Lake Odessa, Michigan (Monday, April 18th, 2011): The second and what was supposed to be the final Test & Tune of the new season was to occur on Saturday, April 16th at I-96 Speedway. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas as persistent showers and thunderstorms and a forecast for more of the same throughout the afternoon and into the evening forced track management to cancel the final Practice as well as postpone the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles 2011 season opener.
After careful consideration, Co-Owners / Promoter, Mike and Sarah Mouch have decided to continue honoring the Easter Holiday Weekend and will take this weekend off while continuing preparations for Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker on Saturday, April 30th. As for the AMA District 14 Flat Track Motorcycles, which was also rained out last Saturday, April 16th, their 2011 season opener will now be on Friday, May 6th. Every effort will be made between the management of I-96 Speedway as well as AMA District 14 to reschedule the event that was lost due to the weather.
So with the revised schedule in place, the next event on the 2011 calendar in Lake Odessa, Michigan will be the official start of the 2011 racing season as Opening Night 2011 / 6th annual Ice Breaker is set for Saturday, April 30th as the festive opener will be headlined by the high-powered and ultra competitive UMP Late Models in their first race of the season paying $1,200 to win and beginning the chase for the 2011 Track Championship.
In addition, the UMP Modifieds will open their 2011 season in a Big Way! Not only is it their Season Opener, it's also the Inaugural Event for the brand new Michigan Dirt Cup Allstar Performance Modified Tour powered by Lane Automotive, Aeroquip, and ARP Fasteners as the open wheeled machines will be going for a hefty $1,500 to Win as the night will also count towards UMP Track, State, and National Points as well as the chase for the inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Series Title!
The UMP Street Stocks will be racing for $300 to Win and $100 Just to Start! In addition and for this race only, American Racer tires will be allowed in an effort to give prospective teams a chance to try out I-96 Speedway! The UMP Sport Compacts (formerly Four Cylinders / Road Beaters) will wrap up the festive evening as they'll be fighting for $150 to Win! All Four Weekly Divisions will be taking on the fast 3/8s during Weekly competition and in turn, beginning each respective chase for their 2011 Track Championships.
On Saturday nights during the 2011 racing season, (unless otherwise noted for traveling series who will Qualify) the Pit Gates open at 3:00p.m. Grandstand Gates open at 5:00p.m., with Practice (Hot Laps) starting at 6:00p.m. Then after the Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing begins promptly at 7:00p.m.
Starting on Tuesday, May 3rd, Bi-weekly Tuesday Night Test & Tunes begin and will go from 5:00p.m-"Dark". The next scheduled Test & Tune after May 3rd will be on May 17th and will continue on a bi-weekly basis through at the month of June.
For more information regarding the 2011 racing season at I-96 Speedway, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the new and improved website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season in Lake Odessa, Michigan by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "I-96 Speedway" and click on "Like" today.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Mike Garvey Leads the Most Laps but settles for Second in VIPER Opener
Click on the title to take a look at the results from Saturday night at South Alabama Speedway.
Pollard Strikes Late in Sidewinder 100 and Cruises to Victory
Late-Race Pass of Garvey Lands Pollard in Victory Lane
By Daniel Vining -Twitter @danielvining
Amidst all the severe weather across the South, it was a clear and cool night for racing at South Alabama Speedway for the opening round of the 2011 Viper Series, the Sidewinder 100. Bubba Pollard snagged the fastest lap in qualifying with a time of 15.516 seconds around the four-tenths mile oval. After the random re-draw, Brandon Odom drew the pole position and led the 11-car field to the green flag.
Mike Garvey quickly stole the lead from Odom following an early caution that saw Kyle Bryant and Anderson Bowen tangle going into turn one, ending Bryant’s night. Garvey went on to lead 72 of the 100 laps before Pollard rose to the top on lap 78.
Pollard saved his car until the waning laps before charging up to the front, a lesson he learned after leading over half of “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro.
“I felt like I led too many laps last week and I came here and ran my style of a race tonight and think it really paid off,” said Pollard. “That’s my kind of racing; sit there and save and ride, then see what the other guys have got in the middle of the pack before I go.”
As Pollard caught Garvey, he began to change is line, searching for just the right place to make his move. His opportunity came with 23 laps to go, where he used the high side in turn two to make the pass.
“I kept trying to move up to the high side, but it was just so dirty up there. I kept cleaning it off and cleaning it off until it finally stuck. The cool thing about it is that it’s a move that Beau is famous for. I feel like he was riding with me on that one.”
Pollard rode to victory in the car he debuted in the 2010 Snowball Derby. In doing so, he continued to honor his late friend, Beau Slocumb, by carrying Beau’s orange #08 with camouflage trim on the side of his racecar, replacing the familiar #18.
“It’s pretty cool, I know he’s smiling down on us right now... I know that’s for sure. This [car] looks good and he loved it back at the Derby. I hope everybody likes it. It really means a lot to me to have it on the racecar and run this well and put that #08 back in victory lane.
Bubba Pollard led the final 23 laps in route to his third victory of 2011. After dominating most of the race, Mike Garvey held onto second, finishing 1.364 seconds behind Pollard. Brandon Odom led five laps and ran in second most of the night, fighting Korey Ruble late to take hold onto third.
Pollard now leads the Viper Series points standings, 10 points ahead of Garvey. The next Viper Series race is the Diamondback Pro Late Model 100 on May 21st.
Pollard Strikes Late in Sidewinder 100 and Cruises to Victory
Late-Race Pass of Garvey Lands Pollard in Victory Lane
By Daniel Vining -Twitter @danielvining
Amidst all the severe weather across the South, it was a clear and cool night for racing at South Alabama Speedway for the opening round of the 2011 Viper Series, the Sidewinder 100. Bubba Pollard snagged the fastest lap in qualifying with a time of 15.516 seconds around the four-tenths mile oval. After the random re-draw, Brandon Odom drew the pole position and led the 11-car field to the green flag.
Mike Garvey quickly stole the lead from Odom following an early caution that saw Kyle Bryant and Anderson Bowen tangle going into turn one, ending Bryant’s night. Garvey went on to lead 72 of the 100 laps before Pollard rose to the top on lap 78.
Pollard saved his car until the waning laps before charging up to the front, a lesson he learned after leading over half of “THE RACE” at North Wilkesboro.
“I felt like I led too many laps last week and I came here and ran my style of a race tonight and think it really paid off,” said Pollard. “That’s my kind of racing; sit there and save and ride, then see what the other guys have got in the middle of the pack before I go.”
As Pollard caught Garvey, he began to change is line, searching for just the right place to make his move. His opportunity came with 23 laps to go, where he used the high side in turn two to make the pass.
“I kept trying to move up to the high side, but it was just so dirty up there. I kept cleaning it off and cleaning it off until it finally stuck. The cool thing about it is that it’s a move that Beau is famous for. I feel like he was riding with me on that one.”
Pollard rode to victory in the car he debuted in the 2010 Snowball Derby. In doing so, he continued to honor his late friend, Beau Slocumb, by carrying Beau’s orange #08 with camouflage trim on the side of his racecar, replacing the familiar #18.
“It’s pretty cool, I know he’s smiling down on us right now... I know that’s for sure. This [car] looks good and he loved it back at the Derby. I hope everybody likes it. It really means a lot to me to have it on the racecar and run this well and put that #08 back in victory lane.
Bubba Pollard led the final 23 laps in route to his third victory of 2011. After dominating most of the race, Mike Garvey held onto second, finishing 1.364 seconds behind Pollard. Brandon Odom led five laps and ran in second most of the night, fighting Korey Ruble late to take hold onto third.
Pollard now leads the Viper Series points standings, 10 points ahead of Garvey. The next Viper Series race is the Diamondback Pro Late Model 100 on May 21st.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
14-year-old Erik Jones set sights on inaugural JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Championship in 2011
Special From Paragon Racing Team
Byron, Michigan (April 13, 2011): As Erik Jones progresses through his budding racing career, one thing comes to mind when the 14-year-old thinks about the upcoming 2011 racing season; A Championship. That’s the #1 goal in the mind of the Byron, Michigan teenager as well as his entire Paragon Racing Team. The Championship they’re pursuing is the Inaugural JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts title.
"We’ve been working on the cars all winter getting them ready for the race season this year. We've already ran a few races earlier this season at Lanier (National Speedway in Braselton, Georgia) and South Alabama (Speedway in Opp, Alabama). We had a great run going in Alabama until we broke an oil cooler," Remarked Jones as he continues preparations for the remainder of the season. "I think this (JEGS/CRA/GM) is going to be a great new series, and we go to a lot of great race tracks, and some that I have not been too."
The chase for the JEGS/CRA/GM Championship begins at a track he’s familiar with, the famed ½ (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval of Toledo Speedway, located right across the Michigan / Ohio state line in Toledo, Ohio for the running of the inaugural event for the Salem, Indiana based series; the Toledo 100 Presented by JEGS.com. Last season at Toledo in the now defunct Northern Late Model Series, Jones shattered the track record for Template Body / Crate Motor cars in Qualifying.
"We had a great season last year, and I hope we can improve on that this year." The Byron High School Freshman added. "Toledo is one of my favorite race tracks that I have been to so far, and I'm excited to race there again. We had a great run going there last year in the old Northern Late Model Series, we broke the track record, but then we got caught up in a wreck on lap 63. We plan on making a run for the championship this season in JEGS/CRA/GM and I think we have a great team to be able to pursue this." Jones ended.
Jones comes into the upcoming 2011 campaign armed with one of the top rising stars amongst Crew Chiefs in North America in 19-year-old Butch VanDoorn, who’s older brother, Coopersville, Michigan standout, Johnny VanDoorn is the Two-Time Defending CRA Super Series Champion in Champion Racing Association’s (CRA) premiere touring series.
In addition to his full schedule in the JEGS/CRA/GM series, Jones also plans on making his CRA Super Series debut later in the year and will be making select appearances there as well as running events in the new Premier Boyne Super Late Model Series over on the Westside of his home state at the famed Berlin Raceway, located West of Grand Rapids in Marne, Michigan.
Amongst his list of accomplishments in 2010 in the old Northern Late Model Series includes Two Wins in the series with his first career Win coming at the track closest to his Byron, Michigan home; Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan as he scored the popular win after outdueling eventual 2010 Series Champion, Eddie Hoffman to win the Bob Cross Memorial 100 on August 20th.
Then Jones became the youngest driver in the 41-year history of one of the most tradition laden, end of the season, special events in the country; Oktoberfest Weekend at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, Wisconsin to win a Feature as Jones led all 100 laps of the John and Sue McKarns 100 on October 9th to capture his Second Victory of the year while securing the 2010 Rookie of the Year title and a Third Place Overall finish in the former Northern Late Model Series.
Jones began his racing career at the age of seven racing Quarter Midgets as a member of Mid Michigan Racing Association (MMRA) in Waterford, Michigan and was recognized as the MMRA Rookie of the Year. In 2007, he was the MMRA Light 160 Champion. In 2008 while still in Quarter Midgets, he moved up into the Light AA and World Formula classes and while competing in the 2008 Eastern Grands in Connecticut, he set fast time and a new track record in World Formula. He also qualified his Light AA into the A-Main and finished second overall.
The 2009 season began with Jones competing in the Pure Stock division at the Owosso Speedway and Three weeks into the season, the decision was made to move the then 12-year-old Jones into a more advanced division, the Pro Stocks, and the results were impressive. He scored one feature win, which came on August 29th after beating defending track champion, Leo Smith in one of the most thrilling races of the season.
Overall in 2009, Jones also racked up Three Top Five finishes and an impressive eight top 10 showings in 11 starts. Jones also scored two preliminary heat race wins as well to finish Eighth in the final points standings and win the 2009 Rookie of the Year title.
For the 2011 racing season, Car Owners, Dave and Carol Jones have assembled a top notch put crew which consists of; Butch VanDoorn, John VanDoorn, Branden Lines, Barry Bramblett, Ken Bond, and Brandon Rose. Jones' #4 Chevrolet Impala will carry primary sponsorship from Paragon Corvette Reproductions as well as Port City Race Cars, Simpson Race Products, CG Financial Services, Webster Looby & Baumgarten, M.P.H. Promotions, and Paragon Racing Team.
To learn more about Erik Jones and the Paragon Racing Team and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at www.paragonracingteam.com
Byron, Michigan (April 13, 2011): As Erik Jones progresses through his budding racing career, one thing comes to mind when the 14-year-old thinks about the upcoming 2011 racing season; A Championship. That’s the #1 goal in the mind of the Byron, Michigan teenager as well as his entire Paragon Racing Team. The Championship they’re pursuing is the Inaugural JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts title.
"We’ve been working on the cars all winter getting them ready for the race season this year. We've already ran a few races earlier this season at Lanier (National Speedway in Braselton, Georgia) and South Alabama (Speedway in Opp, Alabama). We had a great run going in Alabama until we broke an oil cooler," Remarked Jones as he continues preparations for the remainder of the season. "I think this (JEGS/CRA/GM) is going to be a great new series, and we go to a lot of great race tracks, and some that I have not been too."
The chase for the JEGS/CRA/GM Championship begins at a track he’s familiar with, the famed ½ (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval of Toledo Speedway, located right across the Michigan / Ohio state line in Toledo, Ohio for the running of the inaugural event for the Salem, Indiana based series; the Toledo 100 Presented by JEGS.com. Last season at Toledo in the now defunct Northern Late Model Series, Jones shattered the track record for Template Body / Crate Motor cars in Qualifying.
"We had a great season last year, and I hope we can improve on that this year." The Byron High School Freshman added. "Toledo is one of my favorite race tracks that I have been to so far, and I'm excited to race there again. We had a great run going there last year in the old Northern Late Model Series, we broke the track record, but then we got caught up in a wreck on lap 63. We plan on making a run for the championship this season in JEGS/CRA/GM and I think we have a great team to be able to pursue this." Jones ended.
Jones comes into the upcoming 2011 campaign armed with one of the top rising stars amongst Crew Chiefs in North America in 19-year-old Butch VanDoorn, who’s older brother, Coopersville, Michigan standout, Johnny VanDoorn is the Two-Time Defending CRA Super Series Champion in Champion Racing Association’s (CRA) premiere touring series.
In addition to his full schedule in the JEGS/CRA/GM series, Jones also plans on making his CRA Super Series debut later in the year and will be making select appearances there as well as running events in the new Premier Boyne Super Late Model Series over on the Westside of his home state at the famed Berlin Raceway, located West of Grand Rapids in Marne, Michigan.
Amongst his list of accomplishments in 2010 in the old Northern Late Model Series includes Two Wins in the series with his first career Win coming at the track closest to his Byron, Michigan home; Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan as he scored the popular win after outdueling eventual 2010 Series Champion, Eddie Hoffman to win the Bob Cross Memorial 100 on August 20th.
Then Jones became the youngest driver in the 41-year history of one of the most tradition laden, end of the season, special events in the country; Oktoberfest Weekend at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, Wisconsin to win a Feature as Jones led all 100 laps of the John and Sue McKarns 100 on October 9th to capture his Second Victory of the year while securing the 2010 Rookie of the Year title and a Third Place Overall finish in the former Northern Late Model Series.
Jones began his racing career at the age of seven racing Quarter Midgets as a member of Mid Michigan Racing Association (MMRA) in Waterford, Michigan and was recognized as the MMRA Rookie of the Year. In 2007, he was the MMRA Light 160 Champion. In 2008 while still in Quarter Midgets, he moved up into the Light AA and World Formula classes and while competing in the 2008 Eastern Grands in Connecticut, he set fast time and a new track record in World Formula. He also qualified his Light AA into the A-Main and finished second overall.
The 2009 season began with Jones competing in the Pure Stock division at the Owosso Speedway and Three weeks into the season, the decision was made to move the then 12-year-old Jones into a more advanced division, the Pro Stocks, and the results were impressive. He scored one feature win, which came on August 29th after beating defending track champion, Leo Smith in one of the most thrilling races of the season.
Overall in 2009, Jones also racked up Three Top Five finishes and an impressive eight top 10 showings in 11 starts. Jones also scored two preliminary heat race wins as well to finish Eighth in the final points standings and win the 2009 Rookie of the Year title.
For the 2011 racing season, Car Owners, Dave and Carol Jones have assembled a top notch put crew which consists of; Butch VanDoorn, John VanDoorn, Branden Lines, Barry Bramblett, Ken Bond, and Brandon Rose. Jones' #4 Chevrolet Impala will carry primary sponsorship from Paragon Corvette Reproductions as well as Port City Race Cars, Simpson Race Products, CG Financial Services, Webster Looby & Baumgarten, M.P.H. Promotions, and Paragon Racing Team.
To learn more about Erik Jones and the Paragon Racing Team and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at www.paragonracingteam.com
Friday, April 15, 2011
Winston Speedway Canceled for Tonight: April 15th
Winston Speedway has postponed their Opening Night due to inclement weather.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sammy Epling begins quest for 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Title This Weekend at Eldora Speedway
Sammy Epling begins quest for 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Title This Weekend at Eldora Speedway
Perry, Michigan (Thursday, April 14th, 2011): Sammy Epling has been getting anxious for the 2011 racing season to start. After an opening race weekend down at Clarksville Speedway back on March 11-12th, a series of rain outs on consecutive weekend has Epling chomping at the bit to get back out on the track. He'll get that chance to return under racing conditions this weekend.
The Perry, Michigan native will make the trip south to the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio for the 2011 season opener for the Sunoco American Late Model Series on Saturday, April 16th. The famed 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval in Western Ohio is expecting over 50 of the best UMP Late Models in the Midwest for the Grayville, Illinois based series now in its 16th year of touring around the Midwestern United States.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Northside Service / SJE Trucking Pontiac GTO UMP Late Model will make a run for the 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Championship. He'll also participate in several other events throughout the Midwest and especially in his home state of Michigan. In all, over 40 races are scheduled for the team throughout the 2011 racing season.
Last Saturday, April 9th, Epling and crew ventured over to the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval of I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the tracks' first Test and Tune of the season and Epling was very happy with the outcome; "The test went real well. We tried a few things you don't really have time to try when racing or you're not sure about if it will work." The 41-year-old explained.
"As far as this coming weekend goes, we plan on racing somewhere Friday night, either Winston (Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan) or Attica (Raceway Park in Attica Ohio). It all depends on the weather. For Saturday, it will be Eldora no doubt! It's the first night of points for Sunoco ALMS, so we'll be making the trip rain or shine. So if it rains I hope it starts early so they can make a decision before driving all the way there!" He laughed.
"No matter what my guys have everything ready to go, so thanks to them and all my sponsors and of course the fans who support me and my team." The 2010 Mt. Pleasant Speedway UMP Late Models Track Champion continued. "This season will be busy for sure. It'll be a lot of hard work, but I have a great bunch of guys who bust their butts to give me a good car."
When not racing the Sunoco ALMS series, you will probably find us right around home at I-96 and Mt Pleasant as well as a show or two at Merritt (Speedway in Merritt, Michigan) and Winston. There are a lot of big shows planned at just about every track in Michigan! We will need to be on our "A" game to be competitive." Epling added.
During the 2010 racing season, Epling captured the 2010 UMP Late Models Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. He also made the most of his limited appearances at I-96 Speedway as he scored three feature wins on the inner 3/8s mile including the tracks' Fall Finale at the end of the season, to finish sixth in the final points standings. He also made limited appearances in the Sunoco American Late Model Series as well as at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
"We had such a great season last year. I finally won my first ever Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant and we did so well in our few appearances at I-96. It gives us a ton of confidence heading into this season." Epling continued. "We're looking to do really well wherever we unload and we expect to be contenders every time we head out to race." He ended.
Epling's racing career began in 1985 racing in the Sportsman division at the old Santa Fe Speedway in his home state of Illinois. He raced there exclusively until 1991 scoring 10 Feature Wins and consistent top five finishes in the final points standings at Santa Fe. Prior to the start of the 1992 season, he purchased a Late Model from Eight-Time Track Champion, Frank Reaber and for the next two seasons, Epling called LaSalle Speedway home in his Late Model.
In 1994, he began traveling to other facilities such as Farmer City Speedway, Fairbury American Legion Speedway, and Kankakee Speedway all in his home state while also venturing across the state line to Crown Point Speedway in Indiana scoring a total of 12 Feature Wins from 1994-2001. He also traveled with the Northern All-Stars Series during the 2000 season finishing 13th in the final points and was the Rookie of the Year runner-up in that series.
In 2002, Epling moved to the Great Lakes State and settled in Perry, Michigan. He began venturing to short tracks throughout the state of Michigan making appearances primarily at Crystal Motor Speedway as well as I-96 Speedway, Merritt Speedway, Mid-Michigan Raceway Park, and Mt. Pleasant Speedway while not running for a track championship, he did score 10 feature wins including the end of the season Corn Harvest at Mid-Michigan Raceway Park twice in 2007 and 2009. He also ventured south to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on several occasions as well including appearances in the World 100.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Mastersbilt Chassis with power from Hedrick Precision Engines of Urbana, Illinois will sport a Pontiac GTO nose on his UMP Late Model and carry sponsorship decals from; Northside Service as well as SJE Trucking, Imaging Solutions, Shift Shop Transmissions, Mike Childers & Sons Excavating, Lane Automotive, Fusion Sign Company, Jeff Smith Home Improvements, Nashcar Trailers, Huffy's Marathon, MPH Promotions, SJE Motorsports, and Doug Finley Motorsports.
The SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports crew consists of: Car Owners Doug Finley and Jimmy Markski as well as Crew Members, Tommy Klopp, Jeff Smith, and J.R. Smith.
For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at: www.sammyepling.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "Sammy Epling / SJE Motorsports" then click on "Like" today.
Perry, Michigan (Thursday, April 14th, 2011): Sammy Epling has been getting anxious for the 2011 racing season to start. After an opening race weekend down at Clarksville Speedway back on March 11-12th, a series of rain outs on consecutive weekend has Epling chomping at the bit to get back out on the track. He'll get that chance to return under racing conditions this weekend.
The Perry, Michigan native will make the trip south to the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio for the 2011 season opener for the Sunoco American Late Model Series on Saturday, April 16th. The famed 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval in Western Ohio is expecting over 50 of the best UMP Late Models in the Midwest for the Grayville, Illinois based series now in its 16th year of touring around the Midwestern United States.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Northside Service / SJE Trucking Pontiac GTO UMP Late Model will make a run for the 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Championship. He'll also participate in several other events throughout the Midwest and especially in his home state of Michigan. In all, over 40 races are scheduled for the team throughout the 2011 racing season.
Last Saturday, April 9th, Epling and crew ventured over to the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval of I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the tracks' first Test and Tune of the season and Epling was very happy with the outcome; "The test went real well. We tried a few things you don't really have time to try when racing or you're not sure about if it will work." The 41-year-old explained.
"As far as this coming weekend goes, we plan on racing somewhere Friday night, either Winston (Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan) or Attica (Raceway Park in Attica Ohio). It all depends on the weather. For Saturday, it will be Eldora no doubt! It's the first night of points for Sunoco ALMS, so we'll be making the trip rain or shine. So if it rains I hope it starts early so they can make a decision before driving all the way there!" He laughed.
"No matter what my guys have everything ready to go, so thanks to them and all my sponsors and of course the fans who support me and my team." The 2010 Mt. Pleasant Speedway UMP Late Models Track Champion continued. "This season will be busy for sure. It'll be a lot of hard work, but I have a great bunch of guys who bust their butts to give me a good car."
When not racing the Sunoco ALMS series, you will probably find us right around home at I-96 and Mt Pleasant as well as a show or two at Merritt (Speedway in Merritt, Michigan) and Winston. There are a lot of big shows planned at just about every track in Michigan! We will need to be on our "A" game to be competitive." Epling added.
During the 2010 racing season, Epling captured the 2010 UMP Late Models Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant Speedway. He also made the most of his limited appearances at I-96 Speedway as he scored three feature wins on the inner 3/8s mile including the tracks' Fall Finale at the end of the season, to finish sixth in the final points standings. He also made limited appearances in the Sunoco American Late Model Series as well as at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
"We had such a great season last year. I finally won my first ever Track Championship at Mt. Pleasant and we did so well in our few appearances at I-96. It gives us a ton of confidence heading into this season." Epling continued. "We're looking to do really well wherever we unload and we expect to be contenders every time we head out to race." He ended.
Epling's racing career began in 1985 racing in the Sportsman division at the old Santa Fe Speedway in his home state of Illinois. He raced there exclusively until 1991 scoring 10 Feature Wins and consistent top five finishes in the final points standings at Santa Fe. Prior to the start of the 1992 season, he purchased a Late Model from Eight-Time Track Champion, Frank Reaber and for the next two seasons, Epling called LaSalle Speedway home in his Late Model.
In 1994, he began traveling to other facilities such as Farmer City Speedway, Fairbury American Legion Speedway, and Kankakee Speedway all in his home state while also venturing across the state line to Crown Point Speedway in Indiana scoring a total of 12 Feature Wins from 1994-2001. He also traveled with the Northern All-Stars Series during the 2000 season finishing 13th in the final points and was the Rookie of the Year runner-up in that series.
In 2002, Epling moved to the Great Lakes State and settled in Perry, Michigan. He began venturing to short tracks throughout the state of Michigan making appearances primarily at Crystal Motor Speedway as well as I-96 Speedway, Merritt Speedway, Mid-Michigan Raceway Park, and Mt. Pleasant Speedway while not running for a track championship, he did score 10 feature wins including the end of the season Corn Harvest at Mid-Michigan Raceway Park twice in 2007 and 2009. He also ventured south to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on several occasions as well including appearances in the World 100.
For the 2011 racing season, Epling's #29 Mastersbilt Chassis with power from Hedrick Precision Engines of Urbana, Illinois will sport a Pontiac GTO nose on his UMP Late Model and carry sponsorship decals from; Northside Service as well as SJE Trucking, Imaging Solutions, Shift Shop Transmissions, Mike Childers & Sons Excavating, Lane Automotive, Fusion Sign Company, Jeff Smith Home Improvements, Nashcar Trailers, Huffy's Marathon, MPH Promotions, SJE Motorsports, and Doug Finley Motorsports.
The SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports crew consists of: Car Owners Doug Finley and Jimmy Markski as well as Crew Members, Tommy Klopp, Jeff Smith, and J.R. Smith.
For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at: www.sammyepling.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "Sammy Epling / SJE Motorsports" then click on "Like" today.
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