Veteran Berlin Raceway driver's wife badly burned escaping intense Algoma Township house fire

By Garret Ellison | gellison@mlive.comThe Grand Rapids Press
on December 16, 2012 at 12:45 PM, updated December 16, 2012 at 1:25 PM

 

Enlarge Garret Ellison | gellison@mlive.comAn attached garage was partially saved by Algoma Township firefighters on Sunday, Dec. 16, after an early morning house fire destroyed most of the home of Tim and Pat DeVos, 915 10 Mile Road NE.Algoma Township house fire Dec. 16, 2012 gallery (5 photos)

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ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, MI — A veteran race car driver and his wife escaped a devastating house fire early Sunday morning, Dec. 16, after being woken up by their barking dog.
Tim DeVos said his wife, Pat, was hospitalized for severe burns and smoke inhalation after the couple woke up to find their home, at 915 10 Mile Road NE in Algoma Township, on fire before 4 a.m.
Pat DeVos is expected to recover. She has burns to her hands, face and legs after trying to put the fire out, family reported. DeVos said the blaze may have started in the kitchen.
The home is insured. The family built the home in the mid-1990s.
Firefighters from multiple fire departments in northern Kent County spent hours battling the blaze, which they found had fully engulfed the two-story home when they arrived.
Algoma Deputy Chief Mike Falk said, at DeVos’ request, fire crews tried to concentrate on saving an attached garage that contained several vehicles, heavy equipment and business papers.
“We tried to stop it there,” said Falk, motioning back to the residential area of the home, where the two stories had collapsed into the basement in a heap of charred wood and ash. Little of the structure remained aside from part of a brick chimney.
“This was pretty much gone already.”
Falk said the attack on the fire was slowed because the chimney collapsed on the home’s natural gas line, and crews had to wait for the utility service to arrive, dig up the line and cut it.

Tim DeVos

Due to the intensity of the blaze, firefighters attacked the fire defensively from the outside. They were still on scene mid-day Sunday hosing down hot spots.
DeVos said only he and his wife were home at the time of the fire. Their dog was able to escape as well. DeVos is a veteran Late Model driver at the Berlin Raceway in Marne. He won the Super Stocks title in 1995 and followed that up with Late Models titles in 2003 and 2005.
The Berlin Raceway Facebook page posted a note asking for prayers for the couple.
DeVos said they are related, but not closely, to the Amway Corp. DeVos family.

Midwest Indoor Racing Series Set For Race #2 At Birch Run Expo Center On Saturday, December 22n

Midwest Indoor Racing Series Set For Race #2 At Birch Run Expo Center On Saturday, December 22nd
Birch Run, Michigan is the site of the second race of the Inaugural Season

Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Tuesday, December 11th, 2012): With over a month to reflect on the first ever race weekend and in turn, plan for the second event of the inaugural Winter Racing Season, the Midwest Indoor Racing Series is gearing up for that second race weekend of the 2012 / 2013 Winter Racing Season at the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan on Saturday, December 22nd. 

Highlighting the events in Birch Run, Michigan and in celebration of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays will be the John Belott & Sons Auto Purchasing Winged Mini Sprints who will be going for a $750 to Win payday and $125 to Start. In addition, a $100 bonus will be awarded to the Winner of the Four-Car Dash. In addition the Winner of the Feature will be eligible for a $1,000 bonus if they race and win at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana during the Rumble in Fort Wayne on Saturday, December 29th. 

Also on the card will be the Upright Non-Winged Mini Sprints as the majority of these competitors race primarily within the Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints Series as well as the Midwest Mini Sprint Association down in Indiana and Ohio. These teams will race in the place of the MIRS Non-Winged Mini Sprints who will not be competing at the Birch Run Expo Center. 

Joining the Winged Mini Sprints and Upright Non-Winged Mini Sprints will be the Legends Cars, Arena / Mini Cups, Great Lakes Tires Go-Karts (Open, 360 Flat Heads, 360 Animals, Clones, Purple Plate & Gold Plate), Outlaw Shock Company Quarter Midgets (Junior Honda, Senior Honda, Light 160, Heavy 160, Junior Animal & Senior Animal), and Lawn Mowers (Super Modifieds, Modifieds & Stocks). 

A total of 19 divisions will be racing as the Birch Run Expo Center is located right off Exit 136 on I-75 at 11660 North Beyer Road in Birch Run, Michigan. There will be a Practice Day on Friday, December 21st as the Pit Gates will open at 2:00p.m., and Practice will run from 5:00-9:00p.m. The costs for Friday Practice is $10.00 per car and General Admission is absolutely Free! 

On Race Day; Saturday, December 22nd, Grandstand Tickets are only $12.00! Those Grandstand Tickets will be Available at the Ticket Window on Race Day Only inside the Birch Run Expo Center on a first come first serve basis and those prices are: General Admission (13 years old and Over) $12.00 while Veterans get in for $10.00 and Kids (12 years old and Under) get in for $6.00. Pit Passes will be $25.00 on race day. 

The Midwest Indoor Racing Series and Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run have joined forces for this event as Americas Best Value Inn will be the host hotel of Race #2. When booking a room, be sure to mention “Midwest Indoor Racing Series” to receive the discounted rate of just $68.00 a night! The Americas Best Value Inn is truly providing the best rate in town for MIRS race teams. 

Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run is located just minutes from the Birch Run Expo Center. Race Teams can enjoy the many amenities including; a continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, Sauna, Whirlpool, a large parking area, restaurants within walking distance and pet friendly rooms. Many different types of quality rooms are currently available. Please book your room As Soon As Possible to ensure first choice on rooms for race weekend. Rooms are going quickly, so call: 1 (989) 624-4440 or visit Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run online to make your reservation at: AmericasBestValueInn.com/bestv.cfm?idp=1714  

Hooter’s Restaurants of Flint will be giving race teams a 20% discount on their meals on both Friday and Saturday nights during Race Weekend in Birch Run. All teams need to do is bring in there pit band when they dine in. In addition, RockAuto.com out of Madison, Wisconsin is providing the MIRS pit bands for the remainder of the 2012-2013 Indoor Racing Season. 

Glidden Professional Paints, with stores throughout Michigan and Ohio, have come on board as sponsors of the “Glidden Professional Paints Heat Race Victory Lane” sponsors for the remainder of the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season while First Class Tire Shredders based out of Clio, Michigan has also come on board as a major sponsor of the MIRS Inaugural season. 

Race #3 of the Inaugural MIRS Winter Racing Season is set for Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan. Three more scheduled events are in the works at several different venues throughout Midwest and are very close to becoming finalized. As soon as that occurs, they will be announced. 

MGM Motorsports LLC, is a new venture based out of Eaton Rapids, Michigan and features MIRS sanctioned short track racing inside sports arenas throughout the Midwest for the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season and beyond. For more information, please call Jack Gritter at: 1 (616) 813-5965 / Scott Menlen at: 1 (586) 201-0378 or Scott Mathews at: 1 (313) 909-4270. 

To learn more about the Midwest Indoor Racing Series, please go to the website located at:www.midwestindoorracingseries.com. You can also learn more about MIRS by going to the series’ Facebook Fan Page located at: www.facebook.com/midwestindoorracing and don't forget to follow MIRS on Twitter as well by going to: www.twitter.com/MIRSracingd

EriK Jones Snowball Recap at 3:33

WEAR ABC 3 :: Raw Sports - Sunday Sports 12/02/12 10pm

Erik Jones living the dream as Snowball Derby winner

He was 5 years old on the day his uncle remembers Erik Jones excitedly saying how he wanted to be a race car driver. After all, he loved toy cars. Loved to watch races. Dared to dream at that age about one day going fast on his own.

“I guess I told him — and, of course, I don’t remember this — that I thought I was born to race,” Jones said. “I know it’s weird. I know that doesn’t sound realistic, but I started on go-karts and moved up through the ranks.”

Sunday, in another glorious finish to another enthralling Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway, the 16-year-old Jones moved into a stratospheric level and lived the dream. Jones, a Byron, Mich., resident, won the 45th Snowball Derby. He won it in unforgettable fashion. He won it to the delight of more than 10,000 people who crammed into this cozy track and roared as Jones pumped his fist out of the driver’s window as he took the checkered flag.

Just when you think this race can’t top its last one, there is Jones, a bolt from the blue racing in his first Snowball Derby, outdueling NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch in the kind of fender-to-fender, nose-to-nose racing in the final 20 laps that leaves you spellbound.

They were so close, so competitive, you could hear the sheet metal scream. But in the final laps, Jones’ No. 4J Paragon Racing Team Chevrolet Impala didn’t waver or lose its groove. Busch wound up the vanquished and finished third behind Jeff Choquette, a West Palm Beach resident, who produced his best performance at the Snowball Derby.

“It was amazing,” said Jones in perfect summation. “To race against a guy like Kyle Busch, who I consider one of the best, and to win against him, I could not have drawn it up any more perfect than that. It is just hard to believe.”

Seconds after exiting the car, last year’s Snowball Derby champion Chase Elliott, 17, came over and said, “Great job.” Soon afterward, Pensacola’s Johanna Long, the 2010 Snowball winner, offered her congratulations.

This makes three teenagers — Long was 18 when she won — winning this prestigious event in three years. If this is racing’s future, the sport is in great hands. “Erik does an awesome job,” Long said. “He definitely can wheel it. He outran Kyle Busch and he showed everyone he can race.”
Busch saw that in the summer when he let Jones drive his car in a Late Model race in Nashville. The two gained mutual respect. “Erik just drove a great race there at the end and did what he needed to do,” Busch said. “He held me tight, but that’s fine. We raced clean, we raced hard. “We knew what kind of talent Eric has.”

Far earlier in the 300-lap race, on Lap 158, Busch created the day’s biggest contention when he spun out leader T.J. Reaid. It resulted in a wreck that tore up Elliott’s race car, tore up Bubba Pollard’s race car, and damaged Reaid bad enough that his car was never the same. Reaid, who once drove for Busch, was furious, giving an obscenity-laced response to on-track announcer Dave Pavlock that made it over the track speakers.

Elliott, whose enormous driving skills and fast repair work from his pit crew on the car kept him racing and competitive, was equally furious. He blasted Busch in a post-race interview. But race director Dan Spence took care of the situation. He made an official’s call to force Busch to the back of the field on the restart. The decision was met with loud cheers from the crowd.

“It was definitely the right call, without a doubt,’’ said Tim Bryant, track general manager and co-owner at Five Flags. “And I think it helped ensure the clean finish we had. “Dan knows short-track racing sometimes involves contact, but at the same time, he is not going to let guys go out there and have Katie-bar-the-door.”
Race fans get stirred up on these matters, but it’s really no different than any other sport when athletes commit hard fouls in basketball, a pitcher retaliating to hit a batter, a defensive tackle hitting the quarterback late.

That doesn’t make them bad people. Things happen in the heat of competition between athletes. That’s why you have referees, umpires or officials. Racing is no different. Fortunately, at Five Flags, there are directors like Spence and track inspector Ricky Brooks who do not play favorites, who always try to do the right thing, who always try to uphold the integrity of racing by ensuring tough decisions are made.
It changed the complexion of the race, but not the incredible finish. Busch worked his way back into the front of the pack and ultimately the race was decided as it should have been in the final 25 laps.
Inside his car, Jones was having a ball.

“In three years, I went from racing on local tracks in a bomber to winning the Snowball Derby,” said Jones, who became the youngest driver in history to start an ARCA Series Race earlier this year. “I always liked the competition, the speed, the adrenalin that racing gives you. “Racing gives you everything.”
Sunday, it gave him the memory of a lifetime.

IT’S OFFICIAL, JONES WINS, CHOQUETTE SECOND, BUSCH THIRD

IT’S OFFICIAL, JONES WINS, CHOQUETTE SECOND, BUSCH THIRD

VanDoorn Puts on a Show in Runner-up Finish

Super Late Model Standout Augie Grill Adds Governor's Cup 200 to Win List

Two-Time Snowball Derby Winner Makes History and Takes Top East Coast Trophy 

By Elgin Traylor, Speed51.com Operations Manager - Twitter: @ElginTraylor

He's Back. 

The absence of Augie Grill from the Super Late Model win column had stretched all the way back into June of 2011.  Grill had won several times in his crate car, but had nothing from his Super Late Model events.  In that time Grill won the 2011 Glass City 200 at Toledo Speedway in Ohio, one of the top Outlaw bodied Super Late Model events, and the Allen Turner Snowflake 100 at Florida’s Five Flags Speedway.  With those wins, the template-bodied Super Late Model winless drought flew under the radar until this season.

But it’s hard to keep a two-time Snowball Derby winner down. 

It was a near last-minute decision for Grill to tow his No. 112 machine south to New Smyrna Speedway for the first time in his career.  Grill was not on the entry list.  He did not make the practice day.  He did show up and delivered a butt-kicking in the 47th Annual Governor's Cup 200 at the Florida half-mile.

"It’s refreshing," said Grill.  "I kind of did the same thing going to Toledo and running the Glass City last year.  It just got me out of my norm by going up there, working hard, getting the car good and winning the race."

Grill had few challengers on the way as the 112 was dominant all night long.  Pole sitter Johnny VanDoorn, who was in an Anthony Campi Racing Super Late Model,  ended up second after losing a lap after a restart incident with Grill.

"I might have pinched Johnny a little bit and flattened his left-front tire on a restart," said Grill.  "It definitely wasn’t on purpose.  I put it in gear and it kinda got squirrelly on me."

Both Grill and VanDoorn were making their first starts in the Governor's Cup 200 and they proudly sat on the front row that featured talent from Maine to Michigan invading the Florida Super Late Model regulars.

 

VanDoorn, who charged from a lap down to second, wanted a caution to have that restart opportunity all over again.

"He just turned right going into one," said VanDoorn of the contact with Grill.  "I knew what he was doing.  What comes around goes around.  That’s just Augie Grill.  He’s just a good old short track racer.  I can’t expect anything less.  I’m not mad about it.  If I would’ve gotten to him, I would’ve done the same thing to him."

That exchange wasn’t the only one that made fans rise to their feet at New Smyrna.  One that resulted in a post-race shouts between crew members came when VanDoorn and former Governor’s Cup winner Tim Russell collided in turn three.  Russell’s car got the worst of the wear as the multiple-time Florida Super Late Model champion was out of the race and steaming mad afterwards.

"He turned right at the end of the straight away and stuffed me in the fence," said Russell.  "That’s all there was to it.  I went there and asked him what his problem was after the race.  He said I tried to right-rear him.  I don’t know why the hell I’d try to right-rear him at that point of the race.  All I know is that I was three-quarters of the way down the straight away and he turned right and stuffed me in the fence and held me there pretty much.”

While VanDoorn had never raced Russell at New Smyrna before, the Campi team that he was driving for relayed their thoughts on racing with Russell.

“They warned me about him, about when you pass him, he’ll try to right-rear you in the wall," said VanDoorn.  "Sure enough, going into (turn) three, he tried right-rearing me.  I just held my ground and he bounced off me and took it somewhat firewall-deep into the New Smyrna Speedway sign down there.  Typical prima donna racing, I guess.  What do you expect?"

With the Governor’s Cup win, Grill will now look to do what only one man before him has done – win the Governor’s Cup and the Snowball Derby in the same season.  It was done only by Ed Howe in 1972. Grill will be driving a Stanley Smith entry for the Derby.

"We’ve got a lot invested in Stanley’s car," added Grill.  "Between me, Stanley and his guys, we’ve put a lot of thought into that car.  I believe we’re going to have a good piece there.  It’s taken a lot of pressure and stress off me leading up to the Derby, knowing I don’t have a car to prepare for myself.  That’s a huge load off my mind."

 

While Grill builds Grand American Race Cars for a living, his car is always the last project to get worked on.  Grill will not hang the 112 ride up knowing it's going to bed with a big victory under its belt.

"It’s nice.  I hate that it’s going to be stuck in a corner all winter," said Grill.  "I’ve had a couple people call about leasing it for the Derby.  I don’t know if I’ll do that or not.  I’d like to put it to rest for the winter with a win on it." 

VanDoorn on the Pole for Governor's Cup; Senneker to start 24th

GOVERNOR'S CUP 200 STARTING LINEUP
1 81 - Johnny VanDoorn
2 112 - Augie Grill
3 51 - Stephen Nasse
4 72 - Scott Heckert
5 89 - Matt Tifft
6 36 - Tim Russell
7 39 - Kenzie Ruston
8 26 - Travis Cope
9 26 - Preston Peltier
10 9 - Rich Clouser
11 29 - Austin Theriault
12 96 - Ben Kennedy
13 27 - Bobby Good
14 97 - Patrick Staropoli
15 30 - Bobby Knox, Jr.
16 07 - Jeff Scofield
17 18 - Hunter Robbins
18 71 - Jimmy Doyle
19 11 - David Rogers
20 22 - Dusty Cornelius
21 19 - Ray Black, Jr.
22 08 - Jake Griffin
23 20 - Anthony Sergi (to the rear)
24 31 - Terry Senneker, Jr.
25 129 - Spencer Davis
26 00 - CJ Castetter
27 9K - Kevin Henry (to the rear)
28 38 - Robert Glover (to the rear)
29 14 - Mario Maresca (to the rear)

Follow the race tonight on www.speed51.com

Birch Run Expo Center In Birch Run, Michigan; Site Of Race #2 For The Midwest Indoor Racing Series

Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Friday, November 16th, 2012): The second event of the 2012 / 2013 Winter Racing Season is slated for Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 at the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan. Fresh off the highly successful Inaugural event at Perani Arena & Events Center in Flint, Michigan back on November 3rd, MIRS is now in the midst of preparations for the second of six possible events within the maiden season. 

Highlighting the events in Birch Run, Michigan and in celebration of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays will be the John Belott & Sons Auto Purchasing Winged Mini Sprints who will be going for a $750 to Win payday and $125 to Start. In addition, a $100 bonus will be awarded to the Winner of the Four-Car Dash. In addition the Winner of the Feature will be eligible for a $1,000 bonus if they race and win at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana during the Rumble in Fort Wayne on Saturday, December 29th. 

Joining the Winged Mini Sprints will be the Legends Cars, Arena / Mini Cups, Great Lakes Tires Go-Karts (Open, 360 Flat Heads, 360 Animals, Clones, Purple Plate & Gold Plate), Outlaw Shock Company Quarter Midgets (Junior Honda, Senior Honda, Light 160, Heavy 160, Junior Animal & Senior Animal), and Lawn Mowers (Super Modifieds, Modifieds & Stocks). 

Also on the card will be the Upright Non-Winged Mini Sprints as the majority of these competitors race primarily within the Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints Series as well as the Midwest Mini Sprint Association down in Indiana and Ohio. These teams will race in the place of the MIRS Non-Winged Mini Sprints who will not be competing at the Birch Run Expo Center. 

A total of 19 divisions will be racing and Grandstand Tickets are only $12.00! Those Grandstand Tickets will be Available at the Ticket Window on Race Day Only inside the Birch Run Expo Center on a first come first serve basis and those prices are: General Admission (13 years old and Over) $12.00 while Veterans get in for $10.00 and Kids (12 years old and Under) get in for $6.00. Pit Passes will be $25.00 on race day. 

The Midwest Indoor Racing Series is very happy to announce a partnership with Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run as they will be the host hotel of Race #2 of the 2012 / 2013 Winter Racing Season. When booking a room, be sure to mention “Midwest Indoor Racing Series” to receive the discounted rate of just $68.00 a night! The Americas Best Value Inn is truly providing the best rate in town for MIRS race teams. 

Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run is located just minutes from the Birch Run Expo Center. Race Teams can enjoy the many amenities including; a continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, Sauna, Whirlpool, a large parking area, restaurants within walking distance and pet friendly rooms. Many different types of quality rooms are currently available. Please book your room by Friday, December 7th to ensure first choice on rooms for race weekend. You can call: 1 (989) 624-4440 or visit Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run online to make your reservation at: AmericasBestValueInn.com/bestv.cfm?idp=1714  

There will also be a Practice Day and Parking for the teams on Friday, December 21st as those times are “To Be Announced.” The Complete Schedule of Events for Race Day; Saturday, December 22nd is also being finalized and will be available soon. The Birch Run Expo Center is located right off Exit 136 on I-75 at 11660 North Beyer Road in Birch Run, Michigan. 

Also as previously announced, Race #3 of the Inaugural MIRS Winter Racing Season is set for Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan. Three more scheduled events are in the works at several different venues throughout Midwest. As soon as those dates are finalized, completing the 2012 / 2013 Winter Racing Season Schedule, they will be announced. 

MGM Motorsports LLC, is a new venture based out of Eaton Rapids, Michigan and features MIRS sanctioned short track racing inside sports arenas throughout the Midwest for the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season and beyond. For more information, please call Jack Gritter at: 1 (616) 813-5965 / Scott Menlen at: 1 (586) 201-0378 or Scott Mathews at: 1 (313) 909-4270. 

The new website is located at: www.midwestindoorracingseries.com. You can also learn more about MIRS and the inaugural 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, by going to the series’ Facebook Fan Page located at: www.facebook.com/midwestindoorracing and don't forget to follow MIRS on Twitter as well by going to: www.twitter.com/MIRSracing

Snowflake 100 Success Could Lead to a Snowball Sweep for Mike Garvey

51 Sports / Snowball Derby PR


2012 Five Flags Speedway (FL) Allen Turner Pro Late Model series champion Mike Garvey has had an impressive season in the division. He won four of the five PLM events at the half-mile track in Pensacola, Florida and finished second in the other.

That success makes Garvey, a short track and NASCAR racing veteran, the odds-on favorite for victory in the Allen Turner Hyundai Snowflake 100 on Saturday, December 1st as part of the 45th Annual Snowball Derby weekend at Five Flags.

“The Pro (Late Model) car has been really good,” said Garvey, who also scored a victory in the Five Flags Blizzard Series Super Late Model events this season. “Ever since we switched and went to Phil Harper motors, it’s really helped out a bunch. The motor runs really good and the car has been good and I wish we could have the same success with the Super (Late Model). We’ve been close but not as good as the Pro, I don’t really know what the difference is but we need to get them both running that good.”

With several big race wins and track and series championships under his belt, Garvey knows that there are two strategies to the Snowflake 100 Pro Late Model event. Like the other PLM races at Five Flags this season, the Snowflake is 100 laps. That leads to two differing potential strategies for the race.

Will Garvey play the conservation game until a late sprint to the finish or go hard for all 100 laps to try and set the pace to the checkers?

“That’s the problem, you don’t know which way is the best,” said Garvey. “If you’re going to sit around and wait, which really isn’t my style anyway, you’re depending on a caution at the end, which we generally get. But if you don’t get that caution, like two races from the end there, we had three quarters of a lap lead with five laps to go and there was a caution. But luckily the car was good enough to go, but those guys had to have been going, ‘Man we screwed up, there’s no caution,’ and then, ‘Bam!’ there’s a caution. I would rather just go.

“I don’t like sitting around and waiting, that’s not me. You know, you’ve still got to slow yourself down the whole time anyways. You’re still racing but you’ve got to make sure you’ve got tires left at the end. But it’s not me to ride around for 50 laps in eighth or ninth and then try to come to the front. I don’t like that kind of racing and that’s just not me.”

When strategizing for the Allen Turner Snowflake 100, Garvey appreciates the event’s four-tire rule, but knows there are still many more decisions to make that could win or lose the race.

“It’s two totally different animals and there’s a lot of strategy both ways,” said Garvey. “You know, when you were changing tires you had to make sure you picked the right time to put them on or you’re going to ruin yourself. And now with 100 laps of straight green-flag racing you have to make sure you have something left at the end. And I’m telling you, at Pensacola that’s hard to do. If you’re riding around there at half speed you’re still hurting your tires. So it’s a balance of when to go, when not to go and how hard you can go. We’ve won two races this year that at the end of I was flat out of tires, they were done. We were lucky we had enough both times to just hang on.”

When comparing the Allen Turner Snowflake 100 to the 45th Annual Snowball Derby, Garvey says a win is a win, but if he could only have one it would be the Derby.

“I just break them down into different days,” said Garvey. “I want to win the Snowflake as bad as I want to win the Derby. Saturday that’s our focus, we’re going to do everything we can to win the Snowflake. But like you said, the real focus is Sunday. You could win 100 Snowflakes and you would give that all up for one Derby, so the Derby’s the big one. It’s the big one to Tracy (Goodson, car owner). It’s really important and special to him so we want to win them both, but if we had to take one it would definitely be the Derby.

When it comes to Snowball Derby strategy, tires, pacing yourself and staying out of trouble are major players but the biggest one is luck, which Garvey knows a thing or two about.

“Well if you watch the Derby, luck is as big of a part of it as anything,” said Garvey. “Two years ago we led 100 and something laps and were good. Then the last set of tires we put on were junk, we just couldn’t go. Johanna and I were the only ones with new tires with about 10 laps to go, so it should have been between us. Our tires wouldn’t go and we ended up getting in a wreck in the middle of the back straightaway and Johanna won it. I think we finished 10th or 11th and then last year we didn’t qualify well, and then we were running second at lap 90 and the power steering went out. So I mean, what do you do? You try to get yourself prepared and get the car prepared the best you can and luck still plays a big part in it.”

The Snowflake 100 will be filled with talented Pro Late Model drivers like Bubba Pollard, Augie Grill, Johanna Long, Brandon McReynolds, Chase Elliott, Brandon Odom, Kyle Benjamin, Korey Ruble, Anderson Bowen and many others.

The 45th Annual Snowball Derby kicks off on Wednesday, November 28th with the Green Flag Party. As the teams unload and begin the tech process, fans from 5pm to 9pm CT can meet the drivers and see the cars that will compete during Snowball Derby weekend. The first on-track activity comes on Thursday, as practice for the Super and Pro Late Models commences. Later that evening, qualifying and feature action for the Five Flags Speedway Bomber and Sportsmen divisions will take place.

On Friday, November 30th, it’s WXBM Pole Night, as the top 30 in Snowball Derby qualifying will be locked into Sunday’s 300-lap feature. More practice for the Snowball Derby and Snowflake 100 cars will take place, as well as a full card of Super Stock and Modified action.

Then on Saturday, December 1st, it’s the Allen Turner Snowflake 100 time trials, a qualifying race and the 100-lap feature, plus final practice for the Snowball Derby cars and a 50-lap last-chance qualifying race for the Snowball Derby.

Finally, the 45th Annual Snowball Derby will then go green on Sunday, December 2nd at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL.

Tickets and reserved camping spots are still available, but are going fast. To order tickets or to reserve a camping spot, call the Five Flags Speedway box office at (850) 944-8400.

For more information about Five Flags Speedway and the 45th Annual Snowball Derby weekend, please visit www.5flagsspeedway.com, www.snowballderby.com or contact the track by calling (850) 944-8400.

Inaugural Midwest Indoor Racing Series Event A Rousing Success

Inaugural Midwest Indoor Racing Series Event A Rousing Success

Matt Foos Scores Two Feature Wins on Opening Night

Flint, Michigan (Saturday, November 3rd, 2012): The Inaugural Midwest Indoor Racing Series event became a reality on November 3rd at Perani Arena & Events Center in Flint, Michigan. In just six short weeks, MGM Motorsports, based in Eaton Rapids, Michigan brought the great fans of Michigan and surrounding Midwestern States quality and affordable Indoors Racing to the great race fans throughout the region.

The Winged Mini Sprints and John Belott & Sons Auto Purchasing Non-Winged Mini Sprints highlighted the historic night and they were joined by Arena / Mini Cup Cars, four divisions of Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts and three classes of Lawn Mowers for an action packed night highlighted by 10 separate Feature events. 78 teams answered the call for the maiden race weekend.

Fremont, Ohio invader, Matt Foos was the big winner of the historic night as the 21-year-old Buckeye State driver would be the only competitor to pick up Two Feature Wins! The first Feature victory came in the Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts Open division. Earlier in the evening, Foos set the all-time Perani Arena & Events Center Track Record with an impressive 6.751 second lap around the 1/7 (0.143) mile flat concrete oval. Average speed equaled out to 76.255mph. Aaron Morrison won the Heat Race in the Open Division.

Foos, in his #90 Weaver Performance machine, then went out and picked up the impressive Feature Win in the Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts 360 Flat Head class as well! Rick Dukes set Fast Time in Qualifying with a 7.162 while Alleca Kerker picked up the Heat Race triumph.

The co-premier divisions in the Midwest Indoor Racing Series; the Winged Mini Sprints and the Non-Winged Mini Sprints featured an impressive 19-car field in each division! In the headlining 50-Lap Winged Mini Sprints Feature, Jackson, Michigan driver Tim Neal in his #19 Michigan Cat / Hyper Chassis ride scored the win in what was the final race of the evening. Larry Sroufe won the Fast Qualifier Award with a 6.872 as 13-year-old Chase Ridenour won the Dash while 17-year-old Clay Sanders and Jim Sipe won the Heat Races.

In the John Belott & Sons Auto Purchasing Non-Winged Mini Sprints portion of the program, Sroufe would make the trip from Larwill, Indiana worthwhile as he would bring home the 40-Lap Feature Win in his #211 Sroufe Garage / Sroufe Chassis ride. Jason Ormsby was the Fast Qualifier with a lap measured at 6.937. Neal won the Dash while Sanders and Ridenour collected the Heat Race Wins.

The Arena / Mini Cups 25-Lap Feature would see Scott Quaal in his #1q K-R Metal Engineering / Chevrolet make the most of his debut in an Arena Car as the Bridgeport, Michigan driver would bring home the Feature Win! 14-year-old Steven Nichols set Fast Time with an 8.701 while Todd Cowan scored the Heat Race victory.

15-year-old Sierra Lantz will go down in history as the first ever Feature Winner in Midwest Indoor Racing Series history as the Kent City, Michigan teenager in her #89 Enterprise Iron & Metal entry scored the win in the Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts Gold Plate division. She also scored the Heat Race Win while 12-year-old Joshua Spindelman set fast time for the class with a 9.085 lap in Qualifying.

In the Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts Purple Plate division, the youngest winner of the night would be 10-year-old Victorya Truemner as the Imlay City, Michigan youngster in her #10 Romeo Ford machine would score the Feature Win in dominating fashion as she lapped the entire field! She was also the Fast Qualifier for the series’ beginners division with an 8.182 lap. 12-year-old Hunter Doutre won the Heat Race.

The Lawn Mowers brought three classes to Perani Arena & Events Center and in the premier Super Modifieds division, Matt Kusowski from near-by Millington, Michigan made the hometown fans happy with the Feature victory in his #3x Mid-States Bolt & Screw mower. He also picked up the win in the Heat Race while Jayson Mikula set fast time for the high performance Lawn Mowers with a 7.917.

In the Lawn Mowers Modifieds Feature, 16-year-old Kelsey VanEpps swept the entire night in her #96 VanEpps Racing lawn mower as the Potterville, Michigan teenager started the day off by going a 9.162 in Qualifying. Then later in the evening she won the Heat and capped up the night by lapping the entire field en route to the Feature Win.

Finally in the Lawn Mowers Stock division, Belle River, Ontario / Canada driver, Wade Myers made the trip across the border worthwhile as he steered his #40 Myers Family Racing lawn mower into victory lane after winning the Feature. He also scored the Heat Race win as well while Jayson Mikula set fast time for the second time over the course of race day as he went a 9.588 in Qualifying.

—————————————————————————

The second event of the 2012/2013 season is slated for Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 at the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan as the Winged Mini Sprints and John Belott & Sons Auto Purchasing Non-Winged Mini Sprints will once again headline the race weekend. They’ll be joined by the Arena / Mini Cups, Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts divisions, and Lawn Mowers classes.

In addition, the Legends Cars and Outlaw Shock Company Quarter Midgets will join in on the action as well for an action packed night of racing leading into the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Both divisions were not a part of the inaugural race in Flint, Michigan due to both classes various Regular Season Awards Banquets scheduled for the same day as the event at Perani Arena & Events Center.

The Legends cars are 5/8-scale replicas of American Cars from the 1930s and 1940s, powered by a Yamaha Motorcycle engines. The machines are considered a “spec” series, meaning all cars are mechanically identical and available with 10 types of body styles. The Outlaw Shock Company Quarter Midgets feature a wide range of classes including Junior Honda, Senior Honda, Heavy Honda, Lite 160, and Heavy 160 divisions.

There will also be a Practice Day and Parking for the teams on Friday, December 21st as the Pit Gates Open at 2:00p.m., and Practice for all divisions on a rotating basis will run throughout the afternoon and into the evening from 5:00-9:00p.m.

The Birch Run Expo Center is located right off Exit 136 on I-75 at 11660 North Beyer Road in Birch Run, Michigan. Tickets for the second race of the 2012 / 2013 Winter Racing Season for the Midwest Indoor Racing Series will be Available soon.

As for the remainder of the schedule, one more date has been added on Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan. Three to Four more events are in the works at several different venues throughout Midwest. As soon as those dates are finalized, completing the 2012 / 2013 Winter Racing Season Schedule, they will be announced.

MGM Motorsports LLC, is a new venture based out of Eaton Rapids, Michigan and features MIRS sanctioned short track racing inside sports arenas throughout the Midwest with a minimum of five events, all the way up to possibly an eight race schedule for the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season.

For more information about MIRS and to become a sponsor within the series for the entire 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, please call Jack Gritter at: 1 (616) 813-5965 or Scott Menlen at: 1 (586) 201-0378.

The new website is up and running and new content is being added on a daily basis. Please go to: www.midwestindoorracingseries.com today to learn more. You can also learn more about MIRS and the inaugural 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, by going to the series’ Facebook Fan Page located at: www.facebook.com/midwestindoorracing

Midwest Indoor Racing Series’ Inaugural Event; This Saturday, November 3rd

Midwest Indoor Racing Series’ Inaugural Event; This Saturday, November 3rd
Perani Arena & Events Center in Flint, Michigan to serve as hosts

Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Wednesday, October 31st, 2012): All the preparations have been made the ground work has been laid down and the waiting is almost over for the Inaugural Midwest Indoor Racing Series event this Saturday, November 3rd at Perani Arena & Events Center in Flint, Michigan. The Winged Mini Sprints will highlight the historic evening as they’ll be joined by the John Belott & Sons Auto Purchasing Non-Winged Mini Sprints, Legends Cars, Arena / Mini Cup Cars, Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts and Lawn Mowers. 

There will also be a Practice Day and Parking for the teams on Friday, November 2nd as Pit Passes on November 2nd will be $10.00 per car. General Admission is absolutely Free to watch Practice as the Pit Gates Open at 2:00p.m., and Practice for all divisions on a rotating basis will run throughout the afternoon and into the evening from 5:00-9:00p.m. 

Hooter’s Restaurant of Flint has come on board as the Official Restaurant of the Midwest Indoor Racing Series’ first race. Located on 3415 Miller Road in Flint, Michigan, Hooter’s of Flint is the Official before and after the races place for food and drinks throughout the weekend. In addition, J.S.K. Promotions out of Davison, Michigan with Photographer, Skip Konkle has signed on as the Official Photographer for the Inaugural event at Perani Arena & Events Center. 

Perani Arena & Event Center is located right off of I-69 on Exit 139 at 3501 Lapeer Road in Flint, Michigan. Tickets are still on sale at the Perani Arena & Events Center Box Office and through all Ticketmaster Outlets everywhere as General Admission (13 years old and Over) Tickets are $12.00 while Veterans get in for $10.00 and Kids (12 years old and Under) get in for $6.00. Pit Passes (Not Available through the Perani Arena & Events Center Box Office or Ticketmaster Outlets) will be $25.00 on race day. 

On Saturday, November 3rd; the Pit Gates Open and Pit Pass Sales begin at 8:30a.m., Practice runs from 10:30a.m.-2:30p.m. Grandstand Gates Open and Qualifying Starts at 3:00p.m., with the Heat Races rolling out at 4:00pm. The Autograph Session will take place from 6:00-6:45p.m., with Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthems starting at 7:00p.m., All Features will start at 7:15p.m.  

Hampton Inn & Suites, located on 6060 Rashelle Drive in Flint, Michigan is the Official Lodging of MIRS for this historic event. Mention “Midwest Indoor Racing Series” when booking your reservation and get the MIRS set rate of $96.00. Normal costs for the rooms start at $149.00 for a savings of $53.00 just by mentioning the series.

Located just 10 minutes from Perani Arena & Events Center, there are some rooms still available. The Reservation deadline has been extended to Friday, November 2nd to get the MIRS Discounted rate. A Free Hot Breakfast is included as well as access to the Heated Indoor Pool and Whirlpool. For those traveling a long distance, Bishop International Airport is conveniently located just a couple of minutes away from the hotel. For more information, please call: 1 (810) 234-8400 today. Race Teams who book their Hotel Reservations at the Hampton Inn & Suites get FREE Admission into the Friday Practice. 

The Outlaw Shock Company Quarter Midgets were originally on the schedule for the Inaugural MIRS event in Flint, however there are several Outdoor Awards Banquet for the various Quarter Midget groups that plan on racing with MIRS during the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, so the classes will not race on November 3rd. They will however make their initial appearance at the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan on Saturday, December 22nd. The Outlaw Shock Company Quarter Midgets feature a wide range of classes including Junior Honda, Senior Honda, Heavy Honda, Lite 160, and Heavy 160 divisions. 

Three of the classes feature a multi-division format as the Lawn Mowers will have three separate classes and they are: Super Modifieds as well as Modifieds, and Stock divisions while the Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts consists of several classes including the top class of “Open”. There’s also the Purple, Gold, Clone, Animal and 360 Flat Head divisions that will be racing as well. 

The second event of the 2012/2013 season is slated for Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 at the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan. As for the remainder of the 2012/2013 schedule, several more events are in the works at several different venues throughout Midwest. As soon as those dates are finalized, completing the six to eight race schedule, they will be announced.  

MGM Motorsports LLC, is a new venture based out of Eaton Rapids, Michigan and will feature MIRS sanctioned short track racing inside sports arenas throughout the Midwest with a six to eight race schedule for the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season. For more information and to become a sponsor within the series for the entire 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, please call Jack Gritter at: 1 (616) 813-5965 or Scott Menlen at: 1 (586) 201-0378. 

The new website is up and running and content is being added every day. To check out the new MIRS website, go to: www.midwestindoorracingseries.com You can also learn more about MIRS and the inaugural 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, by going to the series’ Facebook Fan Page located at: www.facebook.com/midwestindoorracing 

Mike Garvey Holds Off Johanna Long for Whataburger 100 Win at Five Flags

Five Flags Speedway: Mike Garvey holds off Pensacola's Johanna Long for win

Photo Courtesy of Speed51.com

Five Flags Speedway: Mike Garvey holds off Pensacola's Johanna Long for win

Written by Chuck Corder News Journal correspondent

Mike Garvey came to Five Flags Speedway with the Pro Late Model track championship already locked up. He could’ve cruised around the famed half-mile, asphalt oval on the Whataburger Night of Champions, finished dead last and still won the crown. But that’s not Mike Garvey. The veteran driver with the NASCAR resume took control of the final Allen Turner Pro Late Model 100 on Lap 33 and dominated the final 67 laps.

It was Garvey’s fourth win of the five PLM 100 lappers this season, but it was a fight as he had to hold off a hard-charging Johanna Long down the stretch. “I tell you what I got out front too early and I used too much,” Garvey said. “It’s a great way to end season. We’ve had a great series in pro car.”

Long’s trip home was certainly well worth it. The NASCAR Nationwide Series rookie won the pole (17.082 seconds) in the Tommy Rollins-owned No. 11 and the way she closed certainly reminded folks of her run to her 2010 Snowball Derby win. “I have to thank Tommy Rollins for giving me the opportunity to come out in front of al these fans,” Long said. “It was awesome. Between my dad, family and the whole crew, they all worked really hard on this car.”

Long had a realistic shot to win the 100 lapper in the closing laps. She started 10th after the invert, but climbed through the field and was fourth for most of the race. Long shoved her way past Chris Davidson for second by Lap 90 and was smothering the Garvey’s bumper the rest of the way. She just couldn’t seem to time her move underneath Garvey correctly and that was what ultimately cost her.

“I have to thank Johanna for running me clean because I was loose, loose, loose,” Garvey said. What a way for the regular season to end at Five Flags.

Now, the track will undergo some quick renovations before the 45th annual Snowball Derby gets here beginning the last week of November and first weekend in December.

Long already has her eyes on exacting some revenge and giving her adoring public another reason to cheer. “This was the best car I’ve had since the (2010) Derby,” she said. “I hope we hit on something and can be strong at the Derby once again.”

Midwest Indoor Racing Series Set For Inaugural Season

Midwest Indoor Racing Series Set For Inaugural Season On Saturday, November 3rd Perani Arena & Events Center in Flint, Michigan to host first ever event Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Friday, September 28th, 2012): MGM Motorsports LLC, a new venture based in Eaton Rapids, Michigan is very happy to announce the formation of the Midwest Indoor Racing Series (MIRS). An expansion of the Delta Plex Indoor Racing Series, MIRS will feature short track racing inside sports arenas throughout the Midwest with a six to eight race schedule for the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season. The Inaugural Race is set for Saturday, November 3rd, 2012 at Perani Arena & Event Center in Flint, Michigan. The divisions who will be racing at the maiden event in Flint as well as at most events during the first season will be: Winged Mini Sprints as well as Non-Winged Mini Sprints, Legends Cars (Michigan Legend & Bishop Club-Type), Arena / Mini Cup Cars (Great Lakes Super Mini Cup & Arena-Type), Go-Karts, Quarter Midgets, and Lawn Mowers. There will also be a Practice Day and Parking for the teams on Friday, November 2nd. Perani Arena & Event Center is conveniently located right off of I-69 on Exit 139 at 3501 Lapeer Road in Flint, Michigan. Perani Arena is the home of the Michigan Warriors, a Tier II Junior A hockey team from the North American Hockey League's North Division. Great Lakes Tire, based in Richmond, Michigan will be sponsoring all of the Go-Karts divisions for the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season at each event as the Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts consist of a variety of classes including the top class of “Open”. There’s also the Purple, Gold, and 360 Flat Head divisions that will be racing as well. In addition to the Go-Karts featuring multiple divisions within the class, the Quarter Midgets and Lawn Mowers also feature a multi-division format. For the Quarter Midgets, there are a variety of divisions that includes Junior Honda, Senior Honda, Heavy Honda, Lite 160, and Heavy 160 while for the Lawn Mowers there are three and those classes that will be racing are the Super Modifieds as well as Modifieds, and Stock divisions. The second event of the 2012/2013 season is slated for Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 at the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan. As for the remainder of the 2012/2013 schedule, several more events are in the works at several different venues throughout Midwest. As soon as those dates are finalized, completing the six to eight race schedule, they will be announced. MGM Motorsports LLC is a partnership of Scott Menlen, Jack Gritter, and Scott Mathews who were instrumental in bringing Arena Racing to the state of Michigan at the Delta Plex. Amongst the staff who are a part of the venture includes Justin Sharp, who is the Director of Marketing while Matt Prieur of Champion Racing Association (CRA) and Speed51.com will serve as the Director of Communications and P.A. Announcer for all of the MIRS sanctioned indoors shows. For more information and to become a sponsor within the series for the entire 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, please call Scott Menlen at: 1 (586) 201-0378 or Jack Gritter at: 1 (616) 813-5965. A new website is in development and will be made available very soon. In the meantime, to learn more about the Midwest Indoor Racing Series and the inaugural 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season, please go to the series’ Facebook Fan Page located at: www.facebook.com/midwestindoorracing

Jacob Poel - Dirt Cast Interview

Jacob Poel - Dirt Cast Interview

VanDoorn Wins at Winchester

Winchester, IN (September 23, 2012) - Close finishes, drivers fighting for close point championships were every position counts, a driver solidifying an already strong point lead and racing that proved again Winchester Speedway can be unforgiving were the results from the rain delayed makeup of the World Stock Car Festival on Sunday. Originally scheduled for Labor Day Weekend Winchester Speedway hosted five series on September 23 including the ARCA/CRA Super Series, Top Speed Fabrication CRA Late Model Sportsman, and CRA Street Stocks. Two time ARCA/CRA Super Series Champion Johnny VanDoorn came into the Winchester 100 tied for the most Super Series wins at Winchester Speedway with three and a commanding lead in the season point championship as he is racing to tie Scott Hantz for the most Championships. Setting second fast time and starting third on the grid VanDoorn wasted no time in getting to the front taking the lead on the fourth lap, he raced to a strong lead while other drivers worked their way to the front also. A caution on the 20th lap bunched up the field. During the caution caused by a spinning car Kenzie Ruston, second in the point's race and Joe Beaver were collected, ending both their days. Following the caution VanDoorn outraced EDCO Welding Fast Qualifier Rick Turner to maintain the lead. Throughout the race VanDoorn was never able to pull away from the other racers as Hantz and late in the race Jeff Fultz chased him and stayed close. As the laps wound down, VanDoorn developed a vibration, Fultz worked to get beside VanDoorn. Fultz could not get past him despite getting to his rear quarter panel. Hantz finished third, Rookie Travis Braden fourth and Nick Gullatta fifth. "Last year was a really tough for us, we had some people involved who were there for the wrong reasons. This year everyone is pulling together and we are really doing well." VanDoorn stated. "There toward the end the car developed a vibration, and with (Jeff) Fultz coming up I knew we had to keep going strong." Fultz earned a Hoosier Racing Tire Performance Award and the AR Bodies Cool Move of the Race Award for his daring moves to get to second and almost taking the win. Mark Lambert earned the second Hoosier Racing Tire Performance Award, the Lane Automotive/ISKY Racing Cams Hardcharger Award, the Racing Electronics Hardcharger Award for moving up from his 22nd starting position to finish 10th.

Popular Michigan racer looking for $20,000 payday in this weekend's Down & Dirty 100

Popular Michigan racer looking for $20,000 payday in this weekend's Down & Dirty 100 By Steve Kaminski | Skaminsk@mlive.com MARNE – Jeep Van Wormer didn’t call this weekend’s opportunity to race Berlin Raceway a Bucket List item, although this is one thing Van Wormer never dreamed would happen. Photo courtesy of DE Photos Jeep Van Wormer will be making his Berlin Raceway debut in this weekend's Down & Dirty 100. Van Wormer, of Pinconning, is one of Michigan’s most successful and popular dirt Late Model racers, and he has competed and won at some of the nation’s legendary dirt tracks. He lives only about three hours from Berlin, so he has heard all about the half-mile in Marne. But Berlin is an asphalt track, and Van Wormer has spent the past 16 years building his career on dirt. Three hundred truckloads of dirt and a $20,000 first-place cash prize are luring Van Wormer to Berlin this weekend, though. He will make his first Berlin appearance when he participates in the Keyser Manufacturing Down & Dirty 100 presented by NAPA. “We have never been to Berlin, not even to check it out,” Van Wormer said. “But we have heard that it is a top-notched facility, and we are excited to have the chance to race there.” Berlin is hosting an open practice from 4-8 p.m. today, followed by racing on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. both days. Van Wormer will be racing in the featured division, the traveling World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Saturday’s main event winner will earn $20,000. Van Wormer, 37, has raced at approximately 100 tracks throughout the United States. Career highlights include winning the UMP Fall Nationals at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, in 2003. He also has won 15 career races on the UMP Summer Nationals tour. In addition, Van Wormer is the only Michigan driver to win a WoO Late Model race. He took top honors in the 2007 race at LaSalle Speedway in LaSalle, Ill. The World of Outlaws Late Models races from February through November, and it competes at tracks from South Dakota to North Carolina, as well as Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and across the Midwest. Van Wormer made two series starts in August when it visited Winston Speedway in Rothbury and Merritt Raceway in Lake City. Mechanical problems took him out of action in both races. “We are looking forward to racing against the best this weekend,” Van Wormer said. “You always want to see how you can stack up, and hopefully, we will run well.”

Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints Finish Strong at Great Lakes

Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints Finish Strong at Great Lakes

By Trevor Hollis


Perfect racing weather and thirty of the best non-wing sprint cars in the state of Michigan took to the track at Crystal Motor Speedway to close out the 2012 racing season. A packed house was given a great show and Greg Dalman was able to hold off Brett Mann to pick up the win in the 25 lap feature event.

The feature event would see eventual winner Greg Dalman and former Sprints on Dirt champion Brett Mann on the front row. The last time Mann was behind the wheel of a non wing sprint car was 1998 at Crystal and he wound up victorious. Rust did not seem to be an issue however as Mann and Dallman would battle wheel to wheel for three quarters of the race. Dalman would later say that the top grove had started to take rubber and develop a lot of grip about half way thru and sure enough that is when Dalman would start to pull away from Mann. Brett would hold his own on the bottom but in the end it would not be enough to get around Dallman and he would have to settle for a second place finish.

In heat race action Jay Steinebach would pick up the first checkered flag over Tim Evilsizer and Nick Landon. The second heat would go to Joe Irwin with Dalman and Keith Love rounding out the top three. 2011 champion and defending Great Lakes Nationals champion Joe Bares won heat three. John Watson and Nate Bostrom would round out the top three. And in the final heat it was Steve Irwin picking up the checkered flag over Brett Mann and Mark Irwin. The final few spots in the feature would be filled from the b main. Former series champion Mike Galajda, Chris Pobanz, and Mike Baker would move on making up the top three.

With the season in the books Joe Irwin will pick up his first points championship with the series. Joe's consistent finishes in all of the races would prove to be enough to hold off Steve Irwin who would collect a couple wins on the season and third place finisher Mark Irwin. 2011 champion Joe Bares would hold on to fourth and Mike Baker rounded out the top five. The 2012 rookie of the year title belongs to Nate Bostrom.

Everybody associated with the series would like to take a second and thank all of the sponsors that make everything possible. Huge thanks goes out to series title sponsor Lane Automotive, associate sponsors Strpko Engineering, Hoosier Race Tire, Tri-county Equipment, Allstar Performance, Irwincraft Racecars, and Northwest Automachine. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to help this series grow. Well, that's a wrap on 2012! Here's to 2013! We'll see you at the track!!!

Great Lakes Nationals full results:
Strpko Engineering
Heat 1 finish. 1.Steinebach, 2.Evilsizer, 3.Landon, 4.Hawk, 5.Pobanz, 6.Gall,7. Hayward, 8.Rutledge.

Hoosier Race Tire
Heat 2 finish: 1.J Irwin,2. Dalman,3. Love, 4.Chuck Wilson, 5.Galadja,6. Baker, 7.Strpko, 8.Chris Wilson.

Tri County Equipment
Heat 3 finish:1. Bares, 2.Watson,3. N Bostrom, 4.Austrauskas, 5.D Bostrom, 6.Ockerman, 7.Brown.

Allstar Performance
Heat 4 finish: 1.S Irwin, 2.Mann, 3.M Irwin, 4.Rogers, 5.Vanhouten, 6. Woorden, 7. Caines

Irwincraft Racecars
B main finish: 1.Galadja, 2.Pobanz, 3.Baker, 4.Gall, 5.D Bostrom, 6.Strpko, 7.Chris Wilson, 8.Brown, 9.Hayward, 10.Ockerman,11. Woorden. 12. Rutledge 13. Caines 14. Vanhouten

Northwestern Automachine
A-Main finish (starting position)

1. Gregg Dalman (2), 2.Brett Mann (4), 3. Steve Irwin (5), 4. Mike Galajda (17), 5. Joe Bares (1), 6. Jay Steinebach (7), 7. John Watson (11), 8. Nick Landon (3), 9. Chuck Wilson (14), 10. Keith Love (12),11. Joe Irwin (9), 12. Chris Pobanz (20), 13. Mark Irwin (10), 14. Tim Evilsizer (6), 15. Mike Astrauskas (15), 16. Kevin Hawk (13), 17. John Gall (19), 18. Nate Bostrom (8), 19. Nick Rogers (16), 20. Mike Baker (18)


MTS Sprint Car Series
www.mtsprints.com
mtsprints@aol.com

Berlin Raceway Completes Transformation From Asphalt To Dirt For Outlaws Event

Berlin Raceway Completes Transformation From Asphalt To Dirt For Outlaws Event

Muskegon's Kody Weisner talks about Racing in Missouri

Click here to Listen.

Clay Now Covering Berlin Raceway in Preparation for Historic World of Outlaws Late Model Series Visit Sept. 21-22

Clay Now Covering Berlin Raceway in Preparation for Historic World of Outlaws Late Model Series Visit Sept. 21-22

MARNE, Mich. -- Berlin Raceway's transformation from an asphalt track to a dirt-covered showplace for one spectacular racing weekend is complete.

More than 300 truckloads of clay now cover the 7/16th-mile oval in advance of the Keyser Manufacturing 'Down & Dirty 100' Presented by NAPA Auto Parts, a historic $20,000-to-win World of Outlaws Late Model Series event on Sept. 21-22 that will return the venerable Wolverine State facility to its dirt-track roots.

"Everything has come along great," said Berlin Raceway general manager Mike Bursley, who co-promotes the venerable speedway with Kurt Dietrich under the DBD Ventures banner. "We've had great weather the last couple days to let us get the dirt down without any problems and now it's just a matter of getting the surface worked in and ready for racing."

The first truckload of clay was dumped ceremoniously on Berlin's homestretch last Saturday night following the final checkered flag of the 'Chet Championship Weekend' that closed the track's 2012 pavement racing schedule. Application of the clay commenced full force at 7 a.m. on Monday and continued virtually unabated through Tuesday evening.

Over 7,500 yards of clay - some excavated from the site of an athletic-field construction project at a local college, some from a nearby landfill - has been spread around the track, producing a dirt surface atop the asphalt that is roughly 12 inches thick.

The project has been overseen by Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park promoter Jeremie Corcoran, a former DIRTcar big-block Modified driver who has track-prep experience at several dirt tracks in the Empire State. Berlin officials were put in contact with Corcoran during the summer and decided to contract him to handle all work done on the temporary clay surface.

"Jeremie is doing a great job and has been a huge help," Dietrich, Berlin's operations and marketing manager, said of Corcoran, who hosted a WoO LMS event at Canandaigua in June. "We are very confident in him and really hope this will make the racers feel good that the track will be prepared right."

With bulldozing, grading and rolling equipment for the special event provided by the Georgetown Construction Co. in Jenison, Mich., Corcoran has been smoothing the clay since Monday. He expects to spend the remainder of the week discing, watering and packing the surface in preparation for a possible initial test session for local race teams on Saturday.

A full evening of practice for the WoO LMS event and competitors in the weekend's support divisions is set for Thurs., Sept. 20, from 4-8 p.m. Action will begin on Fri., Sept. 21, with WoO LMS time trials and heat races headlining a program that also includes DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned racing for UMP Modifieds ($1,500 to win), Factory Stocks/Bombers ($350 to win) and 4-Cylinders/Mini-Stocks ($125 to win). The grand finale on Sat., Sept. 22, features WoO LMS B-Mains and the Keyser Manufacturing 'Down & Dirty 100' Presented by NAPA, plus another full UMP Modified show paying $1,500 to win and a $400-to-win Street Stock event.

Racing is scheduled to begin at 7 o'clock each night of the weekend, which is generating plenty of buzz in the Michigan racing community. It's a throwback race for Berlin, which opened for business in 1950 as a dirt track but has exclusively presented asphalt action since 1966.

"So many people are talking about it," said Bursley. "And we've seen people stopping in constantly the last couple days to check out the dirt going down on the track, including a lot of people who remember the dirt days at Berlin back in the '50s and '60s."

"I haven't seen this much excitement about an event I don't think ever," added Dietrich. "This is going to be a huge weekend for Berlin Raceway. I know that we are like little kids on Christmas morning every time we go out and look at the track to see the dirt (surface), and all the calls we're getting and tickets we're selling tells us that a lot of other people are excited too."

Tickets will cost $20 on Friday and $30 on Saturday, with a two-day pass available for $45. Kids are $7 on Friday and $10 on Saturday, or $15 for a two-day pass.

Fans can purchase tickets on-line and obtain the latest information on the event by logging on to www.berlinraceway.com or calling the track office at 616-662-2051.

Fans can also follow Berlin Raceway on Twitter at www.twitter.com/berlinraceway and Facebook at Facebook.com/wherespeedbelongs.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Fans can also follow the WoO LMS on Twitter at Twitter.com/WoOLateModels and Facebook at Facebook.com/WorldofOutlaws.

Contact: Kevin Kovac
World of Outlaws Late Model Series PR Director
kkovac@dirtcar.com | 704-254-7929

For more information visit www.berlinraceway.com or call the office at 616.677.500. Hours are Tuesday - Friday 9am - 5pm.

PRE SALE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.BERLINRACEWAY.COM FOR ALL EVENTS!

MTS Sprint Series Finale at Crystal

The Lane Automotive MTS sprint series will wrap up 2012 with the season championship race at Crystal Motor Speedway Saturday Sept.15th with the Great Lakes Nationals.
In Saturdays MTS championship race drivers will try to dethrone 3 time Great Lakes Nationals champion Joe Bares.

Some of the best non wing competitors from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Canada are expected to compete in this year’s championship race.

The 2012 Point standings show an Irwin in all three top point positions. This is the first time that Mark and his two sons Joe and Steve have been positioned this way in any series or track points. As the Irwin’s look to sweep the podium spots in points, Vicksburg, Michigan’s Mike Baker and 2011 MTS champion Joe Bares try to break up the top three as they are fourth and fifth in the standings.

After a couple starts in sprints in 2007 Nate Bostrom returned for 2012 to run for R.O.Y. honors and looks to clinch on Saturday. Other rookie contenders Eric Smith and Jacob Caines run within the top 15 in points for the 2012 season.
Crystal Motor Speedway always has FREE camping, come on out and join us for a great night of racing.

Pits Open: 12 Noon SATURDAY: Hot Laps: 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
Races start: 5 p.m.

Crystal Motor Speedway is located in Crystal, MI, 5.5 miles north of SR 57 on Crystal Road, then east on Sidney. For more information, contact the track at 989-235-5200.

MTS Sprint Car Series
www.mtsprints.com
mtsprints@aol.com

Mike Garvey Winner's Circle Interview 9-2-12

Cherry Raceway Results for Sunday September 2nd, 2012

Cherry Raceway Results for Sunday September 2nd, 2012

Fife Lake, Michigan (Sunday September 2nd, 2012): The United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) sanctioned Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Modified tour made the trip to Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan just southeast of Traverse City, Michigan on Sunday for a special Labor Day event which was a make-up due to the original date being rained out. The UMP Super Late models were also in competition for their final time in 2012, as well as the Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors and Four-Cylinder Compacts. Starting things off it was the Cruiser Bomber division competing in a 20-lap feature event. Current point leader Jimmy Hiller took the lead early, and there would be several cautions that would try to cause problems, but when it was all said and done, Hiller was the winner when the checkered flag was thrown.

Similar to Friday night Hiller the 14-year old Kalkaska, Michigan native picked up his ninth win of 2012 in the Forest Area Car Company / Chevrolet. 2010 track champion Roger McQueen finished second, Caleb Kill, Josh Grabe, and Mark Farber finished off the top five. Dennis Bringedahl, and Farber were the heat winners.

The Street Stocks were next in their 25-lap main event. Kevin Borgen and Mike Sparks were in the front row and the green flag went in the air. Borgen would take the early advantage, and would hold on to that spot until with under ten laps remaining, Tim Tabaczka who started towards the rear of the field powered his way to the front went home as the victor.

The Manistee, Michigan driver took his #45t Parkville Auto / Chevrolet to the winners circle for the fifith time this season. Sparks would be the runner up finisher, Borgen, Bob Green, and T.J. Erickson rounded out the top five. Borgen and Dan Hersey took the heat wins.

The Four-Cylinder Compacts made their way out for a 15-lap feature. The current points leader Chris Casey did happen to take the early lead, but he would see mechanical issues get the better of him, and the lead would then find itself going to Dalton Bouscher, he went on to take the checkered flag as the winner.

This was the first win for the rookie driver from Traverse City, Michigan in the #42 Van’s Auto Sales / Porsche. Defending track champion Autumn Beeman finished second, Dylan Roush took third, Frank Smith III, and Ryan Andras were in the top five. Andras won the heat race. The Four-Cylinder Warriors went head to head in their 15-lap A-Main. Bob Craycraft would take the top spot early, but Chad Tomczka would have something to say about that as he worked towards the front of the field and was able to take the lead, and go un challenged for the win.

The Casnovia, Michigan driver picked up his first win at Cherry Raceway this year in his #1t High Rail Solutions / Honda getting the win over, Mark Nienhouse who took second, Shawn Alwarden, Andrew Austin, and John Edingfield made up the top five. Tomczka also won the lone heat race.2012 Merritt Raceway Champion Eric Spangler and Rich Neiser lead the high-powered UMP Super Late Models out for what would be a thrilling 20-lap feature. However Brandon Thirlby would take the lead on lap one, but Spangler would answer right back by getting around Thirlby for the lead, and there would be a hard battle but there was no stopping the Lake City, Michigan driver as he went on to pick up the win.

The #27 Spangler heating and cooling / Mastersbilt racecar was in victory lane for the first and only time this year. Thirlby was forced to take second, Neiser was third, Alex Beeman, and C.J. Heskett rounded out the top five. The heats were taken by Greg Gokey, and Spangler

The main event of the evening was the 30-lap feature courtesy of the Allstar performance Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds presented by Lane Automotive. 2011 UMP DIRTcar racing series modified state of Michigan champion Jacob Poel was the driver to jump out front early. Things would stay that way until with ten laps remaining, the current state of Michigan points leader David Mielke would get around Poel and go on to get the big victory.

Mielke took his #87 Fennimore Group / Rocket Chassis to victory lane as the winner. Poel would settle for second, 2012 I-96 Speedway Champion Zack Olger was third, John McCaul, and Colin Thirlby completed the top five. Mielke, Poel, Brian Brindley, and Olger got the heat victories. There were also to B-Mains those were won by Stan Dodds, and McCaul.

This Saturday will be the final date on the racing schedule for the 2012 racing season at the Cherry Raceway. The night will be headlined by the second and final visit from the wingless Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprint Series. Joining the sprints will be a Street Stock Special worth $1000.00 to win and $100.00 just to start the main event. The Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts will also be on hand for their season ending races.

Ticket Prices for Saturday September 8th are: Adults (13-59): $15.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $12.00 – Children (6-12): $5.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00.

The Pit Gates Open at 5:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open at 6:00p.m. Practice also Starts at 6:00p.m., and then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Begins at approximately 7:15p.m.

Cherry Raceway is located at: 8649 East M-113 in Fife Lake, Michigan. For more information, please call: 1 (231) 468-1477. Don’t forget to check out the track website at: www.cherryraceway.com You can also follow us on Facebook by going to: www.facebook.com/cherryraceway and clicking on the “Like” button as well as on Twitter by going to: www.twitter.com/cherryraceway

Brian Campbell Clean Sweeps JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Competition At Owosso Speedway

The Big "O" Classic 100 Presented by JEGS.com highlighted the Labor Day Holiday Weekend at the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked paved oval of Owosso Speedway located northeast of Lansing in Ovid, Michigan as the pivotal 12th race of the 2012 racing season for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance answered a few questions moving forward for the remainder of the 2012 campaign.

At the end of the 100-Lap main at the historic Central Michigan speed plant, Wyoming, Michigan veteran, Brian Campbell emerged victorious as he swept everything involving race day at the historic Central Michigan speed plant. The 33-year-old started the day by sweeping both Practice Sessions. Then after winning his first Boyne Machine Fast Qualifier Award, the two-time ARCA/CRA Super Series Winner in 2012 took the lead on lap 38 and went on to score the victory in the Big "O" Classic 100 Presented by JEGS.com.

"We just had a great car all day long, we didn't really change much at all and we just waited for everyone to sort themselves out," Campbell explained in his post-race winners circle interview. "This was a great way to kick off the month of September. We've got a busy schedule the rest of the season and I'm very happy that we can start it off with a win at one of my favorite race tracks."

The 24-car field was brought down to the green flag by Johnny Belott and 19-year-old Rookie Brandon Hermiller and right from the get-go, the field behind the front row began jockeying for position while Belott and Hermiller held their lines for the first lap. On lap two, Hermiller got a right rear tire off the backstretch which allowed the field to freight train him on the inside.
The biggest benefactors would be both of the home track favorites in the field, Chad Finley from near-by DeWitt, Michigan and Reigning JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance Champion, 16-year-old Erik Jones who was making his first appearance of the season on his home track after spending the majority of the year running in the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards for Venturini Motorsports.

Both drivers climbed up to second and third from their fourth and seventh starting positions respectively and on lap four, both drivers slipped by Belott, a former winner in the ARCA/CRA Super Series back in the 2005 season at Toledo Speedway and ironically making his JEGS/CRA debut filling in for Joe Johnson. Finley took the lead only to lose it a lap later to Jones as the near capacity crowd on hand were already on their feet cheering on the two home track favorite.
Both drivers would swap the lead twice more for a total of four lead changed between laps four through seven before Jones took over again and kept Finley behind him who now had the remainder of the field from third back to 13th to deal with. Campbell, who started sixth, methodically worked his way up to the second spot and quickly reeled in Jones and placed himself on the teenagers back bumper.

On Lap 38, Campbell made his move for the lead and took over the top spot. Jones gave a valiant effort but slowly began fading due to a slowly deflating tire. He would later be involved in a mid race caution and would be done for the night. From there, Campbell was a man on a mission as he slowly but surely pulled away from the rest of the pack and as the laps continued to click off, would put lapped traffic between him and the rest of the field.

The last of five cautions flew on lap 65 setting up a 35-lap sprint to the finish, however it would be all Campbell as the driver of the #20 K.B.R. Development / Ford would set sail the rest of the way to win his first JEGS/CRA victory of the 2012 season and second career win in the series as Campbell was the winner of the Inaugural JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour event at Toledo Speedway back on April 23rd, 2011.

"I had to get a win in this series pretty quick. I've been getting razzed for a month now after (Car Owner) Mike (Bursley) won at Berlin about how I can't win anymore in the JEGS/CRA Series," Laughed the Western Michigan standout. "But I do have to thank Mike & Kathy (Bursley) for giving me a great car and a great team and a huge thanks to my Dad (Fred Campbell) too, he's on the ball with the tire program."

Finishing second at his home track would be Finley as the driver of the #42 AutoParts2020.com / Ford led twice early in the race after a thrilling battle with Jones. "We had a really good for most of the race, but it got really tight there towards the end." The 20-year-old driver explained. "I wasn't expecting to be battling that hard that early in the race with Erik (Jones) but everyone behind us was going like it was the last lap so we had to go. It was way too early to do that. But we got a good finish out of it." Finley added.

Earning the Five Star Racecar Bodies & Racing Electronics Hard-Charger Awards for his impressive 18th to third place run was Dave Gentile Jr., who was making only his second start of the year in the series. "This is a great run for this team. It feels like a win running against the cars that was here tonight," The Elwood, Illinois driver stated as he stood next to his #6 W.M.C. Incorporated / Chevrolet. "I wish we had the sponsorship to run the full schedule in 2013. Hopefully we showed a few people here how good this entire team really is." The 33-year-old regular at Grundy County Speedway and Illiana Motor Speedway remarked.

Current Points Leader & Seven-Time Event Winner, Daniel Hemric finished fourth over Robbie Johnson who completed the top five with his second straight fifth place finish in two races. Wes Griffith Jr., finished sixth after starting 16th while 14-year-old Anderson Bowen Unofficially clinched the 2012 Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year Presented by Howe Racing Enterprises Award with his 19th to seventh place effort. Dan Leeck was eighth with Josh Nelms and 16-year-old Kyle Crump finished off the top 10 after starting 21st.

Earlier in the afternoon in Boyne Machine Qualifying, Campbell won his first Boyne Machine Fast Qualifier Award of the season as he toured the historic Central Michigan oval at a 15.571 which measures out to 86.700mph as he had swept everything JEGS/CRA related up to that point. The JEGS/CRA Track Record in Ovid, Michigan was set back on September 3rd, 2011 when Jones turned a 15.531.

The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance will now take a mini vacation before finishing out the 2012 racing season beginning with a return trip to Lucas Oil Raceway in Clermont, Indiana on Saturday-Sunday, September 29-30th as the JEGS/CRA teams will race in the Lucas Oil 100 Presented by JEGS.com which is part of the CRA Fall Brawl Weekend.

Then the Season Finale, for points, will see the 2012 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance Champion and Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year Presented by Howe Racing Enterprises be crowned on Friday, October 12th at Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana as the JEGS/CRA Season Championship race will kick off the prestigious 41st annual Winchester 400 Weekend which runs from October 12-14th.

After the points are tabulated and everything is official, there is one more JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance event in 2012; A non-points race at the 4/10s (0.400) mile semi-banked paved oval of Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Georgia on Friday-Saturday, October 26-27th as the JEGS/CRA teams will be a part of the Fall Speedfest as the 100-Lap main will pay $3,000 to the winner. The ARCA/CRA Southern Six-Pack Series will also be racing in a 100-Lapper as well.

For more information about the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance, please visit: www.craracing.net and for more information about Lucas Oil Raceway and Winchester Speedway, go to each track website located at: www.lucasoilraceway.com and www.winchesterspeedway.com.