Jeep Van Wormer Kicks Off 2013 In Style with One-Two Finishes in ALMS Action!

April 30, 2013

Jeep Van Wormer Kicks Off 2013 In Style with One-Two Finishes in ALMS Action!

(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) The Iron Motorsports team kicked-off their 2013 racing season in style with a pair of American Late Model Series (ALMS) tilts in the states of Ohio and Michigan over the April 26-27 weekend. On Friday night, Jeep Van Wormer opened up his campaign at the Attica Raceway Park in Attica, Ohio, as a $2,000 top prize was on the line. Jeep won his heat race in preliminary action and later battled for the lead through much of the main event. After officially leading five circuits from laps 17-21, Jeep settled for a strong runner-up effort behind only victor Jon Henry.

Next up for the #55 team was a trip back to Michigan on Saturday to compete in the annual running of the 'Player Hater 50' at the Winston Speedway in Rothbury. Jeep once again took the victory in his heat race to earn the pole position for the 50-lap feature event. The Pinconning, Michigan ace was then on a rail during the A-Main, as he led from flag-to-flag to record the $2,500 payday over Rusty Schlenk, Rich Neiser, Mike Spatola, and Andrew Reaume. Jeep's win secured his third 'Player Hater 50' title and marked his 31st career ALMS feature victory! Complete results from the doubleheader weekend can be accessed online at www.americanlatemodelseries.com.

"We had a lot of fun last weekend and it was a great way to start out our year," quoted Van Wormer this week via telephone. "The only way it could have gone any better was to sweep the weekend, but we just came up a little shy at Attica. After going winless last year (in only fourteen races), it was nice to run up front and get everyone's confidence up - especially with that win. I have to thank everyone that supports our team, my family and all of the guys that help out on the car. Even through we don't race as much as we used to right now, I still want to be a threat to win each time we unload and it takes a total team effort to get that accomplished."

Jeep and the Iron Motorsports team have opted to take the upcoming May 3-4 weekend off from Dirt Late Model competition. In fact, their next scheduled race is not until Memorial Day weekend. However, the chances are good that Jeep will add a couple of dates during May to his schedule, so keep checking his latest plans by logging onto www.jeepvanwormer.com.

The Iron Motorsports team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support: Bayline Fire Protection, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Jay D1ckens Racing Engines, ACPT, Allstar Performance, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., BSB Manufacturing, Bulldog Rear Ends, Delph Communications, Dyer's Top Rods, Eibach Springs, Exide Technologies, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, Keyser's Port City Racing, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Penske Shocks, Peterson Fluid Systems, R2C Performance, Ringers Gloves, Scott Performance Wire, Sweet Mfg., VP Racing Fuels, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Weld Wheels, Wilwood Engineering, and Wrisco.

To learn more about the Iron Motorsports team, log onto their home on the web located at www.jeepvanwormer.com.

Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications

www.delphcommunications.com

Randy Ellen Photography at Berlin Raceway: 4/27/2013

Check out some of the Racing action at Berlin through Randy Ellen Photography
http://www.randyellenphotography.com/Berlin2013/4-27-2012

Berlin Raceway kicks off 63rd season

 Berlin Raceway kicks off 63rd season
-Jason Essex, Billy Shotko, Scott Root, Seth Moody and Ross Meeuwsen score opening-night wins-

Marne, MI - The third time was the charm for Berlin Raceway.  After two failed attempts of hosting the season opener, the weather finally cooperated and the track roared to life after a long winter.

 

The Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders were the first to hit the track with a 15-lap feature, #10 Dave Duyst and #17 Seth VanHorssen led the field to green.  VanHorssen was quick to jump to the lead as Duyst tried to hold off the hard-charging #11X Jason Essex.  Once Essex passed Duyst, he was stalking VanHorssen and took the lead from him on lap 7 and the field spread out until the first caution came out on lap 11; Duyst hit the wall and lost a tire.  Essex took back off after the green flag was put back out, he was being chased by #89 Sierra Lantz and #9 Zach Clark.  Essex held on for the win and the rest of the top ten were Lantz, Clark, #62 Charlie DeJong, #27 Rikki VanHorssen, #20 Jackson Walker, #19 Robert Bowyer, #2 Troy Nagelkirk, Seth VanHorssen and Duyst.

 

The #7 of Dennis Mann was on the pole for the 25-lap Model Coverall Modified feature with #16 Kris Fewless on his outside.  While Mann led the first lap, it didn't last for long as #7 Ryan Hamm took it on lap 5.  The #22 of Billy Shotko was running the high side and had passed #88 Tony David for second.  By lap 12, Hamm was trying to hold off both Shotko and #97 Kevin DeGood.  Shotko snatched the lead from Hamm on lap 14, DeGood followed through, putting Hamm back to third.  The first caution of the race came on lap 20 when #8 Billy Eppink spun on the frontstretch.  After the restart, Shotko got a good jump, leaving Hamm and DeGood to fight for second.  No one could catch Shotko, he got the win and the rest of the top ten were DeGood, Hamm, #76 Ryan Gruppen, David, #68 Randy DeBoer, Eppink, #29 Rob Shoemaker, Fewless and Mann.

 

Up next were the cars of the Enterprise Iron & Metal Sportsman with #20 Tyler Nawrocki and #26 Brian Thome on the front row for the 25-lap feature.  Nawrocki kept the first position and the field stacked up two by two behind him.  The #40 of Dave Cutler was the first to break out of the back to challenge Nawrocki, using the high side to do  it.  Lap 8 saw the first caution of the race when rookie #3 Ben Thomas spun in turn 1.  Once the cars were restarted, they stayed side by side until lap 11 when Cutler took the lead.  Just two laps later, the caution was out again, the #17 of Jared Miller broke and Nawrocki spun on the backstretch.  The #15 of Scott Root took the lead on the restart and the field quickly settled in to single-file racing.  Cutler wasn't giving up, though, he was all over Root as #33 Allen Davis joined the battle. The third caution of the night came out on lap 21, Nawrocki and #9 Tyler Sterken were both involved.  The restart came with 4 laps to go, and with a new rule in place, the restarts are double file from start to finish.  The #23 of Andrew MacIntosh slipped by Davis, but their battle let Root sneak away and grab the win.  The rest of the top ten were Cutler, MacIntosh, Davis, Thome, #77 Gerry Shepard, #51 Shawn Simon, #1 Randy Veldman, #89 Kirk Meissner and Sterken.

 

The Engine Pro Super Stocks took the track next, #48 Seth Moody and #31 Brett DeKraker were on the front row.  DeKraker took the lead and the top three (DeKraker, Moody and #20 Jeremy Munniksma) broke away from the pack.  Moody took the lead on lap 7 as DeKraker fought back on the outside.  Moody was able to clear him and that left DeKraker and Munniksma to fight it out for second.  The first caution of the race happened on lap 13 when #67 Ben Welch spun at the start/finish line.  After the restart, Moody was able to drive away from the field, he was being chased by Munnisksma and DeKraker was now trying to hold on to third as he was being challenged by #66 Nate Walton and #78 Will Olmsted.  The second caution came out on lap 24 when #76 Warren Speet make contact with rookie #21 Tyler Rycenga.  The field was reset and Munniksma was able to hang with Moody.  Moody not only had Munniksma worry about on his outside, he had #78 Will Olmsted on his tail.  Moody held them off to grab the checked flag and the rest of the top ten were Munniksma, Olmsted, Walton, #44 Brian VanZalen, #54 Justin Regnerus, Welch, #76 Brian Tillema, #20 Dave Hull and DeKraker.

 

The final race of the night was the 75-lap Budweiser Super Late Models, #222 Caleb Bisacky and #23 Chris Koslek led the pack to the stripe.  Bisacky and Koslek broke away once the race started, but bit by bit, #12 Tim DeVos was gaining on them.  On lap 12, DeVos was trying to overtake Koslek for second and a by lap 19, he had caught up with Bisacky.  The first caution on the night came on lap 19, the #6 of Brandon Hermiller spun in turn 1.  The caution let DeVos restart on the front row, next to Bisacky.  DeVos took the lead on the restart, but the caution came back out again when #121 Tim Greene spun in turn 4.  Just 2 laps later, the caution was out again, this time for the #$ of Jon Beach and #99 Ross Meeuwsen.  Before a lap was complete, the caution was out again for Greene.  DeVos took off once the green was back out and coming through the pack was the #55 of Dave Lake who made it to second on lap 26.  The car on the move was the #99 of Ross Meeuwsen, he made it through the field and took second from Lake just as another caution came out; #77 Josh Hobson hit the wall in turn 4.  The race was restarted and on lap 31, it was Meeuwsen who was scored as the leader.  The field settled back into a groove and as the laps ticked off, Meeuwsen seemed to get faster.  The pace of the race was slowed again on lap 55 when the caution came out for #24 Lee VanDyk.   The restart put Meeuwsen and DeVos side by side, but it didn't take long for Meeuwsen to clear him and take off again. With just 4 laps to go, the caution was out again when #101 Lauren Bush spun across the frontstretch and hit the infield wall.   After clean up, the race was restarted and Meeuwsen remained in the top spot, but the cautions were not done.  With just one lap to go, the #32 of Gabe Ensing spun on the frontstretch.  This set up a one-lap shootout between Meeuwsen and DeVos.  Meeuwsen hung on for the final lap to get the win.  DeVos came in second and the rest of the top ten were Koslek, #82 Tom Thomas, #99 Jordan Dahlke, #55 Chris Anthony, #48 Seth Moody, VanDyk, #84 Jay Niewiek and #51 Justin Ryan.

 

Next Saturday, May 4 is Boy Scouts night at Berlin Raceway.  The Port City Racecars Outlaw Late Models, Engine Pro Super Stocks, Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders and the Napa Filters Racing Vintage Racing Organization of America will all be in action.  Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for students 12-17, $5 for kids 8-11 and children 7 and under are free; the first race begins at 7:00 p.m. 

Late Model Results from Crystal Motor Speedway

April 27, 2013 

for Complete Results of All Divisions Click HERE

The Kentucky Fried Late Models saw Sam Epling jump out to a good lead with Keith Gentz and Scott Baker running just behind him.

Racing was hot and heavy all through the pack when Scott Phillips slipped off the edge of the berm. As he came back up, he made contact with another car and ended up rolling over, ending up on his roof in the turn three back grasses. Phillips was shaken but was up and walking around after a spectacular flip. With ten in the books, it was still Epling, Gentz, Baker, and Kris Patterson, and Dan DeLong. DeLong tried to put a move on Baker and got loose, falling back several positions, moving Bry Sloan into the top five. Another caution grouped the field, allowing Baker to close in on the leader several times in the closing laps, almost over taking him with three to go. Baker got a good run coming in for the white flag and finally overtook Epling and went on to win a wild one over Epling, Scott Nieman, Dean Huizenga, Sloan, Bill Beardslee, Blaine Hendrick, Patterson, Jr., DeLong, and Gentz. Zack Olger took the B Main while heats fell to Gentz, Baker, and Sloan.

Late Models
Pos Car No Driver Points
1 13 Scott Baker 40
2 28 Sam Epling 39
3 27 Scott Nieman 38
4 9 Dean Huizenga 37
5 2 Bry Sloan 36
6 20 Bill Beardslee 35
7 610 Blaine Hendrick 34
8 0P Kris Patterson, Jr. 33
9 D20 Dan DeLong 32
10 8 Keith Gentz 31
11 87K Joshua Knoll 30
12 11S Tim Stott 29
13 45B Brad Buskirk 28
14 0X Zack Olger 27
15 66 Kurt Mesman 26
16 72 Kyle Borgman 25
17 50 Scott Philips 24
18 10 Tom Dusen 23
19 55W Amanda Wing (R) 16
20 73L Logan Love (R) 15

Late Models 4/27/2013
A Feature:1. Scott Baker (Ionia, MI), 2. Sam Epling (Perry, MI), 3. Scott Nieman (Ithaca, MI), 4. Dean Huizenga (Belmont, MI), 5. Bry Sloan (Lowell, MI), 6. Bill Beardslee (Edmore, MI), 7. Blaine Hendrick, 8. Kris Patterson, Jr. (St. Johns, MI), 9. Dan DeLong (Ithaca, MI), 10. Keith Gentz (Grant, MI), 11. Joshua Knoll (Barryton, Mi), 12. Tim Stott (Fruitport, MI), 13. Brad Buskirk (Alma, MI), 14. Zack Olger (St. Johns, MI), 15. Kurt Mesman (Wyoming, MI), 16. Kyle Borgman (Muskegon, MI), 17. Scott Philips (Marlette, MI), 18. Tom Dusen (Muskegon, MI),

B Feature Six:1. Zack Olger (St. Johns, MI), 2. Joshua Knoll (Barryton, Mi), 3. Tim Stott (Fruitport, MI), 4. Blaine Hendrick, 5. Dean Huizenga (Belmont, MI), 6. Brad Buskirk (Alma, MI), 7. Amanda Wing, 8. Logan Love (Vestaburg, MI), 9. Carl Ries (Blanchard, MI), 10. Jim Fairbanks (Coopersville, MI), 11. Matt Pickard (Grant, MI), 12. Rachel Carpenter,

Heat 1:1. Keith Gentz (Grant, MI), 2. Tom Dusen (Muskegon, MI), 3. Kris Patterson, Jr. (St. Johns, MI), 4. Kyle Borgman (Muskegon, MI), 5. Carl Ries (Blanchard, MI), 6. Logan Love (Vestaburg, MI), 7. Jim Fairbanks (Coopersville, MI), 8. Rachel Carpenter,

Heat 2:1. Scott Baker (Ionia, MI), 2. Dan DeLong (Ithaca, MI), 3. Bill Beardslee (Edmore, MI), 4. Scott Philips (Marlette, MI), 5. Zack Olger (St. Johns, MI), 6. Tim Stott (Fruitport, MI), 7. Matt Pickard (Grant, MI), 8. Dean Huizenga (Belmont, MI),

Heat 3:1. Bry Sloan (Lowell, MI), 2. Scott Nieman (Ithaca, MI), 3. Kurt Mesman (Wyoming, MI), 4. Sam Epling (Perry, MI), 5. Joshua Knoll (Barryton, Mi), 6. Blaine Hendrick, 7. Amanda Wing, 8. Brad Buskirk (Alma, MI),

Tim DeVos overcomes traumatic off-season to finish second in Berlin Raceway's season opener

  

By Steve Kaminski | Skaminsk@mlive.com 
on April 29, 2013

MARNE – Tim DeVos pointed to a small dot of burned metal, located just above the hood of his Super Late Model after finishing second in Saturday night’s season-opening 75-lap feature at Berlin Raceway.

Tim DeVos' home was destroyed by fire on Dec. 16.Mlive.com File Photo 

“This is where an ash fell on it,” DeVos said. “There were a few more on the hood so we had to replace that, but otherwise, this is the only mark that was left on it. The car is in pristine condition.”

Tim DeVos (12) battles Ross Meeuwsen for the lead during Saturday night's 75-lap Late Model feature race at Berlin Raceway.Photo courtesy of Randy Ellen 

DeVos had arguably the most challenging off-season of any Berlin driver considering his home, located at 915 10 Mile Road NE,was destroyed by an early-morning fire on Dec. 16. Not only did he lose his home, but his wife, Pat DeVos, was hospitalized for several weeks after suffering second degree burns to her face and hands.

Tim DeVosMlive.com File Photo 

But Pat DeVos is on the mend, plans to rebuild his home are underway, and when the green flag dropped on Berlin’s 63rd season Saturday, the multi-time track champion was ready to roll. He battled eventual winner Ross Meeuwsen to the finish in the track’s main event.
The No. 12 Late Model DeVos drove Saturday escaped the fire. DeVos’ race shop, which was located next to his home, burned as well, however, DeVos was able to move the Super Late Model out of harm’s way just in time. His Outlaw Late Model, however, was damaged.
“I was always afraid the shop was going to burn the house, so I had firewall after firewall after firewall. That was my biggest fear,” DeVos said. “The fire came and it took a long time to get to the shop. We rolled this one out and couldn’t find a jack to get the Outlaw out. It burned up a little bit.
“The firemen were getting pissed at me. They were putting water on a house that had fire coming out of every window. I said all that stuff is gone, come over and save my (bleep).”
DeVos said he is still unsure what caused the fire, but he believes it started in the kitchen area. He said it could have started from a new stove or a candle.
“My wife got beat up a little bit and she spent about a month-and-a-half in the hospital, but she came around,” he said. “That’s the main thing. We have insurance, so we will just rebuild. State Farm has been damn good to us.”
“She has a little bit of lung problems from inhaling the heat more than anything. She had a lot of second degree burns on her hands and face, but those cleaned up really good. You would never even know it. But she coughs quite a bit and she has been going in to see the doc. She is about 95 percent back. That was my biggest concern.”
Racing returns to Berlin Saturday at 7 p.m., and the program will include the Outlaw Late Models. DeVos will compete in that series, too. Port City Racing of Muskegon operator Harley Bovee offered DeVos the opportunity to drive the business’ house car.
“Harley offered me the chance to race his car after he learned what happened,” DeVos said. “I think that car will be hard to beat. Harley is making a statement with that one. We have his crew chief, Butch VanDoorn, who is a boy genius when it comes to race cars.”

Berlin Raceway champ surprises himself with victory in Saturday night's season opener

Berlin Raceway champ surprises himself with victory in Saturday night's season opener By Steve Kaminski | Skaminsk@mlive.com

MARNE – Defending Berlin Raceway Modified division champion Billy Shotko was having an awful 2013 season, even though the year didn’t officially start until Saturday night. Shotko blew an engine in two of Berlin’s practice sessions, including Friday night's at the Marne half-mile oval.That’s why Shotko said he was more surprised than anyone to be standing in Victory Lane after he won the 25-lap feature race over Kevin DeGood and Ryan Hamm.

“(Friday), when I left the track at 5 o’clock, I didn’t even think I was coming here,” said Shotko, of West Olive. “The fact that I’m standing here in Victory Lane gives me goose bumps. “This is our third motor of the season. We dug this thing from out back, we didn’t even think it was going to run. Last night, we started pulling the motor out at 6:30, had the new one in by 12:30 (a.m.) and stayed until 2:30 in the morning. I have to thank everybody for working so hard.”

Saturday night’s season opener kicked off Berlin’s 63rd season after inclement weather washed out the past two weekends. The evening’s winners included Ross Meeuwsen, who captured top honors in the 75-lap Super Late Model feature. The race came down to a one-lap shootout between Meeuwsen and DeVos after Gabe Ensing's spin on the frontstretch brought out the caution on lap 74. Meeuwsen chose the high groove and was able to drive away from DeVos and Chris Koslek. "I talked to the guys in the pits, and they said to try the outside," Meeuwsen said. "I couldn't get back around him if I started on the inside because he was really good on the outside for about three or four laps. So I just thought I would try the outside."

Veteran driver and perennial Sportsman division contender Scott Root of Walker enjoyed a pair of firsts Saturday. Root set fast time and won the 25-lap feature race over veteran Dave Cutler, marking the first time he has pulled off the sweep. He also won on opening night for the first time in his career. “Oh man, it was great, the car was awesome,” Root said. “It has been 12 years that we have been trying to win an opener, and finally, we got it. I’m just hoping this is our year. We have been working hard for 12 years, and we have a good car and a good car builder, and we are just hoping for the best. We have to have some luck.”

Seth Moody of Middleville won his first career Super Stock feature when he took the lead on lap seven of the 30-lap main and drove away from the field. He beat Jeremy Munniksma by 0.678 of a second, while fast qualifier Will Olmsted was third. Moody had little time to celebrate. He had to hop out of his Super Stock and into his Super Late Model to compete in the program’s 75-lap finale. “I spent so much time on this car the past week, so it feels awesome,” Moody said. “I just want to thank Port City for all their help, my grandpa for the motor work, my dad for helping me fix the car and my girlfriend for taking pictures. She’s awesome.”

Jason Essex of Greenville won the 15-lap 4 Cylinder feature over Sierra Lantz and Zack Clark. Essex is off to a fast start after finishing third in points a year ago and earning the division’s rookie of the year honors. “This is what we worked for all winter, trying to get the car set up ready to go for opening night,” Essex said. “It paid off. It is a great way to start off. I am really trying to build off of last year and show everybody that that wasn’t a fluke.”

SATURDAY NIGHT RESULTS SUPER LATE MODELS (75 LAPS) 1. Ross Meeuwsen, 2. Tim DeVos, 3. Chris Koslek, 4. Tom Thomas, 5. Jordan Dahlke, 6. Chris Anthony, 7. Seth Moody, 8. Lee VanDyk, 9. Jay Niewiek, 10. Justin Ryan, 11. Jon Beach, 12. Dan Vandermolen, 13. Caleb Bisacky, 14. Gabe Ensing, 15. Dave Lake, 16. Lauren Bush, 17. Josh Hobson, 18. Justin Regnerus, 19. Tim Greene, 20. Brandon Hermiller, 21. David Fretz, 22. Terry VanHaitsma, 23. Kevin Malosh

SUPER STOCKS (30 LAPS) – 1. Seth Moody, 2. Jeremy Munniksma, 3. Will Olmsted, 4. Nate Walton, 5. Brian VanZalen, 6. Justin Regnerus, 7. Ben Welch, 8. Brian Tillema, 9. Dave Hull, 10. Brett DeKraker, 11. John Norder, 12. Tyler Rycenga, 13. Warren Speet, 14. Bob Bliss, 15. Andrew Nylaan SPORTSMAN (25 LAPS) – 1.Scott Root, 2. Dave Cutler, 3. Andrew MacIntosh, 4. Allen Davis, 5. Brian Thome, 6. Gerry Shepard, 7. Shawn Simon, 8. Randy Veldman, 9. Kirk Meissner, 10. Tyler Sterken, 11. Bill Funk, 12. Matt VanHorsen, 13. Tyler Nawrocki, 14. Jared Miller, 15. Ben Thomas, 16. Maurice Davis

MODIFIEDS (25 LAPS) – 1. Billy Shotko, 2. Kevin DeGood, 3. Ryan Hamm, 4. Ryan Gruppen, 5. Tony Davis, 6. Randy DeBoer, 7. Billy Eppink, 8. Rob Shoemaker, 9. Kris Fewless, 10. Dennis Mann 4 CYLINDERS (15 LAPS) – 1. Jason Essex, 2. Sierra Lantz, 3. Zack Clark, 4. Charlie DeJong, 5. Rikki VanHorssen, 6. Jackson Walker, 7. Robert Bowyer, 8. Troy Nagelkirk, 9. Seth VanHorssen, 10. Dave Duyst, 11. Mike Mellon

HEAT WINNERS: Dave Lake, Chris Anthony (Super Late Models); Billy Shotko (Modifieds); Sierra Lantz, Zack Clark (4 Cylinders); Kirk Meissner, Randy Veldman (Sportsman); Seth Moody, Brett DeKraker (Super Stock) FAST QUALIFIERS: Ross Meeuwsen (Super Late Models) 99.571 mph; Kevin DeGood (Modifieds) 92.606 mph; Will Olmsted (Super Stocks) 92.189 mph; Scott Root (Sportsman) 83.477 mph; Jason Essex (4 Cylinders) 75.666 mph