51's Short Track Power
Ranking the Best Out There - A 51 Original and Tradition
Rankings compiled from the voting of a panel of experts.
Story text by Matt Kentfield - Twitter @mattkentfield
Welcome to the first 2012 edition of the Speed51.com Short Track Power rankings. The 2012 season is rolling along and the success stories are starting to come out each week as drivers battle for championships, points, wins and bragging rights.
But who has carried the most clout in the first six months of 2012? Some drivers that came out of the box hot this season and have shown that they deserve to be at the top of our Tower of Power, but we waited a bit longer to get a good feel for the season.
A panel of industry experts from all four corners of the country and Canada have voted on their choices for the first half Short Track Power poll. Drivers in all forms of short track racing, including Late Models, NASCAR Touring Series, Pro Cup, Dirt Late Models and Modifieds, NASCAR Whelen All-American Series or ASA Member Track program and everything in between were eligible. Drivers who have competed in at least half of a NASCAR National Series schedule this season were not eligible.
The rankings shown below were decided after polling our panel of experts in the industry. Rankings were based on overall number of votes, with more weight given to each vote the higher the vote. Example, a #1 vote would be more valuable than a #2, #3, etc.
Here are our power rankings entering the stretch run of the 2012 short track racing season:
1) JOHNNY VANDOORN - ARCA/CRA Super Series
The Tower of Power is all about the "Johnny what have you done for me lately'" types who can sneak in and move up quickly. Finally, Johnny VanDoorn is moving up the ladder because of the success we are used to seeing him have. The former All American 400 winner and two-time CRA champ has won back-to-back races and has taken a commanding point lead in a season that could see bigger and better things as the momentum grows. He won two ARCA/CRA Super Series events in the span of a week in late June and if it had not been for a late yellow, with a pit stop some say he could and would have beaten Kyle Busch at the Rowdy 251. Track position ended up being key and VanDoorn came out nearly last and still finished third.
2) CHASE ELLIOTT - K&N East, Pro & Super Late Models
Chase Elliott has proven just about everything there is to prove in a Late Model. He’s won the Snowball Derby, the Winchester 400 and races just about everywhere he’s gone. He started off 2012 by winning the Pro Late Model portion of SpeedFest 2012 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Georgia and swept the Sunoco Gulf Coast Championship Weekend at Five Flags (FL) and Mobile (AL). The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East had not been as easy to crack into victory lane in to this point in his career. That all changed when Elliott scored K&N East win number-one at Iowa Speedway in mid-May. He’s still the man to beat just about every time in a Late Model and now he’s proving to be a force in the K&N ranks, leading the points going into the season’s second half. As one of our voters noted, “He is one of those drivers that no matter what is going on, you always look for the #9 to see what/how he is doing”
3) DANIEL HEMRIC - JEGS All Stars Tour, Super Late Models
Three wins in five races is about as good of a start to a season in a competitive Late Model series like the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour as a drive can ask for. That’s exactly what Daniel Hemric has done this season with his newly-formed Scott Neal Racing team. He’s won them in every way possible, from dominating them to beating a veteran like Eddie Hoffman by inches at Hoffman’s home track at Illiana. The success for the team led to a new sponsorship from Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, which adorned the car in its most recent win at Dixie (MI). But Hemric proved that it wasn’t just on the JEGS Tour that he’s tough, as he was a major factor due to pit strategy late in the Rowdy 251 at Berlin. One voter said Hemric “can and does win in anything and he's a true racer at heart. He seems like if he has the opportunity to race anything he will do it, even if it means flying cross-country. Reminds me a lot of the old Ken Schrader.”
4) BUBBA POLLARD - Pro & Super Late Models
It's June and Bubba Pollard already has the Gulf Coast title and the Blizzard Series title. No joke. Go do the math. It's all but over. Despite only four wins to his credit this season, compared to his 19 last season, Pollard has had a fine season. He ran well at this year's Rowdy 251 and even trekked up to Milwaukee to run the Howie Lettow event. Pollard likes being good in a strong field compared to winning a 12-car feature. Pollard won the Rattler 250 earlier this year, his first major win and with the World Crown 300 around the corner it might make you think what's next? As one voter noted, “Four wins by the year’s halfway point would be a great season for any driver, but it’s a down year for Bubba. That says something about what he can do behind the wheel.”
5) TRAVIS SAUTER - ASA Midwest Tour
A Power Poll voter said it this way when it comes to Travis Sauter: “Guy has only won one race this year – but it was the biggest race of the year so far. Enough said.” Sauter bested the all-star ASA Midwest Tour Howie Lettow Memorial 150 at the Milwaukee Mile earlier in June. Sauter walked away from his uncle and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series star Johnny Sauter and beat Chase Elliott, Rusty Wallace, Matt Kenseth and just about every other big name in short track racing that made the trip to Milwaukee. Sauter’s Milwaukee win was good enough to earn him a top-five spot in this edition of the Power rankings, but if he can continue to run strong wherever else he goes this year, he could stay on the list in future editions.
6) COREY LAJOIE - K&N Pro Series East
Corey LaJoie and second place are not friends. LaJoie finished on the podium a handful of times in two-plus seasons on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, but had never gone to victory lane. That streak came to an end in a big way earlier this month as LaJoie took the checkers at historic Bowman Gray Stadium (NC). “Supershoe” had so much fun winning one K&N East race, he did it again just two races later at Langley (VA). He’s also won his third UARA Late Model Stock Car race at Rockingham Speedway (NC) earlier this season. The two K&N wins have him and his family –operated team just one point out of the point lead.
7) DEREK THORN - K&N Pro Series West, SRL Late Models
Many would look and see this and wonder why the K&N Pro Series West point leader (Dylan Kwasniewski) is lower than Derek Thorn in this edition of the Power Poll. Simple: Thorn is running for two titles. As a rookie on the West series, Thorn has already won a race and has racked up five top-five's in eight starts, putting him fourth in points. In the SRL Late Model Tour on the west coast, he's the point leader and locked himself into the All American 400 at Nashville coming up in October. His two SRL wins, two poles and four top 10's in as many starts could leave him with a dream season that will hopefully end with better results at the Snowball Derby in December.
8) DOUG COBY - Whelen Modified Tour
Doug Coby spent several recent seasons just trying to align himself in a competitive ride on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. This season, car owner Wayne Darling has given Coby that opportunity and the Connecticut Modified racing veteran has made the most of it. Coby won the second race of the season at Stafford, then earned wins number two and three back-to-back again at Stafford and Waterford. Coby is the 2012 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour point leader and favorite for his first title. One commenter noted, “The new Doug Coby has earned his place as a title contender. He’s a totally different driver behind the wheel and out of the car than he used to be and it’s a great thing to see new blood contend for a title.”
9) DYLAN KWASNIEWSKI - K&N Pro Series West
NASCAR’s top development series, the K&N Pro Series East and West, both have their standings led by teenagers – Elliott in the East and fellow 16-year-old Dylan Kwasniewski out West. Kwasniewski won from the pole in May at the Stockton 99 Speedway in California, then was the highest-finishing K&N West driver in the combo event at Iowa Speedway. His two wins are tied with his teammate Greg Pursley for the most on the West tour this season and have him atop the standings, also over Pursley. One poll voter said, “The sky is the limit for DK. He’s got the total package and is on the fast track to whatever he wants to do in this sport, but he’s doing it with wins on his resume too.”
10) WAYNE HELLIWELL JR. - ACT Late Models, Super Modifieds
A solid year so far has Helliwell with two ACT Late Model wins and a strong contender out of the gate to dethrone multi-time ACT champ Brian Hoar. In five starts he is the best in the ACT ranks as he leads the standings with four top five runs. One of panelist said "It's amazing they can do what they have done with their resources." They may not be swimming in money, but they are swimming in success. Away from ACT he is near the top of the Supermodified standings at Lee USA Speedway (NH) and is on top of the Late Model points at Canaan Fair Speedway (NH).
POSITIONS 11-20
11) Mike Garvey – PLM/SLM - Wins at several Southeast tracks and no signs of slowing.
12) Alex Bowman - ARCA - First full season of ARCA has him with two wins & third in points.
13) Kyle Benjamin - Pro & Super Late Models - Won at Winchester and Mobile, Speedweeks champ.
14) Kyle Larson - K&N Pro Series East, Open Wheels - GMP Winner, SLM Winner, Several Dirt wins.
15) Kyle Grissom - PASS South - Point leader after two wins this year.
16) Brian Campbell - SLM's & Outlaw SLM's - ASA Midwest Tour Win, Two ARCA/CRA Wins.
17) Brennan Poole - ARCA - Point leader, two wins, seven top 10's in nine starts.
18) Ryan Preece - Whelen Modified Tour, WAAS - Five wins in SK's and a Tour win, 3 poles.
19) Deac McCaskill - NASCAR WAAS - 11 Wins and only one finish outside top five in 16 starts.
20) Greg Pursley - K&N Pro Series West - Seven top-five runs and a win. Second in points.
ALSO RECEIVING VOTES
Al Schill Sr.
Alex Prunty
Barry Beggarly
Becca Kasten
Ben Ashline
Ben Kennedy
Brent Downey
Brian Hoar
Chad Finley
Colt James
Dan Fredrickson
David Rogers
Dennis Prunty
Eddie Hoffman
George Brunnhoelzl III
Harold Fair Jr.
James Swan
Joey Doiron
John Hunter Nemechek
Johnny Clark
Jon McKennedy
Jonathan Eilen
Kyle Ebersol
Lance Gatlin
Lee Pulliam
Matt Hirschman
Shane Clanton
Steve Dorer
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Obituary for Ray Wiggers
Raymond Lewis Wiggers, age 48, passed away June 21, 2012 of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Ray was born July 22, 1963 to David A. and Linda L. (Johnson) Wiggers in Fremont.
On December 1, 1984 he married the former Diane Dykstra. Ray was employed as a journeyman millwright for Wise Alloys in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Prior to that, he had worked in Muskegon for Sappi Paper and the Lomac Corporation. He had been an avid racecar driver at both Thunderbird and Winston Raceways. Ray enjoyed hunting and loved spending time with his family. He was also a former member of the Fruitport Eagles.
Ray was a wonderful husband, father and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Diane; 2 children, Barbie and Zachary Wiggers; granddaughter, Paige; his mother, Linda Lou; mother and father-in-law, Virginia and Leonard Dykstra; brother and sister- in- law; David and Judi Dykstra (David and Autumn); sisters and brothers: Terri (Joe) Loera, David Schopieray, Glenn Wiggers, Lori Wiggers, Toni Wiggers, Dorothy Wiggers, Tammy Hull; several nieces and nephews; his Big Brother, Mark Osborn; very special friends; Teresa and Randy Morris, Mary Jo and Scott Thumser, and Colleen and Greg Rice. Raymond was preceded in death by his father, David.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, June 30, 2012 at The Lee Chapel 6291 S. Harvey Street Norton Shores, MI 49444 231 798-1100
VISITATION will be one hour prior to the service (12-1pm).
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Muskegon County.
SPECIAL THANKS to Ray’s friends and co-workers at Wise Alloys and sincere appreciation to the staff at Huntsville Hospital NCIU in Alabama.
On December 1, 1984 he married the former Diane Dykstra. Ray was employed as a journeyman millwright for Wise Alloys in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Prior to that, he had worked in Muskegon for Sappi Paper and the Lomac Corporation. He had been an avid racecar driver at both Thunderbird and Winston Raceways. Ray enjoyed hunting and loved spending time with his family. He was also a former member of the Fruitport Eagles.
Ray was a wonderful husband, father and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Diane; 2 children, Barbie and Zachary Wiggers; granddaughter, Paige; his mother, Linda Lou; mother and father-in-law, Virginia and Leonard Dykstra; brother and sister- in- law; David and Judi Dykstra (David and Autumn); sisters and brothers: Terri (Joe) Loera, David Schopieray, Glenn Wiggers, Lori Wiggers, Toni Wiggers, Dorothy Wiggers, Tammy Hull; several nieces and nephews; his Big Brother, Mark Osborn; very special friends; Teresa and Randy Morris, Mary Jo and Scott Thumser, and Colleen and Greg Rice. Raymond was preceded in death by his father, David.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, June 30, 2012 at The Lee Chapel 6291 S. Harvey Street Norton Shores, MI 49444 231 798-1100
VISITATION will be one hour prior to the service (12-1pm).
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Muskegon County.
SPECIAL THANKS to Ray’s friends and co-workers at Wise Alloys and sincere appreciation to the staff at Huntsville Hospital NCIU in Alabama.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Steve irwin Takes home Second Checkered of the season.
Steve irwin Takes home Second Checkered of the season.
The Main Event of the evening, the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints Series rolled out for their 25-Lap Feature and the front row consisted of John Watson and Nate Bostrom and it would be Bostrom grabbing the early lead. Just three laps in, Former Three-Time Series Champion Steve Irwin rocketed by for the lead and soon he was trailed by Bostrom who tried to keep pace with the leaders.
Defending Series Champion Joe Bares from near-by Traverse City, Michigan would get up to second and try to reel in the veteran Irwin and Bares would do just that thanks to some heavy potential lapped traffic that Irwin was careful to negotiate through. With 10 laps to go, Bares suffered a right rear flat tire and was forced to pit. This gave second spot back to Bostrom who tried again to keep up with Irwin’s torrid pace.
However, Irwin, the veteran from Fenton, Michigan wouldn’t be denied as he would steer his #1 Allstar Performance machine to victory lane after scoring the Feature triumph. Bostrom finished second while Bares roared back to score the final podium position in third. Mike Austrauskas and Joe Irwin were the top five. S. Irwin, Bares, and Kevin Hawk would collect the Preliminary Heat Race Wins.
Northwesten Auto Machine Amain-
1. Steve Irwin 2. Nate Bostrom 3. Joe Bares 4. Mike Astruaskas 5. Joe Irwin 6. Mark Irwin 7. Nick Rogers 8. John Watson 9. Kevin Hawk 10. Mike Baker 11. Jim Girard 12. Don Bostrom 13. Jay Steinabach 14. Mark Strpko 15. Mark Vanhouten 16. Jacob Caines 17. Eric Smith 18. Randy Kreple (DNS) 19. Tim Champlin (DNS)
The Main Event of the evening, the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints Series rolled out for their 25-Lap Feature and the front row consisted of John Watson and Nate Bostrom and it would be Bostrom grabbing the early lead. Just three laps in, Former Three-Time Series Champion Steve Irwin rocketed by for the lead and soon he was trailed by Bostrom who tried to keep pace with the leaders.
Defending Series Champion Joe Bares from near-by Traverse City, Michigan would get up to second and try to reel in the veteran Irwin and Bares would do just that thanks to some heavy potential lapped traffic that Irwin was careful to negotiate through. With 10 laps to go, Bares suffered a right rear flat tire and was forced to pit. This gave second spot back to Bostrom who tried again to keep up with Irwin’s torrid pace.
However, Irwin, the veteran from Fenton, Michigan wouldn’t be denied as he would steer his #1 Allstar Performance machine to victory lane after scoring the Feature triumph. Bostrom finished second while Bares roared back to score the final podium position in third. Mike Austrauskas and Joe Irwin were the top five. S. Irwin, Bares, and Kevin Hawk would collect the Preliminary Heat Race Wins.
Northwesten Auto Machine Amain-
1. Steve Irwin 2. Nate Bostrom 3. Joe Bares 4. Mike Astruaskas 5. Joe Irwin 6. Mark Irwin 7. Nick Rogers 8. John Watson 9. Kevin Hawk 10. Mike Baker 11. Jim Girard 12. Don Bostrom 13. Jay Steinabach 14. Mark Strpko 15. Mark Vanhouten 16. Jacob Caines 17. Eric Smith 18. Randy Kreple (DNS) 19. Tim Champlin (DNS)
Two-Time ARCA/CRA Champion Johnny VanDoorn Scores Second Win In A Week
Two-Time ARCA/CRA Champion Johnny VanDoorn Scores Second Win In A Week
Extends Points Lead Heading Into Much Needed Break
By Matt Prieur
Two-Time ARCA/CRA Super Series Champion Johnny VanDoorn has been so close all season long to finding victory lane and the Coopersville, Michigan driver knew it would only be a matter of time before he would see the checkered flag first in an event. His finishes have been very good all season long; good enough to carry an impressive points lead even before the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend.
So after winning the Central Michigan Ford-Kenworth 125 at Springport Motor Speedway in Springport, Michigan on June 16th, followed by a third place showing at the 4th annual Rowdy 251 at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, VanDoorn made sure his time spent away from victory lane wouldn’t be long at all.
VanDoorn won the Winchester 100 Saturday night, which was part of the ARCA Tripleheader Weekend at the famed half-mile high-banked Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana.
“We’re tired, man, "said the 24-year-old VaDoorn after this three race stretch. "All the guys on this crew have been working hard this past week or so getting through three races in such a short amount of time. Today was another good points day for us and now we can relax a little bit. Not much though, going into this break before the Redbud in a couple of weeks.”
After EDCO Welding Fast Qualifier Terry Fisher Jr., drew the maximum of an eight for an inversion, former Winchester event winner Peter Cozzolino and Boyne Machine Rookie of the Year title contender Becca Kasten would bring the 23-car field to Chief Starter Brian Duncan’s green flag. It would be Cozzolino beating Kasten and the rest of the field to the first corner to take the early lead.
VanDoorn quickly worked his way up to second from his sixth starting spot and began stalking Cozzolino all around the legendary half-mile before taking the lead for himself on lap eight. The most serious incident of the day occurred on the same lap when two-time event winner in 2012, Brian Campbell, slammed the turn four wall as a result of a cut right front tire. He was ok, but his day was over.
On the ensuring restart, VanDoorn continued to lead with Cozzolino not letting the former two-time champion stray too far out in front of him. Before long, three-time Series Champion Scott Hantz had maneuvered his way up to the third spot from his seventh starting position and would follow the two drivers in front of him as they sliced and diced through the back of the pack of lead lap cars.
On lap 61, Jason Dietsch and 19-year-old Jay Niewiek collided in turns one and two sending the field scattering and ending the nights of both drivers. On the restart, Ross Kenseth, who started shotgun on the field after losing a motor in the first practice session and didn’t make it back out onto the track until the pace laps of the century grind, would call it a night with more engine difficulties, ending a frustrating day for the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth.
Soon afterwards, Hantz made his move to get by Cozzolino for second spot and would set his sights on VanDoorn for the lead. As the laps continued to click off, VanDoorn would keep Hantz a safe distance behind him although Hantz would make a late charge with just five laps to go. VanDoorn was up to the challenge however and in the end his #61 Michigan Kenworth / JEGS.com / Chevrolet would see the checkered flag first for the second time in a week and extend his already massive points lead in the process.
“I owe this crew a huge thank you,” VanDoorn continued. “We didn’t start working on getting this car ready until Wednesday after the Rowdy. They worked real hard and it was a great car."
Hantz in his #72 Top Speed Fabrication / Hurricane Racing Chevrolet would bring home a second place finish in his first race in the ARCA/CRA Super Series since winning ‘The Bowl 125’ at Shady Bowl Speedway in DeGraff, Ohio back on Memorial Day Monday, May 28th.
“I was hoping he’d (VanDoorn) get tired of running so hard and that I’d have something for him,” the Angola, Indiana veteran laughed. “We had a good car today and Johnny ran a good smart race. We’re pretty happy though and we’ll take it.”
The final finishers on the podium was the pole-sitter Cozzolino in his McDonald’s Restaurant / A&A Manufacturing Ford. The Avon, Indiana veteran came home with a season high third place finish.
“I’m so happy for all of my guys on this team," said Cozzolino. "They work extremely hard and this feels really good after not making the show at Berlin a couple of days ago. We’ve struggled this year and this race is a good shot in the arm for me and for this whole team.”
Eddie VanMeter finished fourth while Kenny Tweedy crossed the start/finish line in fifth, but after post-race inspection was relegated to 23rd, giving the final top five spot to Nick Gullatta. Brent Jack started 18th and worked his way through the field to earn the Lane Automotive / ISKY Racing Cams Hard-Charger Award after finishing sixth while 19-year-old Brett Robinson picked up the Boyne Machine Company Rookie of the Race Award with his seventh place showing. Kenzie Ruston finished eighth with 19-year-old Damon Ecoff, and Kasten finishing off the final top 10.
Earlier in the afternoon in EDCO Welding Qualifying, Terry Fisher Jr., won his first Fast Qualifier Award of the season and just the second of his career as he toured the legendary high-banks at a 15.621, which measures out to 115.009mph. He then drew the maximum inversion of an eight, which placed Cozzolino and Kasten on the front row of the Winchester 100. Unfortunately the Ossian, Indiana driver dropped out just 22 laps into the race with broken U-joint in the driveshaft.
The ARCA/CRA Super Series will now take a well-deserved vacation for a couple of weeks before returning to action on Friday-Saturday, July 20-21st for one of the biggest races of the season; The Stoops Freightliner Redbud 300 at the fast quarter-mile high-banked paved oval of Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana. Steve Dorer is the defending champion of the extra-distance event while T.J. Reaid was the winner of the first race of the season for the ARCA/CRA Super Series at Anderson back on April 15th.
Extends Points Lead Heading Into Much Needed Break
By Matt Prieur
Two-Time ARCA/CRA Super Series Champion Johnny VanDoorn has been so close all season long to finding victory lane and the Coopersville, Michigan driver knew it would only be a matter of time before he would see the checkered flag first in an event. His finishes have been very good all season long; good enough to carry an impressive points lead even before the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend.
So after winning the Central Michigan Ford-Kenworth 125 at Springport Motor Speedway in Springport, Michigan on June 16th, followed by a third place showing at the 4th annual Rowdy 251 at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, VanDoorn made sure his time spent away from victory lane wouldn’t be long at all.
VanDoorn won the Winchester 100 Saturday night, which was part of the ARCA Tripleheader Weekend at the famed half-mile high-banked Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana.
“We’re tired, man, "said the 24-year-old VaDoorn after this three race stretch. "All the guys on this crew have been working hard this past week or so getting through three races in such a short amount of time. Today was another good points day for us and now we can relax a little bit. Not much though, going into this break before the Redbud in a couple of weeks.”
After EDCO Welding Fast Qualifier Terry Fisher Jr., drew the maximum of an eight for an inversion, former Winchester event winner Peter Cozzolino and Boyne Machine Rookie of the Year title contender Becca Kasten would bring the 23-car field to Chief Starter Brian Duncan’s green flag. It would be Cozzolino beating Kasten and the rest of the field to the first corner to take the early lead.
VanDoorn quickly worked his way up to second from his sixth starting spot and began stalking Cozzolino all around the legendary half-mile before taking the lead for himself on lap eight. The most serious incident of the day occurred on the same lap when two-time event winner in 2012, Brian Campbell, slammed the turn four wall as a result of a cut right front tire. He was ok, but his day was over.
On the ensuring restart, VanDoorn continued to lead with Cozzolino not letting the former two-time champion stray too far out in front of him. Before long, three-time Series Champion Scott Hantz had maneuvered his way up to the third spot from his seventh starting position and would follow the two drivers in front of him as they sliced and diced through the back of the pack of lead lap cars.
On lap 61, Jason Dietsch and 19-year-old Jay Niewiek collided in turns one and two sending the field scattering and ending the nights of both drivers. On the restart, Ross Kenseth, who started shotgun on the field after losing a motor in the first practice session and didn’t make it back out onto the track until the pace laps of the century grind, would call it a night with more engine difficulties, ending a frustrating day for the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth.
Soon afterwards, Hantz made his move to get by Cozzolino for second spot and would set his sights on VanDoorn for the lead. As the laps continued to click off, VanDoorn would keep Hantz a safe distance behind him although Hantz would make a late charge with just five laps to go. VanDoorn was up to the challenge however and in the end his #61 Michigan Kenworth / JEGS.com / Chevrolet would see the checkered flag first for the second time in a week and extend his already massive points lead in the process.
“I owe this crew a huge thank you,” VanDoorn continued. “We didn’t start working on getting this car ready until Wednesday after the Rowdy. They worked real hard and it was a great car."
Hantz in his #72 Top Speed Fabrication / Hurricane Racing Chevrolet would bring home a second place finish in his first race in the ARCA/CRA Super Series since winning ‘The Bowl 125’ at Shady Bowl Speedway in DeGraff, Ohio back on Memorial Day Monday, May 28th.
“I was hoping he’d (VanDoorn) get tired of running so hard and that I’d have something for him,” the Angola, Indiana veteran laughed. “We had a good car today and Johnny ran a good smart race. We’re pretty happy though and we’ll take it.”
The final finishers on the podium was the pole-sitter Cozzolino in his McDonald’s Restaurant / A&A Manufacturing Ford. The Avon, Indiana veteran came home with a season high third place finish.
“I’m so happy for all of my guys on this team," said Cozzolino. "They work extremely hard and this feels really good after not making the show at Berlin a couple of days ago. We’ve struggled this year and this race is a good shot in the arm for me and for this whole team.”
Eddie VanMeter finished fourth while Kenny Tweedy crossed the start/finish line in fifth, but after post-race inspection was relegated to 23rd, giving the final top five spot to Nick Gullatta. Brent Jack started 18th and worked his way through the field to earn the Lane Automotive / ISKY Racing Cams Hard-Charger Award after finishing sixth while 19-year-old Brett Robinson picked up the Boyne Machine Company Rookie of the Race Award with his seventh place showing. Kenzie Ruston finished eighth with 19-year-old Damon Ecoff, and Kasten finishing off the final top 10.
Earlier in the afternoon in EDCO Welding Qualifying, Terry Fisher Jr., won his first Fast Qualifier Award of the season and just the second of his career as he toured the legendary high-banks at a 15.621, which measures out to 115.009mph. He then drew the maximum inversion of an eight, which placed Cozzolino and Kasten on the front row of the Winchester 100. Unfortunately the Ossian, Indiana driver dropped out just 22 laps into the race with broken U-joint in the driveshaft.
The ARCA/CRA Super Series will now take a well-deserved vacation for a couple of weeks before returning to action on Friday-Saturday, July 20-21st for one of the biggest races of the season; The Stoops Freightliner Redbud 300 at the fast quarter-mile high-banked paved oval of Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana. Steve Dorer is the defending champion of the extra-distance event while T.J. Reaid was the winner of the first race of the season for the ARCA/CRA Super Series at Anderson back on April 15th.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Shannon Babb Prevails In UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour Only Michigan Appearance At I-96 Speedway
Shannon Babb Prevails In UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour Only Michigan Appearance At I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Sunday, June 24th, 2012): One the Biggest Shows of the Season for the UMP Super Late Models in the state of Michigan was on a special Sunday Night, June 24th at I-96 Speedway, located east of Grand Rapids and West of Lansing in Lake Odessa, Michigan as the annual appearance by the UMP Summer National Hell Tour invaded to take on the tracks Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models in the tours’ ONLY appearance in the State of Michigan during its’ marathon 29 races in 32 days jaunt.
They were joined by their companion tour, the Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds Nationals as the best Mod drivers in the country went head to head with the tracks Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds. Plus the Rained Out Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds Feature from June 2nd was also made up on this night and was the first race of the Evening. If that wasn’t enough, the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks and Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts were also on the card for an action packed night of racing. 109 cars were in the pits and the great crowd on hand got their monies worth.
The first race of the night was the Make-Up Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds 25-Lap Feature that was rained out on June 2nd during the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Series appearance and after a spirited “Wave Lap” to kick off the action packed evening, the field was led to Chief Starter, Brett Farmer’s green flag by Former Two-Time Track Champion Todd Feutz and Kyle Roberts and it would be Feutz pacing the field for the first five laps before Mark Anderson drove by on lap six.
Anderson set a torrid pace before suddenly dropping out on lap 14 which handed the lead to Zak Olger who made no mistake the rest of the way as the St. Johns, Michigan driver in his #0x Mid-States Sales & Service / Xtreme Racecars machine would walk away with his second Overall Feature Win of the season and first of the season in a Mod.
Feutz finished second ahead of Defending Track Champion Jacob Poel while 2010 Track Champion Rich Robinson Jr., and 2007 Track Champion Shannon Fisk completed the top five. Aaron Morey was sixth while Travis Stemler, Mike Wilbern, Jared Guinn, and Tim Stemler would complete the final top 10 in the make-up A Main.
In the regularly scheduled UMP Modifieds 30-Lap Feature which served as Night #11 for the Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds Nationals Series, the companion tour that travels with the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour, Travis Stemler and David Mielke would lead the field to the green and it would be Mielke leading the field into the first corner. Mielke would pace the field for the first 15 laps setting a torrid pace.
That was until Defending Track Champion Jacob Poel worked his way up to Mielke’s back bumper from his ninth starting spot and rode the cushion around the outside of Mielke to take the lead and from there it was all Poel in his #82 Poel’s PRO-ACT Welding & Fabrication / Rocket Chassis machine as the Spring Lake, Michigan driver picked up his first I-96 Speedway Feature Win of 2012, his 10th overall of the year and third of the weekend to go with his wins at Winston Speedway on June 22nd and Merritt Raceway in June 23rd.
Andy Sprague would come home second while Zack Olger backed up his win earlier in the afternoon with a third place showing. Tim Stemler and Aaron Morey from 19th completed the top five. Rich Robinson Jr., was sixth as Brad Wilson, Cherry Raceway Points Leader John McCaul, 2007 Track Champion Shannon Fisk, and John Taylor were the top 10. There 33 UMP Modifieds as Tim Stemler, McCaul, Sprague, and Luke Olger won the Qualifier Heat Races as Fisk took the B Main to transfer into the Feature.
The 20-Lap Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks Feature, which was actually the first regularly scheduled A Main of the evening and it would be 2010 Track Champion Gary Vandermark and Current Points Leader Josh Frye bringing the stout 20-car field to Chief Starter Brett Farmer’s green flag. Vandermark paced the field for the first four laps until mechanical problems forced him to the pits.
This handed the lead to Frye who has 2011 UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Northeastern States Champion Dan Dykman trailing him in second spot. Dykman brought Derek Poland and Robbie Sternberg with him and the battle was on between the four Muskegon, Michigan area drivers. As hard as the drivers behind him tried, they could not overtake Frye as the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction / Chevrolet would walk away with his third Feature Win of the year.
Dykman settled for second with Sternberg, Mt. Pleasant Speedway Points Leader Rob Brillhart, and Ron Harper completing the top five. Kendall Marlink was sixth while Poland, Jim Beltz, Defending Track Champion Bill Brandt Jr., and Rookie Points Leader Max Ake finished off the top 10. Brillhart, Dykman, and Marlink would collect the Heat Race triumphs.
The main event of the evening, Race #11 of the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour for the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models rolled out next and after an enthusiastic four-wide salute and wave lap, the green flag flew with Three-Time and Defending Summer Nationals Hell Tour Champion Shannon Babb and Jason McBride leading the stout 22-car field to the green.
Babb would escape McBride’s grasp leading into turns one and two to grab the early advantage while the rest of the field jockeyed for position behind him. Current Summer Nationals Hell Tour Points Leader Brian Shirley, fresh off his win the night before at Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Illinois, worked his way up to second and tried to chase down Babb.
Lapped Traffic played a key role throughout the duration of the 40-Lap main around the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval as Babb would be able to keep lapped traffic between him and Shirley throughout the race. In the end, Babb’s #18 Petroff Trucking / Moyer Victory Circle Chassis entry would lead all 40 laps as the Moweaqua, Illinois driver would go on to defend his win in the Great Lakes State from a year ago and bring home Win #2 on the 2012 Hell Tour.
Shirley would finish second to maintain his Hell Tour points lead while Jason Feger, Three-Time Series Champion Dennis Herb Jr., and McBride were the top five. Ryan Unzicker was sixth while 19-year-old Brandon Sheppard, Curtis Roberts, Jon Henry, and Brian Ruhlman were the top 10. Babb shattered the Track Record by early a second in Summer Nationals Hell Tour Qualifying as he turned a 15.279. The old record was a 16.255. Shirley, Henry, Babb, and McBride won the Qualifier Heats as Jerry Lierly won the B Main.
The final race of the night was the 20-Lap Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts Feature as 2010 Track Champion Dan Reimersma and Rich Lieb brought the 20-car field to the green flag. Reimersma led the first lap before Lieb took over on lap two. Defending Track Champion and Current Points Leader Rick Peck, who started fourth, maneuvered his way by both drivers to grab the lead on lap five.
Reimersma ad Lieb stayed glued to Peck’s back bumper throughout the course of the entire race, but all the while, Peck would keep the two competitors behind him and when all was said and done, it would be Peck’s #14 A.R.D. Graphix / Saturn would see the checkered flag first giving the Hastings, Michigan driver his third Feature win of the 2012 racing season.
Reimersma finished second with Lieb, 18-year-old Terry Henderson Jr., and Randy Whitten were the top five. Scott Rumsey collected the sixth place honors as Colee Ruesink, Terry Henderson Sr., 16-year-old Jordan King, and Josh Sternberg were the final top 10. Lieb, Peck, and Reimersma were the winners of the Heat Races.
THIS Saturday, June 30th will be the second and final appearance by the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive as they’ll try their hand at dethroning the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series weekly UMP Super Late Models just a few days after the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour appearance, giving the great fans of Western Michigan two GREAT UMP Super Late Models shows in just under a week in Lake Odessa, Michigan!
Traverse City, Michigan’s Brandon Thirlby is the current points leader in both the MDC Late Models Tour as well as the Tracks’ Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models division and will try to repeat his performance from May 19th as he won the Inaugural MDC Tour race which was also held at I-96.
The Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts, Spectator Drags, and a thrilling Stunt Show will also be on the schedule to wrap up the month of June in Lake Odessa, Michigan. Advance Tickets are on sale through ShowClix, the Official Ticket Outlet of I-96 Speedway and you can purchase them by clicking on this link: http://www.showclix.com/event/223128
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 (Sunday, June 24th, 2012): One the Biggest Shows of the Season for the UMP Super Late Models in the state of Michigan was on a special Sunday Night, June 24th at I-96 Speedway, located east of Grand Rapids and West of Lansing in Lake Odessa, Michigan as the annual appearance by the UMP Summer National Hell Tour invaded to take on the tracks Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models in the tours’ ONLY appearance in the State of Michigan during its’ marathon 29 races in 32 days jaunt.
They were joined by their companion tour, the Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds Nationals as the best Mod drivers in the country went head to head with the tracks Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds. Plus the Rained Out Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds Feature from June 2nd was also made up on this night and was the first race of the Evening. If that wasn’t enough, the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks and Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts were also on the card for an action packed night of racing. 109 cars were in the pits and the great crowd on hand got their monies worth.
The first race of the night was the Make-Up Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds 25-Lap Feature that was rained out on June 2nd during the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Series appearance and after a spirited “Wave Lap” to kick off the action packed evening, the field was led to Chief Starter, Brett Farmer’s green flag by Former Two-Time Track Champion Todd Feutz and Kyle Roberts and it would be Feutz pacing the field for the first five laps before Mark Anderson drove by on lap six.
Anderson set a torrid pace before suddenly dropping out on lap 14 which handed the lead to Zak Olger who made no mistake the rest of the way as the St. Johns, Michigan driver in his #0x Mid-States Sales & Service / Xtreme Racecars machine would walk away with his second Overall Feature Win of the season and first of the season in a Mod.
Feutz finished second ahead of Defending Track Champion Jacob Poel while 2010 Track Champion Rich Robinson Jr., and 2007 Track Champion Shannon Fisk completed the top five. Aaron Morey was sixth while Travis Stemler, Mike Wilbern, Jared Guinn, and Tim Stemler would complete the final top 10 in the make-up A Main.
In the regularly scheduled UMP Modifieds 30-Lap Feature which served as Night #11 for the Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds Nationals Series, the companion tour that travels with the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour, Travis Stemler and David Mielke would lead the field to the green and it would be Mielke leading the field into the first corner. Mielke would pace the field for the first 15 laps setting a torrid pace.
That was until Defending Track Champion Jacob Poel worked his way up to Mielke’s back bumper from his ninth starting spot and rode the cushion around the outside of Mielke to take the lead and from there it was all Poel in his #82 Poel’s PRO-ACT Welding & Fabrication / Rocket Chassis machine as the Spring Lake, Michigan driver picked up his first I-96 Speedway Feature Win of 2012, his 10th overall of the year and third of the weekend to go with his wins at Winston Speedway on June 22nd and Merritt Raceway in June 23rd.
Andy Sprague would come home second while Zack Olger backed up his win earlier in the afternoon with a third place showing. Tim Stemler and Aaron Morey from 19th completed the top five. Rich Robinson Jr., was sixth as Brad Wilson, Cherry Raceway Points Leader John McCaul, 2007 Track Champion Shannon Fisk, and John Taylor were the top 10. There 33 UMP Modifieds as Tim Stemler, McCaul, Sprague, and Luke Olger won the Qualifier Heat Races as Fisk took the B Main to transfer into the Feature.
The 20-Lap Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks Feature, which was actually the first regularly scheduled A Main of the evening and it would be 2010 Track Champion Gary Vandermark and Current Points Leader Josh Frye bringing the stout 20-car field to Chief Starter Brett Farmer’s green flag. Vandermark paced the field for the first four laps until mechanical problems forced him to the pits.
This handed the lead to Frye who has 2011 UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Northeastern States Champion Dan Dykman trailing him in second spot. Dykman brought Derek Poland and Robbie Sternberg with him and the battle was on between the four Muskegon, Michigan area drivers. As hard as the drivers behind him tried, they could not overtake Frye as the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction / Chevrolet would walk away with his third Feature Win of the year.
Dykman settled for second with Sternberg, Mt. Pleasant Speedway Points Leader Rob Brillhart, and Ron Harper completing the top five. Kendall Marlink was sixth while Poland, Jim Beltz, Defending Track Champion Bill Brandt Jr., and Rookie Points Leader Max Ake finished off the top 10. Brillhart, Dykman, and Marlink would collect the Heat Race triumphs.
The main event of the evening, Race #11 of the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour for the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models rolled out next and after an enthusiastic four-wide salute and wave lap, the green flag flew with Three-Time and Defending Summer Nationals Hell Tour Champion Shannon Babb and Jason McBride leading the stout 22-car field to the green.
Babb would escape McBride’s grasp leading into turns one and two to grab the early advantage while the rest of the field jockeyed for position behind him. Current Summer Nationals Hell Tour Points Leader Brian Shirley, fresh off his win the night before at Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Illinois, worked his way up to second and tried to chase down Babb.
Lapped Traffic played a key role throughout the duration of the 40-Lap main around the 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval as Babb would be able to keep lapped traffic between him and Shirley throughout the race. In the end, Babb’s #18 Petroff Trucking / Moyer Victory Circle Chassis entry would lead all 40 laps as the Moweaqua, Illinois driver would go on to defend his win in the Great Lakes State from a year ago and bring home Win #2 on the 2012 Hell Tour.
Shirley would finish second to maintain his Hell Tour points lead while Jason Feger, Three-Time Series Champion Dennis Herb Jr., and McBride were the top five. Ryan Unzicker was sixth while 19-year-old Brandon Sheppard, Curtis Roberts, Jon Henry, and Brian Ruhlman were the top 10. Babb shattered the Track Record by early a second in Summer Nationals Hell Tour Qualifying as he turned a 15.279. The old record was a 16.255. Shirley, Henry, Babb, and McBride won the Qualifier Heats as Jerry Lierly won the B Main.
The final race of the night was the 20-Lap Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts Feature as 2010 Track Champion Dan Reimersma and Rich Lieb brought the 20-car field to the green flag. Reimersma led the first lap before Lieb took over on lap two. Defending Track Champion and Current Points Leader Rick Peck, who started fourth, maneuvered his way by both drivers to grab the lead on lap five.
Reimersma ad Lieb stayed glued to Peck’s back bumper throughout the course of the entire race, but all the while, Peck would keep the two competitors behind him and when all was said and done, it would be Peck’s #14 A.R.D. Graphix / Saturn would see the checkered flag first giving the Hastings, Michigan driver his third Feature win of the 2012 racing season.
Reimersma finished second with Lieb, 18-year-old Terry Henderson Jr., and Randy Whitten were the top five. Scott Rumsey collected the sixth place honors as Colee Ruesink, Terry Henderson Sr., 16-year-old Jordan King, and Josh Sternberg were the final top 10. Lieb, Peck, and Reimersma were the winners of the Heat Races.
THIS Saturday, June 30th will be the second and final appearance by the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive as they’ll try their hand at dethroning the cars and stars of the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series weekly UMP Super Late Models just a few days after the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour appearance, giving the great fans of Western Michigan two GREAT UMP Super Late Models shows in just under a week in Lake Odessa, Michigan!
Traverse City, Michigan’s Brandon Thirlby is the current points leader in both the MDC Late Models Tour as well as the Tracks’ Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models division and will try to repeat his performance from May 19th as he won the Inaugural MDC Tour race which was also held at I-96.
The Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts, Spectator Drags, and a thrilling Stunt Show will also be on the schedule to wrap up the month of June in Lake Odessa, Michigan. Advance Tickets are on sale through ShowClix, the Official Ticket Outlet of I-96 Speedway and you can purchase them by clicking on this link: http://www.showclix.com/event/223128
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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