Muskegon's Mike Garvey was the center of attention for race fans at Mobile International Speedway in Alabama as he saw his ups and downs in the 100 lap event for Super Late Models on the Blizzard Series.
Garvey held the pole position in Time Trials right up until the last driver. Bubbba Pollard took the pole on the last lap of qualifying.
The draw for positions for the top eight spots placed Pollard on the pole and Garvey to his outside. At the start Pollard would jump to the lead, but on lap five Garvey made his way to the point.
For the next 45 laps Garvey held the top spot followed by Pollard. On Lap 51 a caution flag would fly for what was initially reported as a piece of lead on the track. Upon further review it was found to be a rag that was thrown out of the car of Jessie Reid, a driver for Kyle Busch Motor Sports. Reid was summoned to pit road immediately.
This was the first caution restart of the race and it turned out to be costly for Garvey. When the green flag flew Garvey found himself without 1st gear. Garvey,s misfortune took its toll on the drivers behind him causing a pile up that took out last nights winner Chase Elliot. Elliot's leaking radiator put the race under Red Flag.
Garvey relinquished his top spot as the headed to the pits to see if any thing could be done to aide the Buddy's Home Furnishings/Beef 'O' Brady's No 1.
Garvey headed back out on the track as the last car on the lead lap. He would restart 11th. For the next 49 laps Garvey's only hope would be that the race go caution free and he would have a strong enough car to make his way back to the point.
As the race wound down Garvey put on a show for the fans as he charged his way by some of the best drivers in the Blizzard Series including 2010 Snowball Derby Winner Johanna Long. While Garvey's efforts did not go unnoticed Bubba Pollard was on a Sunday cruise never being challenged for the rest of the event. Garvey's last pass of the night was for second with one lap to go. Ironically he finished exactly where he started. The official result will not show just how strong his run was for the night. For Bubba Pollard it would be his eleventh win this summer. Pollard continues to be the top Late Model Driver in the south for 2011.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Miller Lite 100
Miller Lite Series
Mobile (AL) International Speedway
Saturday, August 13, 2011
1. 18 - Bubba Pollard (Senoia, GA) 100 laps
2. 1 - Mike Garvey (Muskegon, MI) 100 laps
3. 54 - Jeff Fultz (Cincinnati, OH) 100 laps
4. 82 - Grant Enfinger (Fairhope, AL) 100 laps
5. 10 - Johanna Long (Pensacola, FL) 100 laps
6. 39 - Kenzie Ruston (El Reno, OK) 100 laps
7. 99 - Dale Little (Satsuma, AL) 100 laps
8. 42 - Steven Davis (Satsuma, AL) 100 laps
9. 4 - DJ VanderLey (Theodore, AL) 99 laps
10. 22 - Josh Bragg (Helena, MS) 99 laps
11. 112 - Augie Grill (Hayden, AL) 99 laps
12. 29 - Allen Karnes (Sharpsburg, GA) 98 laps
13. 12 - Thomas Praytor (Mobile, AL) 97 laps
14. R18 - Jessie Reid (Eight Mile, AL) 94 laps
15. 9 - Chase Elliott (Dawsonville, GA) 51 laps
16. 82 - Donnie Wilson (Oklahoma City, OK) 33 laps
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Mother Nature Takes Another One Away From I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, August 13th, 2011): Once again, Mother Nature played havoc with the racing action at I-96 Speedway on Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants Night at the Races as persistent showers and thunderstorms resulting in saturated grounds and an extremely wet race track, plus a forecast for more of the same throughout the night forced I-96 and Renegade Officials to Postpone what was to be the second of three appearances by the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt Presented by ARP in Lake Odessa, Michigan.
"Man I am just so disappointed about all of this. We tried like hell to get this race in. I wanted to see the Sprints, our Fans wanted to see them, but Mother Nature just wouldn't cooperate with us. Seems to be the theme of the season," A dejected Mike Mouch, Co-Owner / Promoter of I-96 Speedway said. "We thought about running just our support divisions, but by the time the track would've been ready to go, it would've been past 10:00p.m., and as it was, it started raining again when I was thinking about that, so we had to pull the plug." He added.
A make-up date is being negotiated and if one is found suitable by all parties, it will be announced as soon as possible. In addition, I-96 Speedway Officials are looking at the possibility of adding additional dates to the 2011 schedule due to losing so many shows this season because of weather related issues. If those dates can be worked out and negotiated, they too will be announced as soon as possible. Both issues will be resolved soon and announced as soon as they become finalized.
"We're going to try and figure something out, maybe add an extra date or two to the schedule," Mouch continued. "We need to see if there are any available. We don't want to go against some of the bigger shows in the state and it has to make sense for us to be able to add a date. My wife, Sarah (Co-Owner / Promoter, Sarah Mouch) and I will sit down and see what we can come up with." He ended.
The ASCS Sprints on Dirt are scheduled to return to I-96 Speedway at least once more in 2011 as they will headline the 4th annual Dirt Gold Cup Championship Extravaganza on Saturday, September 24th. On this night, the ASCS Sprints on Dirt will crown their 2011 Series Champion and Rookie of the Year during their 2011 Season Championships. To learn more about the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP, go to the series website located at: www.sprintsondirt.com
Short Track Racing takes the weekend of August 18-20th off for the 2011 Carnival of Chaos metal music festival featuring national and local bands, sideshows and debauchery galore! Hatebreed, Dope, Mushroomhead, Kittie, Bleeding Through, Motograter, Ventana, Dirge Within, Blue Felix and 40 local metal bands will all be playing LIVE in Concert throughout the weekend of festivities.
Side acts feature: Lingerie Oil Wrestling & Pillow Fighting Tournaments, Miss PussKatt & the Daredevil Dolls, Wet T-shirt contests, Kat the Midget Entertainer, Custom Glass Blowers, Body Suspensions, and Spike TV's Half-Pint Brawlers Midget Wrestling. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $35.00 at the gate with free tent camping. 18+ ONLY. Buy tickets online, at the locations shown on the website or from any local band playing the festival. For More Information, go to the Website at: www.thecarnivalofchaos.com
Short Track Racing returns to Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday, August 27th. More Details are Coming Soon. Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 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 all of the happenings 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"
"Man I am just so disappointed about all of this. We tried like hell to get this race in. I wanted to see the Sprints, our Fans wanted to see them, but Mother Nature just wouldn't cooperate with us. Seems to be the theme of the season," A dejected Mike Mouch, Co-Owner / Promoter of I-96 Speedway said. "We thought about running just our support divisions, but by the time the track would've been ready to go, it would've been past 10:00p.m., and as it was, it started raining again when I was thinking about that, so we had to pull the plug." He added.
A make-up date is being negotiated and if one is found suitable by all parties, it will be announced as soon as possible. In addition, I-96 Speedway Officials are looking at the possibility of adding additional dates to the 2011 schedule due to losing so many shows this season because of weather related issues. If those dates can be worked out and negotiated, they too will be announced as soon as possible. Both issues will be resolved soon and announced as soon as they become finalized.
"We're going to try and figure something out, maybe add an extra date or two to the schedule," Mouch continued. "We need to see if there are any available. We don't want to go against some of the bigger shows in the state and it has to make sense for us to be able to add a date. My wife, Sarah (Co-Owner / Promoter, Sarah Mouch) and I will sit down and see what we can come up with." He ended.
The ASCS Sprints on Dirt are scheduled to return to I-96 Speedway at least once more in 2011 as they will headline the 4th annual Dirt Gold Cup Championship Extravaganza on Saturday, September 24th. On this night, the ASCS Sprints on Dirt will crown their 2011 Series Champion and Rookie of the Year during their 2011 Season Championships. To learn more about the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP, go to the series website located at: www.sprintsondirt.com
Short Track Racing takes the weekend of August 18-20th off for the 2011 Carnival of Chaos metal music festival featuring national and local bands, sideshows and debauchery galore! Hatebreed, Dope, Mushroomhead, Kittie, Bleeding Through, Motograter, Ventana, Dirge Within, Blue Felix and 40 local metal bands will all be playing LIVE in Concert throughout the weekend of festivities.
Side acts feature: Lingerie Oil Wrestling & Pillow Fighting Tournaments, Miss PussKatt & the Daredevil Dolls, Wet T-shirt contests, Kat the Midget Entertainer, Custom Glass Blowers, Body Suspensions, and Spike TV's Half-Pint Brawlers Midget Wrestling. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $35.00 at the gate with free tent camping. 18+ ONLY. Buy tickets online, at the locations shown on the website or from any local band playing the festival. For More Information, go to the Website at: www.thecarnivalofchaos.com
Short Track Racing returns to Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday, August 27th. More Details are Coming Soon. Camping is allowed every weekend in 2011 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 all of the happenings 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"
UNOH Racer Kody Weisner Masters The Modifieds
For the second week in a row, a rare event in motorsports, nearly exclusive to Limaland Motorsports Park, saw a University of Northwestern Ohio athletic motorsports driver win an A-Main feature. This time it was in a K & N UMP Modified, as Racer team driver Kody Weisner was able to make a late race pass on one of Limaland Motorsports Park's greatest names in the division, multi-time former champion Terry Hull. It marked the fourth time in Racer history for an A-Main feature win and the second for Weisner, a winner last season in a stock car.
Weisner's conquest is even more impressive as four of the most successful drivers in Modifieds started in front of him. Hull, point's leader Todd Sherman, and former feature winners Jerry Bowersock and Casey Luedeke all had similar intentions as Weisner, yet better starting positions.
Terry Hull bolted to the front when the green flag dropped with fellow outside row starters Bowersock and Weisner moving behind him. A pair of cautions, brought on by flat tires to Nick Rosselit and Andy Bibler, set up a restart on lap 13 with Hull, Bowersock, Weisner, pole starter Luedeke and Todd Sherman racing nose-to-tail.
Kody Weisner drove fearlessly on the dangerous high side cushion as it gave him excellent speed. Earlier in the season, Weisner was running at the front of a feature when he crashed into the unforgiving wall in turn three. Hull, taking a lower line around the ¼-mile oval had a shorter distance to cover. Finally on lap 15, the Muskegon, Michigan undergraduate simply powered his way around Hull coming thru turn two. The dominating move brought the usual big Limaland Motorsports Park crowd to its feet in approval. "At that point I just told myself, don't overdrive and that's all I could do," recalled Weisner.
The final five circuits of the 20-lap event saw Weisner roar to the victory, with Hull, and Bowersock following him across the line. The collective Racer Motorsports athletic team members ran across the track from the pit area to celebrate on the front straight winner's circle. It was a particularly emotional win for Kody Weisner as his grandfather passed away just two days earlier. "This is for him," said Weisner. "He was there for me since day one. He bought me a go-cart, just a little yard cart back in '97 and really started me racing at about age nine or ten. It has progressed to this and seeing what this school (UNOH) is about, this is me."
Racer athletic motorsports team membership has developed into coveted positions for the students, hailing from all across the United States. "These guys are awesome. I can't thank them enough for putting up with us drivers as we sometimes tear up this stuff," declared Weisner. "Driving is easy when these guys do all of this for us. With the set-up and hours we put in with the cars, working together as a team, it's awesome."
Friday, August 12, 2011
Chase Elliott Wins; Mike Garvey Tenth at Five Flags
At 15 years old and a ton of talent you can tell why Rick Hendrick already has Chase Elliott under contract.
Tonight Elliott raced like a veteran as he patiently used lapped traffic to close what looked like an insurmountable lead by Augie Grill. At times Grill was ahead by a full straight away. Grill dominated the entire race only to see Elliot have a little more tire at the end passing grill on the white flag lap.
Muskegon's Mike Garvey struggled to a tenth place finish with a very loose race car.
RESULTS
Rubber & Specialties 100
August 12, 2011
1.9 - Chase Elliott
2.112 - Augie Grill
3.18 - Bubba Pollard
4.11 - David Rogers
5.82 - Grant Enfinger
6.54 - Jeff Fultz
7.82 - Donnie Wilson
8.4 - DJ VanderLey
9.21 - Scott Carlson
10.1 - Mike Garvey
11.10 - Johanna Long
12.39 - Kenzie Ruston
13.84 - Clay Alexander
14.29 - Allen Karnes
15.43 -Jerry Bohlman
16.75 - David Odell
17.99 - Wayne Niedecken Jr.
18.11 - Logan Boyett
19.12 - Thomas Praytor
20.41 - TJ Reaid
21.5 - Chase Oliver
22.22 - Jeremy Pate
23.5 - Jerry Artuso
Tonight Elliott raced like a veteran as he patiently used lapped traffic to close what looked like an insurmountable lead by Augie Grill. At times Grill was ahead by a full straight away. Grill dominated the entire race only to see Elliot have a little more tire at the end passing grill on the white flag lap.
Muskegon's Mike Garvey struggled to a tenth place finish with a very loose race car.
RESULTS
Rubber & Specialties 100
August 12, 2011
1.9 - Chase Elliott
2.112 - Augie Grill
3.18 - Bubba Pollard
4.11 - David Rogers
5.82 - Grant Enfinger
6.54 - Jeff Fultz
7.82 - Donnie Wilson
8.4 - DJ VanderLey
9.21 - Scott Carlson
10.1 - Mike Garvey
11.10 - Johanna Long
12.39 - Kenzie Ruston
13.84 - Clay Alexander
14.29 - Allen Karnes
15.43 -Jerry Bohlman
16.75 - David Odell
17.99 - Wayne Niedecken Jr.
18.11 - Logan Boyett
19.12 - Thomas Praytor
20.41 - TJ Reaid
21.5 - Chase Oliver
22.22 - Jeremy Pate
23.5 - Jerry Artuso
Live: Mike Garvey Racing in the Blizzard Series at 5 Flags Speedway
Click on the title to listen live. Starting Time 9:45
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Consistent Finishes Continue for Sammy Epling in UMP Late Models Competition in Michigan
Perry, Michigan (Thursday, August 11th, 2011): As Sammy Epling looks to make up for a lost month of racing, the consistent finishes continue to pile up for the Perry, Michigan driver. After sweeping the weekend of July 29-30th with his first two feature wins of the 2011 racing season, Epling was able to pile up two more solid finishes against two strong fields of cars.
The S.J.E. Motorsports Team returned to Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on August 5th to take on the traveling invaders of the Sunoco American Late Model Series. Going into this event and despite missing the last five Sunoco ALMS events, Epling came into the show 14th in the Sunoco ALMS Points Standings just 43 points out of the coveted top 10 and still in line for a nice paycheck at the end of the season courtesy of the 2011 Sunoco ALMS points fund.
An eighth place finish at the end of the night put Epling back into the coveted top 10 in the series points standings as he now sits 10th. "We should've been a lot better in the Feature than we were," The 41-year-old driver explained. Earlier in the night, he won the Heat Race and started the 40-lap main from the outside of the second row after the redraw. "We just missed the set-up and I couldn't get any kind of rhythm going at all. But it's still a top 10 finish, so we'll reluctantly take it. I know we're better than that though." He added.
Then the next night on August 6th, a short 45-minute venture west to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan was in store for the team during the Relay for Life Celebration at the Races. After starting sixth in the Feature, Epling maneuvered his way up to as high as third and that's where he would stay in finishing in the last podium position.
"The car was a lot better than the night before, but still not quite up to what we expected. Especially at I-96! I think I kind of let one get away from us," Epling continued. Earlier in the race while battling for second, he dropped his right rear of the top of turn four and slid up high and falling back to fifth. He recovered to finish third. "It's a good finish, but we just expect better at our home track." He ended.
This Friday, August 12th, Epling and the team will return to Mt. Pleasant and then the next day on Saturday, August 13th, the team will head over to the Westside of the state of Michigan and to the 1/3 (0.333) mile high-banked dirt oval of Thunderbird Raceway in Muskegon, Michigan.
The following weekend is the World of Outlaw Late Models Series Michigan doubleheader weekend on a pair of 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked paved ovals beginning on Friday, August 19th at Winston Motor Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan and then on Saturday, August 20th at Merritt Raceway in Lake City, Michigan.
Then on Sunday, August 21st, Epling and crew will make it three races in three nights by participating in the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup UMP Late Models event back at Mt. Pleasant. This event is part of the tracks' Extreme 100 special; Two 50-lap features with one for the UMP Late Models and the other for the UMP Modifieds.
As the 2011 racing season continues on, Epling's popular red #28 Mastersbilt from Mars UMP Late Model with a Pontiac GTO nose has sponsorship decals adorning it from his own business; S.J.E. Trucking as well as Shift Shop Transmissions, Fusion Graphics & Sign Company, Hedrick Precision Engines, NashCar Trailers, Huffy's Marathon of Perry, 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.
The S.J.E. Motorsports Team returned to Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on August 5th to take on the traveling invaders of the Sunoco American Late Model Series. Going into this event and despite missing the last five Sunoco ALMS events, Epling came into the show 14th in the Sunoco ALMS Points Standings just 43 points out of the coveted top 10 and still in line for a nice paycheck at the end of the season courtesy of the 2011 Sunoco ALMS points fund.
An eighth place finish at the end of the night put Epling back into the coveted top 10 in the series points standings as he now sits 10th. "We should've been a lot better in the Feature than we were," The 41-year-old driver explained. Earlier in the night, he won the Heat Race and started the 40-lap main from the outside of the second row after the redraw. "We just missed the set-up and I couldn't get any kind of rhythm going at all. But it's still a top 10 finish, so we'll reluctantly take it. I know we're better than that though." He added.
Then the next night on August 6th, a short 45-minute venture west to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan was in store for the team during the Relay for Life Celebration at the Races. After starting sixth in the Feature, Epling maneuvered his way up to as high as third and that's where he would stay in finishing in the last podium position.
"The car was a lot better than the night before, but still not quite up to what we expected. Especially at I-96! I think I kind of let one get away from us," Epling continued. Earlier in the race while battling for second, he dropped his right rear of the top of turn four and slid up high and falling back to fifth. He recovered to finish third. "It's a good finish, but we just expect better at our home track." He ended.
This Friday, August 12th, Epling and the team will return to Mt. Pleasant and then the next day on Saturday, August 13th, the team will head over to the Westside of the state of Michigan and to the 1/3 (0.333) mile high-banked dirt oval of Thunderbird Raceway in Muskegon, Michigan.
The following weekend is the World of Outlaw Late Models Series Michigan doubleheader weekend on a pair of 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked paved ovals beginning on Friday, August 19th at Winston Motor Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan and then on Saturday, August 20th at Merritt Raceway in Lake City, Michigan.
Then on Sunday, August 21st, Epling and crew will make it three races in three nights by participating in the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup UMP Late Models event back at Mt. Pleasant. This event is part of the tracks' Extreme 100 special; Two 50-lap features with one for the UMP Late Models and the other for the UMP Modifieds.
As the 2011 racing season continues on, Epling's popular red #28 Mastersbilt from Mars UMP Late Model with a Pontiac GTO nose has sponsorship decals adorning it from his own business; S.J.E. Trucking as well as Shift Shop Transmissions, Fusion Graphics & Sign Company, Hedrick Precision Engines, NashCar Trailers, Huffy's Marathon of Perry, 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.
Monday, August 8, 2011
David Anthony Wiggers: 1944-2011
(Dave working as Pit Steward at Winston Speedway)Dave Wiggers lost his long battle this morning with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Dave spent over 50 years of his life involved in racing. If he was not behind the wheel, or owning a car he was working as a track official. While many times he came off as a rough and tough character, the people who truly got to know him knew he was just the opposite.
Many drivers drove for Dave as a car owner including Derek Poland, Randy Rake, and Mike Wilbern just to name a few. His most prized drivers were his son Ray Wiggers and his grandson Zach Wiggers. His passion for racing went unmatched with anyone in West Michigan.
While the racing community is saddened by his loss, I can guarantee you everyone close to the racing scene especially at Winston Speedway and Thunderbird Raceway has memory of Dave Wiggers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to assist the family with funeral expenses. No memorial service is planned at this time.
Mail To:
Dave Wiggers Memorial
CO/ Ray & Diane Wiggers
600 Firestone Ave.
Apt. 1006
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the Wiggers Family it can also be left at: Dave Wiggers Memorial Guestbook
Dave spent over 50 years of his life involved in racing. If he was not behind the wheel, or owning a car he was working as a track official. While many times he came off as a rough and tough character, the people who truly got to know him knew he was just the opposite.
Many drivers drove for Dave as a car owner including Derek Poland, Randy Rake, and Mike Wilbern just to name a few. His most prized drivers were his son Ray Wiggers and his grandson Zach Wiggers. His passion for racing went unmatched with anyone in West Michigan.
While the racing community is saddened by his loss, I can guarantee you everyone close to the racing scene especially at Winston Speedway and Thunderbird Raceway has memory of Dave Wiggers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to assist the family with funeral expenses. No memorial service is planned at this time.
Mail To:
Dave Wiggers Memorial
CO/ Ray & Diane Wiggers
600 Firestone Ave.
Apt. 1006
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the Wiggers Family it can also be left at: Dave Wiggers Memorial Guestbook
Kevin Thomas Jr Takes the Sprint Tic Title at Merritt Speedway
Kevin Thomas Jr Takes the Sprint Tic Title at Merritt Speedway
By Trevor Hollis
The two night Sprint Tic spectacular is in the books and it was Kevin Thomas Jr. taking the checkered flag both nights. 19 Lane Automotive non wing sprint cars made the trek to the Merritt Speedway Friday night as part of the second annual Sprint Tic weekend in Merritt, MI and right from qualifying it was the Alabama native who showed that he was going to dominate the weekend by setting fast time with a blistering lap of 13.54 seconds around dirt oval.
With qualifying in the books for the Friday night portion of the show it was on the heat races for that nights feature event. The Full Circle Energy heat race number one started the night off much like it would end with the 9k of Thomas in victory lane. In the Hoosier tire heat race number two it was the 31 of Chuck Wilson taking the top honors. And in the final heat race of the night sponsored by Allstar Performance went to the 91 of Joe Bares. With heat races in the books it was on to the 25 lap feature event and with all 19 cars taking the green flag action was bound to be fast paced and exciting and the men and their machines did not disappoint. A couple of early cautions forced the field to take the green flag single file but once spread out a little bit that’s when business really started to pick up for Thomas as he worked his way to the front and eventually took over the lead. Thomas, making his Michigan debut was the class of the field pulling away from Nick Landon and Joe Irwin and opening up a huge lead and looked to be on his way to an easy win before hitting lap traffic.
As Thomas was making his way under one of the lap cars, he clipped his front left tire on the inside tire barrier and spun his car allowing the 82 of Landon by and it looked like losing his opportunity at his first ever feature win. Thomas spun in turn 4 but was able to keep the car running and continued on. As this was all happening in turn 4 the 12b of Mike Baker was spinning in turn one and was not able to continue bring out the caution and reverting the field back to the last completed lap, handing the lead back over to Thomas. Kyle was able to hold on for the final few laps and pick up his first ever feature win over Nick Landon and Joe Irwin.
Night number two both the car count rise and the stakes as the second night of racing featured a number of lap sponsors putting up a little bit of additional money for the field to race for. Despite the new night and the new cars the results of qualifying were the same. Kyle Thomas once again set quick time on the evening, while not as quick as Friday night, Thomas’ lap of 13.63 was good enough to pace the field.
Starting on the outside of heat race one it was once again the 9k of Thomas that found victory lane, Joe Bares took heat race number two, while heat three went to Chuck Wilson. With the feature set all eyes were on the Alabama native to see if he was going to be able to make it two for two on the weekend and Thomas did not disappoint. Starting 6th on the field Thomas wasted no time making his way to front making a bold move on the opening lap to put himself in the top three before the field completed lap number one.
For the first half of the show it was Greg Dallmann showing the way as he battled with Joe Bares and a number of lap cars, until lap 11 when Thomas was able to get around the 49t. Thomas didn’t look back. Picking up the feature win on Saturday night Kyle Thomas Jr. made it a clean sweep for the weekend. Second place went to the 91 of Joe Bares and bringing home third place honors was the 49t of Greg Dalman.
With the second annual sprint tic in the books the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprint have a couple of weeks off. The next event on the schedule puts the series down in Waynesfield, OH for their co-sanctioned event as part of the Ohio vs MIch. For any other questions about the schedule please check out the series website www.mtsprints.com.
Full results:
night 1 - 1. Kevin Thomas jr, 2. Nick Landon, 3. Joe Irwin, 4. Chuck Wilson, 5.John Watson, 6.Keith Love, 7.Joe Bares, 8.Mark Strpko, 9.Chad Wilson, 10.Jim Payne, 11.Mark Irwin, 12. Mike Baker, 13. Dave Okerman, 14. Don Bostrom, 15. Kevin Hawk, 16. Tim Evilsizer, 17. Jay Steinebach, 18. Jerry Evilsiser, 19. Tim Champlin night 2- 1. Kevin Thimas jr, 2. Joe Bares, 3.Gregg Dalman, 4.Jay Steinebach, 5. Keith Love, 6.Chad Wilson, 7. Mark Irwin, 8. Mike Astrauskas, 9.Chuck Wilson, 10. Mark Strpko, 11. Joe Irwin, 12. Mike Baker, 13. Randy Kreple, 14. Tim Champlin, 15. Tim Evilsizer, 16. Don Bostrom, 17. John Watson, 18. Kevin Hawk, 19.Chris Pobanz, 20. Jerry Evilsizer.
By Trevor Hollis
The two night Sprint Tic spectacular is in the books and it was Kevin Thomas Jr. taking the checkered flag both nights. 19 Lane Automotive non wing sprint cars made the trek to the Merritt Speedway Friday night as part of the second annual Sprint Tic weekend in Merritt, MI and right from qualifying it was the Alabama native who showed that he was going to dominate the weekend by setting fast time with a blistering lap of 13.54 seconds around dirt oval.
With qualifying in the books for the Friday night portion of the show it was on the heat races for that nights feature event. The Full Circle Energy heat race number one started the night off much like it would end with the 9k of Thomas in victory lane. In the Hoosier tire heat race number two it was the 31 of Chuck Wilson taking the top honors. And in the final heat race of the night sponsored by Allstar Performance went to the 91 of Joe Bares. With heat races in the books it was on to the 25 lap feature event and with all 19 cars taking the green flag action was bound to be fast paced and exciting and the men and their machines did not disappoint. A couple of early cautions forced the field to take the green flag single file but once spread out a little bit that’s when business really started to pick up for Thomas as he worked his way to the front and eventually took over the lead. Thomas, making his Michigan debut was the class of the field pulling away from Nick Landon and Joe Irwin and opening up a huge lead and looked to be on his way to an easy win before hitting lap traffic.
As Thomas was making his way under one of the lap cars, he clipped his front left tire on the inside tire barrier and spun his car allowing the 82 of Landon by and it looked like losing his opportunity at his first ever feature win. Thomas spun in turn 4 but was able to keep the car running and continued on. As this was all happening in turn 4 the 12b of Mike Baker was spinning in turn one and was not able to continue bring out the caution and reverting the field back to the last completed lap, handing the lead back over to Thomas. Kyle was able to hold on for the final few laps and pick up his first ever feature win over Nick Landon and Joe Irwin.
Night number two both the car count rise and the stakes as the second night of racing featured a number of lap sponsors putting up a little bit of additional money for the field to race for. Despite the new night and the new cars the results of qualifying were the same. Kyle Thomas once again set quick time on the evening, while not as quick as Friday night, Thomas’ lap of 13.63 was good enough to pace the field.
Starting on the outside of heat race one it was once again the 9k of Thomas that found victory lane, Joe Bares took heat race number two, while heat three went to Chuck Wilson. With the feature set all eyes were on the Alabama native to see if he was going to be able to make it two for two on the weekend and Thomas did not disappoint. Starting 6th on the field Thomas wasted no time making his way to front making a bold move on the opening lap to put himself in the top three before the field completed lap number one.
For the first half of the show it was Greg Dallmann showing the way as he battled with Joe Bares and a number of lap cars, until lap 11 when Thomas was able to get around the 49t. Thomas didn’t look back. Picking up the feature win on Saturday night Kyle Thomas Jr. made it a clean sweep for the weekend. Second place went to the 91 of Joe Bares and bringing home third place honors was the 49t of Greg Dalman.
With the second annual sprint tic in the books the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprint have a couple of weeks off. The next event on the schedule puts the series down in Waynesfield, OH for their co-sanctioned event as part of the Ohio vs MIch. For any other questions about the schedule please check out the series website www.mtsprints.com.
Full results:
night 1 - 1. Kevin Thomas jr, 2. Nick Landon, 3. Joe Irwin, 4. Chuck Wilson, 5.John Watson, 6.Keith Love, 7.Joe Bares, 8.Mark Strpko, 9.Chad Wilson, 10.Jim Payne, 11.Mark Irwin, 12. Mike Baker, 13. Dave Okerman, 14. Don Bostrom, 15. Kevin Hawk, 16. Tim Evilsizer, 17. Jay Steinebach, 18. Jerry Evilsiser, 19. Tim Champlin night 2- 1. Kevin Thimas jr, 2. Joe Bares, 3.Gregg Dalman, 4.Jay Steinebach, 5. Keith Love, 6.Chad Wilson, 7. Mark Irwin, 8. Mike Astrauskas, 9.Chuck Wilson, 10. Mark Strpko, 11. Joe Irwin, 12. Mike Baker, 13. Randy Kreple, 14. Tim Champlin, 15. Tim Evilsizer, 16. Don Bostrom, 17. John Watson, 18. Kevin Hawk, 19.Chris Pobanz, 20. Jerry Evilsizer.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Monte Tolan wins The Chet; Seth Moody, Brandon Hermiller, Jared Lyzenga and Tyler Nawrocki also victorious
Marne, MI – After waiting out a rain delay for the majority of the afternoon, the skies finally cleared at Berlin Raceway; the sun came out, as did the fans and they were treated to a fantastic night of racing. There were two first- time winners in Monte Tolan (Coors Light Late Model) and Seth Moody (Engine Pro Super Stock). Jared Lyzenga (Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder A) got his first win of the season and adding to their win totals for the season were Tyler Nawrocki (Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder B) and Brandon Hermiller (Kerkstra Services Pro Stock).
The Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder B division was the first to take the track for a 15-lap feature with #40 Charlie DeJong and #72 Dan Ream on the front row. DeJong took the lead and the #41 of Kyle VanDrunen and #20 Tyler Nawrocki on his bumper. Nawrocki was able to get past VanDrunen and went to the outside to challenge DeJong for the lead. The first caution of the race came out on lap 4, #18 Justin Lyzenga spun in turn 3. On the restart, Nawrocki had the advantage and took the lead as DeJong was under attack from #63 Paul Ritchie. Ritchie took second , but the car on the move was Lyzenga. He was taking it three wide with DeJong and #84 Steve Thompson, but it didn’t pan out. After contact with Lyzenga, DeJong spun in turn three on lap 8. Just after the race was restarted, debris was spotted on the backstretch, so the caution was displayed again. After the cars were restated, Ritchie didn’t let Nawrocki get that far ahead; Thompson also came up to challenge for the lead, but there was no stopping Nawrocki who went on to get his sixth win of the season. The rest of the top ten were Ritchie, Thompson, DeJong, #10 Dave Duyst, #44 Nicole DeVos, Lyzenga, VanDrunen, Ream and #08 Melinda Goen.
The #65 of Andy Church and #024 Cole Roelofs were on the front row for the 15-lap Burnips Equipment A feature and it was the #77 of Jared Lyzenga making it interesting on the start. Lyzenga immediately went three wide with Church and #51 Brad Hastings and on lap three he took second from #354 Chris McKinley and got next to Roelofs to challenge for the lead on lap 5. The top three were only separated by .2 seconds, but when Lyzenga made the pass for the lead, he was able to pull away with it as McKinley and Roelofs were fighting for second. The field fell into single file formation for the remainder of the laps and it was Lyzenga taking the checkered flag. The rest of the finishing order was McKinley, Roelofs, #14 Bill Krupp, #20 Jackson Walker, Hastings and Church.
The Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks were next up with a 25-lap feature; #26 Brian Thome on the pole and #F1 Randy Veldman on his outside. The first four laps saw Thome and Veldman run side by side until Veldman fell back and Thome took the lead. On lap 7, #18 Mitch Meppelink was looking under Thome for the lead and took it on lap 9; #15 also got by Thome for second on lap 11. The battle for the lead was then on during lap 14, Root dove underneath Meppelink and #76 Brian Tillema followed through and tried to get under Root at the line. Tillema took the lead on lap 17 and right behind the leaders was the #6 of Brandon Hermiller taking third from #20 Dave Hull. Hermiller got past both Hull and Root and he then had just five laps to catch up with Tillema. Hermiller was steadily catching Tillema and on lap 23 he took the lead and never looked back. Hermiller got his seventh win of the 2011 season and Tillema, Root, Hull, #84 Darin Niemi, #88 Tony Davis, Meppelink, #51 Weston Jewett, Thome and #23 Andrew MacIntosh completed the top ten.
Up next were the Engine Pro Super Stocks with #10 Josh Hobson and #3 Travis Nylaan leading the field to the green flag for a 30-lap feature. Hobson was the leader and the car on the move was #26 Seth Moody. Moody took second from Nylaan on lap three and then started chopping in to Hobson’s lead. On lap 9, Moody was on Hobson’s bumper and was giving chase. Moody seemed to be biding his time to challenge for the lead, but #18 Denny Anderson wasn’t far behind. On lap 14, Moody took the inside lane a got past Hobson; Anderson was also able to get by. Caution was out on lap 17; Hobson came to a stop coming out of turn 4 due to a flat right rear tire. The restart was double file and it was Anderson who was pushing hard for the lead, but Moody was able to pull away as Anderson was trying to hold off #51 Justin Ryan. With just four laps to go, Ryan made the pass for second and Moody had a 1.5 second lead. That lead was swiftly erased when the caution came out again with just three laps to go; #44 Brian VanZalen spun on the frontstretech. Moody has just three laps to try to hold off a hard-charging Ryan who was giving it all he had. Moody was able to keep the lead and get his first career win at Berlin Raceway. The rest of the top ten were Ryan, Anderson, #78 Will Olmsted, #50 Justin Regnerus, Nylaan, #77 Andrew Nylaan, #66 Nate Walton, #1 Brian Wiersma and #94.5 Nick Gebben.
The final event of the night was the 100-lap Coors Light Late Model race – The Chet. The #12 of Tim DeVos was on point with #22 Chris Koslek on his outside. DeVos was quick to jump out in front of the field, but Koslek was keeping pace with him. Looking back through the field, the next race for position was for fifth between #37 Terry Senneker and #14 Steve Needles. Senneker was strong in the high lane took the position on lap 11. Lap 13 saw the #33 of Monte Tolan moving up through the field, he took third from #9 Mike Root and was working on Koslek for second. Tolan took the position on lap 18 and another car that was looking fast was the #1 of Barry Hartwell who had cracked the top five on lap 22. On lap 37, he was battling Senneker for third just as Tolan was catching up to DeVos. Tolan would get close and then fall back, studying DeVos and trying to find a way around him. Hartwell put himself in the third position on lap 38 after passing Senneker and Senneker would then have to hold off Needles. Lap 71 saw the first lead change of the night when Tolan overtook DeVos and began driving away. Just ten laps later, the first caution of the race came out when Needles spun in turn 2 and Tolan’s three second led was taken away. DeVos got a great restart and took the lead back and with Tolan under attack from #32 Ross Meeuwsen, DeVos was able to pull away. With ten laps to go, Tolan was able to get away from Meeuwsen and began closing back in on DeVos. Tolan slid under DeVos on lap 92 and by lap 93, he was back in the lead. With DeVos and Meeuwsen mixing it up with five laps to go, Tolan was able to drive away and claim his first career win! It was Meeuwsen getting second and the rest of the top ten were DeVos, Hartwell, Senneker, Needles, #X Ray Clay, Root, #222 Caleb Bisacky and #24 Lee VanDyk.
Next Saturday, August 13 is a 4-in-1 show featuring the Engine Pro Super Stocks, Model Coverall Modifieds, Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks and Vintage Racing Organization of America. Tickets are just $10 for adults and kids 11 and under are free; the first race of the night starts at 7 p.m.
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The Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder B division was the first to take the track for a 15-lap feature with #40 Charlie DeJong and #72 Dan Ream on the front row. DeJong took the lead and the #41 of Kyle VanDrunen and #20 Tyler Nawrocki on his bumper. Nawrocki was able to get past VanDrunen and went to the outside to challenge DeJong for the lead. The first caution of the race came out on lap 4, #18 Justin Lyzenga spun in turn 3. On the restart, Nawrocki had the advantage and took the lead as DeJong was under attack from #63 Paul Ritchie. Ritchie took second , but the car on the move was Lyzenga. He was taking it three wide with DeJong and #84 Steve Thompson, but it didn’t pan out. After contact with Lyzenga, DeJong spun in turn three on lap 8. Just after the race was restarted, debris was spotted on the backstretch, so the caution was displayed again. After the cars were restated, Ritchie didn’t let Nawrocki get that far ahead; Thompson also came up to challenge for the lead, but there was no stopping Nawrocki who went on to get his sixth win of the season. The rest of the top ten were Ritchie, Thompson, DeJong, #10 Dave Duyst, #44 Nicole DeVos, Lyzenga, VanDrunen, Ream and #08 Melinda Goen.
The #65 of Andy Church and #024 Cole Roelofs were on the front row for the 15-lap Burnips Equipment A feature and it was the #77 of Jared Lyzenga making it interesting on the start. Lyzenga immediately went three wide with Church and #51 Brad Hastings and on lap three he took second from #354 Chris McKinley and got next to Roelofs to challenge for the lead on lap 5. The top three were only separated by .2 seconds, but when Lyzenga made the pass for the lead, he was able to pull away with it as McKinley and Roelofs were fighting for second. The field fell into single file formation for the remainder of the laps and it was Lyzenga taking the checkered flag. The rest of the finishing order was McKinley, Roelofs, #14 Bill Krupp, #20 Jackson Walker, Hastings and Church.
The Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks were next up with a 25-lap feature; #26 Brian Thome on the pole and #F1 Randy Veldman on his outside. The first four laps saw Thome and Veldman run side by side until Veldman fell back and Thome took the lead. On lap 7, #18 Mitch Meppelink was looking under Thome for the lead and took it on lap 9; #15 also got by Thome for second on lap 11. The battle for the lead was then on during lap 14, Root dove underneath Meppelink and #76 Brian Tillema followed through and tried to get under Root at the line. Tillema took the lead on lap 17 and right behind the leaders was the #6 of Brandon Hermiller taking third from #20 Dave Hull. Hermiller got past both Hull and Root and he then had just five laps to catch up with Tillema. Hermiller was steadily catching Tillema and on lap 23 he took the lead and never looked back. Hermiller got his seventh win of the 2011 season and Tillema, Root, Hull, #84 Darin Niemi, #88 Tony Davis, Meppelink, #51 Weston Jewett, Thome and #23 Andrew MacIntosh completed the top ten.
Up next were the Engine Pro Super Stocks with #10 Josh Hobson and #3 Travis Nylaan leading the field to the green flag for a 30-lap feature. Hobson was the leader and the car on the move was #26 Seth Moody. Moody took second from Nylaan on lap three and then started chopping in to Hobson’s lead. On lap 9, Moody was on Hobson’s bumper and was giving chase. Moody seemed to be biding his time to challenge for the lead, but #18 Denny Anderson wasn’t far behind. On lap 14, Moody took the inside lane a got past Hobson; Anderson was also able to get by. Caution was out on lap 17; Hobson came to a stop coming out of turn 4 due to a flat right rear tire. The restart was double file and it was Anderson who was pushing hard for the lead, but Moody was able to pull away as Anderson was trying to hold off #51 Justin Ryan. With just four laps to go, Ryan made the pass for second and Moody had a 1.5 second lead. That lead was swiftly erased when the caution came out again with just three laps to go; #44 Brian VanZalen spun on the frontstretech. Moody has just three laps to try to hold off a hard-charging Ryan who was giving it all he had. Moody was able to keep the lead and get his first career win at Berlin Raceway. The rest of the top ten were Ryan, Anderson, #78 Will Olmsted, #50 Justin Regnerus, Nylaan, #77 Andrew Nylaan, #66 Nate Walton, #1 Brian Wiersma and #94.5 Nick Gebben.
The final event of the night was the 100-lap Coors Light Late Model race – The Chet. The #12 of Tim DeVos was on point with #22 Chris Koslek on his outside. DeVos was quick to jump out in front of the field, but Koslek was keeping pace with him. Looking back through the field, the next race for position was for fifth between #37 Terry Senneker and #14 Steve Needles. Senneker was strong in the high lane took the position on lap 11. Lap 13 saw the #33 of Monte Tolan moving up through the field, he took third from #9 Mike Root and was working on Koslek for second. Tolan took the position on lap 18 and another car that was looking fast was the #1 of Barry Hartwell who had cracked the top five on lap 22. On lap 37, he was battling Senneker for third just as Tolan was catching up to DeVos. Tolan would get close and then fall back, studying DeVos and trying to find a way around him. Hartwell put himself in the third position on lap 38 after passing Senneker and Senneker would then have to hold off Needles. Lap 71 saw the first lead change of the night when Tolan overtook DeVos and began driving away. Just ten laps later, the first caution of the race came out when Needles spun in turn 2 and Tolan’s three second led was taken away. DeVos got a great restart and took the lead back and with Tolan under attack from #32 Ross Meeuwsen, DeVos was able to pull away. With ten laps to go, Tolan was able to get away from Meeuwsen and began closing back in on DeVos. Tolan slid under DeVos on lap 92 and by lap 93, he was back in the lead. With DeVos and Meeuwsen mixing it up with five laps to go, Tolan was able to drive away and claim his first career win! It was Meeuwsen getting second and the rest of the top ten were DeVos, Hartwell, Senneker, Needles, #X Ray Clay, Root, #222 Caleb Bisacky and #24 Lee VanDyk.
Next Saturday, August 13 is a 4-in-1 show featuring the Engine Pro Super Stocks, Model Coverall Modifieds, Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks and Vintage Racing Organization of America. Tickets are just $10 for adults and kids 11 and under are free; the first race of the night starts at 7 p.m.
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I-96 Speedway RESULTS for Saturday, August 6th, 2011
Brandon Thirlby Bags a $1,500 pay day at I-96 Speedway in the Relay for Life Celebration
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, August 6th, 2011): I-96 Speedway hosted the Relay for Life Celebration on Saturday, August 6th as Co-Owners / Promoters Mike and Sarah Mouch fought off the constant threat of Mother Nature throughout the afternoon and into the evening, and despite a very bleak outlook, and a two-hour delay due to the extensive track prep needed, the entire show was completed and the patrons who filled the grandstands were treated to some great racing on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
The first Feature of the night was for the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks and their 20-lap feature was led to the green by Larry Passenier and Josh Frye and it would be Passenier grabbing the early lead while the rest of the field jockeyed for position. Current points leader, Bill Brandt Jr., began his charge to the front from his sixth starting spot and worked his way into second place after a lengthy battle with defending track champion. Gary Vandermark.
Vandermark would drop out just past the 1/2 way point with a flat tire leaving Brandt Jr., to challenge Passenier for the lead. With three laps to go, Brandt Jr., would grab the lead away from Passenier and as they drove into turns one and two, they touched sending Brandt Jr., around. Both were sent to the rear of the field giving the lead to Frye who was lurking in third spot.
Frye would survive one more caution and the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his Rhino Roofing & Construction Chevrolet would hang on to score his first career I-96 Speedway Feature Win. Rich Sweet finished second while 2009 Track Champion, Aaron Wolf was third. Brandt Jr., and Passenier rallied to finish fourth and fifth respectively.
2010 Rookie of the Year, Ron Harper finished sixth as regular UMP Late Models driver, Luke Hubbell, in a rare UMP Street Stocks appearance, was seventh. 15-year-old Rookie, Carlind Forsythe, another rookie, Nathan Eli, and first time visitor, Joel Fild wrapped up the top 10. Wolf, Vandermark, and Brandt Jr., won the Heat Races.
The premier division within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series, the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models rolled out next for their extended distance 30-lap feature as the high-powered machines were going for a hefty $1,500 to win. Dan Hubble and Scott Baker led the field into turn one and it would be Baker beating out Hubble to the first corner to take the lead.
Zack Olger, who took over the points lead in the chase for the 2011 Track Championship after points leader coming into the night, Tom Sprague Jr., was a no-show, worked his way into second from his fifth starting spot and began challenging Baker for the lead. On lap nine, Olger's transmission gave out and he spun in turn four and was done for the night. This gave second place to Brandon Thirlby, who won the Sunoco American Late Model Series race at Mt. Pleasant Speedway the night before.
Earlier in the day, the Traverse City, Michigan driver raced over at Thunderbird Raceway in Muskegon, Michigan, an hour away, and won the UMP Late Models Feature there. Then he raced over to I-96 and made it in time to start at the back of this Feature. After getting into second, he fought tooth and nail with Baker before steering his Thirlby Automotive Chevrolet by Baker on lap 21 and in the end would pull away to win his second feature win of the night, and his third Feature triumph in 24 hours
Baker finished second with Sammy Epling, Dean Wilkerson, and Rookie Jason Wiley completing the top five. Ben Hidy was sixth while Rookie Points Leader, Kathy Jarvis was seventh over Hubble, two-time and defending track champion, Eric Spangler, and Kris Patterson Jr., who finished off the top 10. Patterson Jr., and Olger would collect Heat Race victories,
Next up would be the scheduled 30-lap Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds Feature and the front row would consist of former two-time track champion, Todd Feutz and Tim Dalman. Feutz would take the early lead while the drivers first and second in the season long points chase, Mark Anderson and Jacob Poel would quickly take over second and third from their seventh and fifth starting spots respectively.
Anderson and Poel would battle hard for the runner-up spot while Feutz maintained a safe distance from the two dueling drivers to keep the lead. On lap 17, they touched sending Anderson around. He went to the back while Poel stayed up in second, but with a damaged race car. On the next restart, a major seven-car pile-up occurred in turns three and four and Anderson was involved and was done for the night. Poel pulled into the pits under the red flag as he was too damaged to continue from the earlier incident.
Two more major incidents forcing red flag situations forced track officials to cut the feature to 20 laps due to time constraints and setting up a green-white-checkered finish. Feutz fought off a late challenge from veteran Tim Stemler and the Ada, Michigan driver, in his O.M.M. Engineering Chevrolet would go on to win his second Feature of the season. Stemler was second with 2007 Track Champion, Shannon Fisk finished third over Tim Dalman and Justin Fleming from 19th finished fifth.
Dave Baker was sixth as Bryant Dickinson, Todd Cowan, 18-year-old Rookie, Nick Kurtz, and Ken Beutler from 18th, were the top 10. Jared Guinn, Anderson, and Justin Matson won the Qualifier Heat Races while 19-year-old Jacob Bailey won the B Main over 18-year-old Derek Passenier, Beutler, Fleming, and Chad Maurer finished off the top five and transferred into the Feature.
The final Feature of the night would be for the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts and the 20-lap main would be led to the green by Greg Pinard and 10-year-old rookie, Christopher Joyce and heading into turn one it would be Rick Peck, who started sixth, rocketing past the five cars who started ahead of him to take the early lead while the rest of the field settled in behind him.
Peck was soon joined by Rich Lieb, who would follow Peck by the front row and soon the duo would pull away to battle. They were eventually joined by veteran Paul Namey, the 2010 Runner-Up who was making only his second appearance of the 2011 racing season. The trio would have a bunch of real estate between them and the rest of the pack.
All the while, Peck would fight off the advances of Lieb and later Namey who would pass Lieb and try in vain to get around the 2010 18 and Over Rookie of the Year. In the end however, Peck, who has shown no signs of a "sophomore jinx" would end up taking the checkered flag and the Hastings, Michigan driver in his Frisbee & Sons Plastering Saturn would collect his second Feature win of the year.
Namey settled for second with Lieb, Tim Horvath II, and 16-year-old Rookie, Kenny Playter completing the top five. Scott Rumsey was sixth while Rookie Kyle Brigance from 16th, Jeff Dygert, Pinard, and 13-year-old Harper Hotchkiss would complete the final top 10. Lieb, Horvath II, and Peck collected the Heat Race triumphs.
THIS Saturday, August 13th, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants Presents the second of three appearances by the Grand Rapids, Michigan based Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt Presented by ARP as the high flying, fire breathing, winged warriors will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval and return to their home track for the second of three appearances in 2011.
Current Series Points Leader and former two-time series champion from near-by Portland, Michigan; Dustin Daggett, who has six Feature Wins in ASCS Sprints on Dirt competition so far this season, including a dominating win in the series' first appearance at I-96 back on June 18th, will lead a stacked field of Winged Sprint Cars into Lake Odessa, Michigan.
Defending Series Champion, Ryan Grubaugh from near-by St. Johns, Michigan will be looking to stop the Daggett Dominance this season as well as another former two-time series champion and former three-time I-96 Speedway Track Champion, Brett Mann. Plus former series champion and Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame Driver, Ken Mackey, former I-96 champion, Robert Huisken, and other stars like Joe Bares, Davey Brown, Gregg Dalman, Jared Horstman, Marques Huffer, Jim Lingar, Matt Lumbert, Blake Nimee, Ryan Ruhl, Ben Rutan, Trey Smith, and many more will all be in attendance.
Also on the card will be 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) as all three divisions within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series will join the Sprints on the 3/8s mile.
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, August 13th are; Adults (13-61): $15.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00, Children (6-12): $8.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $35.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP made their first appearance back on June 18th after getting rained out in the series' first scheduled appearance back on May 14th, (that race has since been officially cancelled and will not be made up), the Grand Rapids, Michigan based Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP were pushed off and after an impressive four-wide salute, the green flag flew for their 25-lap feature with 1999 I-96 Speedway Track Champion Robert Huisken and Joe Bares leading the stellar field to the green.
All the way from his outside third row starting spot, home track favorite, Dustin Daggett rocketed into the lead passing all five cars in front of him by the time they came out of turn two before even completing lap one, and to the roar of the partisan crowd on hand, Daggett would lead that first lap. From that point on, the all-time leader in feature wins in the series as well as a former two-time series champion put on a clinic few fans who witnessed the race will ever forget.
Daggett would take advantage of the caution free event to lap everyone up to the second place and in the end, the Portland, Michigan driver in his Miles Petroleum Group / Maxim Chassis machine would dominate like few have ever seen in track history en route to the popular win. Jared Horstman finished second and was the only other car on the lead lap! Bares was third with Ben Rutan and Gregg Dalman the top five. Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer Ken Mackey was sixth as former Three-Time Track Champion Brett Mann was seventh with Huisken, Blake Nimee, and Andy Chewoski wrapped up the top 10.
There was no Qualifying for the 27 Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP teams as the heat races used a passing points system to transfer cars into the Feature as Daggett, Mackey, Defending Series Champion and Feature Winner the night before at Cherry Raceway, Ryan Grubaugh, and Horstman scored heat race wins while Nimee won the dash. Tim Champlin won the B Main over Kirk Cheney, Dustin Shriver, and Nic Rogers who also transferred to the feature.
The ASCS Sprints on Dirt return to I-96 Speedway once more in 2011 after the events of Saturday, August 13th as they will headline the 4th annual Dirt Gold Cup Championship Extravaganza on Saturday, September 24th. On this night, the Sprints on Dirt will crown their 2011 Series Champion and Rookie of the Year during their 2011 Season Championships. To learn more about the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP, go to the series website located at: www.sprintsondirt.com
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, August 6th, 2011): I-96 Speedway hosted the Relay for Life Celebration on Saturday, August 6th as Co-Owners / Promoters Mike and Sarah Mouch fought off the constant threat of Mother Nature throughout the afternoon and into the evening, and despite a very bleak outlook, and a two-hour delay due to the extensive track prep needed, the entire show was completed and the patrons who filled the grandstands were treated to some great racing on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval.
The first Feature of the night was for the Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants UMP Street Stocks and their 20-lap feature was led to the green by Larry Passenier and Josh Frye and it would be Passenier grabbing the early lead while the rest of the field jockeyed for position. Current points leader, Bill Brandt Jr., began his charge to the front from his sixth starting spot and worked his way into second place after a lengthy battle with defending track champion. Gary Vandermark.
Vandermark would drop out just past the 1/2 way point with a flat tire leaving Brandt Jr., to challenge Passenier for the lead. With three laps to go, Brandt Jr., would grab the lead away from Passenier and as they drove into turns one and two, they touched sending Brandt Jr., around. Both were sent to the rear of the field giving the lead to Frye who was lurking in third spot.
Frye would survive one more caution and the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his Rhino Roofing & Construction Chevrolet would hang on to score his first career I-96 Speedway Feature Win. Rich Sweet finished second while 2009 Track Champion, Aaron Wolf was third. Brandt Jr., and Passenier rallied to finish fourth and fifth respectively.
2010 Rookie of the Year, Ron Harper finished sixth as regular UMP Late Models driver, Luke Hubbell, in a rare UMP Street Stocks appearance, was seventh. 15-year-old Rookie, Carlind Forsythe, another rookie, Nathan Eli, and first time visitor, Joel Fild wrapped up the top 10. Wolf, Vandermark, and Brandt Jr., won the Heat Races.
The premier division within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series, the Tinney Automotive UMP Late Models rolled out next for their extended distance 30-lap feature as the high-powered machines were going for a hefty $1,500 to win. Dan Hubble and Scott Baker led the field into turn one and it would be Baker beating out Hubble to the first corner to take the lead.
Zack Olger, who took over the points lead in the chase for the 2011 Track Championship after points leader coming into the night, Tom Sprague Jr., was a no-show, worked his way into second from his fifth starting spot and began challenging Baker for the lead. On lap nine, Olger's transmission gave out and he spun in turn four and was done for the night. This gave second place to Brandon Thirlby, who won the Sunoco American Late Model Series race at Mt. Pleasant Speedway the night before.
Earlier in the day, the Traverse City, Michigan driver raced over at Thunderbird Raceway in Muskegon, Michigan, an hour away, and won the UMP Late Models Feature there. Then he raced over to I-96 and made it in time to start at the back of this Feature. After getting into second, he fought tooth and nail with Baker before steering his Thirlby Automotive Chevrolet by Baker on lap 21 and in the end would pull away to win his second feature win of the night, and his third Feature triumph in 24 hours
Baker finished second with Sammy Epling, Dean Wilkerson, and Rookie Jason Wiley completing the top five. Ben Hidy was sixth while Rookie Points Leader, Kathy Jarvis was seventh over Hubble, two-time and defending track champion, Eric Spangler, and Kris Patterson Jr., who finished off the top 10. Patterson Jr., and Olger would collect Heat Race victories,
Next up would be the scheduled 30-lap Lane Automotive UMP Modifieds Feature and the front row would consist of former two-time track champion, Todd Feutz and Tim Dalman. Feutz would take the early lead while the drivers first and second in the season long points chase, Mark Anderson and Jacob Poel would quickly take over second and third from their seventh and fifth starting spots respectively.
Anderson and Poel would battle hard for the runner-up spot while Feutz maintained a safe distance from the two dueling drivers to keep the lead. On lap 17, they touched sending Anderson around. He went to the back while Poel stayed up in second, but with a damaged race car. On the next restart, a major seven-car pile-up occurred in turns three and four and Anderson was involved and was done for the night. Poel pulled into the pits under the red flag as he was too damaged to continue from the earlier incident.
Two more major incidents forcing red flag situations forced track officials to cut the feature to 20 laps due to time constraints and setting up a green-white-checkered finish. Feutz fought off a late challenge from veteran Tim Stemler and the Ada, Michigan driver, in his O.M.M. Engineering Chevrolet would go on to win his second Feature of the season. Stemler was second with 2007 Track Champion, Shannon Fisk finished third over Tim Dalman and Justin Fleming from 19th finished fifth.
Dave Baker was sixth as Bryant Dickinson, Todd Cowan, 18-year-old Rookie, Nick Kurtz, and Ken Beutler from 18th, were the top 10. Jared Guinn, Anderson, and Justin Matson won the Qualifier Heat Races while 19-year-old Jacob Bailey won the B Main over 18-year-old Derek Passenier, Beutler, Fleming, and Chad Maurer finished off the top five and transferred into the Feature.
The final Feature of the night would be for the Jim's Auto Body of Portland UMP Sport Compacts and the 20-lap main would be led to the green by Greg Pinard and 10-year-old rookie, Christopher Joyce and heading into turn one it would be Rick Peck, who started sixth, rocketing past the five cars who started ahead of him to take the early lead while the rest of the field settled in behind him.
Peck was soon joined by Rich Lieb, who would follow Peck by the front row and soon the duo would pull away to battle. They were eventually joined by veteran Paul Namey, the 2010 Runner-Up who was making only his second appearance of the 2011 racing season. The trio would have a bunch of real estate between them and the rest of the pack.
All the while, Peck would fight off the advances of Lieb and later Namey who would pass Lieb and try in vain to get around the 2010 18 and Over Rookie of the Year. In the end however, Peck, who has shown no signs of a "sophomore jinx" would end up taking the checkered flag and the Hastings, Michigan driver in his Frisbee & Sons Plastering Saturn would collect his second Feature win of the year.
Namey settled for second with Lieb, Tim Horvath II, and 16-year-old Rookie, Kenny Playter completing the top five. Scott Rumsey was sixth while Rookie Kyle Brigance from 16th, Jeff Dygert, Pinard, and 13-year-old Harper Hotchkiss would complete the final top 10. Lieb, Horvath II, and Peck collected the Heat Race triumphs.
THIS Saturday, August 13th, Renegade Racing Fuels & Lubricants Presents the second of three appearances by the Grand Rapids, Michigan based Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt Presented by ARP as the high flying, fire breathing, winged warriors will take on the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval and return to their home track for the second of three appearances in 2011.
Current Series Points Leader and former two-time series champion from near-by Portland, Michigan; Dustin Daggett, who has six Feature Wins in ASCS Sprints on Dirt competition so far this season, including a dominating win in the series' first appearance at I-96 back on June 18th, will lead a stacked field of Winged Sprint Cars into Lake Odessa, Michigan.
Defending Series Champion, Ryan Grubaugh from near-by St. Johns, Michigan will be looking to stop the Daggett Dominance this season as well as another former two-time series champion and former three-time I-96 Speedway Track Champion, Brett Mann. Plus former series champion and Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame Driver, Ken Mackey, former I-96 champion, Robert Huisken, and other stars like Joe Bares, Davey Brown, Gregg Dalman, Jared Horstman, Marques Huffer, Jim Lingar, Matt Lumbert, Blake Nimee, Ryan Ruhl, Ben Rutan, Trey Smith, and many more will all be in attendance.
Also on the card will be 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) as all three divisions within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series will join the Sprints on the 3/8s mile.
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, August 13th are; Adults (13-61): $15.00, Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00, Children (6-12): $8.00, Kids (5 and Under): FREE. Family Pass (A Family Pass will get 2 Adults and 2 Children into the races. Once inside the Kid's Club is Free for the Kids!): $35.00. Finally, Pit Passes: $25.00.
The Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP made their first appearance back on June 18th after getting rained out in the series' first scheduled appearance back on May 14th, (that race has since been officially cancelled and will not be made up), the Grand Rapids, Michigan based Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP were pushed off and after an impressive four-wide salute, the green flag flew for their 25-lap feature with 1999 I-96 Speedway Track Champion Robert Huisken and Joe Bares leading the stellar field to the green.
All the way from his outside third row starting spot, home track favorite, Dustin Daggett rocketed into the lead passing all five cars in front of him by the time they came out of turn two before even completing lap one, and to the roar of the partisan crowd on hand, Daggett would lead that first lap. From that point on, the all-time leader in feature wins in the series as well as a former two-time series champion put on a clinic few fans who witnessed the race will ever forget.
Daggett would take advantage of the caution free event to lap everyone up to the second place and in the end, the Portland, Michigan driver in his Miles Petroleum Group / Maxim Chassis machine would dominate like few have ever seen in track history en route to the popular win. Jared Horstman finished second and was the only other car on the lead lap! Bares was third with Ben Rutan and Gregg Dalman the top five. Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer Ken Mackey was sixth as former Three-Time Track Champion Brett Mann was seventh with Huisken, Blake Nimee, and Andy Chewoski wrapped up the top 10.
There was no Qualifying for the 27 Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP teams as the heat races used a passing points system to transfer cars into the Feature as Daggett, Mackey, Defending Series Champion and Feature Winner the night before at Cherry Raceway, Ryan Grubaugh, and Horstman scored heat race wins while Nimee won the dash. Tim Champlin won the B Main over Kirk Cheney, Dustin Shriver, and Nic Rogers who also transferred to the feature.
The ASCS Sprints on Dirt return to I-96 Speedway once more in 2011 after the events of Saturday, August 13th as they will headline the 4th annual Dirt Gold Cup Championship Extravaganza on Saturday, September 24th. On this night, the Sprints on Dirt will crown their 2011 Series Champion and Rookie of the Year during their 2011 Season Championships. To learn more about the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP, go to the series website located at: www.sprintsondirt.com
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"
Caledonia's Monte Tolan, Middleville's Seth Moody grab first feature victories at Berlin
Caledonia's Monte Tolan, Middleville's Seth Moody grab first feature victories at Berlin
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE -- Monte Tolan and Seth Moody won their first career feature races Saturday night at Berlin Raceway, and they took different roads to victory.
Moody was the hunted, while Tolan was the hunter.
Tolan, of Caledonia won the 11th annual Chet, a 100-lap Late Model feature race in honor of the late Berlin founder Chester Mysliwiec. Tolan overtook Tim DeVos with seven laps to go to grab the win.
Tolan overtook Tim DeVos on lap 71, but he eventually lost the lead to DeVos on a lap 82 restart. But Tolan didn’t panic.
"You sit here and work so hard, and you race against the Tim DeVos’ and Ross Meeuwsen’s of the world, and to be standing here in Victory Lane, I’m pumped," Tolan said. "I knew I had enough laps to pass him back, and we were able to hunt him down."
Moody, of Middleville, won the 30-lap Super Stock feature. He held off last week’s winner Justin Ryan by 0.229 seconds in the main. Moody was pulling away from the field when caution dropped with three laps left, wiping out a 1.5 second advantage and putting Ryan right on his rear for the restart. But Moody held off Ryan.
"When that caution came out, I’m saying, ‘Oh man, oh man, Justin is right behind me, I have to stay in front of him,’" Moody said. "He got underneath me, but the car held strong on the outside.
"I was pretty confident. I had built up a pretty big lead, and I knew I could do it again if I got back in front of him."
Dave Moody, also of Middleville, spotted for his grandson Saturday. He said he probably was more nervous than his grandson.
"I knew if he could get out in front, he could stay there, but (Ryan) was pushing hard," Dave Moody said. "I was a little nervous. This is fantastic. He has raced at Kalamazoo (Speedway) and has won a lot of races at Winston (Motor Speedway)."
Brandon Hermiller, of Coopersville, won his track-high seventh Pro Stocks feature, overtaking four-time defending champion Brian Tillema for the lead with two laps remaining. Hermiller entered Saturday’s program with a 53-point lead over Tillema, but no way would he playing it safe.
Hermiller started eighth in the 18-car field but patiently worked his way to the front.
"You always have to go for the wins," Hermiller said. "You can’t settle for second. I know from last year that 50 points can go like that. You can have 50 points in the bank, and in one race, it’s gone. You have to keep going.
"In the beginning, we were kind of struggling with the car. But once it came to me, we were good. That’s how it goes."
Jared Lyzenga and Tyler Nawrocki won 15-lap 4 Cylinder features Saturday, with Lyzenga winning his first career A main and Nawrocki claiming his sixth B feature. It was the fourth consecutive win for Nawrocki, the division’s points leader.
Lyzenga was beaten by Chris McKinley by 0.08 of a second last week, but he got the best of McKinley on Saturday, winning by 0.740.
"I changed up the tire pressure, but that was about all," said Lyzenga, a 20-year old second-generation driver from Byron Center. "I was OK with last week, I knew there were more weeks left. We felt like we had something for them this week."
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE -- Monte Tolan and Seth Moody won their first career feature races Saturday night at Berlin Raceway, and they took different roads to victory.
Moody was the hunted, while Tolan was the hunter.
Tolan, of Caledonia won the 11th annual Chet, a 100-lap Late Model feature race in honor of the late Berlin founder Chester Mysliwiec. Tolan overtook Tim DeVos with seven laps to go to grab the win.
Tolan overtook Tim DeVos on lap 71, but he eventually lost the lead to DeVos on a lap 82 restart. But Tolan didn’t panic.
"You sit here and work so hard, and you race against the Tim DeVos’ and Ross Meeuwsen’s of the world, and to be standing here in Victory Lane, I’m pumped," Tolan said. "I knew I had enough laps to pass him back, and we were able to hunt him down."
Moody, of Middleville, won the 30-lap Super Stock feature. He held off last week’s winner Justin Ryan by 0.229 seconds in the main. Moody was pulling away from the field when caution dropped with three laps left, wiping out a 1.5 second advantage and putting Ryan right on his rear for the restart. But Moody held off Ryan.
"When that caution came out, I’m saying, ‘Oh man, oh man, Justin is right behind me, I have to stay in front of him,’" Moody said. "He got underneath me, but the car held strong on the outside.
"I was pretty confident. I had built up a pretty big lead, and I knew I could do it again if I got back in front of him."
Dave Moody, also of Middleville, spotted for his grandson Saturday. He said he probably was more nervous than his grandson.
"I knew if he could get out in front, he could stay there, but (Ryan) was pushing hard," Dave Moody said. "I was a little nervous. This is fantastic. He has raced at Kalamazoo (Speedway) and has won a lot of races at Winston (Motor Speedway)."
Brandon Hermiller, of Coopersville, won his track-high seventh Pro Stocks feature, overtaking four-time defending champion Brian Tillema for the lead with two laps remaining. Hermiller entered Saturday’s program with a 53-point lead over Tillema, but no way would he playing it safe.
Hermiller started eighth in the 18-car field but patiently worked his way to the front.
"You always have to go for the wins," Hermiller said. "You can’t settle for second. I know from last year that 50 points can go like that. You can have 50 points in the bank, and in one race, it’s gone. You have to keep going.
"In the beginning, we were kind of struggling with the car. But once it came to me, we were good. That’s how it goes."
Jared Lyzenga and Tyler Nawrocki won 15-lap 4 Cylinder features Saturday, with Lyzenga winning his first career A main and Nawrocki claiming his sixth B feature. It was the fourth consecutive win for Nawrocki, the division’s points leader.
Lyzenga was beaten by Chris McKinley by 0.08 of a second last week, but he got the best of McKinley on Saturday, winning by 0.740.
"I changed up the tire pressure, but that was about all," said Lyzenga, a 20-year old second-generation driver from Byron Center. "I was OK with last week, I knew there were more weeks left. We felt like we had something for them this week."
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