It was "Near" Perfect at Winston Speedway

Friday, May 23

It was "Near" Perfect at Winston Speedway

Winston Speedway continues to show the fruits of labor from owners Tom and Lois Sprague. It has not been since the mid 90’s that Winston has experienced car counts of over a hundred. Every race program this season has met the century mark of competitors. Friday May 23rd saw another 105 racecars entertain the race fans of West Michigan. The “Build it and they will come” philosophy is paying of for the Sprague’s. Drivers, crews, and fans are appreciating their hard work. Drivers have been provided with a great racing surface and fans get to witness a fast paced program in a family atmosphere. The crowds have been steady and Tom and Lois will be the first one’s to tell their drivers and fans how much they appreciate their patrons.

The center of attention on Friday was on the Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock division. Their Invitational saw 22 cars show up to compete for the $300 to win purse. John Foss led the first three laps from his pole position, but after that if was all Luke Near. Starting in the sixth position Near showed why he is a former three-time Winston Speedway track champion. The only things that slowed Near and closed the gap with his competitors in the twenty-five lap main event were late race cautions. Carl McCann was the best of the rest as he secured the runner-up spot over CJ Rector, Foss, and April Spriggs. Heats were won by Near and McCann.

The Intergra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Division continue to bring a strong field of competitors. Twenty-six cars competed for top honors. In the Late Model 25 lap feature it was all Sprague’s. First it was Andy Sprague grabbing the point on the first lap from his third place starting spot. By lap three Tom Sprague Jr joined his brother at the front. For the rest of the race the two siblings battled each other. Andy Sprague led the first five laps but gave way to Tom Sprague Jr on the front stretch of lap six. These two put on a great show for the fans as they worked their way through lapped traffic pulling away from the rest of the field. Tonight it would be the older brother Tom Sprague Jr getting the best of his younger brother Andy Sprague. Their one-two finish was the best for both of them this season at Winston. Grabbing the third position was Tim Stott followed by Bryan McQueen and Tom Dusen. Late Model heat races were won by McQueen, Tom Sprague Jr, and Andy Sprague. Frank Morrison garnered the top spot in the ‘B” feature.

Andy Sprague, John McCaul and Dean Wilkerson had the fans on the edge of their seats in the UMP Modified division. These three drivers midway through the race went three abreast for an entire lap for the top spot. At the end of the race it was McCaul and Sprague who brought the fans to their feet. With McCaul out front coming out of turn four Sprague powered to the inside of him only to come up short by less than a foot. McCaul became the first three time winner in the Modifieds at Winston while Sprague backed up his Late Model run with another runner-up spot. Dean Wilkerson, Brian Lasak and Jeremy Ferguson rounded out the top five. Heat Races were won by Derek Poland, Brian Lasak, and Mark Anderson.

The Port City Racing Sportsman division brought out the best and worst in drivers for their twenty lap event. Front row starters Rob Sternberg and Larry Passenier livened up the action late in the race. Sternberg and Passenier raced door to door banging each other for the lead heading into turn one. Coming out of turn two Cody Weisner made his way inside both of them to grab the top spot. It only lasted for a second as Passenier clipped Weisner in the right rear quarter panel after contact with Sternberg. Weisner went flying over the backstretch embankment bringing out the caution. Sternberg and Passeneir were both black flagged for rough driving and sent to the pits. Fortunately for Weisner minimal damage was done to his car and he was placed back at the point. The task at hand for Weisner did not get easier as Ralph Sternberg was placed on his bumper for the restart. Weisner rose to the occasion down the stretch holding off the hard charging Ralph Sternberg to pick up his second feature win in as many weeks. Chad Weinrick, Robert McDonald, and Mark Ransom completed the top five. The Heat race was won by Ralph Sternberg. Weinrick won the Dash for Cash event.

Youngster Derek Passeneir had a night of racing that he will never forget. The Oakridge High School student led every lap of the Factory Stock main event to pick up his first Feature win ever at Winston Speedway and also supported that with a heat race win. The race for second in the main event was won by Paul Tenbrink over Scott Erickson, Justin Gilland, and John Person. Other Heat race winners included Bill Delong and Robby Sternberg.Next Friday May 30th all five classes return to action. It will be I-96 Speedway “Challenge Night”. I-96 Speedway drivers will join forces with Winston’s in the Late Model and UMP Modified divisions. The competition looks to be great. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

"Air Neiser" wins "Player Hater 50" at Winston Speedway

Friday, May 16

"Air Neiser" wins "Player Hater 50" at Winston Speedway

Forty of the best Late Model drivers in Michigan made their way to Winston Speedway for the “Player Hater 50” Invitational on Friday May 16th. This Port City Racing and Integra Racing Shocks and Springs sponsored event has become a tradition that the racing community looks forward to every year. A total of one-hundred four racecars were on hand for the nights activities but it was one driver who took the spotlight claiming the largest amount of race winnings in Winston Speedway history. The “Player Hater 50” main event did not disappoint fans as they were treated to one of the most unusual endings ever witnessed at Winston.
In the early going of the 50 lap main event Roger Wing showed his strength moving from his fourth place starting position to take the lead from Rich Neiser on lap four with a high groove pass coming out of turn two. Wing began to pull away. By lap ten Wing was already dealing with lapped traffic. Because of this Neiser was able to catch Wing. Both drivers dealt with lapped traffic that was running two abreast. Neiser stayed in the high groove while Wing raced him door to door in the low groove. While Neiser and Wing battled each other Kevin Nelson was making his way to their bumpers. Nelson appeared to be the fastest at the half way point but slipped coming out of turn four going over the embankment and ending his chance for the win. Nelson’s caution put Neiser out front. Wing now had to contend with Rusty Seaver. Neiser was able to pull away as Wing and Seaver battled side by side. Neiser’s gap up front kept getting larger. With five laps to go Neiser held a half track lead. What appeared to be an anticlimactic finish as the white flag waved, turned into a nightmare for Neiser. As Neiser accelerated coming out of two his right rear tire went over the embankment. Neiser’s entire car followed over the top edge of the track. With his car completely out of site to the grandstands what happened next looked like a scene out of “Dukes of Hazard”. Neiser never lifted off the throttle and drove back up onto the track with all four tires catching air as he used the embankment as a ramp. Neiser had no idea that his lead was so great that he would still be out front. Once on the track Neiser straightened out his car, kept his composure, and earned his second feature win of the season.
Neiser’s win was the third for him that night. Earlier in the evening he had won his heat race and took top honors in the Port City Racing Dash for Cash. By nights end Neiser had earned over $3300 in cash and prizes. It was the largest amount ever taken by a driver at Winston.
“All I could think of going off two was that I blew it” stated Neiser. “I was so mad at myself. I was just hoping I was going to have a decent finish after such a stupid mistake. I had no idea that I was so far ahead. I swear I could hear a car right behind me” laughed Neiser.
The race for second was won by Seaver who put on a show for the fans with Wing right to the very end. Rob Taylor captured the fourth. Curtis Roberts charged his way all the way from his seventeenth place starting position to round out the top five. Kevin Nelson Jr, Zach Ogler, Matt Pickard, Billy Trueblood and Kevin Juusola completed the top ten. Heat races were won by Neiser, Bob Findlay, Pickard, and Seaver.

In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified action Greg Smith recovered from an early race spin to take his first feature win of the season. Smith’s winning pass came after a restart on lap three. Coming out of turn two Smith made his way by Scott Fisk and then leader Dan Dykman. Out front it looked like Smith was on a Sunday cruise. Smith maintained the point for the entire race hitting all his marks, but by the end of the feature Jeremy Ferguson was the fastest Modified on the track. Ferguson had used the high side groove to pass five competitors in the last four laps. Ferguson was in second with two laps to go but ultimately ran out of time and settled for second. Jeff Erickson, Derek Poland and Mike Wilbern completed the top five. Heat races were won by Randy Whitten and Smith. Darrell Woodring garnered top honors in the Dash for Cash event.

The last time Port City Racing Sportsman driver Cody Weisner visited Winston Speedway he was in one of the most violent accidents ever witnessed at Winston. Weisner was stalled on the front stretch and hit at full throttle by a competitor. It destroyed his car and took the breath away from everyone who witnessed the crash. Weisner showed no fear of being back at Winston. Starting sixth Weisner was able to take the point on lap three and win in dominating fashion. Needless to say this was a much happier night. Chad Weinrick was the best of the rest followed by Rob Sternberg, Bean Falbe and Barry Mendendorp. In Heat race action Tim Tuttle and Dan Wilson were the winners.

The Factory Stock division keeps providing Winston fans with some great racing action. This division continues to have 30 plus cars battle every week for bragging rights. Youngster Derek Passenier looked stout early leading the first portion of their 15 lap event. Veteran Dean Wolever showed his patience and made a high groove pass for the lead on lap seven. Once out front Wolever’s experience showed as he took the win over Passenier. Seventy-six year old Mel Whitten moved up 8 positions to finish a strong third. Justin Gilmore and Justin Gilland made up the rest of the top five. Heat races were won by Passenier, Tony Weinrick and Wolever. Jerry Fairchild earned “B” feature top honors after charging his way from dead last to the top spot.
Next Friday May 23rd all five divisions of racing will be back in action. A $300 to win Four Cylinder event will be the main event of the evening. On Saturday May 24th Winston Speedway will have their first Demolition Derby of the season along with an Off Road Scramble event. Monster Truck “Little Miss Dangerous” will also be on hand to entertain the fans. For the best in Family entertainment along the lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway

Sternberg Wins the "Kenny B" Memorial Race at Winston Speedway

Friday, May 9
Sternberg Wins the "Kenny B" Memorial Race at Winston Speedway

Winston Speedway drivers, crews, and fans were all anxious to get back to racing after Mother Nature had taken away the previous two race programs. One hundred nineteen racecars were on hand to entertain the fans. The racing was great all night with two and three wide action. This night was special as the Winston Speedway racing family honored one of it fallen family members. The Sportsman division ran an Invitational feature race in memory of Kenny Blondeel who had succumbed to cancer in January. Kenny was a long time driver and car owner around the West Michigan race community. When you said the name “Kenny B” as he was known, everyone knew who you were talking about. Kenny was known just as much for his ability to make his friends laugh as he was for his competiveness on the track. In his honor the race lasted 55 laps which represented the car number that was associated with his name. Kenny will be sorely missed but not forgotten.

In the Kenny Blondeel Memorial event for the Port City Racing Sportsman division Ralph Sternberg led from start to finish. Starting on the outside pole, Sternberg held off charges by numerous drivers who had made their way to the second spot. Sternberg’s patience and his familiarity with Winston Speedway proved to be the key. Once he was out front he never missed a mark. The race for second was finally won by Jamie Gilmore with nine laps to go as he passed Kyle Borgman. Rob Sternberg and Chad Weinrick also got by Borgman in the final five laps to garner the third and fourth positions. Borgman settled for fifth. Heat Races were won by Dan Hekkema, Borgman, and Weinrick.

The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model field at Winston continued to be strong in numbers as 32 Late Models were on hand to battle. Rich Neiser was man of the hour as paced the field for he entire 25 lap event. Neiser was able to hold off a hard charging Matt Pickard and Tom Sprague Jr. for top honors. Bob Findlay and “B” Feature winner Tim Stott completed the top five. Rob Taylor, Jim Fairbanks, Tom Dusen, and Pickard were Heat Race winners. Dashes of the Week honors were taken by Matt Pickard.

One name has risen to the top of the UMP Modified field thus far at Winston. John McCaul is two for two. It only took three laps to see the former two time track champion at the head of the field. McCaul again proved to be dominating once out front leaving the rest of the pack to battle for second. Randy Whitten was the only other driver to lead a lap in his second place finish. Troy Marciniak was third followed by Dan Dykman and Dean Wilkerson. Heat races were won by McCaul and Wilkerson.

The Factory Stock division saw one of its drivers make the move of the night before he reached the flagstand on the first lap. Starting in the in the sixth position Keith Chrysler did not hesitate one bit when saw the flag being waved coming out of turn four. By the time he reached turn one he was in the lead. While other drivers were caught sleeping he was racing. Once out front Chrysler opened up a lead that was insurmountable. The race for the runner-up spot saw some hard racing as Jerry Fairchild bested Kurt Woodard for a second place finish. Bill Delong and Tony Weinrick rounded out the top five. Delong, Chrysler and Woodard all took checkered flags in their respective heat races. John Pierson earned the top spot in the “B” Feature earning him a transfer spot into the “A” main.

The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division had double the fun as they made up their feature that was delayed from opening night due to curfew and ran their night’s main event. In the make-up feature youngster CJ Rector proved that he is going to fit in nicely with his competitors. Rector led every lap in his first Mini Stock win of his career. Winston’s 2006 Track Champion Carl McCann finished second ahead of Mark Farber, John Foss, and Glen Parker. In second feature event of the evening McCann made amends taking top honors. Parker, Seth Moody, Farber and Rector completed the top five. Heat Race honors went to Farber and McCann.

Next Friday May 16th will be the make-up event for the “Player Hater 50” Late Model Invitational. The $2500 top prize looks to lure some of the best Late Model drivers in the state to Winston Speedway. With car counts reaching 120 and packed grand stands fans of West Michigan racing have realized Winston Speedway is the place to be on Friday nights. For the best in family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

Wing, McCaul and Anderson Take Opening Night Honors at Winston Speedway

Friday, April 18
Wing, McCaul and Anderson Take Opening Night Honors at Winston Speedway

Winston Speedway started the 2008 season in fine fashion. Owners Tom and Lois Sprague’s hard work is paying off. One hundred eighteen race-cars made their way to Rothbury to open the season. It was one of the largest opening night car counts in recent history. Combine that with a near capacity crowd and great weather and it made for a great start to the 2008 race season at Winston Speedway. Thirty-two Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Models battled on the night. The class of cars and drivers was outstanding. Just how good? 2007 Late Model Track Champion Tom Sprague Jr had to transfer to the “A” main by placing in the top spot of the “B” feature along with former track champion Rich Neiser. In the Late Model Main event race it was two drivers sporting the number 55 on the sides of their cars who battled for the win. Veteran Roger Wing and young gun Matt Pickard both did a great job to make their way to the front. Wing started racing before Pickard was born but don’t let his age fool you, Wing has not lost his edge. Starting in the eighth position Wing made his way to the point charging through the field. Wing's outside move of leader Mike Wilbern took place on lap five. As Wing paced the field for the next 15 laps Pickard was also on the move. With laps winding down Wing had to make his way through lap traffic. Because of this Pickard was able to close the gap. With two laps to go Pickard was within a car length and had fans on the edge of their seat. But when the checkered flag was waved, Wing was the driver who would celebrate in the Port City Racing Victory Lane. Pickard settled for second while Wilbern held onto third. Zack Ogler made his way from 12th to finish in the fourth position. Andy Sprague in his first race since moving up from the Modifieds completed the top five. In Heat race action Kevin Nelson, Tim Stott, Danny Knowles, and Pickard earned wins. Goentz was picked as the 2008 Late Model Glamour car award winner.

In the Modified division John McCaul let everyone know he is going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2008. McCaul was the class of the 29 Modified who made their way to Winston. In the Modified Main event McCaul moved to first from his fourth place starting position on lap 3 and never looked back. Glamour car award winner Randy Whitten was the best of the rest finishing a strong second. Dan Dykman, Greg Smith and Derek Poland rounded out the top five. Heat races were won by McCaul, Poland, and Whitten.

In the Port City Racing Sportsman Division fans were treated to a very popular win. Mike Anderson did not start racing till his early fifties. The last two years he has proven he is just not out there trying to recapture his youth, but to compete for the win every night. After winning his first Main Event in 2007 at the ripe age of 55 he has made a habit of getting his photo taken in victory lane. Anderson was able to avoid early race cautions while charging to the front from his fifth place starting position. The brother team of Rob and Ralph Sternberg did not make it easy on Anderson as they were glued to his bumper in the second and third positions. Bean Falbe’s charge from last resulted with a strong fourth place finish. Tim Tuttle was fifth. The Heat race was won by Rob Sternberg. The Glamour Car award winner was Chad Weinrick.

The Factory Stock Main season started more like a demolition derby. Four cautions in the first two laps had drivers scrambling for position and track officials trying to get the track cleared as quickly as possible. The race had to be shortened because of curfew. Tony Weinrick's early race moves resulted with him taking opening night honors. Scott Erickson chased him to take the runner-up position. Dave Hronek, Derek Passenier, and Mitch Smith rounded out the top five. Heat race winners included Weinrick, Erickson, Bill Delong and Joe Ferrier. The Glamour car award for best looking Factory Stock went to Frank Harris. The Sprague’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division will have double features next Friday. Due to the 11:30pm curfew they will start off the April 25th program with their 12 lap main event. Heat races were won by Luke Near and Carl McCann. Glen Parker received the Glamour car award.

Friday April 25th all five classes will be back in action. Mark your calendars also for Friday May 2nd. The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model “Player Hater 50” will be the center of attention as the some of the best Late Model Drivers in the State and Midwest will be on hand to take their shot at the $2500 winners share. If tonight was any indication of what is to come, look for Winston Speedway as the place to be on Friday nights. For the best in Family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.

Winston Speedway Ready to Roll in 2008

Tuesday, April 1 2008

Winston Speedway Ready to Roll in 2008

Winston Speedway will open their season on Friday, April 11th. Five divisions of racing along with “Glamour Car” awards will highlight the night’s events. Owners Tom and Lois Sprague have area drivers, crews and fans anticipating a great 2008 season. The Sprague’s have been working day and night to prepare for the 2008 season. Their goal is to continue to make Winston Speedway one of the best racing venues in the state of Michigan and Midwest.

Winston Speedway has gone through some physical changes in the off-season. A new catch fence along the front stretch, remodeled bathroom facilities, new clay for the racing surface and a new Pit Area entrance are just a few of the noticeable changes fans, drivers and crews will witness when they enter for the first time in 2008. Also new in 2008 will be the “Raceiver.” This tiny communication device worn by drivers will allow Track Officials to communicate with drivers when a caution takes place on the track and assist them with line-ups to keep the race program moving along after cautions.

Winston Speedway will again be racing under the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) banner. UMP will be awarding state and national points for four out of the five divisions at Winston. Mini Stocks, Bombers/Factory Stock, Sportsman and Modified will all race under the UMP banner. Late Models will race under UMP rules with one exception. MSPA American Racer MD 56 or Hoosier LM 40 tires are the two types of tires that will be used for the Late Models.

In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division Tom Sprague Jr of Muskegon will return to defend his 2007 Track Championship title. Look for Sprague to battle 2006 Champion Kevin Nelson of Twin Lake as well as many other veteran drivers. Rich Neiser, Eddie Reyes, Rob Taylor, and Tom Dusen all out of Muskegon look to be the heavy hitters along with Twin Lake racing veterans Matt Pickard and Kevin Nelson Jr. Grand Rapids Dean Huizinga and Fruitport’s Scott Wenell also are expected to battle for the title.

The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modifieds will see some great talent return along with a crop of youngsters who should make for an interesting season. The 2007 Track and State UMP Modified Champion Andy Sprague of Muskegon moves to the Late Model divsion, so look for 2006 Track Champion Mike Wilbern of Cloverville along with two- time Track Champion John McCaul of Hesperia and Greg Smith of Twin Lake to apply the pressure for the title. Racing Veterans Dan Dykman, Derek Poland and Randy Whitten also look to make their presence known throughout the season.

Port City Racing will again sponsor the Sportsman and Factory Stock Divisions. 2007 Sportsman Champion Ralph Sternberg returns to battle 2007 UMP State Point Champion Kyle Borgman, Chad Weinrick , and Mike Anderson for the 2008 title. Ralph Sternberg’s younger brother Rob also hopes to switch places with his brother at the Awards table for 2008. Returning 2007 Bomber Champion Tim Epplett along with Jamie Lorenz, Tony Weinrick and Robert Erickson look to make the Factory Stock classes one of the best to watch at Winston Speedway.

Sprague’s Auto Parts returns to be the primary sponsor for the Mini Stock 4 cylinder divisions. The former Young Gun class has been combined with the Mini Stock division in 2008. Look for this division to provide some great racing. Combine some new talent with the likes of Former Champions Don Keech, Luke Near, and Carl McCann and this division looks to be very entertaining.

Sponsor Integra Shocks and Springs will provide early season schedule highlights. The $2500 to win “Player Hater 50” Late Model Invitational on May 2nd looks to have some of the best Late Model Drivers in the State make their way to Winston Speedway. Another early season highlight will be a Sportsman Memorial race for former driver and car owner Kenny Blondeel who passed away in January. The race will take place on May 9th. Sportsman will race 55 laps in honor of Blondeel’s familiar #55 race -cars. Numerous invitationals will take place throughout the season for all divisions.

Winston Speedway Demolition Derby and Off Road Scrambles on Saturday nights also will provide some of the best entertainment on the schedule throughout the summer.
For the best in family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.