had to spend a lot more on parts and such if we’d crashed."
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- The odds of one accident taking out the frontrunners aren't exactly slim.
To have it happen twice in one race? Now that’s something only a driver back in the pack can appreciate.
Justin Ryan nearly got tangled up in a third wreck, but the Grand Rapids driver hung on for his first feature victory during Saturday’s action at Berlin Raceway.
He hung on to top Seth Moody for the checkered flag in the 30-lap Super Stocks division.
"It was great," Ryan said. "My brother in law is Alec Carll, so when I married my wife I was helping out there a lot and I eventually decided to get into this. It feels great to get this feature victory.
"I can’t appreciate enough all the help I got for this. Maybe it will sink in later."
This is Ryan’s third year racing at Berlin. He was the 2009 Rookie of the Year in the Super Stocks division after tying for seventh place overall.
His first year was full of excitement, including six top-10 finishes and a runner-up spot clinched on Sept. 19, 2009.
From there, Ryan slid to 14th last year but entered Saturday in the eighth spot.
Ryan started in the sixth position and hung on as Travis Nylaan, Denny Anderson and Kelsey Steele began the race in the top three positions.
Nylaan and Anderson eventually separated from the pack and Anderson caught up to Nylaan at the seventh lap.
Shortly after, Nylaan and Anderson collided in turn one, and both drivers were fine but were knocked out of the race.
That left Steele, Ryan and Nate Walton as the top three, and Walton eventually passed Ryan.
Walton made a run at Steele with nine laps to go and eventually T-boned into her, forcing both drivers into the turn-one wall.
That left a surprised Ryan in the lead, although Moody nearly clipped his right rear tire before the drivers crossed the checkered-flag line.
"I would never have thought this would happen," Ryan said. "I was surprised at how stable their cars were running, but I think they both were going for their first win and I have a heavy heart for what happened to them. But they’re both fine.
"My spotter told me (Moody) was looking there on my right and I hoped I had enough left to stay out of it. We’d have had to spend a lot more on parts and such if we’d crashed."
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