Kyle Busch Motorsports Adds West Michigan Driver Erik Jones to His Driver Lineup

KBM Adds 16-Year-Old Jones To Driver Lineup

Already boasting three talented young drivers in its stable, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced the addition of a fourth today, with the signing of 16-year-old Erik Jones. The 2013 Snowball Derby winner will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut driving the No. 51 Tundra in the Kroger 250 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway April 6 as part of a five-race schedule for KBM this season.

Last March, Jones became the first 15-year-old driver ever to compete in the ARCA Racing Series, making his debut at the Mobile ARCA 200. Across 10 ARCA Racing Series starts in 2012, he posted four top-five and five top-10 finishes while leading 103 laps. The talented youngster qualified inside the top 10 for all 10 races and twice posted third-place finishes, June 24 at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway and Aug. 11 at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Mich.

The Michigan native made a name for himself last December when he raced side-by-side for several laps and eventually worked his way past KBM owner Kyle Busch in the closing laps to win the 45th Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla. The victory came in a race widely recognized as the most prestigious late model event in the country, with a field which included NASCAR regulars Busch, David Ragan and Johanna Long along with up-and-coming second-generation drivers Chase Elliott, Ross Kenseth and John Hunter Nemechek.

"I've been around Erik a few times running late models -- he's a good kid and a good driver, so we're excited to be adding him to the crop of young talent we've assembled at KBM this season," Busch said. "He did a nice job practicing my late model at Nashville last year for the All-American 400 and then he raced me hard and clean in the closing laps of the Snowball Derby to win that race. Doing those types of things is how you get recognized in this sport."

"Kyle is a driver that I have always looked up to and have a lot of respect for, so to be able to make my Truck Series debut in one of his Tundras is something I would have never imagined," Jones said. "This is definitely the biggest opportunity of my career. I've always wanted to drive in NASCAR, so I am really looking forward to getting on the track in Martinsville in a few weeks and being able to evaluate where I stand against the great mix of veterans and young talent that the Truck Series offers."

The addition of Jones to a lineup of young drivers which already includes 19-year-old Darrell Wallace Jr. and Joey Coulter and Parker Kligerman, a pair of 22-year-olds, provides KBM with the crop of young talent that Busch has desired since becoming a NASCAR owner at the start of the 2010 season.

A rule change announced at the end of the 2011 season, allows 16 and 17-year-old drivers to compete in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events on tracks that are 1.1-mile or less. In addition to his debut at Martinsville, Jones will drive the No. 51 Tundra at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway April 14, both Iowa Speedway races (July 13 and Sept. 8) and one more race yet to be determined.

Muskegon's Kody Weisner: Report about Winter Nationals

Inaugural Midwest Indoor Racing Series Winter Racing Season Finale Set For Saturday, March 23rd

Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan to close out first season Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Monday, March 11th, 2013): The Final Race of the Inaugural Winter Racing Season for the Midwest Indoor Racing Series is set for Saturday, March 23rd as the series returns to the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan, located north of Flint and south of Saginaw to close out the 2012/2013 Winter campaign. In four events held during the Eaton Rapids, Michigan based series’ first year, standing room only crowds have greeted the teams and for the season finale, the series returns to one of the more popular stops during the winter. There will be a whopping 20 Divisions racing on the Winter Racing Season door closer including the John Belott & Sons Auto Purchasing Winged & Non-Winged Mini Sprints, Arena / Mini Cup Cars, Dwarf Cars, six divisions of Great Lakes Tire Go-Karts (Open - Caged - 360 Flat Heads/360 Animals - Clones - Gold Plate - Purple Plate) seven divisions of Outlaw Shock Company Quarter Midgets (Junior Honda – Senior Honda – Heavy Honda - Light 160 – Heavy 160 – Junior Animal – Senior Animal) and three classes of Lawn Mowers (Super Modifieds - Modifieds - Stocks). “I expect some of the best racing of the season.” Predicted Scott Menlen, Co-Owner / Promoter of the Midwest Indoor Racing Series as well as Director of Operations and Chief Starter up on the flag stand for the series. “We are going back to the raciest track on the schedule and it’s the last chance for drivers to pick up a win in the inaugural season. It’s been a great winter for the series and our second year promises to be even bigger and better.” He ended. There will be an open Practice Session on Friday, March 22nd as the Pit Gates will open and Registration for the weekend begins at 2:00pm., with Rotating Practice for all 20 divisions scheduled for the weekend going from 4:45-8:30pm. The building closes for the evening at 9:00pm. On race day; Saturday, March 23rd, the Pit Gates will swing open at 8:30am., with Practice going from 10:30am-1:00pm. Qualifying is slated for 1:15pm., and will be followed by the Drivers Meeting, which is set for 2:15pm. Then after the Grandstand Doors open at 3:00pm., it’s wall-to-wall preliminary races including Dashes, Qualifier Heat Races and Last Chance Races (If Needed) starting at 3:15pm. After the on-track Autograph Session from 6:00-6:45pm., followed by Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), it’ll be time for 20 Features to close out the Inaugural Winter Racing Season starting at 7:00pm. Ticket Prices are as follows: Adults (13 and Over): $12.00; Veterans: $10.00; Kids (12 and Under): $6.00; Pit Passes: $25.00. Advance tickets are available by calling (989) 624-4665. The Midwest Indoor Racing Series and Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run have once again joined forces for this event as Americas Best Value Inn will be the host hotel of Winter Racing Season Finale for MIRS. When booking a room, be sure to mention “Midwest Indoor Racing Series” to receive the discounted rate of just $65.00 a night! The Americas Best Value Inn is truly providing the best rate in town for MIRS race teams. Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run is located just minutes from the Birch Run Expo Center. Race Teams can enjoy the many amenities including; a continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, Sauna, Whirlpool, a large parking area, restaurants within walking distance and pet friendly rooms. Many different types of quality rooms are currently available. Please book your room As Soon As Possible to ensure first choice on rooms for race weekend. Rooms are going quickly, so call: 1 (989) 624-4440 or visit Americas Best Value Inn of Birch Run online to make your reservation at: AmericasBestValueInn.com/bestv.cfm?idp=1714 Birch Run Expo Center is located at 11600 North Beyer Road and is the Premier Entertainment and Trade facility in the Midwest. BREC host a variety of events such as Trade Shows, Banquets, Professional Sporting Competitions, Concerts, Weekend Consumer Shows (Expos) and more. For more information about the Birch Run Expo Center, located off of Exit 136 on I-75 in Birch Run, Michigan, go to the website located at: www.birchrunexpos.com MGM Motorsports LLC, is a new venture based out of Eaton Rapids, Michigan and features MIRS sanctioned short track racing inside sports arenas throughout the Midwest for the 2012/2013 Winter Racing Season and beyond. For more information, please call Jack Gritter at: 1 (616) 813-5965 / Scott Menlen at: 1 (586) 201-0378 or Scott Mathews at: 1 (313) 909-4270. To learn more about the Midwest Indoor Racing Series, please go to the website located at: www.midwestindoorracingseries.com. You can also go to the series’ Facebook Fan Page located at: www.facebook.com/midwestindoorracing and don't forget to follow MIRS on Twitter by going to: www.twitter.com/MIRSracing

Schrader Wins UMP Mod Title, Spring Lake's Jacob Poel wins Another Feature Event

Schrader Wins UMP Mod Title

Photo Link of Jacob Poel in Victory Lane

Ken Schrader Wins UNOH DIRTcar Nationals UMP Modified Crown


Dillon, Poel, Zimmer win Triple 20s; Richards earns another DIRTcar Late Model Win

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 19, 2013 - There were 91 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds in action at this year's UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park, and on Tuesday night Ken Schrader was crowned champion after Triple 20 features at the high-speed, half-mile dirt oval.

Ty Dillon, Jacob Poel and Nate Zimmer won the Triple 20 features for DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, with Schrader finishing fifth in his race to secure the title a night after winning the Gator Championship.

"It feels pretty good," said Schrader, who becomes the only driver to win the Gator Championship and the overall points total in the same year. "It's the second time we won the championship down here, we worked pretty hard at it. It feels awesome."

Jacob Poel of Spring Lake, Mich., claimed his second feature win of the DIRTcar Nationals in second Triple 20. Poel was the only driver of the 92 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds that participated to win more than one feature event over the course of the eight days they were in competition.


“I think the momentum is going to be awesome,” said Poel. “I really feel like we got to work all the bugs out of the car early in the year. We get to go back to Michigan with two wins before we normally start racing.”

Kenny Wallace won a special race called the Six Pack Challenge. Fans voted online during January to see their six favorite drivers compete in a six-lap dash. Wallace was the top vote-getter.

In DIRTcar Late Model action, Josh Richards won for the second consecutive night. After starting 10th and winning on Monday, Richards started 11 th Tuesday and methodically sliced his way to the front in the 30-lap feature. He was running second when leader Don O'Neal exited the race with mechanical trouble and inherited a lead he would never relinquish.

Eric Wells, Stormy Scott, Billy Moyer and Scott Bloomquist rounded out the top-five finishers.

On Wednesday, Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds join the DIRTcar Late Models at Volusia. Gates open at 5 p.m. with warm-ups at 6 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and updates on the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment, clickDIRTcarNationals.com or follow on Twitter at Twitter.com/DIRTcarNats.

UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment Statistical Report; Feb. 19, 2013; Volusia Speedway Park; Barberville, Fla.

DIRTcar UMP Modified Triple 20 #1 - 20 laps - 1. Nate Zimmer; 2. Wayne Hammond; 3. Dwight Niehoff; 4. Joey Galloway; 5. Dave Baldwin; 6. Kevin Gummere; 7. Joe Carr; 8. Nick Kurtz; 9. Scott Mooers; 10. Tony Anderson; 11. Jason Gross; 12. Trey Bryant; 13. James Smith; 14. Shaun Daugharty.

DIRTcar UMP Modified Triple 20 #2 - 20 laps - 1. Jacob Poel; 2. Joel Ortberg; 3. Collin Thirlby; 4. Brendan Gaughan; 5. Corey Daugherty; 6. Todd Sherman; 7. Jonathan Taylor; 8. Jeff Thomas; 9. Mitchell Opatik; 10. Tyler Carpenter; 11. Jake Griffin; 12. Troy Giralmo; 13. David Mielke; DNS. J E Stalder.

DIRTcar UMP Modified Triple 20 #3 - 20 laps - 1. Ty Dillon; 2. Kenny Wallace; 3. Brian Ruhlman; 4. Kyle Bronson; 5. Ken Schrader; 6. Kelly Shryock; 7. Justin Allgaier; 8. Nick Hoffman; 9. Jeff Babcock; 10. Matt Westfall; 11. Jason Beaulieu; 12. Richard Michael Jr; 13. Dave Wietholder; 14. Kody Weisner.

DIRTcar UMP Modified Six Pack Challenge Dash - 1. Kenny Wallace; 2. Nick Hoffman; 3. Todd Sherman; 4. Nate Zimmer; 5. Collin Thirlby; 6. Dave Wietholder.

DIRTcar Late Models A-Main - 30 Laps - 1. (11) Josh Richards ($7,000); 2. (9) Eric Wells; 3. (13) Stormy Scott; 4. (7) Billy Moyer; 5. (2) Scott Bloomquist; 6. (10) Tim Fuller; 7. (23) Brady Smith; 8. (17) Bub McCool; 9. (6) Mason Zeigler; 10. (8) Bobby Pierce; 11. (15) Earl Pearson Jr.; 12. (22) Stacy Boles; 13. (20) Jimmy Mars; 14. (14) Donnie Moran; 15. (26) Brandon Sheppard; 16. (16) Morgan Bagley; 17. (18) Ricky Weiss; 18. (24) Michael Norris; 19. (21) Ron Davies; 20. (5) Don O'Neal; 21. (1) Darrell Lanigan; 22. (12) Steve Francis; 23. (19) Kenny Pettyjohn; 24. (3) Billy Moyer Jr.; 25. (4) Tim McCreadie; 26. (25) Eddie Carrier Jr.

Remaining 2013 UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment Schedule
Wednesday, Feb. 20 - (DIRTcar Late Models & Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds) - $39
Thursday, Feb. 21 - (World of Outlaws Late Models & Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds) - $39
Friday, Feb. 22 - (World of Outlaws Late Models & Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds) - $39
Saturday, Feb. 23 - (World of Outlaws Late Models & Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds) - $39

- Every ticket comes with a free pit pass fans can acquire after entering the main gate
- Reserved seats are $2 more day of show
- Children 10-and-under are free in General Admission

Jacob Poel Powers To Victory

Poel Powers To Victory

Poel Powers to UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Gator Qualifier Victory

Michigan racer locks into Monday night’s $5,000-to-win Gator Championship

BARBERVILLE, Fla. – Feb. 16, 2013 – Jacob Poel made his first visit to the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment a memorable one by capturing the Gator Championship qualifier Saturday night at Volusia Speedway Park.

“We just swapped a motor out yesterday, after having one problem after another,” said Poel, of Spring Lake, Mich. “I ran third in the heat and I don’t know where we started in that feature but the car was just absolutely perfect. I don’t know really what else to say. It was an amazing feeling. I’m just glad to be able to come down here with all the people that have supported me and got me here.”

Poel and Matt Cooper, of McKenzie, Tenn., split leader Bryce Jewell of Madisonville, Ky., on lap 9 before trading the top spot the following two laps. Poel distanced himself after taking the lead from Cooper on lap 11 of the 20-lap main event. The win earned Poel a nice $700 paycheck and a spot in the redraw for Monday night’s Gator Championship, where he can start no worse than 10th.

“I’ve got my confidence and that’s all I need,” Poel said. “I didn’t need to win tonight, but I wanted to. I just needed something to give me confidence after the week we’ve had down here and I definitely got that tonight.”

Cooper finished second and was one of four other drivers who also earn a spot in Monday night’s redraw by finishing in the top five. Dirt late model standout Wendell Wallace of Batesville, Ark., was third. Friday night’s winner and defending Gator Champion Nick Hoffman of Mooresville, N.C., finished fourth. Rodney Sanders of Happy, Texas who won the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals opener in his first visit to Volusia Speedway Park on Tuesday night rounded out the top five.

Jewell, UNOH DIRTcar Nationals point leader Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., Jake Griffin of Quincy, Ill., Ty Dillon of Welcome, N.C., and Danny Schwartz of Ashmore, Ill., locked into inside rows six through ten for Monday night by finishing in the top 10 Saturday.

J.E. Stadler of Martins Ferry, Ohio, and Donovan Lodge of Moline, Ill., claimed Last Chance Showdown victories.

There were 42 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the first of two Gator Qualifying nights of competition. Sunday night’s racing program will feature the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series as well as the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds Gator Championship Qualifying Night Two.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com . Follow the event on Twitter @DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

A-Main (20 Laps) – 1. Jacob Poel ($700); 2. Matt Cooper; 3. Wendell Wallace; 4. Nick Hoffman; 5. Rodney Sanders; 6. Bryce Jewell; 7. Kyle Bronson; 8. Jake Griffin; 9. Ty Dillon; 10. Danny Schwartz; 11. David Mielke; 12. Garrett Stewart; 13. Donovan Lodge; 14. Troy Giralmo; 15. Jonathan Taylor; 16. Dave Wietholder; 17. J E Stalder; 18. Tyler Nicely; 19. Kyle Strickler; 20. Tyler Carpenter; 21. Jeff Thomas; 22. Corey Seckerson; 23. Levi Kissinger; 24. Brian Ruhlman.

Qualifying 1: 1. Rodney Sanders; 2. Tyler Nicely; 3. Bryce Jewell; 4. Garrett Stewart; 5. Shon Flanary; 6. J E Stalder; 7. Jake Griffin; 8. Rob Underwood; 9. Kevin Gummere; 10. Nathan Seale; 11. Masen Big Eagle;

Qualifying 2: 1. Ty Dillon; 2. Matt Cooper; 3. Dave Wietholder; 4. Kyle Strickler; 5. Joey Galloway; 6. Jacob Poel; 7. Shaun Daugharty; 8. J.R. Mason; 9. Troy Giralmo; 10. Nick Kurtz; 11. James Smith; ;

Qualifying 3: 1. Nick Hoffman; 2. David Mielke; 3. Brian Ruhlman; 4. Paul Miles; 5. Wendell Wallace; 6. Corey Seckerson; 7. Bryan Barber; 8. Scotty Kincaid; 9. Todd Sherman; 10. Larry Burkins;

Qualifying 4: 1. Kyle Bronson; 2. Levi Kissinger; 3. Tyler Carpenter; 4. Jeff Thomas; 5. Danny Schwartz; 6. Brendan Gaughan; 7. Donovan Lodge; 8. Tony Anderson; 9. Jonathan Taylor; 10. Jim Zimmer.

Heat 1: 1. Bryce Jewell; 2. Rodney Sanders; 3. Garrett Stewart; 4. Tyler Nicely; 5. Jake Griffin; 6. J E Stalder; 7. Rob Underwood; 8. Kevin Gummere; 9. Masen Big Eagle; 10. Shon Flanary; DNS. Nathan Seale.

Heat 2: 1. Ty Dillon; 2. Kyle Strickler; 3. Jacob Poel; 4. Matt Cooper; 5. Dave Wietholder; 6. Joey Galloway; 7. Troy Giralmo; 8. Nick Kurtz; 9. James Smith; 10. Shaun Daugharty; 11. J.R. Mason.

Heat 3: 1. Brian Ruhlman; 2. Nick Hoffman; 3. Corey Seckerson; 4. Wendell Wallace; 5. David Mielke; 6. Bryan Barber; 7. Scotty Kincaid; 8. Todd Sherman; 9. Larry Burkins; 10. Paul Miles.

Heat 4: 1. Tyler Carpenter; 2. Kyle Bronson; 3. Levi Kissinger; 4. Danny Schwartz; 5. Jeff Thomas; 6. Donovan Lodge; 7. Jonathan Taylor; 8. Brendan Gaughan; 9. Jim Zimmer; 10. Tony Anderson.

B-Main 1: 1. J E Stalder; 2. Troy Giralmo; 3. Rob Underwood; 4. Shon Flanary; 5. Nick Kurtz; 6. Masen Big Eagle; 7. James Smith; 8. Kevin Gummere; 9. Shaun Daugharty; 10. Joey Galloway; DNS. Nathan Seale; DNS. J.R. Mason.

B-Main 2: 1. Donovan Lodge; 2. Jonathan Taylor; 3. Scotty Kincaid; 4. Jim Zimmer; 5. Brendan Gaughan; 6. Todd Sherman; 7. Paul Miles; 8. Tony Anderson; 9. Bryan Barber; 10. Larry Burkins.



The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, Chevy Performance, University of Northwestern Ohio, Arizona Sports Shirts, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Cool Shirts, Dominator Race Products, Fast Shafts, FK Rod Ends, Fragola Performance Systems, Impact Race Products, Intercomp, Landrum Springs, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, QA1, Quarter Master, Schoenfeld, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels, and Wrisco Aluminum.