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.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Taylor wins the Battle; Sprague wins the War at Winston Speedway
Friday, September 12
Taylor wins the Battle; Sprague wins the War at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway concluded their race season Friday September 14th with the running of their Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Season Championship race. This make-up event was combined with Winston’s annual “Fun Day” that included Mechanic, Powder Puff, and a Four Cylinder reverse race.
When the Late Models started their Championship event all Muskegon’s Tom Sprague Jr needed was to start the race to complete his quest for his first track championship. Luckily for Sprague his strong efforts throughout the season carried him to the title because his luck changed tonight. Starting on the pole Sprague was the early leader but snagged an inside tire barrier. The handle on Sprague’s car went away and he dropped through the field quickly. Sprague ended with a seventeenth place finish. Matt Pickard took advantage of Sprague’s demise and became the leader on lap four. A caution on lap seven took out top contenders Kevin Nelson Jr and Jim Fairbanks as well as placing Rich Neiser to the rear of the field. Pickard maintained the point through for four more cautions and 25 more laps. With what looked like Pickard’s race to win the fifth caution turned out to be a charm for Muskegon driver Rob Taylor. After starting fifth Taylor had worked the high side to the second position and put himself within striking distance. Pickard’s last restart saw him make one mistake with a push in turn one. Taylor made him pay as he stood on the gas with Kevin Nelson glued to his rear. Both drivers cleared Pickard by the flagstand and finished in the number one and two positions. Taylor’s run marked his second feature win of the season. Taylor was all smiles as he accepted his huge trophy for the nights Main event win. Pickard was third followed by Dean Huizenga, and Scott Wenell. The second half of the top ten consisted of Tom Dusen, Andy Sprague, TJ Heskett, Dale Sheehy and Lowell Webster.
In the Four Cylinder reverse race Dan Hilliard bested the five-car field as he picked up the checkered flag racing in a counter clockwise direction instead of the traditional clockwise. In the Late Model division Mechanics race Jake Johnson bested the other 8 competitors driving Kevin Nelson’s Late Model. Randy Neiser raced his brother Rich Neiser’s car to a win in the Modified mechanics event. Larry Passeneir was the winner in the Sportsman Mechanics race. Joe Carmean was the best of the class in the Factory Stock Mechanics. Vito Crudle won the Four Cylinder mechanics event.
Powder Puff event wins were taken by Lisa Wenell in the Late Models, Katie Locke in the Sportsman/Factory Stock and Brittany Platt in the Four Cylinders. Tom Spoon raced his way to the winner’s circle in the Spectator’s Stock car race.
The Last event will be a wild one on Saturday, October 6th. The final demolition derby in the Lakeshore Demolition Derby’s “Summer Smash” events will take place. Mark your calendars as usually the best is saved for last when it comes to crowning a Demolition Derby Champion.
The Winston Speedway Track Champions will be crowned at the 2007 Winston Speedway Banquet on October 27th. The banquet will be held at the VFW on Apple Ave. in Muskegon. Tickets for the event can be purchased by contacting Owners Lois and Tom Sprague at: (231) 719-0326 also you can find information regarding the banquet on the Winston Speedway website in the near future.
Taylor wins the Battle; Sprague wins the War at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway concluded their race season Friday September 14th with the running of their Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model Season Championship race. This make-up event was combined with Winston’s annual “Fun Day” that included Mechanic, Powder Puff, and a Four Cylinder reverse race.
When the Late Models started their Championship event all Muskegon’s Tom Sprague Jr needed was to start the race to complete his quest for his first track championship. Luckily for Sprague his strong efforts throughout the season carried him to the title because his luck changed tonight. Starting on the pole Sprague was the early leader but snagged an inside tire barrier. The handle on Sprague’s car went away and he dropped through the field quickly. Sprague ended with a seventeenth place finish. Matt Pickard took advantage of Sprague’s demise and became the leader on lap four. A caution on lap seven took out top contenders Kevin Nelson Jr and Jim Fairbanks as well as placing Rich Neiser to the rear of the field. Pickard maintained the point through for four more cautions and 25 more laps. With what looked like Pickard’s race to win the fifth caution turned out to be a charm for Muskegon driver Rob Taylor. After starting fifth Taylor had worked the high side to the second position and put himself within striking distance. Pickard’s last restart saw him make one mistake with a push in turn one. Taylor made him pay as he stood on the gas with Kevin Nelson glued to his rear. Both drivers cleared Pickard by the flagstand and finished in the number one and two positions. Taylor’s run marked his second feature win of the season. Taylor was all smiles as he accepted his huge trophy for the nights Main event win. Pickard was third followed by Dean Huizenga, and Scott Wenell. The second half of the top ten consisted of Tom Dusen, Andy Sprague, TJ Heskett, Dale Sheehy and Lowell Webster.
In the Four Cylinder reverse race Dan Hilliard bested the five-car field as he picked up the checkered flag racing in a counter clockwise direction instead of the traditional clockwise. In the Late Model division Mechanics race Jake Johnson bested the other 8 competitors driving Kevin Nelson’s Late Model. Randy Neiser raced his brother Rich Neiser’s car to a win in the Modified mechanics event. Larry Passeneir was the winner in the Sportsman Mechanics race. Joe Carmean was the best of the class in the Factory Stock Mechanics. Vito Crudle won the Four Cylinder mechanics event.
Powder Puff event wins were taken by Lisa Wenell in the Late Models, Katie Locke in the Sportsman/Factory Stock and Brittany Platt in the Four Cylinders. Tom Spoon raced his way to the winner’s circle in the Spectator’s Stock car race.
The Last event will be a wild one on Saturday, October 6th. The final demolition derby in the Lakeshore Demolition Derby’s “Summer Smash” events will take place. Mark your calendars as usually the best is saved for last when it comes to crowning a Demolition Derby Champion.
The Winston Speedway Track Champions will be crowned at the 2007 Winston Speedway Banquet on October 27th. The banquet will be held at the VFW on Apple Ave. in Muskegon. Tickets for the event can be purchased by contacting Owners Lois and Tom Sprague at: (231) 719-0326 also you can find information regarding the banquet on the Winston Speedway website in the near future.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Wilbern Crowned King of the "Fall Spectacular" at Winston Speedway
Saturday, September 6
Wilbern Crowned King of the "Fall Spectacular" at Winston Speedway
Over 150 racecars were on hand to entertain the fans and race their hearts out in the “Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway on Saturday September 8th. Drivers practically from every dirt track in the state of Michigan represented their track in a quest to become ‘Fall Spectacular” champion. By the end of the evening it was the Winston Speedway regulars who experienced the most success in sweeping five of the six racing divisions on the night. The term “Hired Gun” was also the talk of the night, as Mike Wilbern put on a performance in three different classes that would rank with one of the best nights in Winston Speedway history. Wilbern would have raced the water truck if someone had asked him. Wilbern won twice and finished fifth on the night earning close to $2,000 for his efforts.
Thirty-Eight Late Models were on hand for the “3rd Annual Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race sponsored by Grabe Excavating. Rich Neiser was on the verge of having his first season ever in a Late Model not winning a feature event since racing career began in the early nineteen nineties. Neiser worries were put to rest as he moved from his eight place starting position to the point passing Matt Pickard on lap 14 of the 40-lap event. Neiser used the high groove early in the event to move forward but his final pass of the night was right on the bottom after a caution restart.
“I had just stated to my crew before going out this could be the first season I have gone without winning a feature. The car was great. I was able to run high or low. What a great way to finish the season. I still cannot believe it,” stated Neiser. The $1500 win put Neiser’s earnings for the night to over two grand.
Tom Sprague Jr. continued his great season finishing a strong second. The “Hard Charger” awards went to Kevin Nelson Jr, and Elex Leyton who started 19th and 20th in the 22-car field. Not only did they race their way into the Main event through Consolation race wins, they charged to third and fourth place finishes. Mike Wilbern jumped in a Late Model for the first time this season and came from 13th to round out the top five. Pole sitter Matt Pickard finished sixth followed by Andy Sprague, Kyle Cole, Rob Taylor, and Paul Tucker. Heat races were won by Pickard, Rob Taylor, Tim Stott, and Sprague Jr.
Modified driver Mike Wilbern started third but was at the point before the end of the first lap. Rich Neiser was the only other driver to lead a lap as he and Wilbern swapped positions at the flagstand during the middle portion of their 40 lap event. By the end of the race it was all Wilbern as he pulled away to ten-car length lead win. Neiser was second followed by Andy Sprague, and Jacob Poel. Derek Poland was the Modified hard charger. After taking a “Promoters Choice” starting position to get into the field, Poland charged from dead last to fifth. John McCaul, Jeff Erickson, Dave Baker, Tim Dallman, and Rich Robinson Jr completed the top ten. Heat races were won by Jason Smith, Neiser, Wilbern, and Sprague.
How would you like to be the driver/car owner who loaned their car to a driver that beat your son for a main event win? That is exactly what happened in the Sportsman division. Veteran racer and former Multi Track Champion Dan Borgman still likes to race once in a while so he purchased a car in July. Borgman’s latest passion has been watching his son Kyle become one of the best Sportsman drivers in West Michigan. Unfortunately for Kyle his dad hired his friend Mike Wilbern to drive his car. While both drivers started on the front row, it was Wilbern who would lead every lap. Kyle Borgman was able to pull even with Wilbern with five to go, but Wilbern was too much at the end winning by five car lengths. All is OK in the Borgman family as much of the Winning purse will stay in the Borgman Race team budget. The Race for third was won by Rob Sternberg. Matt Sprague and Chad Weinrick rounded out the top five. Heat race winners were Borgman, Wilbern and Sprague.
Greg Smith’s disappointment because of a flat tire in the Modified division feature is not what he will remember about the “2007 Fall Spectacular”. Smith’s dominating win in the Factory Stock 30 lap main event easily eased the pain of him sitting in the infield waiting for a wrecker in the Modified main event. Driving a car normally driven by Brad Bates, Smith led from start to finish with out any serious challenges. The former 5 time Winston Speedway Sportsman champion proved he still can drive a stock car bringing back memories of his number 88 dominating the Sportsman class the previous five years. Bill Delong muscled his way from a transfer spot out of the Consolation feature all the way to a second place finish in the main. Modified driver Randy Whitten drove his fathers car to a third place finish over Tony Weinrick, and Kurt Woodard. Heat Races were won by Weinrick, Smith, Justin Gilmore and Scott Varney. A Make-up “B” feature from August 31st was won by Scott Erickson.
Mini Stock driver Luke Near waited until the last lap of their 20-lap feature to make his move. Don Keech had held the point for the previous 17 laps. Near was able to make his way under Keech in turn two and make it stick. Keech battled back only to spin all by himself in turns three and four allowing Crook to finish second. Paula Vanderstelt, Joe McCormick and Chris Rice completed the top five. The win was good for $300 and bragging rights for the fan favorite Near. Mark Farber and Near won heat races. In the Mini Mod class, driver Brad Wilson was the head of their five-car field. Wilson won both the Heat and Main event races.
Next Friday September 14th Winston Speedway will wrap up their season with the Late Model Championship event along with “Fun Day” activities including spectator drags, 4-cylinder reverse races, and Mechanic and Powder Puff events. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wilbern Crowned King of the "Fall Spectacular" at Winston Speedway
Over 150 racecars were on hand to entertain the fans and race their hearts out in the “Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway on Saturday September 8th. Drivers practically from every dirt track in the state of Michigan represented their track in a quest to become ‘Fall Spectacular” champion. By the end of the evening it was the Winston Speedway regulars who experienced the most success in sweeping five of the six racing divisions on the night. The term “Hired Gun” was also the talk of the night, as Mike Wilbern put on a performance in three different classes that would rank with one of the best nights in Winston Speedway history. Wilbern would have raced the water truck if someone had asked him. Wilbern won twice and finished fifth on the night earning close to $2,000 for his efforts.
Thirty-Eight Late Models were on hand for the “3rd Annual Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race sponsored by Grabe Excavating. Rich Neiser was on the verge of having his first season ever in a Late Model not winning a feature event since racing career began in the early nineteen nineties. Neiser worries were put to rest as he moved from his eight place starting position to the point passing Matt Pickard on lap 14 of the 40-lap event. Neiser used the high groove early in the event to move forward but his final pass of the night was right on the bottom after a caution restart.
“I had just stated to my crew before going out this could be the first season I have gone without winning a feature. The car was great. I was able to run high or low. What a great way to finish the season. I still cannot believe it,” stated Neiser. The $1500 win put Neiser’s earnings for the night to over two grand.
Tom Sprague Jr. continued his great season finishing a strong second. The “Hard Charger” awards went to Kevin Nelson Jr, and Elex Leyton who started 19th and 20th in the 22-car field. Not only did they race their way into the Main event through Consolation race wins, they charged to third and fourth place finishes. Mike Wilbern jumped in a Late Model for the first time this season and came from 13th to round out the top five. Pole sitter Matt Pickard finished sixth followed by Andy Sprague, Kyle Cole, Rob Taylor, and Paul Tucker. Heat races were won by Pickard, Rob Taylor, Tim Stott, and Sprague Jr.
Modified driver Mike Wilbern started third but was at the point before the end of the first lap. Rich Neiser was the only other driver to lead a lap as he and Wilbern swapped positions at the flagstand during the middle portion of their 40 lap event. By the end of the race it was all Wilbern as he pulled away to ten-car length lead win. Neiser was second followed by Andy Sprague, and Jacob Poel. Derek Poland was the Modified hard charger. After taking a “Promoters Choice” starting position to get into the field, Poland charged from dead last to fifth. John McCaul, Jeff Erickson, Dave Baker, Tim Dallman, and Rich Robinson Jr completed the top ten. Heat races were won by Jason Smith, Neiser, Wilbern, and Sprague.
How would you like to be the driver/car owner who loaned their car to a driver that beat your son for a main event win? That is exactly what happened in the Sportsman division. Veteran racer and former Multi Track Champion Dan Borgman still likes to race once in a while so he purchased a car in July. Borgman’s latest passion has been watching his son Kyle become one of the best Sportsman drivers in West Michigan. Unfortunately for Kyle his dad hired his friend Mike Wilbern to drive his car. While both drivers started on the front row, it was Wilbern who would lead every lap. Kyle Borgman was able to pull even with Wilbern with five to go, but Wilbern was too much at the end winning by five car lengths. All is OK in the Borgman family as much of the Winning purse will stay in the Borgman Race team budget. The Race for third was won by Rob Sternberg. Matt Sprague and Chad Weinrick rounded out the top five. Heat race winners were Borgman, Wilbern and Sprague.
Greg Smith’s disappointment because of a flat tire in the Modified division feature is not what he will remember about the “2007 Fall Spectacular”. Smith’s dominating win in the Factory Stock 30 lap main event easily eased the pain of him sitting in the infield waiting for a wrecker in the Modified main event. Driving a car normally driven by Brad Bates, Smith led from start to finish with out any serious challenges. The former 5 time Winston Speedway Sportsman champion proved he still can drive a stock car bringing back memories of his number 88 dominating the Sportsman class the previous five years. Bill Delong muscled his way from a transfer spot out of the Consolation feature all the way to a second place finish in the main. Modified driver Randy Whitten drove his fathers car to a third place finish over Tony Weinrick, and Kurt Woodard. Heat Races were won by Weinrick, Smith, Justin Gilmore and Scott Varney. A Make-up “B” feature from August 31st was won by Scott Erickson.
Mini Stock driver Luke Near waited until the last lap of their 20-lap feature to make his move. Don Keech had held the point for the previous 17 laps. Near was able to make his way under Keech in turn two and make it stick. Keech battled back only to spin all by himself in turns three and four allowing Crook to finish second. Paula Vanderstelt, Joe McCormick and Chris Rice completed the top five. The win was good for $300 and bragging rights for the fan favorite Near. Mark Farber and Near won heat races. In the Mini Mod class, driver Brad Wilson was the head of their five-car field. Wilson won both the Heat and Main event races.
Next Friday September 14th Winston Speedway will wrap up their season with the Late Model Championship event along with “Fun Day” activities including spectator drags, 4-cylinder reverse races, and Mechanic and Powder Puff events. For the Best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Rutan "Flips" his way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Friday, August 28
Rutan "Flips" his way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans were treated to one of the most exciting finishes of the season when the ASCS Sprints on Dirt series visited Friday August 31st. It is a rarity to see the winner of a race bring out the red flag during an event. Ben Rutan managed to do both on Friday night winning the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt main event. Rutan slid high on the last corner of the last lap and had his right rear tire tag the wall. Steve Irwin quickly gained on Rutan. Rather than lose the race, Rutan stood on the throttle and rode the wall entire down the front stretch and crossed the finish line flipping end over end and resting upside down.
Brett Mann and Irwin started on the front row for the 25-lap main event. Irwin jumped into the lead while Dustin Daggett and Mann battled. Daggett looked to be the class of the field as he powered his way to the front before a caution. After a caution Daggett’s restart was determined to be questionable after the field stacked up behind him causing damage to Mann who would have to exit the event with front-end damage. To the dismay of many fans Daggett was black flagged for not going to the rear of the field and his scoring card was pulled.
During the restart with just seven laps to go Rutan and Irwin raced side by side for the lead. Rutan eventually took the top spot when Irwin slipped off turn four. Rutan was coming out of turn four with the checkered flag in sight when he pounded the front stretch wall, allowing Irwin to catch up. Rutan then stood on the throttle and tumbled across the finish line.
The rest of the field did a remarkable job of avoiding Rutan in the middle groove of the front stretch. Nobody else was swept up in the incident. Rutan emerged from his car to a standing ovation from the ruckus capacity crowd. Victory lane ceremonies were conducted with Rutan’s car being lifted off the race track by the roll cage with heavy damage.
“The car didn’t feel right going into the corner,” said Rutan after the feature. “Then I ended up in the wall, and I could see (Irwin) there. So I just stood on the gas, and that’s when things got really wild.” The Main Event win was Rutan’s first of the 2007 season.
Rounding out the top five in “A” Main event were Gregg Dalman, Tim Norman, and Dain Naida. Heats were won by Dain, Rutan and Mann.
Fans were also treated to the Mini Stock and Factory Stock Season Championship races. Tim Epplett had earned the right to pace the Port City Racing Factory Stock main event with his lead in the point standings While the thirty year veteran ended up with a sixth place finish on the night, his steady runs resulted with him claiming the 2007 Factory Stock Season championship. Epplett’s season was special as he also picked up his first feature win of his career and later followed with two more main event wins. Janie Lorenz was winner of bragging rights and the night’s trophy. Lorenz entered the night second and points and was able to lead from start to finish. A hard charging Tony Weinrick was second. Robert Erickson, Bill Delong, and Justin Gilland completed the top five. Heat races were won by Delong, Erickson, and Joe Ferrier.
Don Keech turned fifty this week but that did not slow his efforts. Keech wrapped up the Spragues’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division Point title by winning the season championship race. The main event win was not easy as Luke Near pressured Keech all night. Near and Keech raced side by side before encountering lapped traffic late in the race. Near edged ahead of Keech only to back off as a lapped car blocked him. It was the advantage Keech needed as he went on to celebrate in Victory lane. The race for third was won by Adam Spencer over Glen Parker, and Joe McCormick. Heat races were won by Keech, and Andrew Bartoszek. Seth Moody claimed the 2007 Young Gun Season Point title.
How fitting that the two drivers who have shared the Point lead all season long would be line up next to each other in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Main event. John McCaul and Andy Sprague see each other more than their own family members. McCaul's two draw after his fast Qualifying effort put Sprague to his inside of the front row. While McCaul was dominant early in the season, it has been all Sprague late in the season. Tonight that did not change as Sprague led the field from start to finish. Sprague’s eighth win of the garnered him his first Track Championship of his career. John McCaul finished second ahead of Dan Dykman, Rich Neiser, and Steve McClees. Zak Rounds picked up his first checkered flag of the season picking up a Heat race win along with Greg Smith.
The Sportsman division saw Chad Weinrick power his way to victory lane. Weinrick held off Rob Sternberg late in the race by protecting the low groove. Weinrick’s win solidified his second place in the standings, but it was Ralph Sternberg who wrapped up the Sportsman Track title with a fifth place finish. Finishing in third and fourth positions in the main event were Jamie Gilmore and Larry Passenier in their main event. Heat races were won by Weinrick and Ben Falbe.
Next Weekend September 7th & 8th marks the “Fourth Annual Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway. It is a weekend for all race fans. Powder Puff, Mechanic races along with the Late Model Season Championship race highlight Friday Nights events, while Saturday is wall-to-wall action taking place for the “Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race program. Five divisions will be vying for huge trophies and racing purses. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Rutan "Flips" his way to Victory at Winston Speedway
Winston Speedway fans were treated to one of the most exciting finishes of the season when the ASCS Sprints on Dirt series visited Friday August 31st. It is a rarity to see the winner of a race bring out the red flag during an event. Ben Rutan managed to do both on Friday night winning the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints on Dirt main event. Rutan slid high on the last corner of the last lap and had his right rear tire tag the wall. Steve Irwin quickly gained on Rutan. Rather than lose the race, Rutan stood on the throttle and rode the wall entire down the front stretch and crossed the finish line flipping end over end and resting upside down.
Brett Mann and Irwin started on the front row for the 25-lap main event. Irwin jumped into the lead while Dustin Daggett and Mann battled. Daggett looked to be the class of the field as he powered his way to the front before a caution. After a caution Daggett’s restart was determined to be questionable after the field stacked up behind him causing damage to Mann who would have to exit the event with front-end damage. To the dismay of many fans Daggett was black flagged for not going to the rear of the field and his scoring card was pulled.
During the restart with just seven laps to go Rutan and Irwin raced side by side for the lead. Rutan eventually took the top spot when Irwin slipped off turn four. Rutan was coming out of turn four with the checkered flag in sight when he pounded the front stretch wall, allowing Irwin to catch up. Rutan then stood on the throttle and tumbled across the finish line.
The rest of the field did a remarkable job of avoiding Rutan in the middle groove of the front stretch. Nobody else was swept up in the incident. Rutan emerged from his car to a standing ovation from the ruckus capacity crowd. Victory lane ceremonies were conducted with Rutan’s car being lifted off the race track by the roll cage with heavy damage.
“The car didn’t feel right going into the corner,” said Rutan after the feature. “Then I ended up in the wall, and I could see (Irwin) there. So I just stood on the gas, and that’s when things got really wild.” The Main Event win was Rutan’s first of the 2007 season.
Rounding out the top five in “A” Main event were Gregg Dalman, Tim Norman, and Dain Naida. Heats were won by Dain, Rutan and Mann.
Fans were also treated to the Mini Stock and Factory Stock Season Championship races. Tim Epplett had earned the right to pace the Port City Racing Factory Stock main event with his lead in the point standings While the thirty year veteran ended up with a sixth place finish on the night, his steady runs resulted with him claiming the 2007 Factory Stock Season championship. Epplett’s season was special as he also picked up his first feature win of his career and later followed with two more main event wins. Janie Lorenz was winner of bragging rights and the night’s trophy. Lorenz entered the night second and points and was able to lead from start to finish. A hard charging Tony Weinrick was second. Robert Erickson, Bill Delong, and Justin Gilland completed the top five. Heat races were won by Delong, Erickson, and Joe Ferrier.
Don Keech turned fifty this week but that did not slow his efforts. Keech wrapped up the Spragues’s Auto Parts Mini Stock Division Point title by winning the season championship race. The main event win was not easy as Luke Near pressured Keech all night. Near and Keech raced side by side before encountering lapped traffic late in the race. Near edged ahead of Keech only to back off as a lapped car blocked him. It was the advantage Keech needed as he went on to celebrate in Victory lane. The race for third was won by Adam Spencer over Glen Parker, and Joe McCormick. Heat races were won by Keech, and Andrew Bartoszek. Seth Moody claimed the 2007 Young Gun Season Point title.
How fitting that the two drivers who have shared the Point lead all season long would be line up next to each other in the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Main event. John McCaul and Andy Sprague see each other more than their own family members. McCaul's two draw after his fast Qualifying effort put Sprague to his inside of the front row. While McCaul was dominant early in the season, it has been all Sprague late in the season. Tonight that did not change as Sprague led the field from start to finish. Sprague’s eighth win of the garnered him his first Track Championship of his career. John McCaul finished second ahead of Dan Dykman, Rich Neiser, and Steve McClees. Zak Rounds picked up his first checkered flag of the season picking up a Heat race win along with Greg Smith.
The Sportsman division saw Chad Weinrick power his way to victory lane. Weinrick held off Rob Sternberg late in the race by protecting the low groove. Weinrick’s win solidified his second place in the standings, but it was Ralph Sternberg who wrapped up the Sportsman Track title with a fifth place finish. Finishing in third and fourth positions in the main event were Jamie Gilmore and Larry Passenier in their main event. Heat races were won by Weinrick and Ben Falbe.
Next Weekend September 7th & 8th marks the “Fourth Annual Fall Spectacular” at Winston Speedway. It is a weekend for all race fans. Powder Puff, Mechanic races along with the Late Model Season Championship race highlight Friday Nights events, while Saturday is wall-to-wall action taking place for the “Keith Sokolowski Memorial” race program. Five divisions will be vying for huge trophies and racing purses. For the best in Family Entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sprague, Sternberg and Rector Take Home Trophy Honors
Friday, August 15
Sprague, Sternberg and Rector Take Home Trophy Honors
It was the start of Season Championship races at Winston Speedway on Friday August 17th. The UMP Modified, Sportsman, and Young Gun Divisions were the focus divisions of the night. Five-foot trophies, bragging rights and an increased pay off had drivers pushing their cars to the limit.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Division Andy Sprague entered the evening as the Points Leader for the first time this season. Sprague’s three-point advantage over John McCaul placed him on the pole for the start of their Season Championship race. All season these two drivers have shared the spot light. Most nights Sprague and McCaul were nose to tail for a win. That changed tonight as Sprague made a mockery of the rest of the field winning by almost a half-track. McCaul will stay on the heals of Sprague in the Points chase as he finished second over Greg Smith, Rich Neiser and Mike Wilbern. James Peery and Wilbern were Heat Race Winners. Sprague was the Fastest Modified in Qualifying.
It was Ralph Sternberg who entered the night at the top of the Point Standings for the Port City Racing Sportsman division Championship race, but it was his brother Rob Sternberg who left with all the accolades for the evening. Starting in the fifth position Rob Sternberg made his way to the front and beside his brother on lap two. By Lap three the brothers were swapping paint coming out of turn two for the lead. On lap four Rob Sternberg muscled his way inside of his sibling and grabbed the point. Once out front Rob Sternberg showed why he leads the Sportsman Division in Main event wins. Tonight he earned his sixth. An equally strong run was put on by runner-up Jamie Gilmore. The fact that Gilmore started eighth and charged to the front was impressive. More impressive was the fact that ten days prior Gilmore had two stints placed in his heart. Gilmore exemplified the phrase “You can’t be so afraid of dying that you are afraid to live”. Mike Anderson, Larry Passenier and Ralph Sternberg rounded out the top five. Passenier and Rob Sternberg won Heat Races.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Young Gun Championship race also saw a driver win for the sixth time. A huge trophy had these 13-15 year old drivers racing fast and furious, but one driver continues to be the cream of the crop. Points Leader Seth Moody paced the field early but it was CJ Rector who the fans were watching charge his way to the front. Rector was able to make his way by Moody on lap four and never look back. The race for second was won by Moody over Andrew Bartoszek, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald. The Heat race was also won by Rector.
Late Model Driver Tom Sprague Jr continues to be the hottest driver in Winston’s top division. Sprague led every lap of the 25 lap main event. Sprague’s win made it five on the season at Winston and his fourth in a row. Sprague’s win tonight guarantees him a starting spot in the pole position for August 24ths Season Championship race and puts him in the drivers seat to win the 2007 Points Title. Tim Stott, Rich Neiser, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Rob Taylor completed the top five. Heat races provided some of the best action of the night as Eddie Reyes and Sprague Jr both captured checkered flags winning by less than a foot at the flagstand. Rob Taylor was the Fast Qualifier on the night.
The Factory Stock division had their fun doubled on the night with a make-up feature along with their regular main event. In the make-up feature from August 3rd Tony Weinrick led all 15 laps to take to the win. Jamie Lorenz, Brad Bates, Tim Epplett, and Justin Gilland rounded out the top five. In their second main event of the evening it was points Leader Tim Epplett leading the entire race and picking up his third Main event win of the season. Weinrick was second followed by Lorenz, Justin Gilmore, and Jerry Fairchild. Gilland, Bates and Fairchild all garnered Heat Race wins.
Don Keech was the best of class in the Mini Stock division. Keech swept both the Main Event and Heat Race events. John Foss was second in the Feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Kyle Hulett.
Friday August 24th the Late Model, Factory Stock and Mini Stock Season Championship races headline the night’s events. Can Tom Sprague Jr win his fifth feature in a row in the Late Models? Can thirty-year racing veteran Tim Epplett win his first Points title in the Factory Stock? For answers to these questions, Winston Speedway is the place to be next Friday. For the best in Family Entertainment make your way to Winston Speedway.
Sprague, Sternberg and Rector Take Home Trophy Honors
It was the start of Season Championship races at Winston Speedway on Friday August 17th. The UMP Modified, Sportsman, and Young Gun Divisions were the focus divisions of the night. Five-foot trophies, bragging rights and an increased pay off had drivers pushing their cars to the limit.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs UMP Modified Division Andy Sprague entered the evening as the Points Leader for the first time this season. Sprague’s three-point advantage over John McCaul placed him on the pole for the start of their Season Championship race. All season these two drivers have shared the spot light. Most nights Sprague and McCaul were nose to tail for a win. That changed tonight as Sprague made a mockery of the rest of the field winning by almost a half-track. McCaul will stay on the heals of Sprague in the Points chase as he finished second over Greg Smith, Rich Neiser and Mike Wilbern. James Peery and Wilbern were Heat Race Winners. Sprague was the Fastest Modified in Qualifying.
It was Ralph Sternberg who entered the night at the top of the Point Standings for the Port City Racing Sportsman division Championship race, but it was his brother Rob Sternberg who left with all the accolades for the evening. Starting in the fifth position Rob Sternberg made his way to the front and beside his brother on lap two. By Lap three the brothers were swapping paint coming out of turn two for the lead. On lap four Rob Sternberg muscled his way inside of his sibling and grabbed the point. Once out front Rob Sternberg showed why he leads the Sportsman Division in Main event wins. Tonight he earned his sixth. An equally strong run was put on by runner-up Jamie Gilmore. The fact that Gilmore started eighth and charged to the front was impressive. More impressive was the fact that ten days prior Gilmore had two stints placed in his heart. Gilmore exemplified the phrase “You can’t be so afraid of dying that you are afraid to live”. Mike Anderson, Larry Passenier and Ralph Sternberg rounded out the top five. Passenier and Rob Sternberg won Heat Races.
The Sprague’s Auto Parts Young Gun Championship race also saw a driver win for the sixth time. A huge trophy had these 13-15 year old drivers racing fast and furious, but one driver continues to be the cream of the crop. Points Leader Seth Moody paced the field early but it was CJ Rector who the fans were watching charge his way to the front. Rector was able to make his way by Moody on lap four and never look back. The race for second was won by Moody over Andrew Bartoszek, Glen Parker and Eric Harrald. The Heat race was also won by Rector.
Late Model Driver Tom Sprague Jr continues to be the hottest driver in Winston’s top division. Sprague led every lap of the 25 lap main event. Sprague’s win made it five on the season at Winston and his fourth in a row. Sprague’s win tonight guarantees him a starting spot in the pole position for August 24ths Season Championship race and puts him in the drivers seat to win the 2007 Points Title. Tim Stott, Rich Neiser, Kevin Nelson Jr, and Rob Taylor completed the top five. Heat races provided some of the best action of the night as Eddie Reyes and Sprague Jr both captured checkered flags winning by less than a foot at the flagstand. Rob Taylor was the Fast Qualifier on the night.
The Factory Stock division had their fun doubled on the night with a make-up feature along with their regular main event. In the make-up feature from August 3rd Tony Weinrick led all 15 laps to take to the win. Jamie Lorenz, Brad Bates, Tim Epplett, and Justin Gilland rounded out the top five. In their second main event of the evening it was points Leader Tim Epplett leading the entire race and picking up his third Main event win of the season. Weinrick was second followed by Lorenz, Justin Gilmore, and Jerry Fairchild. Gilland, Bates and Fairchild all garnered Heat Race wins.
Don Keech was the best of class in the Mini Stock division. Keech swept both the Main Event and Heat Race events. John Foss was second in the Feature followed by Adam Spencer, Jerry Meyering, and Kyle Hulett.
Friday August 24th the Late Model, Factory Stock and Mini Stock Season Championship races headline the night’s events. Can Tom Sprague Jr win his fifth feature in a row in the Late Models? Can thirty-year racing veteran Tim Epplett win his first Points title in the Factory Stock? For answers to these questions, Winston Speedway is the place to be next Friday. For the best in Family Entertainment make your way to Winston Speedway.
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