Muskegon's Mike Garvey and Tracy Goodson a Perfect Partnership

Five Flags: Tracy Goodson never runs on empty Written by Chuck Corder News Journal correspondent Jul. 25, 2013 11:24 PM | pnj.com It’s just past 6 p.m. in the vibrant restaurant. A warm face, belonging to the owner’s daughter, is eager to provide a seat once you shake loose the water from the scattered puddles in the parking lot. But nothing lights up Pensacola’s newest Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, positioned conveniently on Nine Mile Road just east of Pine Forest Road, quite like when the owner rolls his wheelchair through the restaurant and delivers a “What’s goin’ on?” or a wave to his familiar guests. Tracy Goodson, the proprietor of two Beef ‘O’ Brady’s locations, along with several other area enterprises, is the mayor of his many hamlets. Business always moves at a rapid speed when he arrives, and Goodson never slows down in any endeavor. “I’ve always been competitive,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s the same way in business. You want to be on top of the field you’re in.” The racing community knows Goodson as the effervescent owner of the Super Late Model yellow No. 1 that Mike Garvey will once again drive tonight at Five Flags Speedway for the Navy Federal 125. “If it wasn’t for Tracy, I probably wouldn’t have raced again,” said Garvey, 50, in his fourth year driving for Goodson. “You almost feel like you’re racing for him. He loves being out there. It’s such a special feeling.” Born and raised in Pensacola, Goodson has been a fixture at the famed half-mile asphalt oval for 25 years. “I want to support the track, see it succeed,” he said. “That’s why I put in 100 percent.” Goodson’s philosophy has become a harbinger that a brush with death, which stole his right leg a dozen years ago, has never confined him. “It’s not gonna come back,” he said of what’s missing from the stump that’s left. “There’s no reason to sulk over it.” 'Game changer' Goodson was a blossoming late model driver in 2001, beating and banging on several national circuits. He had returned home for a Blizzard Series race — the same series a packed house will witness tonight at Five Flags — one Friday night and promptly won the thing. Less than a week later, Goodson, wife, Tamron, and daughters Madison and Jordan were headed to Pensacola Beach to stand for family portraits — white shirts, blue jeans in a sepia tone hue. Standing suddenly became unbearable. “It felt like a knife was going through my chest and someone was twisting it,” Goodson vividly recalled. Rushed to the hospital, Goodson had sustained an aortic aneurysm. The human body’s largest artery had swollen to a life-threatening size. He fell into a coma for 10 weeks. “I woke up with one less leg,” said Goodson, who battled ITP leukemia at age 8 and then again briefly later in life. “It was definitely a game changer. I saw how short life can be.” Racing was over. Goodson wanted nothing to do with it. He sold off all of his racing gear and admittedly felt little motivation for months to flex the competitive muscle that defines him. “Several people said, ‘Aw, he’s done. He’ll give it up,’ ” Goodson said. “And I did pretty much for awhile. Then, I woke up and said, ‘I ain’t going out like this.’ ” It wasn’t long before he was back at the track, a landing spot for so many years had now become Goodson’s place of refuge. “I never thought I’d be as big into (racing) as I am today,” he said. “I thought it’d just be a hobby, to occupy my time and support racing in the community. It’s in my heart now; it’s in my blood.” The right fit Goodson plowed through a handful of drivers, some that have climbed into the NASCAR ranks, before he united with Garvey before the 2010 season. “ ‘Why don’t you come drive our stuff?’ ” Goodson asked Garvey. “I was playing around. But here we are today.” Added Garvey: “He popped the question when I didn’t expect it. I was doing a lot of consulting for teams, but I was missing driving. He caught me at the right time.” The pair has been wildly successful, winning 13 late model races last year, including dominating the Pro Late Model division at Five Flags en route to a track championship. While they’re without a win this season, they’re right in the thick of the SLM points chase in Pensacola. Plus, they sit fourth in line to capture the inaugural crown for the Southern Super Series, a circuit that races prominent short tracks across the South, most notably Five Flags. “When I first started as a car owner, the wins weren’t nearly as impactful,” Goodson said. “Now, the competition is so much greater, the wins are a lot more appreciated.” Donating his time Racking up late model wins doesn’t begin to touch the surface of what drives Goodson. Goodson, who employs nearly 150 workers in his many business ventures, is extremely philanthropic and pays special attention to the local Special Olympics chapter and cancer societies. His bingo hall alone has donated more than $2 million to local charities in the last decade. He routinely hosts the drivers and teams during Snowball Derby Week at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and provided all the ice cream for the annual kids bicycle races at the track earlier this month. “There’s not a better ambassador for racing than Tracy Goodson here in Pensacola,” Garvey said. “I don’t know what more the guy can do to help racing in the area. I hope people appreciate that.” “I get bored. Why slow down?” Goodson asked rhetorically. “A guy like me to quit and sit at home? That’ll drive a man to depression.” Whether it’s in racing, business or conquering life’s adversities, Tracy Goodson has never hit the brakes.

VanDoorn wins Red Bud 300

VanDoorn wins Red Bud 300

Daughter takes up racing to honor late father

Ginger Nelson made her third start in her late father Mike Becker's No. 42 vintage race car Saturday night at Berlin Raceway. The Vintage Racing Organization of America hosted a memorial race in honor of Mr. Becker. (Photo courtesy of Randy Ellen Photography)

 

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By Steve Kaminski | Skaminsk@mlive.comMLive.com
on July 15, 2013 at 9:00 AM, updated July 15, 2013 at 9:39 AM

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MARNE – The 2013 Vintage Racing Organization of America season would have been Mike Becker’s 42nd year of racing, but the Rockford stock car driver never got the chance.
Mr. Becker died from cancer this past Feb. 27 at the age of 63.

Ginger NelsonPhoto Courtesy of Eli Kaminski

 

However, West Michigan area race fans are still having the opportunity to cheer on Mr. Becker’s No. 42 vintage hot rod this summer. His daughter, Ginger Nelson of Cedar Springs, has made sure of that.

Mike BeckerMlive.com File Photo

 

Nelson decided this season that she was going to race the car herself, even though she had never turned a lap in her life. She was well aware how much her father wanted to race this season – it was going to be year No. 42 for the driver of the No. 42 car.
It was Nelson behind the wheel of Mr. Becker’s car during Saturday night’s Mike Becker Memorial Race, which was contested at the Berlin Raceway in Marne.
“He is my hero, and if I can do this to honor him and have fun, too, than what better way is there to honor him?” Nelson said. “He has seen me race every time because he is right in the car with me. I believe God has him in heaven watching over us.
“I’m sure he is proud to see his No. 42 back out on the track. Not only is his No. 42, but this would have been 42nd year racing. That’s pretty special to us.”
Saturday’s race marked Nelson’s third start in the car, and she finished 16th in the 42-lap race. It was divided into a pair of 21-lap segments, and it was Lou Caposey taking the checkered flag at the race’s conclusion.
Nelson said she isn’t that concerned about her finishes at this point. All she wants to do is continue to improve.
“I’ve never been in the car before, maybe to move it out of the garage. But that’s about it,” Nelson said. “I have been in the car for three weeks, and I have made progress of 11 seconds around the track, so I guess I’m doing alright.”
Mr. Becker graduated from Rockford High School in 1967 and started racing weekly at Berlin in the early 1970s. He continued to race stock cars in Marne until he joined VROA in the early 2000s. The series races a number of times each year at Berlin, so Mr. Becker continued to be a Grand Rapids area fan favorite after he joined the traveling series.
“On the memorial sticker, it says, ‘A friend to everyone,’” Nelson said. “That’s so true. He is my hero, and I’m he sure he is to many others, too.
“It means a great deal that they cared enough (to host Saturday’s memorial race) and thought enough to remember him. To put him in the category with so many other great drivers out there is just phenomenal.”
Nelson said she isn’t sure what her plans are as far as racing is concerned after this year. Don’t be surprised to see her behind the wheel for seasons to come, though.
“Right now I’m racing for this season, and we will see after that,” Nelson said. “I think I know why he never let me in the car. He would have never gotten me back out.”

Berlin Sees Side by Side Thrillers

Berlin-Raceway-sees-side-by-side-thrillers

Saturday's 25-lap Super Stock feature highlighted side-by-side racing at its best.

Only this time, it was side-by-side-by-side as Jeremy Munniksma, Brian VanZalen and Seth Moody exited turn four as though their three cars were attached.
Though Munniksma crossed the finish line with his front wheels a couple of feet off the ground, he got his nose across the stripe 41 hundredths of a second before VanZalen with Moody just 32 hundredths seconds behind VanZalen.
Munniksma, of Hamilton, admitted he didn't know he had won, partly because “I think I shut my eyes for a few seconds when I started hopping.
“I don't know what happened at the end, but we kind of wadded up,” Munniksma said after winning his third feature race of the summer. “I saw both of them, but I was just hoping VanZalen saw me because I was coming around the outside and we don't have (communication) radios.
“When that happens you just hope for the best.”
Munniksma entered the weekend trailing Moody by 56 points. Will Olmsted, who was second in points eight points out of first, finished last on Saturday. He left the race after 18 laps.
In other races on Saturday, The Super Late Models raced 75 laps and Tom Thomas used every one of them to grab his second feature win of the season. The Grandville driver had to hold off a hard-charging Ross Meeuwsen to win by less than a car length.
Meeuwsen, of Zeeland, was pushed to the back of the pack on lap 13 when he slid off the back stretch, but worked his way back into the Top 10 by lap 30, then moved into second place on lap 66.
He took the lead on the restart but a spin by Chris Koslek negated that move.
On the next restart, Thomas was on the gas right away and Meeuwsen was unable to catch up.
Lou Caposey won the Vintage Racing Organization of America Mike Becker Memorial 42 race. The late Mike Becker, of Rockford, was a longtime racer in the VROA, but lost a battle with cancer before the current season began.
The race was dubbed the Mike Becker Memorial 42 for the number on the side of the car he drove.
Bill Krupp of Sparta won the 15-lap race for 4-Cylinders.
Billy Shotko, formerly of West Olive but now from Coopersville, won the 25-lap Modified feature. Shotko took the lead on the eighth lap and beat Kevin DeGood by over three seconds.

Read more: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/newsnow/x946751993/Berlin-Raceway-sees-side-by-side-thrillers#ixzz2Yzir4hhK

Spalding Holds Off Poel for Xtreme Chassis Special Win at I-96 Speedway

Spalding Holds Off Poel for Xtreme Chassis Special Win at I-96 Speedway

Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday July 13th, 2013): Saturday night, another great racing program was held at the I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan. The show featured a special for the Carbon Green Bio-Energy UMP DIRTcar Modifieds featuring a special $1200 to win invitational presented by Xtreme Chassis. The Rudd’s Septic Service UMP DIRTcar Street Stocks and Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP DIRTcar Sport Compacts were also in action. There was also a special $300 to win for the Motocross event held on the state of the art motocross course.

The Rudd’s Septic Service UMP DIRTcar Street Stocks were the first main event to hit the track for their 20-lap feature event. Marty French and Derek Poland made up the front row. French was able to jump out to the early advantage. He remained there until around lap 5 which was when French would be involved in a spin out which surrendered the lead to Derek Poland who continued on from there to go to the winner’s circle.

This was the second I-96 Speedway win for the 57 year old Muskegon, Michigan driver, in his Arizona Charlies Wholesale/ Chevrolet. Two time defending UMP DIRTcar racing series eastern states champion Dan Dykman wound up in second. Defending track champion Josh Frye, French, and Zach Graham rounded out the top five. Dykman and Poland picked up the heat victories as well.

The Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP DIRTcar Sport Compacts were out next for a 20-lap A-main. The front row consisted of Chad Tomczak and Nick Jenema. After the opening lap it was Jenema taking the early advantage. He would see great protest in late stages, but he was able to hang on to win the feature event.

Jenema, the 32-year old from Wyoming, Michigan earned his fourth win of the year driving in his Vision Ink Screen Printing / Saturn SC2. Two time defending track champion Rick Peck finished as the runner up. Chuck Peterson II, Tomczak, and Christian Wynbelt finished off the top five. The lone heat race was won also by Jenema.

            The final feature event of the night was courtesy of the Carbon Green Bio-Energy UMP DIRTcar Modifieds for a 20-lap shootout. The field was led out to chief starter Brett Farmer’s green flag by the front row of Curt Spalding and Dave Schmidt. Spalding managed to take the lead right away. He would see quite a challenge in the late stages of the race, but he was able to hang on to pick up the feature win.

            This was the first win of the year for the driver out of Hartford, Michigan at 42 years of age, in his Allstar Performance / Shaw by Landers Racecar. He finished ahead of 2011 track champion Jacob Poel who had to settle for second. Travis Stemler, 2010 track champion Rich Robinson Jr., and Tim Stemler completed the top five. Robinson Jr., and Poel won the heats.

The next event on the I-96 Speedway will be next weekend the week of July 19^th and 20^th where the gates will be opened to great the arrival of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Rally Cars. This will be the most widespread and readily accessible form of extreme dirt motorsports. 

The I-96 Speedway will bring the month of July to a close with a double header weekend featuring the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) district 14 flat track motorcycle races. This is where the area’s best flat track riders will grace the big half mile at I-96 speedway. This will all take place on both Saturday July 27^th and Sunday July 28^th.

The next car racing event will be held on Saturday August 3^rd, and will feature the second appearance by the fire breathing winged warriors of the Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP. Joining the sprint drivers will be the Carbon Green Bio-Energy UMP DIRTcar Modifieds, Rudd’s Septic Service UMP DIRTcar Street Stocks, and Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP DIRTcar Sport Compacts.

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. 

MTS Sprints See Joe Bares Pick up Win at Cherry Raceway in Big 7 in 1 Show

Fife Lake, Michigan (Friday July 12th, 2013): The Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints, featuring the best wingless sprint car drivers in the great lakes region, made their way to the Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan. Also in action were the Weller Truck Parts UMP DIRTcar Modifieds, Pro Streets, Factory Stocks, Four-Cylinder Warrriors, Crossroads Chevrolet Compacts, and the Hirams Lightning mini sprints. The big 7 in 1 show took place in front of another packed grandstand on Friday night.


The Features started off with the Pro Streets who took part in a 10-lap A-main. Once the green flag was dropped it would be defending track champion Allen Oyer taking the lead. He would manage to hold through the entirety of the race and pick up the win.

This was the first ever career victory for the 20-year old from Mancelona, Michigan, behind the wheel of his Tri-County Sand & Stone / Chevrolet. Jimmy Hiller finished in the second spot. J.J. Arbour completed the field. Oyer also won the lone heat event.

Up next it was the Factory Stocks who made their out for a 15-lap main event. Lap number one was led by Jeff Chalker who saw the lead then go to 2011 track champion Emery Smith. The two would swap for the lead for the next few circuits. Smith would manage to pull away with the lead. However on the very last lap Smith would suffer mechanical problems which surrendered the top spot to Karl McClellan who scored the win.

This was the first win for McClellan. The 51-year old from Mainistee, Michigan in his 1x Racing / Oldsmobile. Peni Lalonde finished second, Kevin Stricker, Dan Wireman, and Smith rounded out the top five. Stricker won the lone heat race.

The Hirams Lightning Sprints were out next in their feature that took 20-laps. The early advantage went to Ron Ramoy. On lap 5 Tom Hunt fought his way to the front of the field, and would be there until lap 9. That was when Bill Dunham jumped into the top position. Dunham would however, be inovolved in a roll-over on lap 14 which took him out of the show and gave the lead back to Hunt who went on to take the checkered flag.

Hunt picked up the win driving his Hunt Motorsports machine driving out of Ithaca, Michigan. He finished over Rusty Reyelts who was second. Mack Erickson, Randy Plamondon, and Chuck Erickson made up the top five. Dunham, and Reyelts were the heat race winners.

The Four Cylinder Warriors were out next for a 15-lap feature. Russ Carrier was the leader of the opening lap. Andrew Austin was able to power his way to the front, taking the lead on lap 5. Although on lap 12 Austin, would get caught up in lap traffic and allow Jeremy Tulick to jump out in front and take the lead away. He would go on from there to pick up the win.

Tulick the 34-year old driver from Cadillac, Michigan in the Sonn’ys Garage / Dodge picked up his first win of the year. Austin settled for second. Bob Craycraft, Jim Luhtanen, and Nick Olds finished off the top five. Arlie Cooper and Austin picked up the heat wins.

The Crossroads Chevrolet Compacts made their way out for a 15-lap main event. 16-year old Ricky Wilson was the driver leading after the drop of the green flag. He was able to hold off all challenges and go on through the entire race to earn the victory.

Wilson driving out of Williamsburg, Michigan in his Wilson’s Plumbing / Ford scored his fourth win of the season. 2011 track champion 14-year old Autumn Beeman finished in the runner up spot. 16-year old Rheanna Doberstein, 16-year old Hunter Carrier, and 16-year old Calvin Ingleston capped off the top five. The heats were won by Wilson and defending track champion Chris Casey.

The Weller Truck Parts UMP DIRTcar Modifieds went head to head in their 20-lap shootout. Once the field saw the green flag, it was Paul Johnson taking the lead. The battle would rage on from there until Johnson would be involved in a caution with lap traffic in the late stages of the race, which forced him to the rear of the field. The lead was then given to Greg Gokey, who went on from there to get the win.

This was the first win of the year for the 30-year old driver from Buckley, Michigan in his Butch Straight Inspections / DirtWerx Racecar. Dennis Taghon, 19-year old Nick Kurtz, Wayne Taghon, and Johnson rapped up the top five. Johnson, and Gokey were the heat winners.

Finally it was time for the main event of the night. Featuring the 20-lap A-main for the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints. The field was lead out to chief starter Steve Sherwood’s green flag by Brett Mann and Steve Irwin. Irwin was able to take the lead after the first lap. He would remain for much of the contest until and on lap 18 Joe Bares was able to fight his way to the front of the pack and go home the winner.

Bares picked up the win behind the wheel of his XYZ Machining car. Irwin had to settle for second. Chuck Wilson, Don Smith, and Joe Irwin completed the top five. Smith, Bares, and Steve Irwin won the heats.

This Friday July 19th Cherry Raceway will feature a full racing show. Headlined by yet another visit from the Hirams Lightning Sprints, this will be their fourth visit of the year. The Weller Truck Parts UMP DIRTcar Modifieds, Pro Streets, Factory Stocks, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Crossroads Chevrolet Compacts will also be in action.

Ticket Prices for Friday July 19th are: Adults (13-59): $12.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $9.00 – Children (6-12): $5.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00.The Pit Gates Open at 5:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open at 6:00p.m. Practice also starts at 6:00pm. Qualifying for Modifieds will take place at 6:30pm.Then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Begins approximately at 7:30pm.

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

Berlin Raceway Events & News

UP NEXT: LADIES NIGHT! Ladies get in FREE! Join us this Saturday, July 13 for Ladies Night! The Budweiser Super Late Models will be in action along with the Engine Pro Super Stocks, Model Coverall Modifieds, Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders and Napa Filters Racing VROA Modifieds. Tickets are $12 for adults 18+, $8 for students 12-17, $5 for kids 8-11 and children 7 and under are free. Ladies will receive free admission all night long and there are many promotions planned; the first race will begin at 7:00 p.m. Many fun and exciting events and prizes await the Ladies for Ladies Night this Saturday! Prize packages from Gall Sewing & Vacuum, The Avon Shoppe, Bergman Power Equipment, Lawn & Garden and many more! Also in attendance will be the Pink Heals of West Michigan, Tullymore Golf Course and the Grand Valley Racing team! An action packed night of entertainment awaits! Click here for full event details and schedule Camping is available on site all season long as well as the Battle at Berlin race weekend. There are limited spaces for electrical and water so act fast as camping spots are first come, first served.  More information on Berlin Raceway's 63rd season can be found at www.berlinraceway.com. Become a fan of Berlin Raceway on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/wherespeedbelongs Follow Berlin Raceway on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/BerlinRaceway "Like" our Facebook page for a chance to win free tickets to the big Duck Dynasty event August 3 as well as other great prizes! To win prizes and for special offers check us out at:



Michigan’s Jacob Poel wins Firecracker 50 at Shadyhill

Michigan’s Jacob Poel wins Firecracker 50 at Shadyhill

Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints Invade Crystal

 

Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprints Invade Crystal

By Trevor Hollis

After two nights of racing a slick track greeted the drivers. Passing was going to be at a premium all night in the Northwest Auto Machine 25 lap A main and lucky for Nick Landon there wouldn't be need for to much of that. Landon would start in row two and grab the early lead. Both Steve Irwin and Brett Mann would take their shots at Landon but to no avail as the Dorr Michigan native would hold on to pick up his first checkered flag with the series. Ovid's Keith Love would protect his tires and come home second while Ohio native Chad Wilson picked up the final podium spot. 

In the Strpko Engineering heat race one John Watson would start on the outside of the first row and hold off Mike Baker with Keith Love rounding out the top three. In the Hoosier Race Tire heat race number two Jay Steinbeck wild find victory lane over Chris Pobanz and Nick Landon. While in the final heat of the evening "the Hoosier rocket " Brett Mann would use the low grove to pick up the win Steve Irwin would hold on for second and 2011 MTS champion Joe Bares would come home third. Mark Irwin would pick up the win in the Irwincraft B Main. 

The Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprint Series will next be in action on 

June 15th at the South Buxton speedway in Merlin Ontario Canada in a co-sanctioned event with the can-am sprint series. Check out www.mtsprints.com for a complete schedule, race results, and series standings.  

Strpko Engineering Heat 1

1. John Watson 2. Mike Baker. 3. Keith Love. 4. Tim Champlin. 5. Nic Rogers. 6. Joe Irwin 7. Gary Hayward 8. Mark Strpko 9. Phil Rutledge.

Hoosier Race tire Heat 2.

1. Jay Steinebach. 2. Chris Pobanz. 3. Nick Landon 4. John Gall. 5. Chad Wilson 6. Mark Irwin 7. Gavin Hunyady 8. Lucas Smith 9. Tom Davies

Tri County Equipment Heat 3. 

1. Brett Mann. 2. Steve Irwin. 3. Joe Bares. 4. Mike Astrauskas. 5. Chuck Wilson 6. Don Smith 7. Dave Okerman. 8. Kevin Hawk

Irwincraft racecars B main :

1. Mark Irwin , 2. Joe Irwin, 3. Don Smith, 4. Gavin Hunyady , 5.Mark Strpko, 6. Phil Rutladge 7. Tom Davies, 8. Gary Hayward, 9. Dave Okerman. 10. Lukas Smith

Northwestern Auto Machine A Main Results (Starting Position):

 1). 82  Nick Landon(4), 2) 77 Keith Love(5), 3) 14 Chad Wilson(6), 4) 26 John Watson(7), 5) 81 John Gall(10), 6) 3a Mike Austrauskus(11) 7) 14m Brett Mann(3) 8) 00 Joey Irwin(17) 9) 11 Mark Irwin(16) 10) M1A Gavin Hunyady(18) 11) 31 Chuck Wilson(14) 12) 61x Don Smith(18) 13) 3 Phil Rutlidge(21) 14) 7 Nic Rogers(13) 15) 89 Chris Pobanz(8) 16) 0 Steve Irwin (1) 17) 8 Tim Champlin(10) 18) 19 Joe Bares(9) 19) 44  TomDavies(21) 20) 35 Mark Strpko(19) 21) 12 Mike Baker(2)

MTS Sprint Car Series

www.mtsprints.com

mtsprints@aol.com

 

Berlin Raceway Results: May 25th

Billy Shotko victorious in Top Speed Modifieds
-Will Olmsted, Randy Veldman, Lou Caposey and Jared Lyzenga also take checkers-

Marne, MI -- The Top Speed Modifieds rolled in to town for the Memorial Day Weekend Spectacular and the fans on hand were treated to an exciting night of racing from start to finish.

The 15 lap Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder hit the track first with #17 Ryan Hamm and #10 Dave Duyst on the front row. It was the #14 of Bill Krupp who was flying through the field and took the lead by the time the cars completed lap 1, however, Krupp had some trouble on lap 2 and that brought out the first caution of the night. On the restart, #11X Jason Essex grabbed the lead and pulled away from the field. Once the #77 of Jared Lyzenga cleared the pack, he chased down Essex and took the lead on lap 6. By lap 10, he was putting cars a lap down and that's when the second caution came out.; the #89 of Sierra Lantz spun in turn 3. Essex reclaimed the lead on the restart, but Lyzenga wasn't far behind; he was getting wound up on the high side and took the lead back with 3 laps to go. Once he was out from there was no catching him. Lyzenga took the checkers and the rest of the top ten were #72 Steven Holtzlander, Essex, Duyst, Hamm, #62 Charlie DeJong, #63 Paul Ritchie, #17 Seth VanHorssen, Lantz and #20 Jackson Walker.

The #4 of Don Smith and #80 Billy Eppink led the Napa Filters Racing VROA Modifieds to the green flag of the 25-lap race. Smith kept the lead as the field raced side by side behind him. The first car to break out of the pack was #21 Tom Boorsma and he was battling Smith for the lead. Lap 10 saw the first caution that involved #7 Jimmy Lawson, Boorsma, #20 Don Deyman, #3 Lou Caposey, #59 John Evans and #55 Jeff Barsen. Once the race was restarted, Smith continued to lead with the #43 of Terry Byrne giving chase, however just one lap later, the caution was out again. The #80 of Billy Eppink spun coming out of turn 4. After a quick caution, the field was restarted and this time it was Boorsma back up to second, challenging Smith for the lead. On lap 17, Boorsma started to drop back and #3 Lou Caposey charged to the front and took the lead on lap 18. Lap 21 saw the third caution of the race when #82 Rob Parker spun in turn 3. Caposey got a good restart and the battle was on for second. Just as the field came around to complete lap 23, #74 Steve Fuller clipped Smith and this caused a multi-car pile-up in turn 1 which resulted in the end of the race. Caposey got the win and the rest of the top ten were Fuller, Smith, Boorsma, Lawson, Byrne, Eppink, Parker and #2 Randy Pierson.

Up next was the 25-lap Enterprise Iron & Metal Sportsman feature, #40 Dave Cutler and #20 Tyler Nawrocki started on the front row. Cutler had no problem staying out front from the drop of the green flag. The field ran single file for the first few laps until the first caution came out on lap 4. The #11 of Tim Stuart spun on the frontstretch and the #9 of Tyler Sterken was also involved. Once the field was restarted, it was #33 Allen Davis who grabbed the lead as Cutler fell back to second and was under pressure from #1 Randy Veldman for the position. Veldman cleared Cutler after a few laps and started to chase down Davis. On lap 13, he was right on Davis' bumper, then he switched to the outside lane to make the pass on lap 16. Veldman drove away from the field and Davis, Cutler, #15 Scott Root and #26 Brian Thome were all slugging it out for second. Lap 20 saw the next caution when #50 Bill Funk spun on the frontstretch. A double file restart with 5 would set up an exciting finish. Veldman was able to shake off the pack, as was Thome, who was running second, trying to reel in Veldman. There was not enough time to do so and Veldman drove to victory lane. Thome got second and the rest of the top ten were Root, Davis, Cutler, #20 Tyler Nawrocki, #17 Jared Miller, #38 Maurice Davis, #77 Gerry Shepard and #89 Kirk Meissner.

The Engine Pro Super Stocks were next for their 30-lap feature and it was #66 Nate Walton and #48 Seth Moody on the front row. Moody took the lead early and both he and Walton pulled away from the field as the rest of the cars were battling for position. The #78 of Will Olmsted was the next car to break away and chase down the leaders. The first caution of the race came on lap 7 when #31 Brett DeKraker and #21 Tyler Rycenga made contact and that caution collected #67 Ben Welch, #77 Andrew Nylaan, #98 Bob Bliss and #20J Jeremy Munniksma. Once the field was restarted, the top four raced side by side for six laps with the slight advantage going to Walton. Moody was able to take the lead on lap 14 and he pulled Olmsted with him. With 8 laps to go and after a fierce battle, Olmsted took the lead and held on for the win. Moody, Walton, #44 Brian VanZalen, #54 Justin Regnerus, #76 Brian Tillema, Rycenga, #20 Dave Hull, #76 Warren Speet and DeKraker completed the top ten.

The finale was the 50-lap Top Speed Modifieds with #7 Ryan Hamm and #16 Kris Fewless leading the field to the stripe. Hamm took off with the lead as Fewless dropped back to tenth, stacking up the outside lane behind him. This let Hamm pull out to almost a 2 second lead on lap 4 and the field began racing single-file as they had over 40 laps remaining. On lap 11, Hamm had caught the tail of the field and began lapping cars and it was his battle with a lapped car that resulted in #8 Billy Eppink catching up to him and battling him for the lead. Hamm regained his momentum and held the lead as #22 Billy Shotko came up to challenge Eppink for second. By lap 30, Shotko made the pass for second and he had just over a half of a second to make up. He was clicking off a tenth of a second per lap just as the leaders were coming in to traffic. Lap 33 saw the first caution of the race when the #29 of Rob Shoemaker spun on the frontstretch. Just as the field was restarted, the caution was back out; Shoemaker went off of the backstretch and then the #68 spun across the frontstretch. Hamm and Shotko stayed side by side after the restart and on lap 35, Shotko was the new leader. The #97 of Kevin DeGood had made his way up to third and was challenging Hamm for second. DeGood took the position with five to go and had 1.5 seconds separating himself from leader Shotko who was in traffic. There just wasn't enough time to catch him; Shotko took the win and the rest of the top ten were DeGood, Hamm, Eppink, #80 Josh Slade, #22 Adam Hudson, #14 Tim Burkett, #X Damon Breedlove, Fewless and #70 Mark Bott.

Next Saturday, June 1 is the Prelude to the Battle at Berlin 251 featuring the Budweiser Super Late Models, Engine Pro Super Stocks, Enterprise Iron & Metal Sportsman and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students 12-17, $5 for kids 8-11 and children 7 and under are free; racing starts at 7:00 p.m.

More information on Berlin Raceway's 63rd season can be found at www.berlinraceway.com.

Become a fan of Berlin Raceway on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/wherespeedbelongs

Follow Berlin Raceway on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/BerlinRaceway

Lane Automotive MTS Sprint Series makes its annual Memorial weekend appearance at Crystal Motor Speedway

Sunday May 26^th The MTS sprint cars will do battle at the 3/8 mile dirt of Crystal Motor Speedway.

Last year’s race had an exciting feature with the thrill of victory when Steve Irwin Passed Tim Evilsizer with a couple laps to go to take the win, and the agony of defeat when Jay Stienabach took a nasty flip on the front straight in the main event.

This year expects to see more of the regulars from the MTS sprints including former champions Joe Bares, Mike Galadja, and Steve Irwin. Divers from 3 states and 2 countries plan to do battle Sunday for the top prize in this Memorial weekend showdown.

Grandstand tickets : Adult $12 Kids 5-11 $5 Pitpass $25

Crystal Motor Speedway is located at 8315 E Sidney Rd Crystal, Mi. The gates will open at4:30p.m. and racing begins at 7:30 p.m. ET.  For ticket and pit pass information, visitwww.crystalmotorspeedway.com

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

Keeping up with Colin Thirbly



Collin Thirlby In Search Of UMP DIRTcar Racing Series National Modifieds Championship In 2013
Aggressive 2013 Schedule Already in progress

Traverse City, Michigan (Wednesday, May 22, 2013): There's only one goal that 23-year-old Collin Thirlby has in mind when it comes to his aggressive 2013 schedule; That is the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series Modifieds National Championship. Since February when the Traverse City, Michigan driver began the current season in Florida during Speedweeks, it's been wide open ever since for him and his Thirlby Automotive Racing Team.

So far in 2013 in 19 events, Thirlby has scored three Feature Wins with the biggest coming at Peoria Speedway in Peoria Illinois back on April 14th for a $2,000 payday. His other two Feature victories have occurred at Montpelier Motor Speedway in Montpelier, Indiana on April 5th and at Quad City Speedway in East Moline, Illinois on May 12th, which is his most recent triumph. Up until recently, Thirlby has been showing the way on top of the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series National Modifieds Points Standings, but was passed by 2012 National Champion, Devin Gilpin after this past weekend.

"I'm pretty happy with how we've started the season so far. We started off in Florida with a brand new Diamond Race Car and ran pretty well with it. We made all the shows down there and came away with some knowledge that has helped us thus far. " Thirlby stated as he prepares for a four race weekend over the Memorial Day Holiday. "My expectations for the year are to finish in the top 10 in national points and get double digits in the win column." He added.

For the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, Thirlby will be in action for four straight nights starting at M. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on Friday, May 24th. From there it's on to Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Michigan on Saturday, May 25th while the third race of the weekend will be at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on Sunday, May 26th. The fourth and final race of the weekend on Memorial Day Monday, May 27th is tentatively planned for either Lawrenceburg Speedway in Lawrenceburg, Indiana or Macon Speedway in Macon, Illinois.

The weekend of May 16-18th wasn't what Thirlby was hoping for as he explained; " I was passing for fourth at Charleston Speedway (Charleston, Illinois) on Thursday and a radiator mount broke and the radiator ended up going into the fan." Thirlby explained. Then on Saturday at Fairbury American Legion Speedway (Fairbury, Illinois) I was passing for the lead in the heat race when I clipped an infield tire and broke the bumper off and put a hole in the oil pan. We're definitely looking for some better luck this holiday weekend."

Thirlby started his racing career just three years go in 2011 when we began driving for Donnie Roberts of Homestead Motorsports. He was impressive right from the get-go by Winning the Rookie of the Year titles in the Michigan Dirt Cup (MDC) Modifieds Tour as well as at Mt. Pleasant Speedway.

In 2012, he ran an impressive 76 nights at 32 different race tracks while concentrating on points only within the MDC Mods Tour where he scored One Win at Butler Motor Speedway and finished fifth in points. He also grabbed three more Feature Wins with one more coming at Butler while the other two occurred at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan. Overall he finished 32nd in the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series National Modifieds Points Standings

"I really need to thank Ryan and Heather Thomas at Diamond Race Cars. They have been a huge help to my racing operation both on and off the race track." Thirlby continued. "If it wasn't for those two, we wouldn't be doing near as good as we are at this point. Ryan went to Florida with us and was my crew guy almost the whole time we were down there. I don't know too many chassis builders that would do that." He ended.

For the remainder of the 2013 racing season, Thirlby’s familiar black #47 UMP Modified will carry sponsorship decals from: Thirlby Automotive as well as Homestead Motorsports, Corrigan Race Fuel, The Turn 3 Gang, Diamond Race Cars, Dargie Racing Engines, Malcuit Race Engines FK Rod Ends and M.P.H. Promotions.

Collin Thirlby T-Shirts are available for purchase at every track Thirlby will race at throughout the 2013 tour. To learn more about Collin Thirlby and the Thirlby Automotive  Racing Team and to find out about sponsorship opportunities for the remainder of the 2013 racing season, check out the Collin Thirlby Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/fansofcollinthirlby You can also go to the Thirlby Automotive website as well located at: www.thirlbyautomotive.com