Worldwide Superstar Travis Pastrana to join Kyle Busch
and others in the 4th annual Rowdy 251 June 19
-Rowdy 251 looks to be a history making event-
5/24/2012, Marne, MI - Berlin Raceway announced today that NASCAR Nationwide Series driver, Rally Racer, Worldwide X-Games, Supercross, and Motocross stunt performer Travis Pastrana is up for the challenge to compete at the famed 7/16 mile track in the Rowdy 251 on June 19.
Pastrana, 28, will join NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch in the 4th annual event and will pilot the #99 car out the KBR Development stables as a teammate to local racing star Brian Campbell.
From a young age, Pastrana has always had at least two wheels under him. He began his career at the 1999 X-Games at the age of 15 where he won the first ever MotoX Freestyle event. Since then, he has accrued 11 X-Games gold medals and has also competed in AMA Supercross, AMA Motocross and Rally Racing. Pastrana made the jump to NASCAR in 2010 when he partnered with Michael Waltrip to create Pastrana-Waltrip Racing. He was set to debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2001, but that was pushed back due to injury. In 2012, he was finally able to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Richmond International Raceway and plans to race at least seven more times in that series.
While this is the fourth year that the Rowdy race has been held at Berlin Raceway, it has only featured two different winners in the last three events. Campbell won the event in 2009 and Kyle Busch has won the previous two. Pastrana will throw his hat in to the ring to challenge Busch, Campbell and many more that are already pre-entered. Among other early entries are Ross Kenseth, Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, Johnny VanDoorn, Daniel Hemric, Boris Jurkovic and Ben Kennedy, along with a host of local starts such as Terry VanHaitsma, Chris Anthony, Tim DeVos and Tom Thomas.
The Rowdy 251 will take place on Tuesday, June 19. In addition to the Template Late Models sanctioned by the ARCA CRA Super Series, the Top Speed Fabrication Modifieds will also be in action. Tickets for the Rowdy 251 are $22 for adults while kids 11 and under get in for free; racing starts at 7:00 p.m.
There will also be a pre-race autograph session. More information about the event and ticket sales are available at www.berlinraceway.com.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available for Travis Pastrana and Kyle Busch as well as title sponsorship of the Rowdy 251, June 19th. We can tailor any package to your particular needs. For more information please call 616-677-5000.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints Invade Cherry Raceway To Kick Off The Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints Invade Cherry Raceway To Kick Off The Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
Fife Lake, Michigan (Friday, May 25th, 2012): The Memorial Day Holiday Weekend celebration began for the short track racing community in the state of Michigan up in the “Great White North” at Cherry Raceway, located southeast of Traverse City in Fife Lake, Michigan with the first of four appearances by the Mini Sprints. They were joined by five of the weekly divisions of UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts while the UMP Super Late Models had the night off.
The fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval would see the Four-Cylinders Compacts division roll out first as they saw a slim field answer the call for their Feature but the drivers all 16-years-old and younger put on a great show as Opening Night Feature Winner, 13-year-old Chris Casey started on the pole and after losing the lead to 15-year-old Nick Olds on lap one he regained the lead the next lap.
From there, it was all Casey as the Williamsburg, Michigan teenager would take his Wilson Plumbing / Mercury would win his second Feature in two starts. Olds finished second as 16-year-old John Edingfield would complete the running order. Casey also scored the lone Heat Race win.
In the Street Stocks Feature Opening Night Feature Winner, Bob Green and Rookie Allen Oyer brought the field down to the green flag and it would be Oyer grabbing the early lead. Tim Tabaczka would power by Oyer to grab the lead on lap five and he brought Green, who had since regrouped and began to battle with Tabaczka.
With two laps to go, Green maneuvered his way by Tabaczka and from there, the Fife Lake, Michigan veteran in his Olson’s Auto Body / Chevrolet would hang on to score his second Feature victory in two starts. Oyer finished second while 16-year-old Andy Nickerson III finished third. Tabaczka fell to fourth a 17-year-old Rookie James Clem finished off the top five. Tabaczka would pick up the single Heat Race win.
The Four-Cylinders Warriors would roll out next for their Feature and the front row would consist of a pair of Rookies as Jim Durga and Andrew Austin brought the field to the green. Austin held the point with a slew of challengers all over his back bumper throughout most of the race. including most of the pressure coming from Durga.
Through it all the Manton, Michigan rookie in his Joe’s Garage / Chevrolet would fend off all comers to score his first career Feature Win in only his second ever start! Durga would bring home a career high second place showing while Opening Night Feature Winner, Mark Nienhouse was third over 16-year-old John Edingfield, who was doing double duty during the night. 18-year-old Rookie Greg Walkowiak finished up the top five. M. Nienhouse and Greg Nienhouse would collect the Heat Race Wins.
The Cruiser Bombers division was up next and their front would see Former Track Champion, Roger McQueen and Rookie J.J. Arbour lead the field to the green. McQueen led the first two laps before Opening Night Feature Winner, 14-year-old Jimmy Hiller drove by to take the lead on lap three. Defending Track Champion, Emery Smith also drove by McQueen for second and set his sights on the teenager.
Throughout the caution filled affair, the Kalkaska, Michigan rising star would be able to keep the rest of the field behind him and after Smith dropped out late in the race, Hiller would steer his Forest Area Car Company / Chevrolet into the Engine Pro Victory Lane for the second time in two starts! Rookie Alicia Roszczewski finished a career high second while Karl McClellan, Charlie Woebbeking, and Rookie J.J. Arbour rounded out the top five. McQueen and Ty Phillips scored the Heat Race triumphs.
The Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints Series were up for their first of four appearances during the 2012 racing season as Joe Lancaster and Bruce Dezelski started on the front row. However it would be rusty Reyelts from his third starting spot who would grab the early lead while the rest of the field jockeyed for position behind the race leader.
Reyelts would pace the field for the entire 15-lap Feature as the Williamsburg, Michigan driver would score the Feature win. Justin Ward finished second while Tom Hunt, Lancaster, and Bill Dunham were the top five. Picking up Heat Race Wins were Reyelts and Randy Plamondon.
On this night the premier division within the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series, the UMP Modifieds closed out the night with their Feature and the front row would be Veteran Tony Gokey and Antero Tarvudd and it would be Gokey pacing the field with Scott Payton, Defending Track Champion Joe Rokos, and Opening Night Feature Winner John McCaul right behind. Both McCaul and Payton spun in separate incidents which forced them to the rear of the field
McCaul, who spun on lap seven, rocketed from the back of the pack in just two laps running the high side and would take the lead away from Gokey on lap nine and from there, the Montague, Michigan veteran in his Stuberg Construction / Xtreme Racecars entry would fight off a hard-charging Rokos to win his second Feature in two starts. Rokos was second while Gokey, Dennis Taghon, and Payton would complete the top five. In the Heat Races, Rokos and McCaul would pick up those victories.
Cherry Raceway will be taking Friday, June 1st off but come right back the next night on Saturday, June 2nd with the special “Saturday Night in the ‘Great White North’” featuring the Winged Sprint Cars of the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt Presented by ARP. Superstars like Dustin Daggett, Brett Mann, Ryan Grubaugh, Gregg Dalman, Darren Long, Ryan Ruhl, Marques Huffer and many more of the fire breathing machines and their drivers will invade for their first of three appearances.
Also on the card will be the tracks weekly divisions of Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts. The two premier weekly divisions, the UMP Super Late Models and UMP Modifieds will have the night off.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, June 2nd: Adults (13-59): $15.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $12.00 – Children (6-12) $9.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00. For Saturday, June 2nd, Starting Times will be adjusted slightly for the date as well as to accommodate the traveling invaders as the Pit Gates Open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open at 5:00p.m. Practice also Starts at 6:00p.m., and then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Begins at 7:15p.m.
Friday Night Racing returns on June 8th on Topless Night / Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night as all six weekly divisions will be in action minus the roofs and going for “Double Points” throughout the night! The UMP Super Late Models, UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts will all be in action on this night.
In addition, this night will also be "Operation Home Front Night", with The Hooters Girls from Traverse City, Michigan & Operation Home Front Sponsored Race Cars On Display! It’s also Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night as all 2012 MARFC members in good standing who show their 2012 Membership Cards will get into the races for absolutely FREE! For more information on how to become a MARFC member, go to their website at: www.marfc.org
Ticket Prices for Friday, June 8th are: Adults (13-59): $12.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $9.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00. On Friday nights throughout the 2012 racing season, 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 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
Fife Lake, Michigan (Friday, May 25th, 2012): The Memorial Day Holiday Weekend celebration began for the short track racing community in the state of Michigan up in the “Great White North” at Cherry Raceway, located southeast of Traverse City in Fife Lake, Michigan with the first of four appearances by the Mini Sprints. They were joined by five of the weekly divisions of UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts while the UMP Super Late Models had the night off.
The fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval would see the Four-Cylinders Compacts division roll out first as they saw a slim field answer the call for their Feature but the drivers all 16-years-old and younger put on a great show as Opening Night Feature Winner, 13-year-old Chris Casey started on the pole and after losing the lead to 15-year-old Nick Olds on lap one he regained the lead the next lap.
From there, it was all Casey as the Williamsburg, Michigan teenager would take his Wilson Plumbing / Mercury would win his second Feature in two starts. Olds finished second as 16-year-old John Edingfield would complete the running order. Casey also scored the lone Heat Race win.
In the Street Stocks Feature Opening Night Feature Winner, Bob Green and Rookie Allen Oyer brought the field down to the green flag and it would be Oyer grabbing the early lead. Tim Tabaczka would power by Oyer to grab the lead on lap five and he brought Green, who had since regrouped and began to battle with Tabaczka.
With two laps to go, Green maneuvered his way by Tabaczka and from there, the Fife Lake, Michigan veteran in his Olson’s Auto Body / Chevrolet would hang on to score his second Feature victory in two starts. Oyer finished second while 16-year-old Andy Nickerson III finished third. Tabaczka fell to fourth a 17-year-old Rookie James Clem finished off the top five. Tabaczka would pick up the single Heat Race win.
The Four-Cylinders Warriors would roll out next for their Feature and the front row would consist of a pair of Rookies as Jim Durga and Andrew Austin brought the field to the green. Austin held the point with a slew of challengers all over his back bumper throughout most of the race. including most of the pressure coming from Durga.
Through it all the Manton, Michigan rookie in his Joe’s Garage / Chevrolet would fend off all comers to score his first career Feature Win in only his second ever start! Durga would bring home a career high second place showing while Opening Night Feature Winner, Mark Nienhouse was third over 16-year-old John Edingfield, who was doing double duty during the night. 18-year-old Rookie Greg Walkowiak finished up the top five. M. Nienhouse and Greg Nienhouse would collect the Heat Race Wins.
The Cruiser Bombers division was up next and their front would see Former Track Champion, Roger McQueen and Rookie J.J. Arbour lead the field to the green. McQueen led the first two laps before Opening Night Feature Winner, 14-year-old Jimmy Hiller drove by to take the lead on lap three. Defending Track Champion, Emery Smith also drove by McQueen for second and set his sights on the teenager.
Throughout the caution filled affair, the Kalkaska, Michigan rising star would be able to keep the rest of the field behind him and after Smith dropped out late in the race, Hiller would steer his Forest Area Car Company / Chevrolet into the Engine Pro Victory Lane for the second time in two starts! Rookie Alicia Roszczewski finished a career high second while Karl McClellan, Charlie Woebbeking, and Rookie J.J. Arbour rounded out the top five. McQueen and Ty Phillips scored the Heat Race triumphs.
The Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints Series were up for their first of four appearances during the 2012 racing season as Joe Lancaster and Bruce Dezelski started on the front row. However it would be rusty Reyelts from his third starting spot who would grab the early lead while the rest of the field jockeyed for position behind the race leader.
Reyelts would pace the field for the entire 15-lap Feature as the Williamsburg, Michigan driver would score the Feature win. Justin Ward finished second while Tom Hunt, Lancaster, and Bill Dunham were the top five. Picking up Heat Race Wins were Reyelts and Randy Plamondon.
On this night the premier division within the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series, the UMP Modifieds closed out the night with their Feature and the front row would be Veteran Tony Gokey and Antero Tarvudd and it would be Gokey pacing the field with Scott Payton, Defending Track Champion Joe Rokos, and Opening Night Feature Winner John McCaul right behind. Both McCaul and Payton spun in separate incidents which forced them to the rear of the field
McCaul, who spun on lap seven, rocketed from the back of the pack in just two laps running the high side and would take the lead away from Gokey on lap nine and from there, the Montague, Michigan veteran in his Stuberg Construction / Xtreme Racecars entry would fight off a hard-charging Rokos to win his second Feature in two starts. Rokos was second while Gokey, Dennis Taghon, and Payton would complete the top five. In the Heat Races, Rokos and McCaul would pick up those victories.
Cherry Raceway will be taking Friday, June 1st off but come right back the next night on Saturday, June 2nd with the special “Saturday Night in the ‘Great White North’” featuring the Winged Sprint Cars of the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt Presented by ARP. Superstars like Dustin Daggett, Brett Mann, Ryan Grubaugh, Gregg Dalman, Darren Long, Ryan Ruhl, Marques Huffer and many more of the fire breathing machines and their drivers will invade for their first of three appearances.
Also on the card will be the tracks weekly divisions of Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts. The two premier weekly divisions, the UMP Super Late Models and UMP Modifieds will have the night off.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, June 2nd: Adults (13-59): $15.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $12.00 – Children (6-12) $9.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00. For Saturday, June 2nd, Starting Times will be adjusted slightly for the date as well as to accommodate the traveling invaders as the Pit Gates Open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open at 5:00p.m. Practice also Starts at 6:00p.m., and then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Begins at 7:15p.m.
Friday Night Racing returns on June 8th on Topless Night / Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night as all six weekly divisions will be in action minus the roofs and going for “Double Points” throughout the night! The UMP Super Late Models, UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts will all be in action on this night.
In addition, this night will also be "Operation Home Front Night", with The Hooters Girls from Traverse City, Michigan & Operation Home Front Sponsored Race Cars On Display! It’s also Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night as all 2012 MARFC members in good standing who show their 2012 Membership Cards will get into the races for absolutely FREE! For more information on how to become a MARFC member, go to their website at: www.marfc.org
Ticket Prices for Friday, June 8th are: Adults (13-59): $12.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $9.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00. On Friday nights throughout the 2012 racing season, 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 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
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Memorial Day Holiday Weekend For Joe Rokos Consists Of His Home Track; Cherry Raceway
Interlochen, Michigan (Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012):
Joe Rokos was in action twice over the weekend of May 18-19th beginning at his home track of Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake Michigan on May 18th for Opening Night 2012 / Best Looking Car contest at the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked dirt oval. Rokos knew going into the night and into the entire season at Cherry that he’ll have a target on his back all season long as the Defending UMP Modifieds Track Champion.
After winning his heat race, Rokos was in a long battle with West Michigan veteran, John McCaul throughout the 20-lap Feature and in the end, Rokos would settle for second. “It was nice to get back on the track at Cherry. The car was real good all night. It was nice to pick up the win in the heat. Starting on the outside front row at cherry is usually the best starting spot in the field, but Friday was an exception.” The Interlochen, Michigan driver explained.
“The track was definitely bottom only come feature time. McCaul is a good runner and when he jumped to the early lead I knew that it was going to be tough to get by him,” The 29-year-old continued. “He ran 20 laps with no mistakes and I had to settle with second. The mid race battle with Collin Thirlby was sure fun, that was some real tight close racing. We’ll get them next week.” He added.
The following night, May 19th was at the ¼ (0.250) mile semi-banked dirt oval of Merritt Raceway in Lake City, Michigan. After transferring into the Feature due to a somewhat rough heat race, the crew worked hard to get the car back into race condition for the Feature. “The track still had some wet spots in Qualifying and I slipped off the track in turn three. So we started deep in the heat and the car was working good until a mid-race caution came out and Andy Sprague and I made contact as the yellow came out.” He explained.
“We bent a center link, idler arm and a rim. So the J.R.R. Got it fixed for the feature and started 13th . We got up to seventh and the car was great, but the track was one lane on the bottom. I needed a caution. Two weeks in a row starting deep at Merritt and the race goes green to checkered.” Rokos Laughed.
For the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, Rokos will race one time before taking the rest of the weekend off as he’ll return to Cherry on Friday, May 25th. Looking down the road, Race #2 in the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Tour Presented by Lane Automotive is on Saturday, June 16th at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Michigan.
For the remainder of the 2012 racing season, Rokos’ white #77 Joe Rokos Racing / Rocket by Ruhlman Racecars entry will have sponsorship support and decals from: Gilboes Lock & Safe as well as Magnum Solvents, Thirlby Automotive, CRM Inc. Powder Coating, Allstar Performance, Westside Beverage, Cooter Thunder, Rokos Construction, Bell Racing Helmets, Ultrashield Race Products, Ron Coyne Tool & Machine, Tim & Pam Tank, and M.P.H. Promotions.
To learn more about Joe Rokos and the Joe Rokos Racing Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the rest of the 2012 season, go to the new website at: www.joerokosracing.com You can also e-mail JRR at: hotrodracing77@yahoo.com and don’t forget about the Joe Rokos Racing Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/joerokos77
Joe Rokos was in action twice over the weekend of May 18-19th beginning at his home track of Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake Michigan on May 18th for Opening Night 2012 / Best Looking Car contest at the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked dirt oval. Rokos knew going into the night and into the entire season at Cherry that he’ll have a target on his back all season long as the Defending UMP Modifieds Track Champion.
After winning his heat race, Rokos was in a long battle with West Michigan veteran, John McCaul throughout the 20-lap Feature and in the end, Rokos would settle for second. “It was nice to get back on the track at Cherry. The car was real good all night. It was nice to pick up the win in the heat. Starting on the outside front row at cherry is usually the best starting spot in the field, but Friday was an exception.” The Interlochen, Michigan driver explained.
“The track was definitely bottom only come feature time. McCaul is a good runner and when he jumped to the early lead I knew that it was going to be tough to get by him,” The 29-year-old continued. “He ran 20 laps with no mistakes and I had to settle with second. The mid race battle with Collin Thirlby was sure fun, that was some real tight close racing. We’ll get them next week.” He added.
The following night, May 19th was at the ¼ (0.250) mile semi-banked dirt oval of Merritt Raceway in Lake City, Michigan. After transferring into the Feature due to a somewhat rough heat race, the crew worked hard to get the car back into race condition for the Feature. “The track still had some wet spots in Qualifying and I slipped off the track in turn three. So we started deep in the heat and the car was working good until a mid-race caution came out and Andy Sprague and I made contact as the yellow came out.” He explained.
“We bent a center link, idler arm and a rim. So the J.R.R. Got it fixed for the feature and started 13th . We got up to seventh and the car was great, but the track was one lane on the bottom. I needed a caution. Two weeks in a row starting deep at Merritt and the race goes green to checkered.” Rokos Laughed.
For the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, Rokos will race one time before taking the rest of the weekend off as he’ll return to Cherry on Friday, May 25th. Looking down the road, Race #2 in the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Tour Presented by Lane Automotive is on Saturday, June 16th at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Michigan.
For the remainder of the 2012 racing season, Rokos’ white #77 Joe Rokos Racing / Rocket by Ruhlman Racecars entry will have sponsorship support and decals from: Gilboes Lock & Safe as well as Magnum Solvents, Thirlby Automotive, CRM Inc. Powder Coating, Allstar Performance, Westside Beverage, Cooter Thunder, Rokos Construction, Bell Racing Helmets, Ultrashield Race Products, Ron Coyne Tool & Machine, Tim & Pam Tank, and M.P.H. Promotions.
To learn more about Joe Rokos and the Joe Rokos Racing Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the rest of the 2012 season, go to the new website at: www.joerokosracing.com You can also e-mail JRR at: hotrodracing77@yahoo.com and don’t forget about the Joe Rokos Racing Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/joerokos77
Weekend Sweep For Jacob Poel At Winston & Merritt.
Big Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Trip On Tap
Spring Lake, Michigan (Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012):
A hard crash at Hartford Motor Speedway back on May 11th put Jacob Poel’s 2012 racing season in jeopardy as his UMP Modified was severely damaged in an accident that saw Todd Valley make hard contact with Poel in the middle of the front stretch on a very dusty track. Fast Forward to a week later and all that seemed lost is now well again for Poel after a weekend sweep.
The weekend started on Friday, May 18th at Winston Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan and ended on Saturday, May 19th at Merritt Raceway in Lake City, Michigan. The events at Winston were the first for the Spring Lake, Michigan driver since the hard crash the previous week at Hartford and Poel responded the best way he knew how, by winning his third Overall Feature of the season and second this year at Winston.
The next night, Poel and his Jacob Poel Racing Team ventured up to Merritt and the 25-year-old had a banner night as he won his Qualifier Heat and then backed that up with his first ever Feature triumph at the Lake City, Michigan speed plant and his fourth Overall Feature Win of the 2012 racing season.
“Two Feature Wins; Man it feels great to know all of our hard work paid off this week. The 82 crew was pretty disappointed when ‘Molly’ got tore up last week at Hartford.” Poel remarked as he reflected on a very successful and rewarding weekend. “Hard work and determined help won for us this weekend. We’re all happy to know that the car is running back at its best and are looking forward to the rest of the season.” He added.
For the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, Poel has gone away from the original plan of staying in his home state as he and Traverse City, Michigan driver, Collin Thirlby will hit the road and travel throughout the state of Illinois for a potential for five races in five days all the while providing an opportunity to gain some valuable United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series National Points.
This will also allow the Jacob Poel Racing Team to prepare for the upcoming Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds National Schedule which will tour the Midwestern United States in support of the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour for UMP Super Late Models from Mid-June to Mid-July. Tentative plans call for Poel and crew to follow the entire Modifieds Nationals schedule and the traveling over the holiday weekend will allow for some much needed and important track time for both Poel and Thirlby before the marathon 29 races in 32 days adventure starts on Wednesday, June 13th at Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana.
For the remainder of the 2012 racing season, Poel’s black #82 Rocket Chassis UMP Modified will carry the sponsorship decals of his own business, Poel’s PRO-ACT Welding & Fabrication as well as 22 Below Bar & Grill, Lakeshore Custom Services, Sweet Manufacturing, A&A manufacturing, Fitness Together, Dura-Tech Racing Engines, Integra Racing Shocks, Keyser’s Port City Racing, Trago Electric, Poel’s Blueberry Farms, Fewless Motorsports and M.P.H. Promotions.
To learn more about Jacob Poel and the entire Jacob Poel Racing Team and to inquire about every type of sponsorship opportunity available for the rest of the 2012 racing season, go to the new Jacob Poel Racing Website at: www.jacobpoelracing.com. You can also go to the JPR Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com and search “Jacob Poel Racing”
Spring Lake, Michigan (Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012):
A hard crash at Hartford Motor Speedway back on May 11th put Jacob Poel’s 2012 racing season in jeopardy as his UMP Modified was severely damaged in an accident that saw Todd Valley make hard contact with Poel in the middle of the front stretch on a very dusty track. Fast Forward to a week later and all that seemed lost is now well again for Poel after a weekend sweep.
The weekend started on Friday, May 18th at Winston Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan and ended on Saturday, May 19th at Merritt Raceway in Lake City, Michigan. The events at Winston were the first for the Spring Lake, Michigan driver since the hard crash the previous week at Hartford and Poel responded the best way he knew how, by winning his third Overall Feature of the season and second this year at Winston.
The next night, Poel and his Jacob Poel Racing Team ventured up to Merritt and the 25-year-old had a banner night as he won his Qualifier Heat and then backed that up with his first ever Feature triumph at the Lake City, Michigan speed plant and his fourth Overall Feature Win of the 2012 racing season.
“Two Feature Wins; Man it feels great to know all of our hard work paid off this week. The 82 crew was pretty disappointed when ‘Molly’ got tore up last week at Hartford.” Poel remarked as he reflected on a very successful and rewarding weekend. “Hard work and determined help won for us this weekend. We’re all happy to know that the car is running back at its best and are looking forward to the rest of the season.” He added.
For the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, Poel has gone away from the original plan of staying in his home state as he and Traverse City, Michigan driver, Collin Thirlby will hit the road and travel throughout the state of Illinois for a potential for five races in five days all the while providing an opportunity to gain some valuable United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series National Points.
This will also allow the Jacob Poel Racing Team to prepare for the upcoming Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds National Schedule which will tour the Midwestern United States in support of the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour for UMP Super Late Models from Mid-June to Mid-July. Tentative plans call for Poel and crew to follow the entire Modifieds Nationals schedule and the traveling over the holiday weekend will allow for some much needed and important track time for both Poel and Thirlby before the marathon 29 races in 32 days adventure starts on Wednesday, June 13th at Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana.
For the remainder of the 2012 racing season, Poel’s black #82 Rocket Chassis UMP Modified will carry the sponsorship decals of his own business, Poel’s PRO-ACT Welding & Fabrication as well as 22 Below Bar & Grill, Lakeshore Custom Services, Sweet Manufacturing, A&A manufacturing, Fitness Together, Dura-Tech Racing Engines, Integra Racing Shocks, Keyser’s Port City Racing, Trago Electric, Poel’s Blueberry Farms, Fewless Motorsports and M.P.H. Promotions.
To learn more about Jacob Poel and the entire Jacob Poel Racing Team and to inquire about every type of sponsorship opportunity available for the rest of the 2012 racing season, go to the new Jacob Poel Racing Website at: www.jacobpoelracing.com. You can also go to the JPR Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com and search “Jacob Poel Racing”
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Garvey Cruises To Win At South Alabama
Photo Coutesy of Speed51.com
Garvey Cruises To Win At South Alabama
Ups his 2012 Win Total to Three Early in the Season
By Ryan McCollough Twitter - @RyanLMcCollough
Mike Garvey is loving life right now.
He dominated the Diamondback 100 at South Alabama Speedway (AL). Garvey muscled his way past Korey Ruble on lap 20 and led the rest of the way for the win.
While Garvey’s win was his third of 2012, he feels with a couple of breaks, the Tracy Goodson Racing team could have more.
“We have everything going the way we need it to go,” Garvey said. “Tracy has really stepped up this year and we are basically racing full time right now. We have everything ready and it is really paying off. We have a shot to win wherever we go. Tonight is our third win this year and we could easily have seven by now. It’s just really fun to have a shot to win every time we unload.”
Garvey moved from the Atlanta, Georgia area to Pensacola recently to be closer to the Deep South tracks that he races regularly. The move has seemed to pay off with two wins at Five Flags Speedway prior to the win in Opp on Saturday. Garvey stopped the GARC streak in the Blizzard Series last month, and is excited about heading back to the Gulf Coast.
“I’m excited every time we go to the race track,” Garvey said. “All you can ask for is a chance to win and right now I feel like we have a chance to win every time we unload. I’m loving it and having the time of my life.”
Korey Ruble was once again a bridesmaid at his home racetrack. The Headland, Alabama native finished in the runner-up spot for the second time in 2012. Ruble is former winner in the Viper Series and desperately wants to get back in victory lane in front of his local fans.
“We have been getting our car better and better as the season has gone on,” Ruble said. “The chassis actually was really close tonight. There were a couple of lapped cars running side-by-side that me and Mike came up on while we racing pretty hard for the lead with about 10 to go, so who knows. I feel like the next time we come back, we will get the win.”
Ruble was also surprised about how much Garvey was able to pull away from him down the straightaway.
“The only place we were really getting beat at tonight was down the straightaway,” said Ruble. “I don’t know if that is a problem with our motor or what, but we have to work on our horsepower.”
Chris Davidson, Viper Series round one winner, extended his point lead over Ruble.
“We come to win races,” Davidson said. “No one comes here to run second, third, fourth, fifth or whatever. Win the races and let points fall where they do.”
Round three of the Viper Series will be held on June 9th at South Alabama Speedway in Opp, AL.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Terry VanHaitsma pulls out the rope-a-dope on the Berlin Raceway field
Terry VanHaitsma pulls out the rope-a-dope on the Berlin Raceway field
By Steve Kaminski
Skaminsk@mlive.com MLive.com
MARNE – The rope-a-dope is a term usually associated with boxing, but Berlin Raceway Super Late Model driver Terry VanHaitsma showed Saturday night that it can be equally effective in stock car racing.
VanHaitsma, of Hudsonville, won the 125-lap feature race at the Marne half-mile, and he credited his strategy for being the difference.
The veteran driver started second in the 24-car field, but he backed off at the race’s start and played it cool. It turned out that VanHaitsma was just playing possum all along because he poured it on at the end.
VanHaitsma stormed back, grabbing the lead from Chris Anthony with 30 laps to go. He went on to beat out Tom Thomas, Ross Meeuwsen, Anthony and Moody for his first win of the season.
“These tires, especially when it’s this hot out, it’s easy to wear them out here,” VanHaitsma said. “I was trying to run really hard, but I didn’t want to run the same pace the guys up front were running. I dropped back a little bit and came to the front at the end when it really matters.”
The fact that VanHaitsma saved his tires early proved especially beneficial late because caution waved with five laps to go. However, VanHaitsma pulled away from the field on the restart.
“I was really worried about the restart because I know Tom has a little bit more motor than I have,” VanHaitsma said. “I didn’t want him to sneak around me on the outside, so I had to make sure I had a really good restart. I knew once I got in front of him that we would be fine. The car was really good all day, so I wasn’t worried about giving up the track position.”
Super Stock class has a first time winner
Will Olmsted could use a little practice when it comes to spinning donuts in his No. 78 Super Stock.
If he keeps driving like he did Saturday night, though, the 26-year old Marne native will have plenty more opportunities to work on his celebrations. Saturday’s victory in Berlin Raceway’s 30-lap Super Stock feature was the first win of his four-year career, and he beat out the track's hottest driver, Justin Ryan, to do it.
“I was trying to put on a little show here, but I broke the master cylinder,” said Olmsted, who needed to be pushed to Victory Lane after stalling his stock car on the Berlin frontstretch.
Olmsted didn’t need to spin donuts to put on a show, though. He had already done that earlier with his driving style. Justin Ryan had won the season’ first three Super Stock features before Olmsted snapped Ryan’s winning streak Saturday. Olmsted passed Ryan on lap 14, then held off Ryan by 0.687 seconds.
“I will probably remember this as long as I live,” Olmsted said.
It was a very good tonight for Kevin DeGood
While Olmsted won his first main, Kevin DeGood of Jenison captured his first win in Berlin’s Modified division. DeGood, who had previously won three Sportsman mains, is racing for the Racingawareness.com team this year. DeGood worked on the team’s crew a year ago, which won a championship with Dave Lake.
“This is phenomenal,” DeGood said. “The competition is really strong. There are not many cars in this class, but the guys that are here are really good. It’s nice to beat guys in this class that have been racing for a few years, and this is my fourth night in it.
“We have just been doing our maintenance and doing our homework back at the shop this week. We have done a lot of work to the car, fixing the little damage we got to it last week.”
Speedy Speet
Mike Speet of Holland captured his third 4 Cylinder feature of the season, and it was arguably his most challenging win. The race was stopped after seven laps due to the length of the event, which was marred by two lengthy caution periods. However, Speet was able to make the pass on Jackson Walker for the lead on lap five and was able to pull out to a 1.6 second lead over Walker when the final caution fell.
Speet said he did not make it through the race unscathed “I did touch somebody,” Speet said. “I got a little bit of damage, but we made it through. I heard them a couple of times that (they were going to stop the race). I started way in the back, so I was a little concerned, but I felt like I had the car to do it.
“I was having trouble earlier. The car wasn’t any good. But it was totally different (for the feature).”
Also Saturday, Jimmy Lawson won the 18-lap Vintage Racing Organization of America feature, holding off Billy Eppink at the stripe.
SATURDAY NIGHT RESULTS
SUPER LATE MODELS (125 LAPS) – 1. Terry VanHaitsma, 2. Tom Thomas, 3. Ross Meeuwsen, 4. Chris Anthony, 5. Seth Moody, 6. Josh Hobson, 7. Dave Lake, 8. Lauren Bush, 9. Jay Niewiek, 10. Lee VanDyk, 11. Ben Klies, 12. Alan Troup, 13. Dan Vandermolen, 14. Justin Ryan, 15. Jordan Dahlke, 16. Justin Regnerus, 17. Tim DeVos, 18. Alec Carll, 19. Chris Muyskens, 20. Tim Green, 21. Keith Herp, 22. Nick Szotko, 23. Jerry Andrews, 24. Caleb Bisacky
SUPER STOCKS (30 LAPS) – 1. Will Olmsted, 2. Justin Ryan, 3. Seth Moody, 4. Nate Walton, 5. Joel Baker, 6. Andrew Nylaan, 7. Dave Hull, 8. Warren Speet, 9. Bob Bliss, 10. Jeremy Munniksma, 11. Denny Anderson, 12. Nick Bonstell, 13. Cole Roelofs, 14. Dennis Mann, 15. Trever McCoy
MODIFIEDS (30 LAPS) – 1. Kevin DeGood, 2. Ryan Hamm, 3. Billy Shotko, 4. Billy Eppink, 5. Randy DeBoer, 6. Adam Chase, 7. Jeff Vrsek, 8. Ben Welch, 9. Rob Shoemaker
4 CYLINDERS (7 LAPS) – 1. Mike Speet, 2. Jackson Walker, 3. Zack Clark, 4. Darrell Holtzlander, 5. Jason Essex, 6. Charlie DeJong, 7. Seth VanHorssen, 8. Jake Loesch, 9. Paul Ritchie, 10. Rob Ream, 11. Jerry Smith, 12. Sierra Lantz, 13. Robbie Ream, 14. Dan Schoenborn, 15. Bill Krupp
VROA (18 LAPS) – 1. Jimmy Lawson, 2. Billy Eppink, 3. Terry Byrne, 4. Don Smith, 5. Randy Pierson, 6. Jason Burrus, 7. Arnie Snyder, 8. John Evans, 9. Larry Mollohan, 10. Max Wirebaugh, 11. Don Deyman, 12. Andrew Bartoszek, 13. Michael Becker, 14. Loren Peterson, 15. Rob Parker
HEAT WINNERS: Warren Speet, Andrew Nylaan (Super Stocks); Ryan Hamm (Modifieds); Bill Krupp, Sierra Lantz (4 Cylinders);
QUALIFYING – Tim DeVos (Super Late Models) 97.381 mph; Joel Baker (Super Stocsk) 90.892 mph; Billy Eppink (Modifieds) 91.097 mph; Bill Krupp (4 Cylinders) 76.932 mph; Terry Byrne (VROA) 81.797 mph
By Steve Kaminski
Skaminsk@mlive.com MLive.com
MARNE – The rope-a-dope is a term usually associated with boxing, but Berlin Raceway Super Late Model driver Terry VanHaitsma showed Saturday night that it can be equally effective in stock car racing.
VanHaitsma, of Hudsonville, won the 125-lap feature race at the Marne half-mile, and he credited his strategy for being the difference.
The veteran driver started second in the 24-car field, but he backed off at the race’s start and played it cool. It turned out that VanHaitsma was just playing possum all along because he poured it on at the end.
VanHaitsma stormed back, grabbing the lead from Chris Anthony with 30 laps to go. He went on to beat out Tom Thomas, Ross Meeuwsen, Anthony and Moody for his first win of the season.
“These tires, especially when it’s this hot out, it’s easy to wear them out here,” VanHaitsma said. “I was trying to run really hard, but I didn’t want to run the same pace the guys up front were running. I dropped back a little bit and came to the front at the end when it really matters.”
The fact that VanHaitsma saved his tires early proved especially beneficial late because caution waved with five laps to go. However, VanHaitsma pulled away from the field on the restart.
“I was really worried about the restart because I know Tom has a little bit more motor than I have,” VanHaitsma said. “I didn’t want him to sneak around me on the outside, so I had to make sure I had a really good restart. I knew once I got in front of him that we would be fine. The car was really good all day, so I wasn’t worried about giving up the track position.”
Super Stock class has a first time winner
Will Olmsted could use a little practice when it comes to spinning donuts in his No. 78 Super Stock.
If he keeps driving like he did Saturday night, though, the 26-year old Marne native will have plenty more opportunities to work on his celebrations. Saturday’s victory in Berlin Raceway’s 30-lap Super Stock feature was the first win of his four-year career, and he beat out the track's hottest driver, Justin Ryan, to do it.
“I was trying to put on a little show here, but I broke the master cylinder,” said Olmsted, who needed to be pushed to Victory Lane after stalling his stock car on the Berlin frontstretch.
Olmsted didn’t need to spin donuts to put on a show, though. He had already done that earlier with his driving style. Justin Ryan had won the season’ first three Super Stock features before Olmsted snapped Ryan’s winning streak Saturday. Olmsted passed Ryan on lap 14, then held off Ryan by 0.687 seconds.
“I will probably remember this as long as I live,” Olmsted said.
It was a very good tonight for Kevin DeGood
While Olmsted won his first main, Kevin DeGood of Jenison captured his first win in Berlin’s Modified division. DeGood, who had previously won three Sportsman mains, is racing for the Racingawareness.com team this year. DeGood worked on the team’s crew a year ago, which won a championship with Dave Lake.
“This is phenomenal,” DeGood said. “The competition is really strong. There are not many cars in this class, but the guys that are here are really good. It’s nice to beat guys in this class that have been racing for a few years, and this is my fourth night in it.
“We have just been doing our maintenance and doing our homework back at the shop this week. We have done a lot of work to the car, fixing the little damage we got to it last week.”
Speedy Speet
Mike Speet of Holland captured his third 4 Cylinder feature of the season, and it was arguably his most challenging win. The race was stopped after seven laps due to the length of the event, which was marred by two lengthy caution periods. However, Speet was able to make the pass on Jackson Walker for the lead on lap five and was able to pull out to a 1.6 second lead over Walker when the final caution fell.
Speet said he did not make it through the race unscathed “I did touch somebody,” Speet said. “I got a little bit of damage, but we made it through. I heard them a couple of times that (they were going to stop the race). I started way in the back, so I was a little concerned, but I felt like I had the car to do it.
“I was having trouble earlier. The car wasn’t any good. But it was totally different (for the feature).”
Also Saturday, Jimmy Lawson won the 18-lap Vintage Racing Organization of America feature, holding off Billy Eppink at the stripe.
SATURDAY NIGHT RESULTS
SUPER LATE MODELS (125 LAPS) – 1. Terry VanHaitsma, 2. Tom Thomas, 3. Ross Meeuwsen, 4. Chris Anthony, 5. Seth Moody, 6. Josh Hobson, 7. Dave Lake, 8. Lauren Bush, 9. Jay Niewiek, 10. Lee VanDyk, 11. Ben Klies, 12. Alan Troup, 13. Dan Vandermolen, 14. Justin Ryan, 15. Jordan Dahlke, 16. Justin Regnerus, 17. Tim DeVos, 18. Alec Carll, 19. Chris Muyskens, 20. Tim Green, 21. Keith Herp, 22. Nick Szotko, 23. Jerry Andrews, 24. Caleb Bisacky
SUPER STOCKS (30 LAPS) – 1. Will Olmsted, 2. Justin Ryan, 3. Seth Moody, 4. Nate Walton, 5. Joel Baker, 6. Andrew Nylaan, 7. Dave Hull, 8. Warren Speet, 9. Bob Bliss, 10. Jeremy Munniksma, 11. Denny Anderson, 12. Nick Bonstell, 13. Cole Roelofs, 14. Dennis Mann, 15. Trever McCoy
MODIFIEDS (30 LAPS) – 1. Kevin DeGood, 2. Ryan Hamm, 3. Billy Shotko, 4. Billy Eppink, 5. Randy DeBoer, 6. Adam Chase, 7. Jeff Vrsek, 8. Ben Welch, 9. Rob Shoemaker
4 CYLINDERS (7 LAPS) – 1. Mike Speet, 2. Jackson Walker, 3. Zack Clark, 4. Darrell Holtzlander, 5. Jason Essex, 6. Charlie DeJong, 7. Seth VanHorssen, 8. Jake Loesch, 9. Paul Ritchie, 10. Rob Ream, 11. Jerry Smith, 12. Sierra Lantz, 13. Robbie Ream, 14. Dan Schoenborn, 15. Bill Krupp
VROA (18 LAPS) – 1. Jimmy Lawson, 2. Billy Eppink, 3. Terry Byrne, 4. Don Smith, 5. Randy Pierson, 6. Jason Burrus, 7. Arnie Snyder, 8. John Evans, 9. Larry Mollohan, 10. Max Wirebaugh, 11. Don Deyman, 12. Andrew Bartoszek, 13. Michael Becker, 14. Loren Peterson, 15. Rob Parker
HEAT WINNERS: Warren Speet, Andrew Nylaan (Super Stocks); Ryan Hamm (Modifieds); Bill Krupp, Sierra Lantz (4 Cylinders);
QUALIFYING – Tim DeVos (Super Late Models) 97.381 mph; Joel Baker (Super Stocsk) 90.892 mph; Billy Eppink (Modifieds) 91.097 mph; Bill Krupp (4 Cylinders) 76.932 mph; Terry Byrne (VROA) 81.797 mph
Brandon Thirlby Wins Inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Race At I-96 Speedway
Brandon Thirlby Wins Inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Race At I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, May 19th, 2012): It was a historic night at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday, May 19th as the Inaugural race for the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive occurred at the fast and newly revamped 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval. The MDC Late Models went head-to-head with the tracks Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models in a thrilling showdown.
The first feature to roll out onto the speedway would be the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks 20-lap A Main as Josh Frye and Landon Hidy brought the field down to the green flag and it would be Frye leading the field into the first corner. Frye held on until lap nine when the Gary Vandermark would take the top spot from him. However, just three laps later it was Frye reclaiming the lead, and from there, the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction Chevrolet went on to win the first feature of the 2012 season.
Jim Beltz put up a nice fight to take Second while Hidy, Ron Harper, and Vandermark completed the top five. Defending Track Champion, Bill Brandt Jr., was sixth over 16-year-old Carlind Forsythe, Sadie Klein, Randy Wellman, and Bill Brandt Sr., rounded out the top 10. Frye, Derek Poland, and Vandermark won the Heat Races.
The 40-lap Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive / Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models Feature was brought down to Chief Starter, Brett Farmer’s green flag by the front row of the Defending Track Champion, Tom Sprague Jr., and Brandon Thirlby. It would be Thirlby who would lead early on as the race saw several cautions in the first 10 laps.
After which, Thirlby would go unchallenged as the Traverse City, Michigan standout was able to lead the entire feature and take his Thirlby Automotive / Mastersbilt Racecars machine to victory lane. This was the second Feature win in two nights for Thirlby as he also picked up the Feature win at Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan the previous night.
Zack Olger put up a strong fight to finish second while Sammy Epling finished third ahead of Rich Neiser and Curt Spalding rounded out the top five. Kris Patterson Jr., who earlier in the night won the B Main to transfer into the Feature finished sixth ahead of Billy Bray, Mark Andersen, Former Two-Time Track Champion Eric Spangler, and Keith Gentz who completed the top 10. Sprague Jr., Olger, and Thirlby picked up the wins in the Qualifier Heat Races while Patterson Jr. won the B-Main over Alvie Haynes, Bruce Vance, and Gentz as all four transferred into the feature.
The final race of the night would be the 20-lap Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts Feature. Dan Reimersma and Rookie Nick Jenema made up the front row. Reimersma shot out in front of the pack like a cannon ball and the Ada, Michigan driver, a former Track Champion back in 2010, would steer his Enterprise Iron & Metal Honda into victory lane for his second consecutive Feature Win.
Jenema picked up the runner up spot while Defending Track Champion Rick Peck would finish third over Scott Rumsey and 18-year-old Terry Henderson Jr., who wrapped up the top five. Tim Horvath II finished sixth ahead of Kyle Brigance, Bob Wolf, 18-year-old Joe Pironello, and 11-year-old Christopher Joyce rounded out the top 10. Reimersma and Jenema would pick up the Heat Race Wins.
This Saturday, May 26th will feature a special five in one night of racing as the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will highlight the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Extravaganza. The chase for those coveted UMP DIRTcar Racing Series National & State Points as well as the 2012 Track Championship title chases will continue for all four weekly UMP divisions.
Joining the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will be the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds who return after taking this past weekend off. Also the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts, and Spectator Drags will cap off the night in celebration of the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, May 26th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00 – Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Family Pass $32.00 (*A family pass will get 2 adults and 2 children into the races. Once inside, the Kid’s Club is Free for the Kids!) – Pit Passes: $25.00 (for any age that can walk, infants are free). Get your tickets exclusively with ShowClix! Click on the link for more information: http://www.showclix.com/event/223083
Every Saturday night throughout the 2012 racing season, unless otherwise noted; Pit Gates will Open at 3:00p.m., the Grandstand Gates will open at 5:00p.m., as Practice will start at 6:00p.m. Each UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Division will get one Practice Session apiece. Then after the Drivers Meeting at 6:30p.m., followed by Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing will begin at 7:00p.m.
I-96 Speedway is located at 3823 Portland Road in Lake Odessa, Michigan. For more information about the on-going 2012 racing season, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow along all season long by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com/i96speedway and click on “Like” button. You can even follow us on Twitter as well, just go to: www.twitter.com/i96speedway and “Follow” us today.
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, May 19th, 2012): It was a historic night at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday, May 19th as the Inaugural race for the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive occurred at the fast and newly revamped 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval. The MDC Late Models went head-to-head with the tracks Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models in a thrilling showdown.
The first feature to roll out onto the speedway would be the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks 20-lap A Main as Josh Frye and Landon Hidy brought the field down to the green flag and it would be Frye leading the field into the first corner. Frye held on until lap nine when the Gary Vandermark would take the top spot from him. However, just three laps later it was Frye reclaiming the lead, and from there, the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction Chevrolet went on to win the first feature of the 2012 season.
Jim Beltz put up a nice fight to take Second while Hidy, Ron Harper, and Vandermark completed the top five. Defending Track Champion, Bill Brandt Jr., was sixth over 16-year-old Carlind Forsythe, Sadie Klein, Randy Wellman, and Bill Brandt Sr., rounded out the top 10. Frye, Derek Poland, and Vandermark won the Heat Races.
The 40-lap Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive / Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models Feature was brought down to Chief Starter, Brett Farmer’s green flag by the front row of the Defending Track Champion, Tom Sprague Jr., and Brandon Thirlby. It would be Thirlby who would lead early on as the race saw several cautions in the first 10 laps.
After which, Thirlby would go unchallenged as the Traverse City, Michigan standout was able to lead the entire feature and take his Thirlby Automotive / Mastersbilt Racecars machine to victory lane. This was the second Feature win in two nights for Thirlby as he also picked up the Feature win at Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan the previous night.
Zack Olger put up a strong fight to finish second while Sammy Epling finished third ahead of Rich Neiser and Curt Spalding rounded out the top five. Kris Patterson Jr., who earlier in the night won the B Main to transfer into the Feature finished sixth ahead of Billy Bray, Mark Andersen, Former Two-Time Track Champion Eric Spangler, and Keith Gentz who completed the top 10. Sprague Jr., Olger, and Thirlby picked up the wins in the Qualifier Heat Races while Patterson Jr. won the B-Main over Alvie Haynes, Bruce Vance, and Gentz as all four transferred into the feature.
The final race of the night would be the 20-lap Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts Feature. Dan Reimersma and Rookie Nick Jenema made up the front row. Reimersma shot out in front of the pack like a cannon ball and the Ada, Michigan driver, a former Track Champion back in 2010, would steer his Enterprise Iron & Metal Honda into victory lane for his second consecutive Feature Win.
Jenema picked up the runner up spot while Defending Track Champion Rick Peck would finish third over Scott Rumsey and 18-year-old Terry Henderson Jr., who wrapped up the top five. Tim Horvath II finished sixth ahead of Kyle Brigance, Bob Wolf, 18-year-old Joe Pironello, and 11-year-old Christopher Joyce rounded out the top 10. Reimersma and Jenema would pick up the Heat Race Wins.
This Saturday, May 26th will feature a special five in one night of racing as the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will highlight the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Extravaganza. The chase for those coveted UMP DIRTcar Racing Series National & State Points as well as the 2012 Track Championship title chases will continue for all four weekly UMP divisions.
Joining the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will be the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds who return after taking this past weekend off. Also the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts, and Spectator Drags will cap off the night in celebration of the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, May 26th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00 – Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Family Pass $32.00 (*A family pass will get 2 adults and 2 children into the races. Once inside, the Kid’s Club is Free for the Kids!) – Pit Passes: $25.00 (for any age that can walk, infants are free). Get your tickets exclusively with ShowClix! Click on the link for more information: http://www.showclix.com/event/223083
Every Saturday night throughout the 2012 racing season, unless otherwise noted; Pit Gates will Open at 3:00p.m., the Grandstand Gates will open at 5:00p.m., as Practice will start at 6:00p.m. Each UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Division will get one Practice Session apiece. Then after the Drivers Meeting at 6:30p.m., followed by Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing will begin at 7:00p.m.
I-96 Speedway is located at 3823 Portland Road in Lake Odessa, Michigan. For more information about the on-going 2012 racing season, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow along all season long by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com/i96speedway and click on “Like” button. You can even follow us on Twitter as well, just go to: www.twitter.com/i96speedway and “Follow” us today.
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