Driver Justin Ryan's 'secret' helps him win feature race on Berlin Raceway’s 61st anniversary
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE — Justin Ryan of Grand Rapids can keep a secret about as good as he can race a Super Stock.
Ryan captured his second feature race of the season Saturday night at Berlin Raceway when the Marne half-mile celebrated its 61st anniversary. Ryan, who started seventh, powered his No. 51 car by Travis Nylaan for the lead at the midway point of the 30-lap main and pulled away for a 1.594-second win over Nate Walton.
Ryan said he and his team has figured out something special for these hot summer days. But that edge will remain his secret.
“When the track cools off at night, it changes quite a bit,” Ryan said. “I really didn’t know how far to go with the car until the last couple of weeks. We kind of figured out what to do with the car when the track cools off. The first (heat) race, it is so hot. But then it cools off. It’s exciting. It makes all of the hard work pay off.”
Ryan entered the weekend ranked 10th in Super Stock points. He said he isn’t too concerned about the points because he already has had to miss a couple of racing nights. He and his wife, Natalie, are expecting their first child in September, so family life has kept him busy.
Dave Lake of Marne won his first career USA Modified feature, leading from start-to-finish in the 50-lap main. He beat Ryan Hamm by 1.7 seconds, and he overcame adversity earlier in the day to claim the win.
“This was the best car we had all year,” Lake said. “I have to thank my crew for really helping me out because in practice, we put those tire scuffs up on the wall. We smashed the right side of the car.”
Four-time defending Pro Stock champion Brian Tillema of Byron Center won his fourth feature of the season, leading the 25-lap main from start to finish. Tillema entered the program second in points, 54 markers behind Brandon Hermiller, who took second.
“In terms of easy, this is as easy as it gets,” Tillema said. “But I hate to say that they are ever easy, because they are a lot of work. To make it easy, you have to do a lot of work at home.”
Chris McKinley of Sparta held off Jared Lyzenga to win the 15-lap 4 Cylinder A feature. Lyzenga made a late charge, but McKinley held him off by 0.080 of a second.
“Last week, I led the whole race and lost by six inches,” McKinley said. “My car started getting a little bit tight. I started coming into the cars a little easier so I would have a better exit. All of a sudden, with two laps to go, I started hearing somebody. I saw him come alongside of me. I thought, ‘Man, I don’t want to do this again.’ ”
Tyler Nawrocki continued his dominance of the 4 Cylinder B division, winning his fifth feature of the season and third in a row.
“The car was so-so,” Nawrocki said. “It wasn’t the greatest. I had some problems in the heat race. But we came out and fixed those problems, obviously, and we came out and won another one. We are on a roll.”
Saturday, July 30, 2011
I-96 Speedway Press Release - Saturday, July 30th, 2011
I-96 Speedway Press Release - Saturday, July 30th, 2011
Flooding and Saturated Grounds Claim Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, July 30th, 2011): Due to Flooding and extremely saturated grounds, I-96 Speedway Officials were forced to cancel Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night scheduled for Saturday, July 30th. I-96 and MARFC Officials are working diligently to reschedule MARFC Night in Lake Odessa, Michigan and as soon as that is finalized, it will be announced soon.
The month of August begins with the Relay for Life Celebration at I-96 Speedway on Saturday, August 6th as the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series headline this very special evening of celebration and awareness which benefits the American Cancer Society.
Due to the rainout of July 30th, next Saturday, August 6th, all four weekly divisions within UMP will be racing for an extended purse and extended laps. More Details will be made available in the coming days. The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will highlight the nights racing action and they'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks, and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts. All four divisions will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
After the races, the band "Center Stage" will be performing LIVE in concert, so be sure to stick around afterwards for the celebration. All you need is your Grandstand Ticket or Pit Pass and you're good to go to attend the Concert. For Saturday, August 6th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Center Stage goes on approximately 15 minutes after the races have been completed.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, August 6th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside, the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
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"
Flooding and Saturated Grounds Claim Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, July 30th, 2011): Due to Flooding and extremely saturated grounds, I-96 Speedway Officials were forced to cancel Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night scheduled for Saturday, July 30th. I-96 and MARFC Officials are working diligently to reschedule MARFC Night in Lake Odessa, Michigan and as soon as that is finalized, it will be announced soon.
The month of August begins with the Relay for Life Celebration at I-96 Speedway on Saturday, August 6th as the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series headline this very special evening of celebration and awareness which benefits the American Cancer Society.
Due to the rainout of July 30th, next Saturday, August 6th, all four weekly divisions within UMP will be racing for an extended purse and extended laps. More Details will be made available in the coming days. The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models will highlight the nights racing action and they'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks, and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts. All four divisions will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
After the races, the band "Center Stage" will be performing LIVE in concert, so be sure to stick around afterwards for the celebration. All you need is your Grandstand Ticket or Pit Pass and you're good to go to attend the Concert. For Saturday, August 6th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Center Stage goes on approximately 15 minutes after the races have been completed.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, August 6th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside, the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
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"
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Mel Whitten, 79, making noise with feature wins at Thunderbird Raceway
Mel Whitten, 79, holds the checkered flag after a recent victory at Thunderbird Raceway. (Photo Special to The Chronicle/Bob Deephouse)
Mel Whitten, 79, making noise with feature wins at Thunderbird Raceway
Published: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 6:00 AM
By Shawn Liverance
Muskegon Chronicle The Muskegon Chronicle
Published: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 6:00 AM
By Shawn Liverance
Muskegon Chronicle The Muskegon Chronicle
It is hard to imagine Mel Whitten being scared of anything.
At the age of 79, he still works full time and looks half his age.
But, at one time, he wanted no part of becoming a dirt track racer.
“Some friends of mine built a race car, but they moved to Tennessee,” Whitten said. “They had nobody to drive the car they built, so I said I would. I was scared to death. My legs got jumpy the first time I sat in the car.”
That was in 1959. He quickly overcame any fears he had and today he is the leading Thunderstock Class driver at Thunderbird Raceway.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to drive the car,” Whitten said. “But after that first time, I got more comfortable and, I was like, I really like this.”
Whitten was hooked after that first time in the car, racing at what used to be Birchwood Raceway before it became Thunderbird.
“When I first started racing, I wore a football helmet and we had no shoulder harnesses,” Whitten said. “It was a lot different than what it is now.”
Dirt track racing might have changed since Whitten was introduced to the sport, but that has not changed the veteran driver.
Whitten is having his best year ever, having won six feature races already this season.
“I have been very fortunate this season,” Whitten said. “I have a good car and, in the class I am, they are clean drivers and it’s fun to run with them every week. We all race clean.”
Currently, Whitten leads the Thunderstock point standings by 73 points over Phil Herrick.
“There are a lot of good racers I am running against,” Whittten said. “It is going to be tough to win the points championship.”
In the beginning
In 1959, racing or building a race car was pretty elementary, according to Whitten.
“It’s not like it is today,” Whitten said. “That first car we bought was a 4-door sedan and we bought the engine out of someone’s backyard.”
It was in those early days that Whitten experienced his most harrowing situation on the race track.
“One of the first races I ran, I rolled over once,” Whitten said. “Back then, they told you not to get out out of the car, but I did. Somebody hit my car after I got out. That is the closest I have been to getting hurt. I was glad I got out because somebody hit my car after that.”
“Back then it was different. Guys would put together a car and go out and race. Today, it’s so much different. It takes lots of money to race a car and it was not like that when I started.”
Today, Whitten runs with a .355 motor under the hood — a big difference from his early days.
“I have had a lot of help with this car,” Whitten said. “It’s so much different today than what it was years ago.”
Family affair
For Whitten, who owns Whitten Storage and Pulpwood and Forestry Products in Muskegon, it is all about family.
His son Randy, with the help of a couple of his friends, built Whitten’s current car.
“My son Randy and a couple of friends helped build my car,” Whitten said. “I am a one-man pit crew, but Randy and his friends really do everything for me.”
Randy, 49, also is a racer, who races Modifieds at Thunderbird.
“It is great to watch him still race and leading the points this year,” Randy Whitten said. “For someone his age and to run as smooth as he does. It’s amazing. He is the reason I got into racing.”
Whitten, who has three other children — Mel (57), Lani (54) and Cody (30) — has become a racing mentor to not only Randy but his son-in-law Ray Geeting as well.
“I am a drag racing guy really, but Mel has talked me into dirt track racing,” Geeting said. “We are all excited for him this year and what he is doing.”
Whitten has made racing a true family affair by putting a second seat in his race car, allowing family members and others to ride with him.
One of those passengers was his daughter Lani, who rode along with her dad earlier this season.
“My dad has been after me to ride with him for a long time,” Lani Geeting said. “I never wanted to do it, but I did this year and he won the race when I was in the car. I didn’t want to do it, but I am glad I did.”
Whitten has passengers lined up for the next several weeks, but that won’t deter him from his main goal this year.
“I definitely want to win the point championship,” Whitten said. “I am not sure if I would retire if I won it or try a different class. All I know is I am enjoying this year and I still enjoy racing. We will see what happens after this year.”
At the age of 79, he still works full time and looks half his age.
But, at one time, he wanted no part of becoming a dirt track racer.
“Some friends of mine built a race car, but they moved to Tennessee,” Whitten said. “They had nobody to drive the car they built, so I said I would. I was scared to death. My legs got jumpy the first time I sat in the car.”
That was in 1959. He quickly overcame any fears he had and today he is the leading Thunderstock Class driver at Thunderbird Raceway.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to drive the car,” Whitten said. “But after that first time, I got more comfortable and, I was like, I really like this.”
Whitten was hooked after that first time in the car, racing at what used to be Birchwood Raceway before it became Thunderbird.
“When I first started racing, I wore a football helmet and we had no shoulder harnesses,” Whitten said. “It was a lot different than what it is now.”
Dirt track racing might have changed since Whitten was introduced to the sport, but that has not changed the veteran driver.
Whitten is having his best year ever, having won six feature races already this season.
“I have been very fortunate this season,” Whitten said. “I have a good car and, in the class I am, they are clean drivers and it’s fun to run with them every week. We all race clean.”
Currently, Whitten leads the Thunderstock point standings by 73 points over Phil Herrick.
“There are a lot of good racers I am running against,” Whittten said. “It is going to be tough to win the points championship.”
In the beginning
In 1959, racing or building a race car was pretty elementary, according to Whitten.
“It’s not like it is today,” Whitten said. “That first car we bought was a 4-door sedan and we bought the engine out of someone’s backyard.”
It was in those early days that Whitten experienced his most harrowing situation on the race track.
“One of the first races I ran, I rolled over once,” Whitten said. “Back then, they told you not to get out out of the car, but I did. Somebody hit my car after I got out. That is the closest I have been to getting hurt. I was glad I got out because somebody hit my car after that.”
“Back then it was different. Guys would put together a car and go out and race. Today, it’s so much different. It takes lots of money to race a car and it was not like that when I started.”
Today, Whitten runs with a .355 motor under the hood — a big difference from his early days.
“I have had a lot of help with this car,” Whitten said. “It’s so much different today than what it was years ago.”
Family affair
For Whitten, who owns Whitten Storage and Pulpwood and Forestry Products in Muskegon, it is all about family.
His son Randy, with the help of a couple of his friends, built Whitten’s current car.
“My son Randy and a couple of friends helped build my car,” Whitten said. “I am a one-man pit crew, but Randy and his friends really do everything for me.”
Randy, 49, also is a racer, who races Modifieds at Thunderbird.
“It is great to watch him still race and leading the points this year,” Randy Whitten said. “For someone his age and to run as smooth as he does. It’s amazing. He is the reason I got into racing.”
Whitten, who has three other children — Mel (57), Lani (54) and Cody (30) — has become a racing mentor to not only Randy but his son-in-law Ray Geeting as well.
“I am a drag racing guy really, but Mel has talked me into dirt track racing,” Geeting said. “We are all excited for him this year and what he is doing.”
Whitten has made racing a true family affair by putting a second seat in his race car, allowing family members and others to ride with him.
One of those passengers was his daughter Lani, who rode along with her dad earlier this season.
“My dad has been after me to ride with him for a long time,” Lani Geeting said. “I never wanted to do it, but I did this year and he won the race when I was in the car. I didn’t want to do it, but I am glad I did.”
Whitten has passengers lined up for the next several weeks, but that won’t deter him from his main goal this year.
“I definitely want to win the point championship,” Whitten said. “I am not sure if I would retire if I won it or try a different class. All I know is I am enjoying this year and I still enjoy racing. We will see what happens after this year.”
Sammy Epling gets back on the right track with a second and sixth. Mt. Pleasant and I-96 on tap
Perry, Michigan (Thursday, July 28th, 2011): All it takes for any driver going through a difficult season is to put together a small string of solid finishes. For Sammy Epling, that streak may have started this past weekend. Epling and his S.J.E. Motorsports Team made the short trip to Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on July 22nd and then the next day on July 23rd a trip out west to Thunderbird Raceway in Muskegon, Michigan was in store for the crew and driver.
On the first night in Mt. Pleasant, where he is the 2010 UMP Late Models Track Champion, Epling was looking at getting back on track and getting back to his winning ways of a season ago. He nearly pulled it off as the Perry, Michigan driver won the Australian Pursuit after starting eighth and then backed that up by picking up a season high finish of a second behind feature winner, Mark Andersen.
"Another couple of laps and we might've had him," Stated the 41-year-old originally from Cicero, Illinois who now calls Perry, Michigan home. "We had a good car all night and I knew after winning the Australian Pursuit from eighth that we might have something for them in the Feature. But Mark (Andersen) did a great job and hats off to him on his second straight win." He added.
The next night at Thunderbird, Epling would bring home a respectable sixth place showing after a thrilling battle with Kevin Nelson Jr., which saw Nelson Jr., just nip Epling at the line as the checkered flag came out. "Man that was real close! I thought we might've had him there at the end, but we got sixth and the car doesn't have a scratch on it from two days of racing, so we're definitely going in the right direction." He stated.
Epling looks to stay closer to home this upcoming weekend with a return trip to Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on Friday, July 29th as the reigning UMP Late Models Track Champion with participate in Autograph Night. Then on Saturday, July 30th a short 45 minute venture to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan is in store for the team on Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night.
"We're out of the track and series points chases everywhere we intended to run for them this season, so we're going to pick and choose the rest of the season and stay relatively close to home. We may do a little traveling towards the end of the season, but not too much." Epling explained. "We're still racking up the UMP DIRTcar Racing Michigan State points though, so we'll just get as much as we can there and see where we end up at the end of the season."
Epling's #28 Mastersbilt Chassis UMP Late Model sports sponsorship decals from his own business; S.J.E. Trucking as well as Shift Shop Transmissions, Fusion Graphics, Hedrick Precision Engines, M.P.H. Promotions, SammyEpling.com, and S.J.E. Motorsports.
For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire S.J.E. 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 remainder of the 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "Sammy Epling / S.J.E. Motorsports" then click on "Like" today.
On the first night in Mt. Pleasant, where he is the 2010 UMP Late Models Track Champion, Epling was looking at getting back on track and getting back to his winning ways of a season ago. He nearly pulled it off as the Perry, Michigan driver won the Australian Pursuit after starting eighth and then backed that up by picking up a season high finish of a second behind feature winner, Mark Andersen.
"Another couple of laps and we might've had him," Stated the 41-year-old originally from Cicero, Illinois who now calls Perry, Michigan home. "We had a good car all night and I knew after winning the Australian Pursuit from eighth that we might have something for them in the Feature. But Mark (Andersen) did a great job and hats off to him on his second straight win." He added.
The next night at Thunderbird, Epling would bring home a respectable sixth place showing after a thrilling battle with Kevin Nelson Jr., which saw Nelson Jr., just nip Epling at the line as the checkered flag came out. "Man that was real close! I thought we might've had him there at the end, but we got sixth and the car doesn't have a scratch on it from two days of racing, so we're definitely going in the right direction." He stated.
Epling looks to stay closer to home this upcoming weekend with a return trip to Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on Friday, July 29th as the reigning UMP Late Models Track Champion with participate in Autograph Night. Then on Saturday, July 30th a short 45 minute venture to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan is in store for the team on Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night.
"We're out of the track and series points chases everywhere we intended to run for them this season, so we're going to pick and choose the rest of the season and stay relatively close to home. We may do a little traveling towards the end of the season, but not too much." Epling explained. "We're still racking up the UMP DIRTcar Racing Michigan State points though, so we'll just get as much as we can there and see where we end up at the end of the season."
Epling's #28 Mastersbilt Chassis UMP Late Model sports sponsorship decals from his own business; S.J.E. Trucking as well as Shift Shop Transmissions, Fusion Graphics, Hedrick Precision Engines, M.P.H. Promotions, SammyEpling.com, and S.J.E. Motorsports.
For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire S.J.E. 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 remainder of the 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "Sammy Epling / S.J.E. Motorsports" then click on "Like" today.
Jeep Van Wormer Storms to $5,600 Victory at Hartford Motor Speedway!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2011
Jeep Van Wormer Storms to $5,600 Victory at Hartford Motor Speedway!
(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) The Iron Motorsports team and driver Jeep Van Wormer celebrated in victory lane on Friday night, July 22 at the Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, Michigan, as they captured an impressive win in the annual 'Lane Automotive 47.' The American Late Model Series (ALMS) sanctioned the show at Hartford, which paid $4,700 to the winner and $47 for each lap led. The night didn't start out as planned for Jeep and the #55 team, as the Pinconning, Michigan ace hit the wall hard in his heat race.
With only nineteen cars on hand for the event, Jeep was able to make repairs to his Rocket Chassis and later rolled off from the inside of the ninth row in the 47-lap feature. He then proceeded to thrill his home-state fans, as he blasted to the front of the field and eventually took the top spot away from Brian Ruhlman on lap 29. Jeep went on to win a hefty $5,600 for beating Ruhlman, Phil Ausra, Jon Henry, and J.R. Hotovy to the checkers. Full results can be viewed online at www.hartfordmotorspeedway.net.
"We have been knocking on the door to several wins over the past couple of weeks, so it feels good to finally get one," commented Van Wormer following the Hartford victory. "I definitely didn't make it easy on us by hitting the wall in the heat race. The team worked real hard though and we basically had to replace the whole front suspension. There were still some things we needed to replace, but ran out of time before the start of the feature. It all worked out and we will get busy refreshing all of our stuff before Florence!"
Jeep and the #55 team plan to take the next two weekends off from racing action following their big win at Hartford. The team will spend that time refreshing their equipment prior to the $50,000 to win 'North/South 100' at the venerable Florence Speedway in Union, Kentucky on August 12-13. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will once again preside over the crown jewel event in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the cameras of the SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape all of the thrilling action. You can keep up with the latest schedule changes concerning the Iron Motorsports team by logging onto www.jeepvanwormer.com.
The Iron Motorsports team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support: Bayline Fire Protection, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Fletcher Made Horsepower, ACPT, All-Pro Cylinder Heads, Allstar Performance, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Oil Systems, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., BSB Manufacturing, Callies, Complete Battery Source, Delph Communications, Dyer's Top Rods, Eibach Springs, Exide Technologies, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, Keyser's Port City Racing, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Penske Shocks, Peterson Fluid Systems, R2C Performance, Ringers Gloves, Scott Performance Wire, Sweet Mfg., TWM Racing, VP Racing Fuels, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Wilwood Engineering, and Wrisco.
To learn more about the Iron Motorsports team, log onto their home on the web located at www.jeepvanwormer.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
www.delphcommunications.com
July 27, 2011
Jeep Van Wormer Storms to $5,600 Victory at Hartford Motor Speedway!
(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) The Iron Motorsports team and driver Jeep Van Wormer celebrated in victory lane on Friday night, July 22 at the Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, Michigan, as they captured an impressive win in the annual 'Lane Automotive 47.' The American Late Model Series (ALMS) sanctioned the show at Hartford, which paid $4,700 to the winner and $47 for each lap led. The night didn't start out as planned for Jeep and the #55 team, as the Pinconning, Michigan ace hit the wall hard in his heat race.
With only nineteen cars on hand for the event, Jeep was able to make repairs to his Rocket Chassis and later rolled off from the inside of the ninth row in the 47-lap feature. He then proceeded to thrill his home-state fans, as he blasted to the front of the field and eventually took the top spot away from Brian Ruhlman on lap 29. Jeep went on to win a hefty $5,600 for beating Ruhlman, Phil Ausra, Jon Henry, and J.R. Hotovy to the checkers. Full results can be viewed online at www.hartfordmotorspeedway.net.
"We have been knocking on the door to several wins over the past couple of weeks, so it feels good to finally get one," commented Van Wormer following the Hartford victory. "I definitely didn't make it easy on us by hitting the wall in the heat race. The team worked real hard though and we basically had to replace the whole front suspension. There were still some things we needed to replace, but ran out of time before the start of the feature. It all worked out and we will get busy refreshing all of our stuff before Florence!"
Jeep and the #55 team plan to take the next two weekends off from racing action following their big win at Hartford. The team will spend that time refreshing their equipment prior to the $50,000 to win 'North/South 100' at the venerable Florence Speedway in Union, Kentucky on August 12-13. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will once again preside over the crown jewel event in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the cameras of the SPEED Channel will be on hand to tape all of the thrilling action. You can keep up with the latest schedule changes concerning the Iron Motorsports team by logging onto www.jeepvanwormer.com.
The Iron Motorsports team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support: Bayline Fire Protection, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Fletcher Made Horsepower, ACPT, All-Pro Cylinder Heads, Allstar Performance, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Oil Systems, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., BSB Manufacturing, Callies, Complete Battery Source, Delph Communications, Dyer's Top Rods, Eibach Springs, Exide Technologies, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, Keyser's Port City Racing, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Penske Shocks, Peterson Fluid Systems, R2C Performance, Ringers Gloves, Scott Performance Wire, Sweet Mfg., TWM Racing, VP Racing Fuels, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Wilwood Engineering, and Wrisco.
To learn more about the Iron Motorsports team, log onto their home on the web located at www.jeepvanwormer.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
www.delphcommunications.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
News & Notes for Saturday, July 30th - I96 Speedway
Coming into this weekend, the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models see Tom Sprague Jr., carrying a slim four (4) point advantage over Zack Olger while Brandon Thirlby, Kris Patterson Jr., and Dona Marcoullier are all lurking in the top five. Kathy Jarvis leads fellow freshman, Jason Wiley by just 18 markers in the chase for the 2011 Rookie of the Year title.
Mark Anderson holds down an even smaller three (3) point cushion over Jacob Poel in the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds. Travis Stemler sits comfortably in third while former two-time track champion, Todd Feutz and Stemler's Father, Tim Stemler hold down the top five positions. 16-year-old Josh Crane holds onto the 2011 Rookie of the Year points lead over Marty French by 45 points.
Bill Brandt Jr., is having a career season in the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks as he holds onto a 53-point advantage over defending track champion, Gary Vandermark. Jay Chelbek sits third while Hillary Smith and 2010 Rookie of the Year, Ron Harper are the current top five. In the chase for the 2011 Rookie of the Year title, Bruce Howe has a 26-point advantage over 15-year-old rookie, Carlind Forsythe.
Finally in the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts, 2010 18 and Over Rookie of the Year, Rick Peck has shown no signs of a sophomore jinx as he has a 60-point lead over Tim Horvath II. Defending track champion, Dan Reimersma is sitting in third while two rookies are fourth and fifth as current 18 and over rookie points leader, Mike Vezino and Kyle Brigance, second in the 18 and over freshman points, complete the overall top five in the points chase. Vezino leads Brigance by just eight ( 8 ) points in the 18 and over rookie chase while 15-year-old Jordan King leads the 2011 17 and Under Rookie of the Year battle over 10-year-old Christopher Joyce by 21 points.
Mark Anderson holds down an even smaller three (3) point cushion over Jacob Poel in the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds. Travis Stemler sits comfortably in third while former two-time track champion, Todd Feutz and Stemler's Father, Tim Stemler hold down the top five positions. 16-year-old Josh Crane holds onto the 2011 Rookie of the Year points lead over Marty French by 45 points.
Bill Brandt Jr., is having a career season in the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks as he holds onto a 53-point advantage over defending track champion, Gary Vandermark. Jay Chelbek sits third while Hillary Smith and 2010 Rookie of the Year, Ron Harper are the current top five. In the chase for the 2011 Rookie of the Year title, Bruce Howe has a 26-point advantage over 15-year-old rookie, Carlind Forsythe.
Finally in the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts, 2010 18 and Over Rookie of the Year, Rick Peck has shown no signs of a sophomore jinx as he has a 60-point lead over Tim Horvath II. Defending track champion, Dan Reimersma is sitting in third while two rookies are fourth and fifth as current 18 and over rookie points leader, Mike Vezino and Kyle Brigance, second in the 18 and over freshman points, complete the overall top five in the points chase. Vezino leads Brigance by just eight ( 8 ) points in the 18 and over rookie chase while 15-year-old Jordan King leads the 2011 17 and Under Rookie of the Year battle over 10-year-old Christopher Joyce by 21 points.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
I-96 Speedway Press Release - Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
I-96 Speedway Press Release - Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night Wraps Up the Month at I-96 Speedway THIS Saturday, July 30th
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Tuesday, July 26th, 2011): A busy month of July at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan wraps up with the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series returning after taking last weekend off as they'll headline Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC) Night THIS Saturday, July 30th. ALL members of the MARFC in good standing who show their 2011 membership card at the Main Ticket Window will get into the nights' races for absolutely FREE.
The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models ($1,200 to win - $200 to start - $50 tow money) will highlight the nights racing action and they'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds ($500 to win - $125 to start - $25 tow money), Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks ($300 to win - $100 to start - $25 tow money), and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts ($125 to win - $25 to start - $25 tow money). All four divisions will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
For Saturday, July 30th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the MARFC Presentation / Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 30th are: MARFC Members who show their 2011 Membership Cards: FREE, Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside, the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
The Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club (MARFC) was established on September 25th, 1965 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. MARFC is a non-profit organization which is basically a social club for all those interested in, or actively involved in auto racing. The primary purpose of the club is to promote auto racing in and around Michigan and to honor those who have been successful in any aspect of auto racing.
Club meetings are held monthly October through April and feature racing films, guest speakers, and tours of racing facilities in and around Michigan. During the racing season, Fan Club days are held at member tracks. During these Fan Club Days, members staff a booth where you may become a MARFC member yourself. To show appreciation to the host track, a driver's name is randomly picked to receive a MARFC helmet/uniform bag prior to the start of that night's races.
The Premier event of the year is the Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance where the MARFC honor the Track Champions from all MARFC member tracks in good standing as well as others for their achievements as they pertain to auto racing. the list of honorees form previous years consists of a who's who in auto racing. A sampling of those guests are Gordon Johncock, Bobby Unser, Benny Parsons, Jim Chapman, Herb Fishel, Michael Kranefuss, and of course many local track champions too numerous to mention.
The 46th annual MARFC Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 and I-96 Speedway Director of Media / Public Relations - Public Address (P.A.) Announcer, Matt Prieur, will have the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the gala evening.
With the exception of the banquet, all meetings are free to members. On Fan Club Days, members are admitted free to the host track by showing their current MARFC membership card. The cost of annual membership dues are: $10.00 for single person, or $15.00 married couple or family (two adults and all children up to age of 15). Payment of dues entitles you to a membership card, window decal, and a monthly newsletter. Memberships run from January 1st of each year and expire on December 31st of the same year. If you would like to become a member, use the Member Application link on the MARFC website to obtain a membership application. at: www.marfc.org
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"
Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night Wraps Up the Month at I-96 Speedway THIS Saturday, July 30th
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Tuesday, July 26th, 2011): A busy month of July at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan wraps up with the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series returning after taking last weekend off as they'll headline Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC) Night THIS Saturday, July 30th. ALL members of the MARFC in good standing who show their 2011 membership card at the Main Ticket Window will get into the nights' races for absolutely FREE.
The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models ($1,200 to win - $200 to start - $50 tow money) will highlight the nights racing action and they'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds ($500 to win - $125 to start - $25 tow money), Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks ($300 to win - $100 to start - $25 tow money), and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts ($125 to win - $25 to start - $25 tow money). All four divisions will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
For Saturday, July 30th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the MARFC Presentation / Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 30th are: MARFC Members who show their 2011 Membership Cards: FREE, Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside, the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
The Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club (MARFC) was established on September 25th, 1965 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. MARFC is a non-profit organization which is basically a social club for all those interested in, or actively involved in auto racing. The primary purpose of the club is to promote auto racing in and around Michigan and to honor those who have been successful in any aspect of auto racing.
Club meetings are held monthly October through April and feature racing films, guest speakers, and tours of racing facilities in and around Michigan. During the racing season, Fan Club days are held at member tracks. During these Fan Club Days, members staff a booth where you may become a MARFC member yourself. To show appreciation to the host track, a driver's name is randomly picked to receive a MARFC helmet/uniform bag prior to the start of that night's races.
The Premier event of the year is the Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance where the MARFC honor the Track Champions from all MARFC member tracks in good standing as well as others for their achievements as they pertain to auto racing. the list of honorees form previous years consists of a who's who in auto racing. A sampling of those guests are Gordon Johncock, Bobby Unser, Benny Parsons, Jim Chapman, Herb Fishel, Michael Kranefuss, and of course many local track champions too numerous to mention.
The 46th annual MARFC Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 and I-96 Speedway Director of Media / Public Relations - Public Address (P.A.) Announcer, Matt Prieur, will have the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the gala evening.
With the exception of the banquet, all meetings are free to members. On Fan Club Days, members are admitted free to the host track by showing their current MARFC membership card. The cost of annual membership dues are: $10.00 for single person, or $15.00 married couple or family (two adults and all children up to age of 15). Payment of dues entitles you to a membership card, window decal, and a monthly newsletter. Memberships run from January 1st of each year and expire on December 31st of the same year. If you would like to become a member, use the Member Application link on the MARFC website to obtain a membership application. at: www.marfc.org
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"
Sunday, July 24, 2011
I-96 Speedway RESULTS for Saturday, July 23rd, 2011
Home State Favorite, Jared Mees Wins AMA Pro Grand Nationals Invasion of I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, July 23rd, 2011): It was Day II of the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan as the traveling stars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Flat Track Championship Series invaded for their yearly appearance on the big 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval. A capacity crowd witnessed the two divisions representing the AMA Pro Grand National Flat Track Motorcycle Series as 87 total riders were on the grounds including 51 Experts and 36 Pros.
The first Main of the evening would be for the AMA Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship division and as the field took the green flag for their 16-lap Main, it would be Stephen Vanderkurr passing Mikey Martin going into turn one to lead lap one, but lost the lead a lap later to 18-year-old Mikey Martin the following lap.
Martin set a torrid pace as Chaz Springsteen, one of several home state drivers in the field, began chasing down Martin for the lead. Springsteen, the nephew of the legendary AMA rider, Jay Springsteen, fought tooth and nail with Martin all over the 1/2 mile before unfortunately dropping out with just five laps to go. This left Conner Anderson to try and take on Martin.
But it would be to no avail as Martin made the long haul from Acampo, California worthwhile as he would take the checkered flag in to win the AMA Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship Main and would ride his Weirbach Racing / General Engineering Honda to victory lane. Anderson settled for second while Jake Shoemaker, Michael LaBelle, and John Long III completed the top five. Jason Isennock finished sixth as Zakk Palmer, Corey Crawford, William Cato, and Jeremy Hamilton wrapped up the top 10.
Earlier in the afternoon, Martin out qualified the 36-rider field with a lap measured at a 22.776 and he also won a Qualifier Heat. Vanderkuur scored the other Qualifier Heat Race win. Palmer picked up the win in the Last Chance Race to transfer to the Main along-with Hamilton, Long III, and Cato who also transferred.
The bikes and riders everyone in attendance was waiting for; the AMA Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Expert Twins Championship division rode out for their 25-lap main and at the drop of the green flag, it would be 18-year-old Brad Baker leading the field but a lap later, Bryan Smith from near-by Flint, Michigan would grab the lead away. On lap four, Jared Mees, also a home state favorite from Clio, Michigan, slipped by to take over the top spot.
Mees was in a dogfight for the lead with Smith and defending series champion, Jake Johnson as the trio battled all over the fast 1/2 mile dirt oval. Slowly but surely though, Mees began pulling away from his fellow podium drivers and opened up a full second lead on Smith and Johnson. Current series points leader, Sammy Halbert began reeling in Johnson and that battle ensued for the final podium position while Mees continued to show the way.
Mees opened up a nearly two second lead over the rest of the pack and in the end, Mees would never be seriously challenged the rest of the way as one of the home state favorites in his Rogers Lake / Blue Springs Harley-Davidson would take the checkered flag to score the win to the roar and approval of the partisan home state crowd. Smith settled for second with Johnson, Halbert, and seven-time national champion, Chris Carr completed the top five. Matt Weidman finished sixth while Jeffrey Carver Jr., Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Brad Baker, and Brandon Robinson finished off the top 10.
Baker was the fastest qualifier of the 51 riders on the grounds as he went a 22.489 and he also picked up a Qualifier Heat Race Win. Smith and Johnson also collected Qualifier Heat Race victories while Johnson also picked up the Dash for Cash win. In the two Semi-Features, Michael Kirkness, the winner of the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Series Combo Main the previous night, took the win over Doug Lawrence and Robinson while Johnny Lewis scored the second Semi-Feature victory over Adam Carpinello and Jimmy Wood. All six would transfer into the Main.
A busy month of July in Lake Odessa, Michigan wraps up with the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series returning after taking a weekend off for the Motorcycles as they'll headline Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC) Night on Saturday, July 30th. ALL members of MARFC who show their membership card at the Main Ticket Window will get into the nights' races for absolutely FREE. To learn how to become a member of MARFC for the remainder of the 2011 racing season, go to their website at: www.marfc.org
The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models ($1,200 to win - $200 to start - $50 tow money) will highlight the nights racing action and they'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds ($500 to win - $125 to start - $25 tow money), Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks ($300 to win - $100 to start - $25 tow money), and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts ($125 to win - $25 to start - $25 tow money). All four divisions will take on the lightning fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
For Saturday, July 30th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 30th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside, the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00
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 23rd, 2011): It was Day II of the Auto First Michigan Festival of Speed Presented by Right Way Automotive at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan as the traveling stars of the AMA Pro Grand National Harley-Davidson Flat Track Championship Series invaded for their yearly appearance on the big 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval. A capacity crowd witnessed the two divisions representing the AMA Pro Grand National Flat Track Motorcycle Series as 87 total riders were on the grounds including 51 Experts and 36 Pros.
The first Main of the evening would be for the AMA Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship division and as the field took the green flag for their 16-lap Main, it would be Stephen Vanderkurr passing Mikey Martin going into turn one to lead lap one, but lost the lead a lap later to 18-year-old Mikey Martin the following lap.
Martin set a torrid pace as Chaz Springsteen, one of several home state drivers in the field, began chasing down Martin for the lead. Springsteen, the nephew of the legendary AMA rider, Jay Springsteen, fought tooth and nail with Martin all over the 1/2 mile before unfortunately dropping out with just five laps to go. This left Conner Anderson to try and take on Martin.
But it would be to no avail as Martin made the long haul from Acampo, California worthwhile as he would take the checkered flag in to win the AMA Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship Main and would ride his Weirbach Racing / General Engineering Honda to victory lane. Anderson settled for second while Jake Shoemaker, Michael LaBelle, and John Long III completed the top five. Jason Isennock finished sixth as Zakk Palmer, Corey Crawford, William Cato, and Jeremy Hamilton wrapped up the top 10.
Earlier in the afternoon, Martin out qualified the 36-rider field with a lap measured at a 22.776 and he also won a Qualifier Heat. Vanderkuur scored the other Qualifier Heat Race win. Palmer picked up the win in the Last Chance Race to transfer to the Main along-with Hamilton, Long III, and Cato who also transferred.
The bikes and riders everyone in attendance was waiting for; the AMA Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Expert Twins Championship division rode out for their 25-lap main and at the drop of the green flag, it would be 18-year-old Brad Baker leading the field but a lap later, Bryan Smith from near-by Flint, Michigan would grab the lead away. On lap four, Jared Mees, also a home state favorite from Clio, Michigan, slipped by to take over the top spot.
Mees was in a dogfight for the lead with Smith and defending series champion, Jake Johnson as the trio battled all over the fast 1/2 mile dirt oval. Slowly but surely though, Mees began pulling away from his fellow podium drivers and opened up a full second lead on Smith and Johnson. Current series points leader, Sammy Halbert began reeling in Johnson and that battle ensued for the final podium position while Mees continued to show the way.
Mees opened up a nearly two second lead over the rest of the pack and in the end, Mees would never be seriously challenged the rest of the way as one of the home state favorites in his Rogers Lake / Blue Springs Harley-Davidson would take the checkered flag to score the win to the roar and approval of the partisan home state crowd. Smith settled for second with Johnson, Halbert, and seven-time national champion, Chris Carr completed the top five. Matt Weidman finished sixth while Jeffrey Carver Jr., Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Brad Baker, and Brandon Robinson finished off the top 10.
Baker was the fastest qualifier of the 51 riders on the grounds as he went a 22.489 and he also picked up a Qualifier Heat Race Win. Smith and Johnson also collected Qualifier Heat Race victories while Johnson also picked up the Dash for Cash win. In the two Semi-Features, Michael Kirkness, the winner of the AMA Regional Flat Track Motorcycle Series Combo Main the previous night, took the win over Doug Lawrence and Robinson while Johnny Lewis scored the second Semi-Feature victory over Adam Carpinello and Jimmy Wood. All six would transfer into the Main.
A busy month of July in Lake Odessa, Michigan wraps up with the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series returning after taking a weekend off for the Motorcycles as they'll headline Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC) Night on Saturday, July 30th. ALL members of MARFC who show their membership card at the Main Ticket Window will get into the nights' races for absolutely FREE. To learn how to become a member of MARFC for the remainder of the 2011 racing season, go to their website at: www.marfc.org
The Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models ($1,200 to win - $200 to start - $50 tow money) will highlight the nights racing action and they'll be joined by the Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds ($500 to win - $125 to start - $25 tow money), Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks ($300 to win - $100 to start - $25 tow money), and Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts ($125 to win - $25 to start - $25 tow money). All four divisions will take on the lightning fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
For Saturday, July 30th, the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m. Ticket Prices for Saturday, July 30th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $8.00, Children (6-12): $5.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside, the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $30.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00
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"
Jason Blonde has fun, cruises to Auto Value Super Sprints victory at Berlin Raceway
Jason Blonde has fun, cruises to Auto Value Super Sprints victory at Berlin Raceway
By Steve Ungrey | The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- On Saturday night, Blonde had more fun.
Jason Blonde has won four Auto Value Super Sprints season championships, but hadn’t yet reached Victory Lane this season. That changed Saturday at Berlin Raceway, when the Litchfield native passed his competition seven laps into the 30-lap feature and cruised to the checkered flag.
"It’s the first win for the year and I’ve been doing this for at least a decade," Blonde said. "Racing in a different car made the difference. We couldn’t get the other car to work too well and I just switched to the new vehicle last week. We drove the car a bit last weekend and then we decided to put it on the track. It was my first time driving a race in this vehicle and everything worked out great."
The AVSS vehicles, which are distinctive because of their winged back ends, raced in the final of six features to cap Berlin Fair weekend.
Two laps into the feature, Aaron Pierce, Jeff Bloom and JoJo Helberg were battling for the lead, soon to be joined by Derek Snyder.
Six laps in, Aaron Pierce led Blonde, Helberg and Bloom, but on the restart after a caution flag, Blonde zoomed into the lead and didn’t relinquish it the rest of the way.
"Something in my last car wasn’t quite right. The frame might have been off a bit," Blonde said. "I gotta thank the crew for sticking with me throughout this."
With a wild celebration at the end that included Blonde’s family and crew, Blonde zoomed into victory lane and zoomed out a winner.
"I just love coming to the track because we have such good racing here," Blonde said. "We had ourselves a good event. I was worried in the last few laps because I thought I’d burned off my tires a bit. I ended up going three-wide on this track and I felt comfortable doing it."
Blonde’s return to the top spot was a first-time victory on a night full of repeat winners.
Tim DeVos cruised to his second Late Model victory by winning the 60-lap feature, while Dave Lake captured the 30-lap Modified for his third win of the season.
Brandon Hermiller, one of the top Pro Stock drivers this season, took his sixth victory of the year in the division when he captured the 25-lap race.
BERLIN RACEWAY
This week’s winners: Lou Caposey (VROA), Brandon Hermiller (Pro Stock), Dave Lake (Modifieds), Andrew Nylaan (Super Stock), Tim DeVos (Late Model), Jason Blonde (Auto Value Super Sprints)
Close but not quite: Samantha Jansen started from the 12th position in the Vintage Racing Organization of America event and made her way up to the second spot, but she tangled up in a crash with Don Deyman just before the checkered flag and couldn’t complete the 12-to-1 leap. Instead, Lou Caposey hung on for the checkered flag.
Over the top: It was bad enough that Kelsey Steele spun out in the fourth turn during the Super Stock feature, but Brian VanZalen ran into and actually went over the top of Steele’s vehicle. Both drivers were fine. It was one of two red-flag incidents during a nearly 40-minute feature won by Andrew Nylaan.
Next week: Late Models, Super Stocks, Modifieds, Pro Stocks and 4-Cylinder cars will race Saturday as part of Berlin’s 61st anniversary celebration. Tickets are $10 and kids are free.
By Steve Ungrey | The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- On Saturday night, Blonde had more fun.
Jason Blonde has won four Auto Value Super Sprints season championships, but hadn’t yet reached Victory Lane this season. That changed Saturday at Berlin Raceway, when the Litchfield native passed his competition seven laps into the 30-lap feature and cruised to the checkered flag.
"It’s the first win for the year and I’ve been doing this for at least a decade," Blonde said. "Racing in a different car made the difference. We couldn’t get the other car to work too well and I just switched to the new vehicle last week. We drove the car a bit last weekend and then we decided to put it on the track. It was my first time driving a race in this vehicle and everything worked out great."
The AVSS vehicles, which are distinctive because of their winged back ends, raced in the final of six features to cap Berlin Fair weekend.
Two laps into the feature, Aaron Pierce, Jeff Bloom and JoJo Helberg were battling for the lead, soon to be joined by Derek Snyder.
Six laps in, Aaron Pierce led Blonde, Helberg and Bloom, but on the restart after a caution flag, Blonde zoomed into the lead and didn’t relinquish it the rest of the way.
"Something in my last car wasn’t quite right. The frame might have been off a bit," Blonde said. "I gotta thank the crew for sticking with me throughout this."
With a wild celebration at the end that included Blonde’s family and crew, Blonde zoomed into victory lane and zoomed out a winner.
"I just love coming to the track because we have such good racing here," Blonde said. "We had ourselves a good event. I was worried in the last few laps because I thought I’d burned off my tires a bit. I ended up going three-wide on this track and I felt comfortable doing it."
Blonde’s return to the top spot was a first-time victory on a night full of repeat winners.
Tim DeVos cruised to his second Late Model victory by winning the 60-lap feature, while Dave Lake captured the 30-lap Modified for his third win of the season.
Brandon Hermiller, one of the top Pro Stock drivers this season, took his sixth victory of the year in the division when he captured the 25-lap race.
BERLIN RACEWAY
This week’s winners: Lou Caposey (VROA), Brandon Hermiller (Pro Stock), Dave Lake (Modifieds), Andrew Nylaan (Super Stock), Tim DeVos (Late Model), Jason Blonde (Auto Value Super Sprints)
Close but not quite: Samantha Jansen started from the 12th position in the Vintage Racing Organization of America event and made her way up to the second spot, but she tangled up in a crash with Don Deyman just before the checkered flag and couldn’t complete the 12-to-1 leap. Instead, Lou Caposey hung on for the checkered flag.
Over the top: It was bad enough that Kelsey Steele spun out in the fourth turn during the Super Stock feature, but Brian VanZalen ran into and actually went over the top of Steele’s vehicle. Both drivers were fine. It was one of two red-flag incidents during a nearly 40-minute feature won by Andrew Nylaan.
Next week: Late Models, Super Stocks, Modifieds, Pro Stocks and 4-Cylinder cars will race Saturday as part of Berlin’s 61st anniversary celebration. Tickets are $10 and kids are free.
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