News & Stories

Feb 3 2012
Kern County Raceway Park back on track
BY MIKE GRIFFITH Californian staff writer
from http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com
Bakersfield businessman James Vernon is part of a group of investors who have have purchased the partially finished Kern County Raceway Park near Enos Lane and Interstate 5.
The sale of the 490 acres, which was foreclosed on in June 2010, was announced Wednesday. The land has been dormant since construction stopped on the half-mile paved racetrack project in 2008.

PHOTO By Google Maps
The never finished Kern County Raceway Park could be back in business as early as October if an investor group, which brought the property out of foreclosure, has its way.
“I talked to a few guys here in town and some partners in Vegas and we decided to make this happen,” Vernon said. “We’ve been working on this deal for six months.
“It’s a long ways from being ready, probably a year. We’d like to be ready for testing in six months and maybe have a race in the fall.”
The track could fill a local stock car racing void that was created when Mesa Marin Raceway, a paved half-mile track in east Bakersfield, was closed in October 2005.
Dan Smith, the project coordinator, Smith estimated the new track, which features a half-mile paved oval with another quarter-mile track within it, is 80 percent complete.
Smith said a base coat is done and the group hopes to have asphalt down and cured by mid-August, gearing toward a first race in mid- to late October.
“If everything goes like we hope, we’d like to have more than one race in the fall,” Smith said. “We just want to keep it on track to make it a very nice place to go to.”
Ground breaking on the track took place in February 2007 with racing planned for 2008, but the project ran into money problems before the year ended. A $4.5 million loan was made to Enos Lane Farm Properties LLC, managed by Alan Destefani in March 2008. Construction slowed to a crawl as the year wore on and a default notice on the $4.5-million loan was filed in December 2008.
The project entered into bankruptcy protection in May 2009 and was foreclosed on in June. At that time there were nearly $8 million in liens against the property, most from construction companies.
“The liens were paid by the people we bought the property from; we have a clear title on it,” Vernon said. “All the (building) permits were renewed and we’re ready to go. All it will take is a ton of money and a lot of hard work.”
Work has already started — clearing thousands of tumbleweeds from the property.
“It’ll take about three weeks to clear (the property) and see where we can get started,” Vernon said.

One person glad to hear of the plans to finish the track was Bakersfield native and NASCAR Sprint Cup star Kevin Harvick.
“Racing is part of the culture in this town and it’s something a lot of the people I deal with here want to be involved with,” said Harvick, who was in Bakersfield to be inducted into the Bob Elias Kern County Hall of Fame. “I hope it all comes through. I’ll have to give James a call and and see what it entails.”
Harvick started his oval racing career on the old Mesa Marin Raceway.
“The racetracks, whether it’s the dirt track (Bakersfield Speedway) or Mesa Marin have been well supported over the years. There’s a need for it in my opinion,” he said.

— Californian staff writer Rachel Cook contributed to this story.

Feb 2 2012
Celebrity Stars & Strikes Bowling event
benefiting the Indy Family Foundation.
by Trevor Mitchener
No plans Tonight?? Come join us at the Celebrity Stars & Strikes event benefiting the Indy Family Foundatoin. Bowl, eat and drink with Indycar drivers and NFL players while supporting those that help put on the great racing we all love. The IFF supports crew members, drivers and other race personnel in the event of financial need caused by injury or death. GA admission is $50 and includes bowling and food, drinks are available to purchase. Or purchase a lane for $500 for up to 6 bowlers and both food and drink are included. Call me if you have questions 317 727-0424 Please share this info with everyone, thanks! www.celebritystarsandstrikes.com

Feb 1 2012
LEVI JONES OPENS PURSUIT OF USAC TITLE #8 AS A.J. FOYT’S ALL-TIME RECORD OF 11 THE TARGET

by DICK JORDAN
Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. appears ready to challenge one of USAC’s most revered all-time records. That pursuit begins February 9-11 when the AMSOIL National Sprint Cars open their 2012 campaign with ‘Bubba’s Winter Dirt Games” at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla.
The 2011 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Champion and Traxxas Silver Crown king now owns seven USAC National Championships and only one driver stands between him and the top of the pyramid – A.J. Foyt.
Driving for NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart, Jones has reeled off four titles in the past two years and is tied with Mel Kenyon and Rich Vogler with seven National crowns, four behind Foyt’s record of 11. Foyt owns seven National Championships in Indy cars, three in Stock Cars and one in Silver Crown. Jones has two Silver Crown titles in addition to his five in the Sprint cars.
Jones scored three victories on his way to the 2011 Sprint title and now has 27 career wins in USAC’s tough Sprint series. He has yet to win in the Sunshine State, however, finishing seventh and fifth in two 2010 races at East Bay Raceway Park and a fourth, ninth and third at Ocala last year.
“Just having a chance to challenge A.J. on the all-time list is something I never even dreamed about,” admits Levi. “I’m sure when he was winning all those races and championships back then he probably didn’t think much about all-time records either, so it’s not something I dwell on. I’ve had a great run the past couple of years but it’s hard to stay on top. The team Tony has assembled has sure made my job easier and it’s a pleasure to approach each race with a chance to win. Ocala offers a challenge unlike some other tracks we go to, with a different type surface which makes car set-up a primary objective. We’ve qualified well there but things seem to change by the time the feature rolls around. This year we have a different game plan so we’ll see how it works out.”
Levi has plenty of competition in the upcoming Ocala races, with drivers like USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson and Damion Gardner, the winners at Ocala last year, plus drivers like Tracy Hines, Jon Stanbrough, Dave Darland and others.
“Bubba’s Winter Dirt Games” open the 2012 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car calendar, which spans nearly 50 events across America.
--USAC--

Jan 31 2012
HINES, DARLAND RESUME “ACTIVE” VICTORY LEAD BATTLE
IN “BUBBA’S WINTER DIRT GAMES” FEBRUARY 9-11 AT OCALA

by DICK JORDAN
Tracy Hines and Dave Darland will resume their battle for the all-time USAC National feature victory lead among “active” drivers when the 2012 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series opens February 9-11 at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla.
  “Bubba’s Winter Dirt Games” will feature three complete nights of sprint car action on the exciting 3/8-mile dirt oval. The races are the first of nearly 50 on the 2012 USAC AMSOIL calendar.
  Hines sits atop the “active” lead with 77 total wins (41 in Sprints, 28 in Midgets and eight in Silver Crown). Darland is just one back with 76 (34 in Sprints, 28 in Midgets and 14 in Silver Crown). Hines ranks seventh on the all-time USAC list, while Darland is tied with Jack Hewitt for eighth. They are chasing Bob Wente’s total of 79, then will challenge Tom Bigelow’s total of 81 and Gary Bettenhausen’s total of 82. Mel Kenyon has 111, Rich Vogler 134 and A.J. Foyt 154.
  Hines failed to crack the “top-10” in his three Ocala appearances last year. Darland likewise was unable to crack the “top-10” in his two 2011 Ocala starts.
  Damion Gardner won twice at Ocala in 2011 and Bryan Clauson also was victorious. Both are expected to be in the field Hines and Darland will face.
  Both Hines and Darland are former series champions (Hines in 2002 and Darland in 1999). Hines’ last USAC Sprint win came at Dodge City, Kans. Last August. Darland won at Gas City, Ind. last July.
Defending five-time AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Champion Levi Jones holds the 1-lap Ocala track qualifying record of 14.758 seconds set last year. He recorded a third, fourth and ninth in last year’s three Ocala events.
A practice session on Wednesday night, followed by a pre-race party for participants and fans at the Ocala WingHouse kick off the activities prior to the Florida openers.
--USAC--

Jan 28 2012

Hospitalised --- AJ Foyt to miss Daytona 24hrs

photo from aXe's collection
Motor racing legend AJ Foyt is to miss the the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona where he was due to be Grand Marshall, after being hospitalised with a post-surgery infection.
AJ Foyt has been hospitalised in Houston after picking up an infection as a complication following knee surgery, and will miss attending this weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance event.
The 77-year-old sporting legend had been due to be the Grand Marshall for the 50th anniversary of the event. Foyt is a two-time winner at the Daytona 24h (in 1983 and 1985) and is the only driver to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Foyt had knee surgery two weeks ago and had been up and walking after the procedure, but has since picked up an infection that forced doctors to admit him to hospital on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Foyt said that he was likely to stay in hospital through the weekend, but he is expected to make a full recovery.
“I am really sorry that I can't be there this weekend for the Rolex 24," said Foyt in a written statement. "I was really looking forward to it because I thought it was a great honor to be asked to be the Grand Marshal of the 50th Anniversary of that race and considered it to be one of the great highlights of my career.
"I was also looking forward to seeing some of my old friends and the race cars that I drove in that race. It was going to be a really fun weekend for me but I guess I'll be watching the race from my hospital room," he continued, admitting that the doctors has "pulled rank" on him.
"I hate to admit, but I think they're right - this time. I'd like to wish everyone a safe race and I'll be with you in spirit," he said. "I feel so bad that I let everyone down."
“We wish A.J. a speedy recovery and hope he's back on his feet soon," commented Joie Chitwood III, the president of Daytona International Speedway.
Foyt had a major health scare early last year, when he missed the IndyCar season opener at St Petersburg in March after undergoing an emergency heart procedure. An angiogram revealed a major blockage in one of his arteries, which fortunately was treatable through angioplasty, avoiding major open-heart surgery.
Foyt recovered quickly, and was well enough to take over as the driver of the Indianapolis 500 pace car for the centennial running of the event at the end of May.
Foyt continues to be a team owner in the IZOD IndyCar Series, although he leaves much of the running of the organisation to his son Larry. AJ Foyt Racing will be fielding British driver Mike Conway in the #14 ABC Supply Car for the upcoming season, starting at St Petersburg on March 25.

Everyone in motorsports will be wishing AJ a full and fast recovery so that he can be there to give Conway some tips ahead of the green flag.

Jan 27 2012
Long Pond, PA (Sports Network)
- Dr. Joseph Mattioli,

The founder and chairman of the board of Pocono Raceway Dr. Joseph Mattioli, , passed away on Thursday at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center in Pennsylvania, following a lengthy illness. He was 86.

Known as "Doc," Mattioli founded the 2.5-mile Pocono racetrack in the early 1960's and had been at the helm of the track ever since. Pocono has hosted 68 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races to date.

"The entire NASCAR family is saddened by the loss of a true icon in our sport, Dr. Joe Mattioli," NASCAR chairman and chief executive officer Brian France said in a statement. "Doc's relationship with my family reaches three generations, all the way back to my grandfather [NASCAR founder William H.G. France]. His passion for the sport will live on in the hearts of his family and our fans. His contributions to our sport are wide-spread. We have lost a great leader - and a great person. NASCAR offers its deepest condolences to his wife, Rose, and the entire Mattioli family."

Pocono is the only remaining family owned-and-operated track on the current Sprint Cup schedule.

In 2009, Mattioli received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mattioli is survived by his wife, Rose, daughters, Louie and Michele, and son, Joseph Mattioli III, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Service arrangements for Mattioli were not announced as of Thursday afternoon.

“WESTERN AWARDS BANQUET” FEBRUARY 4 AT THUNDER VALLEY

by DICK JORDAN
The 2011 USAC Western States “Night of Champions” Awards Banquet is scheduled Saturday, February 4, at the Thunder Valley Casino and Resort in Lincoln, Calif., honoring champions of USAC’s 2012 Western racing series,

Top driver honorees include Tony Hunt (AMSOIL Western Sprints), Geoff Ensign (AMSOIL Western Classic Sprints), Cory Kruseman (Mopar Western Midgets) and Brodie Kostecki (Western Focus Midgets), while numerous others will be saluted for outstanding achievement, including sub-series championships. Primary Car Owner Championships in 2011 included Mike Phulps (AMSOIL Western Sprint), Ted Finkenbinder (AMSOIL Western Classic Sprint) and Kruseman Enterprises (Mopar Western Midgets).

The “top-10 drivers and car entrants in each series are slated for recognition, while champions in Northern California, Southern California, Pavement and Dirt classifications will also be toasted.

Tickets for the function at $55 per person are available and must be purchased in advance by contacting Jeanie Hunt at (916) 863-7223. Special room rates at two sites are also available. Please mention USAC when reserving rooms at the Staybridge Suites in Rocklin, Calif. ($99) or Thunder Valley Casino and Resort ($169-code # 120121-USAC). The Staybridge can be reached at (916) 781-7500, while the numbers at Thunder Valley are (916) 408-7777 or (877) 468-1777. The casino will provide shuttle service from the Staybridge to the Casino.

Bobby Gerould will serve as the emcee for the banquet, which begins with cocktails at 6 pm and a buffet dinner at 7. Numerous special awards will also be presented during the evening.
--USAC--

Jan 26 2012
Want to hang out with some great IndyCar Drivers & Celebrities in Indy for the Super Bowl ???
Stars and Strikes Celebrity Bowling Bash
Hosted by Nashville Recording Artist Michelle Murray
Benefitting the Indy Family Foundation & Starbright Foundation
Super Bowl Week - February 2, 2012 6pm – 10 pm
Western Bowl 6441 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN
COME RUB ELBOWS AND BOWL WITH THE STARS!
NFL FOOTBALL PLAYERS, INDYCAR DRIVERS,
RECORDING ARTISTS AND MORE!!
ELITE OF THE ELITE IN TOWN FOR THE BIG DAY!
Ed Carpenter- IndyCar Driver and Team Owner of Ed Carpenter Racing; 2011 Kentucky Winner
Pippa Mann- IndyCar Driver, Only female to earn a pole position in a race at Indianapolis
Bryan Clauson- INDY Lights and USAC Driver
Zach Veach- Star Mazda Driver
James Hinchcliffe- IndyCar Driver, 2011 INDYCAR Rookie of the Year, 2012 GoDaddy.com/Andretti Autosport
Josef Newgarden- IndyCar Driver- 2011 Indy LIghts Champion
Shannon McIntosh- USF2000 Driver
Katherine Legge- INDYCAR Driver, Lotus Dragon Racing
Sarah Fisher- Former INDYCAR Driver & Team Owner of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing
Graham Rahal- INDYCAR Driver, Youngest PoleWinner in-history of INDYCAR
Martin Plowman- INDYCAR Driver, Snowballexpress.org ambassador
Logan Gomez- INDY Lights Driver, Guiness World Record Holder
Alex Lloyd- INDYCAR Driver, 2007 Indy Lights Champion
For more information go to: www.celebritystarsandstrikes.com
This charity event benefits Indy Family Foundation . IFF helps those in need within the IndyCar Family !

Jan 25 2012
Swap Meet at Thunderhill Raceway
Kyle, Texas
Date: (Sat) Feb 04, 2012

Thunderhill News from Mickey Paul McKim...
Thunderhill Raceway is having their first Test & Tune on Feb. 4th 2012. A Swap Meet will take place in the spectator parking area. 7:30 AM til dark. There will be access to the spectator area restrooms. There will be trash cans so we can keep our area clean. Rain or Shine. Feel free to share this information with friends and other websites. "Admission is Free to everyone Including Vendors". This is an automotive related swap meet. I had to throw that out there because I have got e-mails from people thinking this was a flee market type event.
Concessions will be open @ the track as long as they don't have a rain out.
I play with old cars but I race also. This will be a good opportunity for my fellow racers and hot rodders to buy , sell & swap stuff. If anyone has any questions they can contact me. Thanks Mickey
Thunderhill Raceway is located on 24801 IH35 Kyle TX 78640
Mickey Paul McKim can be contacted @ superstock18@yahoo.com
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=31695...

Jan 24 2012
CAPTAINS NAMED FOR USAC's 15TH FUN AT FASTIMES MARCH 10

by DICK JORDAN
Team Captains have being announced for the 15th annual “Fun at Fastimes” 3-hour karting endurance race, scheduled March 10 at Fastimes Indoor Karting Indy on the northeast side of Indianapolis, Ind.

This year’s teams will be comprised of between five and eight members each, including the Team Captain. To make the event more competitive, a minimum of seven (7) pit stops must be made by each competing team, including a driver switch on each stop. All teams will have an additional mandatory stop at half-way for refueling.

USAC drivers Caleb Armstrong, Chase Barber, Patrick Bruns, Cole Carter, Daron Clayton, Tyler Cottongim, Logan Jarrett, Justin Marvel, Bobby Santos III and Jon Stanbrough will serve as Team Captains for the March 10 event.

Funds raised will help the USAC Benevolent Foundation, which has assisted USAC and IndyCar participants and their families in times of need during the past half-century.

Individual and team entries are still available by contacting Bill Marvel, event coordinator, at 606-787-0243 or 859-749-0646 or billmarvel@gmail.com. Entry fees are $90 per driver or a team (4-7 drivers) can be purchased for $630.

Entries will be available at the USAC offices in Speedway, Ind. and brochures are being mailed to over 200 potential participants. Entries may be mailed or hand delivered to the USAC Offices at Fun at Fastimes, c/o Bill Marvel, 4910 W. 16th Street, Speedway, IN 46224.

A drivers meeting and team pictures precede the 12:30 pm green flag on March 10. Registration is scheduled from 11 to 11:45 am and the mandatory drivers meeting is at 12 noon. The minimum age for competitors is 16 and drivers 16 and 17 must have liability waivers signed by parents to compete.

Medals will be awarded for championship performances and a special team award is also planned for the winning team. Entries officially close at noon on Wednesday, March 9, so those wishing to participate are urged to call the numbers listed here.

Former team captain or co-captain champions of this event include: Tracy Hines (1997, 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2008), Ted Hines (1998, 2001, 2003 and 2004), Kent Christian (2004 and 2007), Kevin Besecker (1997), Tony Elliott (1998), Johnny Parsons III and Stevie Reeves (1999), Dave Darland (2000), Dickie Gaines and Bobby East (2002), J.T. Stapp (2005), Levi Jones (2006), and Billy Puterbaugh Jr. (2007). Jerry Coons Jr. and Shannon McIntosh (2010) and Bobby Santos III (2011). The event was not held in 2009.

Fun at Fastimes is located on the southeast corner of 96th Street and North Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis, Ind., one block north of the North Keystone exit from I-465, next to Woodland Bowl.
--USAC--

Jan 14 2012
RIP Donnie Ray Crawford
- We just got word that open wheel ace and Chili Bowl contender Donnie Ray Crawford was shot and killed this morning in a tragedy at the family property outside Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Family and friends
Latetest News report below
http://www.newson6.com/story/16520507/emergency-crews-respond-to-wagoner-county-shooting

Jan 12 2012
Hold this date open Sept 22 2012 for the Texas Racers Reunion

Jan 11 2012
Kyle Larson Awarded MidgetMadness.com “Top Gun of the Year” for 2011

In only his first full year running midgets on the national scene, Kyle Larson, of Elk Grove, CA, has earned the honor of being named the Midgetmadness.com "Top Gun of the Year," presented by JE Pistons. 2011 saw Larson burst onto the national scene with a rookie year that turned in results you would expect from a seasoned veteran.
In what would be a busy year for the California driver, Larson started his winning ways in February which found himself taking both nights of the Copper on Dirt at USA Raceway in Tucson, AZ. Little did we know, this was surely a sign of things to come from this young talent.
Indiana Midget Week in June saw Larson score his first USAC National Midget win at Bloomington Speedway. A little over a month later Larson was sitting in victory lane at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, his first USAC National pavement win. The winning didn't stop as sweeping the Belleville Midget Nationals would be the next big accomplishment for the young racer from California.
But perhaps Larson's greatest accomplishment came at the famed Eldora Speedway in late September. Not only did Larson win the USAC National Midget portion of the 4-Crown Nationals, but he also went on to win in the Sprint and Silver Crown divisions as well, a truly remarkable feat. The amazing thing, this was Larson's first trip to Eldora Speedway, making it all that more impressive.
Larson decided to take his talents abroad and wasted little time showing the fans in New Zealand that he has no problem adjusting to a new track. Competing against an international field with some of the top midget drivers in the world, Larson went on to another impressive win at Western Springs Speedway, topping off an unforgettable season.
Larson will be presented the Top Gun award during the 2012 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma this week.
This is the fifth season for the popular midget award, previous "Top Gun" recipients include Jerry Coons Jr. (2007), Brad Sweet (2008) and Bryan Clauson (2009 & 2010).

Jan 4 2012
Irwindale speedway Closed? Sold? lots of rumors floating around.

I have been getting some rumors & queries as to the future of Irwindale speedway, Some said they heard it was closed down, Some said it had stopped running races there? Sold was also one of them.
So I put in an e-mail to the local press that works mainly from there, ,Here is basicly what was told to Me.
Toyota Sspeedway @ Irwindale management was let go on Nov. 30, 2011. Their track websites are no longer in use.
The 2011 season banquet penciled in for Dec. 17 was not held.
Toyota had a 10 year contract with the track with an escape clause after 5 years & they used it.
He heard that owner Jim Williams sold the track after building and owning it for 13 years. He also heard two names of buyers including Lucas Oil & Spears Mfg., But hopefully an anouncment of the sale will probably come within a month.
The NASCAR K & N West schedule was released with no race scheduled for Irwindale.
The usual Irwindale K & N date on the July 4 weekend was left open so I expect the new owner to use it for the K & N West event when he has staff and a 2012 season schedule released.
The Agajanian family controls the USAC Turkey Night GP race and they like it held in LA County and at Irwindale, so it will be there in 2012 if the new Irwindale track owner wants to host it.

I also went to thier web site and saw that drag racing was still supposed to be going on there? So rumors are what we have now and We will have to wait to see how it all works out.
aXe

A photo from My past by aXe

With the racing here north of the Equater just about at a stand still. I thought I would add a photo or two to see if any one has any idea who they are. Now these will be from My own personnel collection.
I will start out with this picture taken at the old San Jose speedwy on Tully rd, A facility that can never be replaced as its time and presence are gone for ever.
The big sedan and the midget were driven by a couple of guys that were easily identified by that old speedways regular sat night fans back then,
It was around 1959 when I took this picture,

We had gone out there with the midget for some test laps.This was after an engine rebuild that turned out disasterous!
After very few laps there were some very loud rattleing sounds coming from the engine, It turned out lack of checking the new parts bought from a friend and told they would all work.
Well trust goes a long way if correct, But Never go with out checking your self to make sure every thing was as told.
The engines new rod bearings were overlooked and they were for a standard stock rod size on the crack shaft but the crank had been turned down to .010 under and they didnt last with that much cleareance!
Oh well best laid plans as they say.
Do you have any idea who these two guys were? Sedan driver should be very easy.
aXe

Jan 2 2012
Dunkerken & Lemley Among Tulsa Shootout Stars!

Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (December 31, 2011) – The Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout continues to break through new barriers, with the 27th edition of the event held over New Year’s weekend at the QuikTrip Center’s Tulsa Expo Raceway breaking a world record entry count for Micro and Mini Sprints that was set at the previous year’s event.
And when Saturday night’s final New Year’s Eve checkered flag flew, California’s Heath Dunkerken and Washington’s Brock Lemley were among the headliners of the event that attracted 790 competing entries from throughout the nation and beyond, though there were plenty of other accolades to go around.
Dunkerken nabbed his first Golden Driller trophy by leading 27 of 30 circuits in the headline Outlaw Micro Sprint Car championship feature event, beating teammate Michael Faccinto to the stripe before a bustling crowd.
While Dunkerken topped the headline class, Lemley was the only driver among the eight different classes of competition to bag two victories. After leading all the way to win the 1200cc Mini Sprint feature event, Lemley backed it up in the very next race by making a late move to top the Non-Wing Outlaw main event atop the 1/5-mile clay oval.
This year’s edition of the Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout had plenty of West Coast flavor in addition to Dunkerken and Lemley, as Mitchell Faccinto, Dahne Lynn McKay and Kameron Beard each took Golden Drillers back to the Golden State as well with wins in the “A” Class, Restricted “A” Class and Junior Sprints, respectively.
McKay’s wire-to-wire romp in the Restricted “A” Class feature event proved to be historic as well, as the young lady racer became the first female to top a Micro Sprint Car championship feature event in Tulsa Shootout history.
While the bulk of the winner’s hardware went west, past Tulsa Shootout champions Kevin Bayer and Blake Hahn stepped up to represent the hosting Sooner State with wins in Non-Wing and Chevy ECOTec Midget action.
After getting all the action under way with heat races for the Non-Wing Outlaw and “A” classes on Thursday night, a full day of heat race and qualifying race action followed on Friday with Saturday consumed by “B” Mains, Last Chance “A” Main Qualifying Features and then the eight “A” Main championship feature events.
A total of 193 races were contested over the weekend, including 100 heat races, 32 qualifiers, 48 “B” Mains, five Last Chance Qualifying Features and eight championship “A” Mains.
Four different classes, the Non-Wing, “A” Class, Outlaw and Outlaw Non-Wing each attracted in excess of 140 competitors, with the Non-Wing class topping out at 176.

600cc Outlaws
Broken Arrow’s Donnie Ray Crawford and Laton, California’s Heath Dunkerken led the 30-lap Outlaw Micro Sprint feature field to the green flag, with Crawford gunning into the lead at the outset.
Looking to add to his collection of Golden Drillers collected at the Tulsa Shootout, Crawford led early but Dunkerken kept the heat on. While Crawford worked the low line, Dunkerken worked the middle of the track masterfully and surged into the lead on the fourth circuit.
As traffic became a factor after ten circuits, Crawford kept Dunkerken within striking distance until the race’s first caution flew after 17 laps. With open track on the restart, Dunkerken wasted little time opening up a straightway advantage as teammate Michael Faccinto became a factor.
After starting ninth, Faccinto was fourth behind Dunkerken, Crawford and Andrew Felker by the lap 17 caution and was into third by the time a final caution appeared after 22 laps.
Faccinto slipped around Crawford on the 23rd round and slowly reeled in Dunkerken as the closing laps clicked off. Back into traffic in the final pair of laps, Dunkerken beat Faccinto to the stripe with just two car lengths to spare.
A straightaway behind the California duo, Crawford fought off Felker for the show position, with Kevin Bayer rounding out the top five.
Frank Flud turned in the top passing performance by racing from 17th to eighth.

1200cc Mini Sprints & Outlaw Non-Wing Micro Sprints
Washington’s Brock Lemley ranked as the only driver at the 27th Annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout to collect multiple victories by scoring in both the 1200cc Mini Sprint and Non-Wing Outlaw Micro Sprints.
While Lemley’s 1200cc Mini Sprint drive seemed an easy one, the Outlaw Non Wing triumph came in the closing laps in a hotly-contested affair.
Lemley snared his first Golden Driller in the 1200cc Mini Sprint main event, gunning into the lead from the pole at the outset and leading throughout. While Aaron Fell and defending race winner Derek Holmwood applied early pressure, Lemley was unphased and kept his mount out front for the entirety of the 20-lapper.
Lemley took the checkered flag ahead of fellow Washington state shoe Holmwood, with Chicago’s Jim Scanlon in the show position. Jared Gunderson was fourth, with Florida’s Scott Krueger climbing from 11th to round out the top five.
In the next feature out, the Non-Wing Outlaw main event, Lemley found himself chasing early after starting fourth.
While Harlan Hulsey and Chris Cochran led the way to the green flag, third-starter Chris Andrew shot into the lead on the opening circuit only to surrender the point after just one lap when his left rear tire went flat under caution.
Hulsey assumed the point on the restart and the battle was on between he and Cochran. The duo began swapping the point on the fourth round and did so in nearly each corner over the ensuing laps until Christopher Bell entered the fray only to make contact and flip in turn one on the 12th lap.
The heated battle between Hulsey and Cochran resumed as soon as the green lights reappeared, with an errant slider sending both flipping in turns one and two on the 13th circuit and collecting defending race winner Blake Hahn in the process.
Joe B. Miller found himself in the lead on the restart in front of Jonathan Beason and Lemley. As the laps ticked off, Lemley picked up the pace and raced by Beason for second on the 20th round and then took the lead away from Miller one circuit later.
Lemley raced on to his second win of the night in front of Beason, who raced forward from tenth. Miller claimed the show position, with 13th-starter Cole Ketcham and 17th-starter Andrew Felker rounding out the top five.

“A” Class
Hanford, California’s Mitchell Faccinto proved untouchable by wiring the field in the “A” Class feature event, besting a field of 153 entries.
After rallying from the eighth and final starting position to win his heat race and then backing it up with a Qualifying race win, Faccinto started from the pole position alongside Scott Sawyer. Faccinto gunned into the lead at the drop of the green flag and raced to his first Golden Driller virtually unchallenged much of the way.
Sixth-starter Chris Andrews did provide some suspense in the late going after battling past Sawyer for second on the 16th round of the 25-lap main event. Andrews was closing the gap in traffic only to have a late caution offer Faccinto a clear path to victory lane.
Faccinto took full advantage and crossed the stripe 0.694-seconds ahead of Andrews, with Sawyer, 9th-starter Nate Lauderbaugh and Tristan Guardino rounding out the top five.

Non-Wing
Kevin Bayer captured his fifth career Golden Driller trophy by emerging atop a Tulsa Shootout Micro Sprint Car competitor count of 176 in the Non-Wing division.
Much like Faccinto in the “A” Class, Bayer was flawless over the course of the weekend. Bayer raced from fifth to win his heat race and then backed it up by coming from fourth to win his qualifying race, good enough to earn the pole position for the championship feature event.
And, after outgunning fellow front row starter Donnie Ray Crawford for the lead at the drop of the green flag, Bayer was solidly in command throughout the 25-lap feature.
Bayer ultimately took the checkered flag 1.096-seconds ahead of Chris Andrews, who emerged atop a wild battle for position in Bayer’s wake. Andrews, who climbed a handful of positions from seventh, took runner-up honors in front of Harlan Hulsey with Zeke Lewis and defending race winner Koen Shaw rounding out the top five.

Restricted “A” Class
In 26 previous years of Tulsa Shootout competition, it is believed that no female racer has ever cracked victory lane in Micro Sprint Car competition. That changed on Saturday’s New Year’s Eve, as Laton, California’s Dahne Lynn McKay bested the 79-car Restricted “A” field in the 20-lap championship finale.
After a win in her heat race from fifth and then a runner-up finish in her qualifying race, McKay gridded the feature from the front row outside along Texas shoe Dylan Fox. McKay burst into the lead at the start and led all the way, weathering a pair of caution over the final half of the race.
McKay took the checkered flag with a 1.055-second advantage over Bakersfield’s Cory Elliott, with eight-starter Chance Morton, Fox and Tucker Klaasmeyer rounding out the top five.

Junior Sprints
After Owasso, Oklahoma’s Cole Roberts led much of the way, it was Bakersfield’s Kameron Beard taking a Golden Driller back to the Golden Driller after a well-executed bump-and-run maneuver in the closing rounds to take command.
While Beard gridded the 15-lap finale in fifth, it was Roberts gunning into the lead at the outset and pacing the early rounds. Beard worked his way up to second by the time a caution appeared after eight laps.
Beard pressured Roberts for several rounds and then took command after a well-timed tap exiting turn two on the 13th lap sent Roberts into a spin. Beard went on to claim the victory in front of Cannon McIntosh, with pole starter Victoria Leslie, 15th-starter Mason McGuire and 11th-starter Blake Battles rounding out the top five.

Chevy ECOTec Midgets
After sweeping both the Outlaw and Non-Wing Outlaw classes at the 26th Annual Tulsa Shootout, Blake Hahn’s best chances of adding another Golden Driller appeared to be in ECOTec Midget action once all the cards were dealt in each class.
And, the youngest from Sapulpa, OK, cashed in, charging past defending race winner Mike Ward at the midway point en route to victory lane in the 20-lap main event.
Tulsa-area siblings Mike Ward and Matt Ward led the way to the green flag from the front row with cousin Hahn inside the second row, and the trio proceeded to dice for the lead over the initial half of the race.
With Mike Ward leading Matt Ward around the lower portion of the track, Hahn relentlessly worked the cushion as he sought a fourth career Golden Driller. Hahn’s persistence paid dividends as he edged ahead of Matt Ward for second on the tenth round and then took the lead away from Mike Ward a lap later.
Once in front, Hahn dropped to the low side and scooted away from the field, taking the checkered flag with a 2.900-second advantage over Matt Ward. Kevin Ramey claimed the show position, with Austin Brown and Brunson Behning rounding out the top five.

Dec 30 2011

Dont forget, Be ready to See tony Stewart in his return to this big midget race

for the first time in 3 years.

27th Annual Tulsa Shootout Got Underway last night!

Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (December 29, 2011) – The 27th Annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout kicked off Thursday night with a record 788 entries filling the QuikTrip Center’s Tulsa Expo Raceway.
Following a practice session through the day, heat races for the 142 Non-Wing Outlaw competitors and 153 “A” Class contenders were contested on the 1/5-mile clay oval, setting the stage for those classes’ qualifier races that will take place along with the other six divisions’ heat races on Friday.
Bellingham, Washington’s Brock Lemley emerged atop the Non-Wing Outlaw passing point charts after surviving mayhem to win his heat race from eighth, with other top point earners including Owasso’s Harlan Hulsey, Pennsylvania’s Ryan Greth, Missouri’s Andrew Felker and California’s Koen Shawn.
In “A” Class action, Hanford, California’s Mitchell Faccinto rallied from the tail of the field to win his heat race and land a spot atop the passing point charts with other top earners including Nebraska’s Austin Kromberg, British Columbia’s Liam Ryan, Newcastle’s Josh Marcham and Tulsa’s Chris Andrews.

27th Annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout Results:
600cc Non-Wing Outlaws (142 entries):
Heat Races (8 Laps - Top 60 In Passing Points to Qualifying Races; Balance to "B" Mains):

Heat 1: 1. 144-Tim Buckwalter (Royersford, PA), 2. 51m-Caleb Martin (Houston, TX), 3. 53-Tye Milhocko (Peoria, AZ), 4. 9d-Earl McDoulett, Jr. (Claremore, OK), 5. 24j-Sean Jones (Mansfield, TX), 6. 62-Chad McWhirter (Hastings, NE), 7. 23L-Jason Lair (Del City, OK). DNS: 135-Cody Ledger (Del City, OK).

Heat 2: 1. 15x-Tyson Hall (Longview, TX), 2. 49-Joel Smith (Tulsa, OK), 3. 155-Kyle Anderson (Tomball, TX), 4. 3-Jimmy Wood (Monticello, IN), 5. 11-Justin Melton (Flower Mound, TX), 6. 23d-Trey Detweiler (Herscher, IL), 7. 55T-Josh Toho (El Reno, OK), 8. 25-Kenny Taylor (Tracey, CA).

Heat 3: 1. 77-Jonathan Beason (Broken Arrow, OK), 2. 94-Andrew Peters (Greentown, IN), , 3. 193-Raleigh Shepherd (Houston, TX), 4. 17k-Jacob Knipmeyer (Sweet Springs, MO), 5. 51-Matt Ward (Glenpool, OK), 6. 89-Robbie Johnson (Hastings, NE), 7. 91-Alex Frisell (Holdrege, NE), 8. 97-Carson McCarl (Altoona, IA).

Heat 4: 1. 7-Chris Cochran (McLoud, OK), 2. 18-Stanley Kreisel (Warsaw, MO), 3. 15d-Andrew Deal (Caney, KS), 4. 55-Donnie Ray Crawford (Broken Arrow, OK), 5. 117-Jason Liby (Clay Center, KS), 6. 381-Madison McGill (Bartlesville, OK), 7. 4x-Shawn Peterson (Irving, TX), 8. 77L-Katlyn Leer (Morton, IA).

Heat 5: 1. 1j-Ryan Greth (New Bloomfield, PA), 2. 42m-Spencer Montgomery (Windsor, IL), 3. 50b-Dwayne Benson (Sweet Springs, MO), 4. 22T-Taylor Courtney, 5. 31-Dustin Davidson (Elm Mott, TX), 6. 99b-Brady Bacon (Broken Arrow, OK), 7. 99r-Nicholas Rasa (Sedalia, MO), 8. 69x-Philip Davis (Tulsa, OK).

Heat 6: 1. 79-Chris Andrews (Tulsa, OK), 2. 11h-Harlan Hulsey (Owasso, OK), 3. 22c-Curtis Jones (Tulsa, OK), 4. 94L-Layne Himebaugh (Collinsville, OK), 5. 4uu-Devon Huff (Nixa, MO), 6. 03-Shayle Bade (Lincoln, NE), 7. 8z-Frederic Fezard, 8. 1-Taylor Smitherman (Kennedale, TX).

Heat 7: 1. 2jr-Joe B. Miller (Millersville, MO), 2. 1c-Chett Gehrke (Broken Arrow, OK), 3. 20-Josh Pickle (Catoosa, OK), 4. 29L-Nate Lauderbaugh (Kokomo, IN), 5. 7w-Trent Wilson (Camden, IN), 6. 73-Alex Sewell (Broken Arrow, OK), 7. 10-Bryan Debrick (Irving, TX), 8. 115-Jeremy Middleton (N. Little Rock, AR).

Heat 8: 1. 19-Dalton Terrel (Blanchard, OK), 2. 67-Steven Russell (Springfield, IL), 3. 57-Cole Bodine (Rossville, IN), 4. 711-Wyatt Rector (Richmond, TX), 5. 15c-Logan Jarrett (Kokomo, IN), 6. 22p-John Potter (Freeburg, IL), 7. 72-Cole Custer (Kannapolis, NC), 8. 44h-Michael Dicely (Lewisberry, PA).

Heat 9: 1. 21b-Christopher Bell (Norman, OK), 2. 13e-Steven Shebester (Pauls Valley, OK), 3. 17e-Blake Edwards (Claremore, OK), 4. 41k-Cole Ketcham (Muncie, CA), 5. 50-Megan Wood (Monticello, IN), 6. 60x-Chance Terrel (Oklahoma City, OK), 7. 28x-Todd McWilliams (Conway, AR), 8. 55b-Brandon Berryman (Missouri City, TX).

Heat 10: 1. 7b-Austin Brown (Millstadt, IL), 2. 32-Garrett Abrams (Rushville, IN), 3. 33z-Zeke Lewis (Farmland, IN), 4. 4-Tim Koch (Pleasant Hill, MO), 5. 05-Drew Shiveley (Columbia, MO), 6. 1g-Joseph J. Smith (Moscow, PA), 7. 38-Joshua Hodges (Tijeras, NM). DNS: 55z-Zach Boden (Hastings, NE).

Heat 11: 1. 29-Austin Stone (Visalia, CA), 2. 8-Jon Randall (Waco, TX), 3. 92-Jordan Herrman (Jay, OK), 4. 45-Kenny Brewer (Albuquerque, NM), 5. 26m-Chris Hunter (Salem, KY), 6. 17g-Mike Gass (Worth, IL), 7. 5x-Justin Peck (Monrovia, IN), 8. 3n-Jake Neuman (New Berlin, IL).

Heat 12: 1. 11a-Andrew Felker (Carl Junction, MO), 2. 13-Trent Carter (Terra Bella, CA), 3. 98x-Robert McBride (Cyril, OK), 4. 74-Andy Farley (Denver, CO), 5. 35-Matt Sherrell (Owasso, OK), 6. 99F-Justin Fletcher (Bixby, OK), 7. 24-Mike Wilkerson (Byhalia, MS). DNS: 2d-Hannah Adair (Tulsa, OK).

Heat 13: 1. 17h-Derek Holmwood (Bellingham, WA), 2. 15u-Willie Urish (Lawrence, KS), 3. 22x-John Roan (Lillian, TX), 4. 88s-Andy Baugh (Mason City, IL), 5. 321-Chad Winfrey (Liberty, MO), 6. 3x-Scott Peterson (Irving, TX), 7. 41-Dominic Scelzi (Fresno, CA). DNS: 25x-Bobby Henning (Edmond, OK).

Heat 14: 1. 10L-Brock Lemley (Bellingham, WA), 2. 124-Nathan McMillin (Brazil, IN), 3. 10b-Jason Bloodgood (Bellingham, WA), 4. 29k-Kyle Amerson (Mathews, AL), 5. 17-Tony Ogden (Sapulpa, OK), 6. 2x-Nathan Benson (Emma, MO), 7. 8m-Kade Morton (Coweta, OK), 8. 00-Jimmy Wells (Benton, IL).

Heat 15: 1. 88-Koen Shaw (Fresno, CA), 2. 12-Frank Galusha (Lincoln, NE), 3. 71-Jeff Wiggs (Benton, IL), 4. 5m-Matthew McDonald (Pittsboro, IN), 5. 85-Keith Martin (Alvarado, TX), 6. 87-Liam Ryan (Langley, BC), 7. 6x-Chris Meyer (Sherwood, AR). DNS: 68s-Stoney Gilbert (Red Oak, TX).

Heat 16: 1. 01j-Jeb Sessums (Burleson, TX), 2. 28-Karley Kay Dobson (Hulbert, OK), 3. 15T-Tristan Guardino, 4. 131-Dylan Kadous (Topeka, KS), 5. F15-Coy Jorden (Teague, TX), 6. 5h-Cameron Hagin (Broken Arrow, OK), 7. 24r-Chris Ritch (Paola, KS), 8. 128-Trevor Reed (Waco, TX).

Heat 17: 1. 52-Blake Hahn (Sapulpa, OK), 2. 29s-Scott Sawyer (Broken Arrow, OK), 3. 59-Tyler Courtney (Indianapolis, IN), 4. 099-Wes McIntyre, 5. 78d-Dustin Dixon (Bartlesville, OK), 6. X7b-Dave Baugh (Bloomington, IL), 7. H35-Zach Hampton (Clayton, IN).

Heat 18: 1. 9p-Parker Price-Miller (Kokomo, IN), 2. 17w-Harli White (Lindsay, OK), 3. 1T-Kevin Battarbee (Houston, TX), 4. 28g-Gordon Goyer (Owasso, OK), 5. 73J-Jerrod Wilson (Tulsa , OK), 6. 10r-Darien Roberts (Broken Arrow, OK), 7. 7x-Jordan McPherson (Rhome, TX).

“A” Class (153 entries):
Heat Races (8 Laps - Top 60 In Passing Points to Qualifying Races; Balance to "B" Mains):

Heat 1: 1. 61-Kaley Engstrom (Rhome, TX), 2. 121-Austin Kromberg (Lincoln, NE), 3. 411-Garrett Abrams (Rushville, IN), 4. 7m-Ryan Cody (Broken Arrow, OK), 5. 316-Caleb Weaver (Catoosa, OK), 6. 17J-Quinn Jones (Sweet Springs, MO), 7. 118-Scott Evans (Keller, TX), 8. 25m-Dustin March (Sweet Springs, MO).

Heat 2: 1. 711-Colby Estes (Mansfield, TX), 2. 74-D.J. Estes (Mansfield, TX), 3. 6d-Morgan Dowdy (Amarillo, TX), 4. 99-Chris McNitt (Ft. Worth, TX), 5. 18XL-William Scribner (Drumright, OK), 6. 05-Drew Shiveley (Columbia, MO), 7. 4F-Marty Fell (Siloam Springs, AR), 8. 71k-Kyle Fellers (Miami, OK).

Heat 3: 1. 15T-Tristan Guardino (Fremont, CA), 2. 5x-Justin Peck (Monrovia, IN), 3. 7s-Jason Scheulen (Broken Arrow, OK), 4. 018-Caden Ellis (Wagoner, OK), 5. 15-Ben Stephens (Lincoln, NE), 6. 93-Trey Lambert (Collinsville, OK), 7. 44a-Ayrton Gennetten (Versailles, MO), 8. 18-Eddie Moss (Deland, FL).

Heat 4: 1. 10-George White (Ft. Worth, TX), 2. 441-Chris Martin (Ankeny, IA), 3. 21h-Ty Hulsey (Owasso, OK), 4. 73-Alex Sewell (Broken Arrow, OK), 5. 44F-Chad Fagin (Tulsa, OK), 6. 24L-Caleb Lovelady (Amarillo, TX), 7. 321-Chad Winfrey (Liberty, MO), 8. 81b-Blake Bennington (Columbia, MO).

Heat 5: 1. 28-Karley Kay Dobson (Hulbert, OK), 2. 87-Liam Ryan (Langley, BC), 3. 98x-Derrick McBride (Oklahoma City, OK), 4. 2-Mickey Walker (Sapulpa, OK), 5. 13b-Brittany Yarwood (Broken Arrow, OK), 6. 21-Michelle Melton (Flower Mound, TX), 7. 65g-Jimmy Garrison (Sand Springs, OK), 8. 3x-Scott Peterson (Irving, TX).

Heat 6: 1. 88-Koen Shaw (Fresno, CA), 2. 89j-Jarrett Crouch (Jay, OK), 3. 31-Darren Davidson (Elm Mott, TX), 4. 191-Brent Venable (Ft. Cobb, OK), 5. 22m-Mandee Sundquist (Loomis, NE), 6. 05c-Eric Cantrell (Edmond, OK), 7. 72k-Rick Kirkes (Edmond, OK), 8. 24T-Trenton Borchers (Mannford, OK).

Heat 7: 1. 161-Nate Fleming (Great Bend, KS), 2. 62-Nathan Benson (Emma, MO), 3. 241-Clay Rogers (Paola, KS), 4. 84-Dave Nicholson (Kellyville, OK), 5. 19-Dalton Terrel (Blanchard, OK), 6. 5b-Clinton Boyles (Greenwood, MO), 7. 26e-Dalton Steed (Kennedale, TX), 8. 71d-Danny Clum (Tulsa, OK).

Heat 8: 1. 92x-Jake Rosario (Guthrie, OK), 2. 8-Josh Marcham (Newcastle, OK), 3. 28b-Cole Berkenbile (Ft. Gibson, OK), 4. 3-Jimmy Wood (Monticello, IN), 5. 11e-Cory Elliott (Bakersfield, CA), 6. 14r-Morgan Roan (Crowley, TX), 7. 131-David Zarski (Olive Branch, MS), 8. 4x-Shawn Peterson (Irving, TX).

Heat 9: 1. 15F-Jeff Frey (Broken Arrow, OK), 2. 00x-Brayden Planko, 3. 92-Jordan Herrman (Jay, OK), 4. 17s-Harlan Hulsey (Owasso, OK), 5. 75-Ryan Truitt (Dewey, OK), 6. 6-Michael Davidson (Amarillo, TX), 7. 52-Clayton Hogie, 8. 35-Chase Meade (Dewey, OK).

Heat 10: 1. 29-Austin Stone (Visalia, CA), 2. 01j-Jeb Sessums (Burleson, TX), 3. 131-Dylan Kadous, 4. 60-Brandon Reagle (Tulsa, OK), 5. 21x-Tom Calico (Tulsa, OK), 6. 08-David McIntosh (Broken Arrow, OK), 7. 33-Craig Carroll (Claremore, OK), 8. 22a-Austin Drueke (Eagle, NE).

Heat 11: 1. 32-Trey Marcham (Oklahoma City, OK), 2. 79-Chris Andrews (Tulsa, OK), 3. 27a-Alex Coronado (Modesta, CA), 4. 151-Seth Hancock (Springville, CA), 5. 03-Shayle Bade (Lincoln, NE), 6. 30-John Crowder (Summerfield, FL), 7. 28g-Cordon Goyer (Owasso, OK), 8. 126-Dustin McGee (Clay Center, KS).

Heat 12: 1. 11F-Mitchell Faccinto (Hanford, CA), 2. 29s-Scott Sawyer (Broken Arrow, OK), 3. 25-Lance Wilson (Creighton, MO), 4. 5c-Kris Carroll (Claremore, OK), 5. 44-Adrian Cobbs (Broken Arrow, OK), 6. 17-Patrick Knight (Wichita Falls, TX), 7. 610-Luke Lucas (Alvin, TX), 8. 13m-Chance McCrary (Farmersville, TX).

Heat 13: 1. 181-Frank Flud (Pryor, OK), 2. 94L-Layne Himebaugh (Collinsville, OK), 3. 26-Nate Lauderbaugh (Kokomo, IN), 4. 102-Chris Berreth (Tulsa, OK), 5. 15d-Andrew Deal (Caney, KS), 6. 16-Danny Davidson (Amarillo, TX), 7. 48-Joe Klonoski (Amarillo, TX). DNS: 2h-Will Harvey (Edmond, OK).

Heat 14: 1. 15x-Tyson Hall (Longview, TX), 2. 42-Josh Toho (El Reno, OK), 3. 83-Shane Weeks (Wagoner, OK), 4. 9d-Earl McDoulett, Jr. (Claremore, OK), 5. 17h-Hayden Hillenburg (Broken Arrow, OK), 6. 71-Darien Roberts (Broken Arrow, OK), 7. 98-Sean Watts (Atwater, CA).

Heat 15: 1. 413-Charles Corte (Broken Arrow, OK), 2. 28w-Chris Wilson (Raymore, MO), 3. 20s-Steven Curbow (Tulsa, OK), 4. 9s-Kevin Swaim (Alexander, AR), 5. 82c-Christian Kinnison (Mansfield, TX), 6. 5k-Nathan Killion (Hustonia, MO), 7. 11x-Donny Rowan (Tulsa, OK).

Heat 16: 1. 281-Zach Alley (Tulsa, OK), 2. H35-Zach Hampton (Clayton, IN), 3. 15b-Quinton Benson (Raymore, MO), 4. 08-Tucker Klaasmeyer (Paola, KS), 5. 5h-Cameron Hagin (Broken Arrow, OK), 6. 01-Allyn Shiveley (Lincoln, NE), 7. 5d-Annie DeRemer (Happy Valley, OR).

Heat 17: 1. 7-Chris Cochran (McLoud, OK), 2. 55-Donnie Ray Crawford (Broken Arrow, OK), 3. 17e-Blake Edwards (Claremore, OK), 4. 51x-Alan Cunningham (Halfway, MO), 5. 007-Shane Sundquist (Loomis, NE), 6. 747-Reagan Reed (Waco, TX), 7. 22x-John Roan (Lillian, TX).

Heat 18: 1. 9p-Parker Price-Miller (Kokomo, IN), 2 99b-Brady Bacon (Broken Arrow, OK), 3. 4e-David Proffitt (Tulsa, OK), 4. 96-Randy Crowder (Muskogee, OK0, 5. 34-Joey Baker (Broken Arrow, OK), 6. 8x-Bill Whitehurst (Broken Arrow, OK), 7. 1a-Leon Alvardo (Riesel, TX).

Heat 19: 1. 27k-Kyle Keeler (El Reno, OK), 2. 99r-Chase Rohrbaugh (Owasso, OK), 3. 25s-Bobby Springer (Mustang, OK), 4. 27-Andy Shouse (Oklahoma City, OK), 5. 20r-Kyle Harris (Bristow, OK), 6. 56-Nick Lucito (Tulsa, OK), 7. 18x-Austin Shores (Atoka, OK).

Heat 20: 1. 1c-Chett Gehrke, 2. 51-Matt Ward, 3. 22c-Cole Campbell (Mexico, MO), 4. 46-Kelly Mahaffey (Tulsa, OK), 5. 170-Michael Berry (Owasso, OK), 6. 22-Payton Williams (N. Richland Hills, TX). DNS: 21T-Terry Hinck (Boonville, MO).

Dec 28 2011

FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS ANNOUNCES 12-RACE SCHEDULE FOR 2012

by Amy Konrath, INDYCAR

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011) - A diverse calendar featuring 12 races divided among ovals, temporary street circuits and permanent road courses highlights the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights schedule announced today by INDYCAR officials.

"Our goal is to prepare Firestone Indy Lights drivers to become successful IZOD IndyCar Series drivers," said Tony George Jr., manager of business development for Firestone Indy Lights. "We've seen how this has worked recently with drivers having success after graduating from the series. The 2012 schedule continues to help us reach that goal by helping our current drivers gain experience and succeed on all types of racing circuits."

Firestone Indy Lights teams will race at the Raceway at Belle Isle for the first time under INDYCAR sanction on the weekend of June 2-3 as part of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. The CART-sanctioned Indy Lights raced at Belle Isle from 1992-2000 with drivers such as Tony Kanaan, Robbie Buhl and Eric Bachelart among the race winners. The series' return to the 2-mile oval at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., on Sept. 15 will be the first Firestone Indy Lights race at the track since 2005.

Eight venues that hosted Firestone Indy Lights races in 2011 return and will be run in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series and have additional support from the Mazda Road to Indy. Firestone Indy Lights returns as the headline event at the Grand Prix of Trois Rivieres on the streets of Trois Rivieres, Quebec. An additional event will be announced at a later date.

For the 10th consecutive year, the Firestone Indy Lights season will begin competition in the state of Florida, with a race on the streets of St. Petersburg on March 24-25. The series will then return to the 2.3-mile Barber Motorsports Park on March 31-April 1 before heading to the streets of Long Beach, Calif., for the fourth time on April 14-15.

The first oval of the season will be the series' premier event - the Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 25, two days before the Indianapolis 500.

"The opportunity to compete on Carb Day at Indianapolis is an experience that is second to none for our drivers, teams and sponsors and the highlight of the schedule each year," George said. "We feel like our schedule demands the ability of both drivers and teams to master a variety of venues with the end result of a champion that is fully prepared to be an IZOD IndyCar Series driver."

The Belle Isle race and the oval event at Iowa Speedway precede the Canadian stretch, which features races on the streets of Toronto's Exhibition Place, Edmonton City Centre Airport and Trois Rivieres. A return to the streets of Baltimore will lead into the race at Auto Club Speedway.

Firestone Indy Lights is the premier ladder series for drivers and teams striving to compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. The top series in the Mazda Road to Indy development system, teams compete for more than $3 million in prize money in cars that are second in speed only to the IZOD IndyCar Series at most tracks they visit. Graduates of this fast and cost-effective series include Marco Andretti, Ana Beatriz, Ed Carpenter, Wade Cunningham, Jay Howard, James Hinchcliffe, JR Hildebrand, Alex Lloyd, Charlie Kimball and Raphael Matos.

The complete 2012 Firestone Indy Lights schedule:

March 24-25 Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla.

March 31- April 1 Barber Motorsports Park

April 14-15 Streets of Long Beach, Calif.

May 25 Indianapolis Motor Speedway

June 2-3 Raceway at Belle Isle Park

June 22- 23 Iowa Speedway

July 7-8 Streets of Toronto

July 21-22 Edmonton City Centre Airport

Aug. 5 Streets of Trois Rivieres, Quebec

Sept. 1-2 Streets of Baltimore

Sept. 15 Auto Club Speedway

TBD TBD

Dec 27 2011

27th Annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout this Weekend!

Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (December 26, 2011) – The 2011 racing season finishes with a bang as the 27th Annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout takes place this weekend at the QuikTrip Center’s Tulsa Expo Raceway.

More than 700 entries from throughout the nation and beyond will take to the 1/5-mile clay oval, each vying for Golden Drillers in the eight classes of competition that include six Micro Sprint Car classes along with the Chevy ECOTech Midgets and the 1200cc Mini Sprints.

Last year’s edition of the event, the first all-open wheel version of the Tulsa Shootout, attracted a micro world record of 715 competitors. A similar number is expected this weekend.

After Wednesday’s move-in day, practice follows on Thursday with heat races and qualifiers for the Non-Wing Outlaw and “A” Class divisions getting under way at approximately 4:30 p.m. The remaining six divisions (Outlaw, Non-Wing, Restricted “A” Class, Junior Sprints, Chevy ECOTech Midgets and 1200cc Mini Sprints) will take to the track for heat races on Friday beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Semi-mains in all classes get under way at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, with the championship feature events set for Saturday night at approximately 6:45 p.m.

Among the current entries is reigning Outlaw Micro Sprint winner Blake Hahn of Sapulpa, OK, who will try to become the first back-to-back winner in the headline Outlaw class since Pete Frazier accomplished the feat in 1993 and 1994. In fact, since Frazier won again in 1998, only Indiana’s Rodney Stealy has repeated in the Outlaw class with wins in 2004 and 2006. Other recent Outlaw class winners include Kevin Bayer (2009), Brady Bacon (2008) and Jerrod Wilson (2007), each of whom are set to vie for another Golden Driller this weekend.

Hahn will also defend his title in the Non-Wing Outlaw class after completing a sweep of the two Outlaw classes last year. Also set to defend Tulsa Shootout titles are Andrew Deal (“A” Class) and Koen Shaw (Non-Wing). Dalton Wiseley topped last year’s Restricted “A” Class main event, while Josiah Ribeiro claimed Junior Sprint honors for the second year in a row.

After Kevin Bayer won the inaugural Chevy ECOTech Midget main event at the 2010 Tulsa Shootout, Tulsa’s Mike Ward made a last-corner pass of Tim Crawley to take top honors last year. Washington’s Derek Holmood is set to defend his Tulsa Shootout title after taking the top spot as the 1200cc Mini Sprints debuted at the Shootout last year.

Grandstand tickets are available for Friday’s action for $15, with Saturday’s grandstands tickets just $20. Children ages 6-11 are just $5 each day. After Thursday night’s Non-Wing Outlaw and “A” Class heat races, approximately 80-90 more heat races and qualifiers on Friday will set the stage for Saturday’s semi-mains and main events.

For more information, contact the Tulsa Shootout at 918-838-3777 or check on-line at www.tulsashootout.com.

Dec 24 2011

Pre Entries For The 14th Annual Rumble In Fort Wayne

Memorial Coliseum Expo Center- Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011

www.rumbleseries.com

by Tony Barhorst

MIDGETS (NATIONAL/FORD FOCUS/KENYON)

No. Driver/Hometown Entrant/Sponsor/Chassis/Engine

0 +Dave Darland/Lincoln, IN Rick Daugherty/Peterbilt of Northwest Ohio/Shores/Volkswagen

0s Steve Irwin/Fenton, MI Flying Zero Racing LLC/Ronnie Johncox Racing/Shores/Volkswagen

2 +Tony Stewart/Columbus, IN Tony Stewart Racing/Our Gang Poker Club/Munchkin/Volkswagen

2X Jim “Timex” Morgan/Rochester, NY Afterhours Imaging/Pepsi – Dunkin’ Donuts – Afterhours Imaging/Munchkin/Volkswagen

3 Chris Neuenschwander/New Haven, IN Gary Barnett/Wheeler Insulation-Hoosier Metal Recycling – Pro Strip – Saylor Racing Engines/Stealth/Gaerte

4 Gary Bradley/Leiters Ford, IN Gary Bradley Motorsports/Smith Machine & Tool/Beast/Pontiac

6 David Gough/Machesney Park, IL A&G Motorsports/Manic Racing – JAMR Racing Engines – Janssen Machine/Thompson/Autocraft

6T6 Terry Ahern/Countryside, IL Terry Ahern/Terry’s Byke Haus – Lightning Chassis/Lightning/Esslinger

7 Jon Stanbrough/Avon, IN Rick Daugherty/Peterbilt of Northwest Ohio/Munchkin/Volkswagen

8 Nick Hamilton/Danville, IN Mike Hamilton/Curtis Motor Sales –Hamilton Painting – Faires Trim/Beast/Volkswagen

8up Tim Jedrzejek/Independence, OH Randall Williams/Mr. Heater/Williams Auto Service – Elliott’s Trailers & Carts/Jacobs/Pontiac

10 Jacob Wilson/Crawfordsville, IN Moore Racing Enterprises LLC/Don Moore Music Publications – ClickDonMoore.com/Beast/Stanton Mopar

10t Mike Wallace/Plainfield, IL Mike Wallace/MWR Technology – Lightning Chassis/Lightning/Esslinger

14 Cooper Clouse/Ohio City, OH Jeff Clouse-Cooper Clouse Racing/Burtch Seed – Hawk Chassis – Peterbilt of Northwest Ohio/Hawk/VW

15 +Rich Corson/Markham, IL Corson-Savage/Steve Savage – Ash-Dome – D’Arcy Motors -- AutismSpeaks.org – U.S. Navy/Hawk/Fontana

19 Matt Westfall/Pleasant Hill, OH Dave & Bonna Ryder/Dave Ryder Racing – Bordner Welding – E&E Machine & Tool – Klotz/Vogler/VW

19d Dan Dunigan/Jackson, MI Dan Dunnigan Sr./Michigan Cat- Balance Performance-Hawk/Brayton

20 Mike Osite/Brooklyn, NY Mike Fedorcak/Fedorcak Fabrication/Munchkin/Volkswagen

22 Eric Shirey/Oberlin, OH Sexton Racing/Sexton Group/Beast/Ford Focus

22h Joe Liguori/Tampa, FL Sexton Racing/Sexton Group/Stealth/Ecotec

27 Chris Jagger/Warsaw, IN Chris Jagger/Jagger Racing/Shores/Autocraft Volkswagen

28 Tyler Cottongim/Brownsburg, IN Eric Cottongim/Pit Stop BBQ & Grill/Kenyon/Yamaha

31 Derek Bischak/Angola, IN Bob Bischak/Angola Collision Services – Snap-on Tools/Spike/Gaerte Ford

32 David Fuhrman/Roachdale, IN David Fuhrman/Umber’s Do it Best Hardware/Kenyon/Yamaha

33 Kyle Hamilton/Danville, IN Mike Hamilton/Curtis Motor Sales – Faires Trim – Hamilton Painting/Beast/Volkswagen

49 Donnie Adams Jr./Alexandria, IN Randy Burrow/Burco Molding/Kenyon/Volkswagen

52c Isaac Chapple/Wilkinson, IN Isaac Chapple Racing/CFH Enterprises LLC – PGG Enterprises LLC- 3K Racing/Kenyon/Yamaha.

55 Taylor Ferns/Shelby Township, MI Jim Ferns/Motor City Auto Transport – Simpson Race Products –

ButlerBuilt/Beast/Volkswagen

56 Cory Setser/Fort Wayne Chuck Rencurrel/Setser Transport & Towing/Munchkin/Volkswagen

59 Bryan Nuckles/Canal Winchester, OH Bryan Nuckles/Columbus Motor Speedway/Strei-Tech/Volkswagen

61 Deano Lennon/Indianapolis Deano Lennon/Printing Image – 3K Racing/Kenyon/Gaerte Buick

67 (TBA) Sexton Racing/Sexton Group/Jacobs/Volkswagen

78k Brandon Knupp/Mooresville, NC John Chambers/Brock Lesnar’s DeathClutch Clothing – Mark Knupp Muffler & Tire LLC/LTC/Autocraft VW

92 Joey Burrow/Noblesville, IN Randy Burrow/Burco Molding/Kenyon/Yamaha

97 +Mike Fedorcak/Roanoke, IN Tony Stewart Racing/Tony Stewart Racing/Munchkin/Volkswagen

98 Bobby Santos III/Franklin, MA Randy Burrow/Burco Molding/Edmunds-Burrow/Volkswagen

99 +Billy Wease/Noblesville, IN Randy Burrow/Burco Molding/Fedorcak-Burrow/Volkswagen

99g +Jim Anderson/Joliet, IL Guess Racing Ltd./Packard Transport – Mr. B’s/Ellis/Mopar

+former Rumble in Fort Wayne feature winner

(NOTE: Jagger and Cottongim are entered for Friday only; driver of No. 28 is TBA for Saturday)

DEFENDING RUMBLE IN FORT WAYNE CHAMPIONS: Jim Anderson, No. 99g Guess Racing Ltd. Ellis/Mopar (first night), and Dave Darland, No. 0 Rick Daugherty Shores/Volkswagen (second night)

Dec 22 2011

Coming up Stewart in ‘Rumble in Fort Wayne midgets next Friday night Dec 30 and Saturday Dec 31’

By Tony Barhorst

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Reigning NASCAR champion Tony Stewart will return to his roots to race an open-wheeled midget car in the 14th annual Rumble in Fort Wayne at the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center.

The Indiana native, widely regarded as one of the world's most versatile drivers, has entered his black No. 2 Munchkin car for both days of the indoor event on Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31. He has won a record seven times on the 1/6-mile track but will be appearing at Fort Wayne for the first time since 2008.

Stewart, 40, claimed his third career NASCAR stock car championship last month, winning five of the final 10 Sprint Cup races. He captured IndyCar and USAC Silver Crown, sprint and midget titles earlier in his career.

"I've always taken pride in being able to jump around in different race cars and be competitive," Stewart said. "The Rumble in Fort Wayne is no different. "I love running there and have always had a good time racing in Indiana in the winter in front of passionate fans."

Stewart, a member of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, has been almost unbeatable at Fort Wayne. His seven victories have come in only 12 feature starts dating to 1999. During a stretch from 2004-08, he won six of the eight features in which he competed. His longtime indoor teammate and car builder, Mike Fedorcak of Roanoke, Ind., also is entered in another Tony Stewart Racing Munchkin.

"It is very exciting to have the best driver in the world compete here again in Fort Wayne," Rumble Series president Tony Barhorst said. "He will be racing against champions of many different sanctioning bodies Dec. 30-31."

The Rumble in Fort Wayne features complete racing programs each day, with the main portion of the event after 7 p.m., and also includes winged outlaw modified midgets, non-winged mini-sprints, karts and quarter midgets. Jimmy Anderson and Dave Darland won last season's midget features.

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at the Memorial Coliseum box office, through Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000.

Reserved seating (middle sections of the frontstretch) is available only in advance and is $22.50 for one day or $41 for both days. General admission is $19.50 for one day or $35 for both days. Kids 12 and under are admitted for $10 for one day or $16 for both. Pit passes, available only at the event, are $30 for one day or $55 for two.

More information is available at www.rumbleseries.com, by calling 317-418-3216 or by e-mailing tbracefest@aol.com.

Dec 16 2011

HO-HO-HO! KO-KO-MO TICKETS MAKE EXCELLENT XMAS GIFTS!

by Dick Jordan

Santa Claus himself would even be glad to receive this as a Christmas present – tickets for the 2012 “Sprint Car Smackdown” at the Kokomo, Ind. Speedway!

Race fans should check out the Kokomo Speedway or USAC websites for the latest information about what will be a highly-anticipated three-night Sprint car spectacular at one of America’s finest short dirt tracks. Visit www.KokomoSpeedway.net or www.usacracing.com and order your tickets now for the August 23-24-25 “tripleheader.”

Advanced reserved three-night grandstand tickets are now on sale at $75 each for adults. Please contact the speedway via email at jillager@sbcglobal.net or call (765) 459-3877 to order your “Smackdown” tickets. A $5 handling fee per ticket is applicable for all advanced sales tickets.

Kokomo has long been a USAC mainstay, hosting races since USAC’s inaugural season in 1956. Rich Vogler won USAC’s first Sprint race at Kokomo in 1982 and the ensuing 30 years have produced 18 different winner, including this year’s first-time winner Hunter Schuerenberg.

Kokomo Speedway is also part of the 2012 USAC Indiana Midget Week and Indiana Sprint Week calendars. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history in the making!

--USAC--

Dec 14 2011

NASCAR’s Tony Stewart to race in ‘Rumble in Fort Wayne’

Tony Stewart, wearing an open-face helmet, races his No. 2 midget at the Rumble in Fort Wayne. The three-time NASCAR champion will return to the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center on Dec. 30-31 for the first time since 2008./Photo by Dave Merritt}

by Tony Barhorst

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Reigning NASCAR champion Tony Stewart will return to his roots to race an open-wheeled midget car in the 14th annual Rumble in Fort Wayne at the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center.

"I've always taken pride in being able to jump around in different race cars and be competitive," Stewart said. "The Rumble in Fort Wayne is no different.

"I love running there and have always had a good time racing in Indiana in the winter in front of passionate fans."

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at the Memorial Coliseum box office, through Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000.

More information is available at www.rumbleseries.com, by calling 317-418-3216 or by e-mailing tbracefest@aol.com.

-30-

I decided to start my own open wheel racing news blog.

Please share any comments, stories, ideas, etc., and I'd be happy to add links and expand :-)

Feel free to send me any news from the West too, including racing news from West Coast alum!

The link is here:

http://wowracingnews.blogspot.com/

Please enjoy,

-Robert Haugh

PRELIMINARY USAC DATES SET FOR 2012 SILVER CROWN SPRINT CAR And Midget series

2012 TRAXXAS PRELIMINARY DATES

SET FOR 2012 AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SERIESPRELIMINARY DATES

FEATURES ADDED “HALL OF FAME CLASSIC” AT IRP

Opening with a brand-new USAC “Hall of Fame” race at Indianapolis Raceway Park May 19, the 2012 Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Championship Series encompasses nine races, five on dirt and four on pavement.

The “Sumar Classic” at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track returns as the season finale in October. The “Rollie Beale 150” at Toledo (Ohio) Speedway, the closing events the past two seasons, moves to its new June date in 2012.

“Traditional” races abound, including the “Hoosier Hundred” at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the “Tony Bettenhausen 100” at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and the “Ted Horn 100” at the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds.

Iowa Speedway again showcases USAC’s Traxxas Silver Crown cars on its spectacular 7/8-mile pavement in June and the “4-Crown Nationals” unfolds at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio in September.

Indianapolis Raceway Park becomes the first track to host two Traxxas Silver Crown races in the same season since 2003 when it hosts the “J.D. Byrider 100” in July. Ironically, IRP was also the host for the two 2003 races,

2012 USAC TRAXXAS SILVER CROWN SCHEDULE

Date Location/Track

May 19 Indianapolis, IN/Indianapolis Raceway Park

May 25 Indianapolis, IN/Indiana State Fairgrounds

June 22 Newton, IA/Iowa Speedway

June 29 Toledo, OH/Toledo Speedway

July 27 Indianapolis, IN/Indianapolis Raceway Park

August 18 Springfield, IL/Illinois State Fairgrounds

September 2 DuQuoin, IL/DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

September 22 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway

October 13 Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track

45 PRELIMINARY DATES
SET FOR 2012 AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SERIES

“Bubba’s Winter Dirt Games” at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla.in February kick off an ambitious 45-race 2012 calendar for USAC’s AMSOIL National Sprint Cars, with every race on the calendar offering a minimum of $5,000-to-win and $500-to-start and special events offering accelerated purses.

Major events will include the traditional “Budweiser Oval Nationals” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway, which will conclude the campaign, plus the five-race “Eastern Storm” in June, a new three-night “Sprint Car Smackdown” at the Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway and a two-night “Ultimate Challenge” special event at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa which will wrap up a five-race mid-America swing in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.

Return engagements include the seven-race Indiana Sprint Week in July, Terre Haute’s “Tony Hulman Classic,” the “4-Crown Nationals” at Rossburg, Ohio, and September specials at Haubstadt and Lawrenceburg, Ind.

Additional new venues include Pontoon Beach, Ill., Cameron, Mo., Wilmot, Wisc., West Memphis, AR and Hartford, Mich. and return visits to tracks which had USAC debuts rained out in 2011 – Port Royal, Pa. and Eagle, Neb.

A two-night extravaganza at Dodge City (Kans.) Raceway Park concludes the Midwest and Central America part of the schedule in October.

2012 USAC AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE

Date Location/Track

February 9 Ocala, FL/Bubba Raceway Park

February 10 Ocala, FL/Bubba Raceway Park

February 11 Ocala, FL/Bubba Raceway Park

April 14 Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway

April 20 Gas City, IN/Gas City I-69 Speedway

April 21 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway

April 28 Putnamville, IN/Lincoln Park Speedway

May 12 Haubstadt, IN/Tri-State Speedway

May 18 Bloomington, IN/Bloomington Speedway

May 24 Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track

June 4 #Sarver, PA/Lernerville Speedway

June 5 #Bechtelsville, PA/Grandview Speedway

June 7 #New Egypt, NJ/New Egypt Speedway

June 8 #Minersville, PA/Big Diamond Speedway

June 9 #Port Royal, PA/Port Royal Speedway

June 23 Wilmot, WI/Wilmot Raceway

June 24 Sun Prairie, WI/Angell Park Speedway

July 13 @Gas City, IN/Gas City I-69 Speedway

July 14 @Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway

July 15 @Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway

July 18 @Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track

July 19 @Putnamville, IN/Lincoln Park Speedway

July 20 @Bloomington, IN/Bloomington Speedway

July 21 @Haubstadt, IN/Tri-State Speedway

August 3 Eagle, NE/Eagle Raceway

August 4 Grain Valley, MO/Valley Speedway

August 5 Cameron, MO/US 36 Raceway

August 6 Oskaloosa, IA (SE)/Southern Iowa Speedway

August 7 Oskaloosa, IA (SE)/Southern Iowa Speedway

August 11 Hartford, MI/Hartford Motor Speedway

August 23 Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway

August 24 Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway

August 25 Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway

September 1 Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track

September 7 Pontoon Beach, IL (T)/Tri-City Speedway

September 8 West Memphis, AR/Riverside International Speedway

September 15 Haubstadt, IN/Tri-State Speedway

September 22 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway

September 29 Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway

October 19 Dodge City, KS/Dodge City Raceway Park

October 20 Dodge City, KS/Dodge City Raceway Park

October 26 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park

October 27 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park

November 2 Perris, CA/Perris Auto Speedway

November 3 Perris, CA/Perris Auto Speedway

#=Eastern Storm

@=Indiana Sprint Week

PRELIMINARY 2012 MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET SCHEDULE
SHOWCASES TRADITIONAL EVENTS

Twenty-four preliminary dates have been released for USAC’s 2012 Mopar National Midget Series, with “traditional events” spanning the calendar.

Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C., which hosted USAC Ford Focus events in 2011, joins the Mopar National Midget calendar in 2012, offering series openers in late-March, while the series concludes with the 72nd running of the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Calif. in November.

In between, highlights include the “Hut Hundred” at Haubstadt, Ind., the “Night Before the 500” in Indianapolis, Ind., Indiana Midget Week, the “4-Crown Nationals” at Rossburg, Ohio and the “Gold Crown Nationals” at Pontoon Beach, Ill.

New to the calendar is the two-night “Plymouth Palooza” at Plymouth (Ind.) Speedway in July with the first night’s events on the track’s 1/3-mile paved oval and the following night’s races on a newly-constructed dirt oval inside the paved oval.

2012 USAC MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET SCHEDULE

Date Location/Track

March 30 Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway

March 31 Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway

May 4 Dodge City, KS/Dodge City Raceway Park

May 5 Dodge City, KS/Dodge City Raceway Park

May 26 Indianapolis, IN/Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis

June 2 Haubstadt, IN/Tri-State Speedway

June 13 @Gas City, IN/Gas City I-69 Speedway

June 14 @Putnamville, IN/Lincoln Park Speedway

June 15 @Bloomington, IN/Bloomington Speedway

June 16 @Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway

June 17 @Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway

June 22 Newton, IA/Iowa Speedway

June 29 Toledo, OH/Toledo Speedway

June 30 Morris, IL/Grundy County Speedway

July 6 Plymouth, IN/Plymouth Speedway

July 7 Plymouth, IN/Plymouth Speedway

July 8 Sun Prairie, WI/Angell Park Speedway

July 27 Indianapolis, IN/Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis

August 19 Sun Prairie, WI/Angell Park Speedway

September 22 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway

October 4 Pontoon Beach, IL/Tri-City Speedway

October 5 Pontoon Beach, IL/Tri-City Speedway

October 6 Pontoon Beach, IL/Tri-City Speedway

November 22 Irwindale, CA/Toyota Speedway at Irwindale

@=Indiana Midget Week

CLAUSON AGAIN HEADLINES LIST OF USAC CHAMPIONS

AT FRIDAY’S 56th “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” CELEBRATION

by DICK JORDAN

Friday night’s 56th USAC “Night of Champions” National Awards Dinner held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. sported a somewhat familiar theme to the previous year’s function. Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. once again headlined the list of award recipients after claiming his second consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship.

Clauson, of Noblesville, Ind., raked in a $40,000 year-end cash bonus, along with a $300,000 scholarship from INDYCAR.

Also accepting checks as members of the National Drivers Championship “top-10” were runner-up Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, Calif., Chris Windom of Canton, Ill., Levi Jones of Olney, Ill., Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind., Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind., Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz., Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif., Hunter Schuerenberg of Sikeston, Mo. and Jon Stanbrough of Avon, Ind.

Clauson, as he did in 2010, also claimed the 2011 USAC Mopar National Midget title and was again the top USAC Midget driver on dirt.

Tony Stewart Racing teammate Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. repeated as the 2011 USAC Traxxas Silver Crown and AMSOIL National Sprint Car Champion. The Silver Crown title was Jones’ second, while his fifth Sprint car title broke the previous record of four set by Steve Butler.

Nick Drake of Mooresville, N.C. also claimed his second consecutive USAC National Ford Focus crown and will have his name again emblazoned on the permanent Henry Ford Sweepstakes Trophy, along with 2011 USAC National Focus Young Guns Champion Cole Custer of Kannapolis, N.C. Drake also claimed the Eastern Ford Focus title.

Champions of USAC’s 2011 The Off Road Championship (TORC) series honored Friday included Ricky Johnson of Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (Pro 4x4), Bryce Menzies of Las Vegas, Nev. (Pro 2WD) and Andrew Caddell of Graham, Wash. (Pro Light 2WD).

Keys to the City of Indianapolis from Mayor Gregory A. Ballard were presented to Jones, Clauson and Drake in recognition of their 2011 National Championships.

Emcees Jim Tretow and Meghan Kolb (TORC) orchestrated the presentations, which included driver and car entrant champions, Rookies of the Year, Most Improved Drivers and special award recipients.

Among items presented to the 2011 champions were trophies, plaques, Oakley timepieces, Hoosier jackets, medallions and personalized remote-control TRAXXAS Trucks.

USAC President Kevin Miller and Famous Rhodes, Senior Director of eBay Motors, outlined special eBay Motors/Mopar PACE Awards presented to Famous Rhodes II, Taylor Ferns, Mitch Hoffses and R.J. Anderson, while Tommy McCarthy and Tyler Shullick received Arrive and Drive Awards.

Driving champions in addition to the aforementioned included Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. (AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprints), Tony Hunt of Lincoln, Calif. (AMSOIL Western Sprints and Western Classic Pavement Sprints), Geoff Ensign of Sebastopol, Calif. (Western Classic Sprints), Cory Kruseman of Ventura, Calif. (Mopar Western Midgets), Jim Waters of West Jordan, Utah (Rocky Mountain Sprint and Utah Ford Focus), Richard VanderWeerd of Visalia, Calif. (West Coast 360 Sprint), Taylor Ferns of Shelby Township, Mich. (Mopar D1 Midget), Joe Krawiec of Bristol, Conn. (DMA Midget), Ross Rankine of Willard, Ohio (Midwest Ford Focus), Brodie Kostecki of Roseville, Calif. (Western Ford Focus and Focus Young Guns), Jared Irvan of Midland, N.C. (Eastern Focus Young Guns) and Sam McGhee of Camby, Ind. (Midwest Focus Young Guns).

Lyn St. James, founder of the Women in the Winners Circle program joined 2004 USAC Speedrome Midget Champion Sondi Eden in celebrating along with newly-crowned USAC Mopar D1 Midget Champ Taylor Ferns. Ferns became USAC’s second female driving champion in 2011 while Jessica Clark claimed a pair of Western Ford Focus titles to expand the list of USAC female driving champs to three.

Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif. was honored as the top USAC pavement Midget driver, while Bobby Santos of Franklin, Mass. was honored as the top pavement Sprint driver of 2011.

Honored as USAC .25 Midget National Champions as a result of their “Generation Next Tour” titles were Harrison Burton of Huntersville, NC (Light 160), Tyler Clem of St. Petersburg, FL (Junior Honda), Bryant Dawson of Phoenix, AZ (Mod and Heavy AA), Michael Fanelli of Rio Rancho, NM (Unrestricted Animal), Carson Hocevar of Portage, MI (Junior Stock and Junior Animal), Jared Irvan of Midland, NC (Senior Honda), Garrett Jones of West Palm Beach, FL (Light World Formula and Senior Animal) Ryan Krachun of Neshanic, NJ (B), Mark Miller of Mooresville, NC (Heavy 160), Wil Raber of Allegan, MI (Heavy Honda), Katlyn Stanley of Concord, NC (Heavy World Formula) and Gage Walker of Fairland, IN (Light AA).

Ford Racing was presented the Midget Engine Manufacturer of the Year award, while Mopar received the TORC Engine Manufacturer of the Year honors. B.F. Goodrich earned the TORC Tire Manufacturer of the Year award.

Andrew Caddell of Graham, Wash. accepted the TORC TRAXXAS MAXX Award for posting the most “fastest laps” during the 2011 Pro Light 2WD campaign.

R.J. Anderson of Riverside, Calif., also a Pro Light 2WD participant, was named TORC “Rookie of the Year,” and Mark Jenkins of Fairview, Texas, a Pro 4x4 participant, was named the “Most Improved” TORC driver.

Oakley Bomb awards went to Bryce Menzies (Pro 2WD) and Ricky Johnson (Pro 4x4).

The second annual “Jack Flannery Award” recognizing determination and perseverance went to Scott Taylor of Belvidere, Ill. The TORC “Crew Chief of the Year” honors went to Mike Krahling of Red Bull Team Menzies.

A special USAC “Spirit of Youth Award” was presented to Melissa Osborne of Winston Salem, N.C. for her many contributions to the sport of quarter-midget racing.

National car entrant champions included Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing of Brownsburg, Ind. (Silver Crown), Tony Stewart Racing (National Sprint Car) and Corey Tucker Racing/BCI/Curb-Agajanian of Noblesville, Ind. (National Midget).

USAC President Kevin Miller presented USAC Special Appreciation Awards to Traxxas (corporate) and Gary Reed of Toyota (individual) for their contributions and dedicated service to the racing community.

Randy Bernard, Chief Executive Officer for INDYCAR, was named as the recipient of USAC’s prestigious Roger McCluskey Award of Excellence, recognizing his commitment to USAC and its grass-roots racing endeavors.

USAC’s 2011 “Race Organizer of the Year” awards were presented to Bob Miller for the Sprint Eastern Storm series (National) and Dennis Gage of Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. (Western).

Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, Calif. earned the 2011! USAC Silver Crown “Rookie of the Year” honors as well as the Bob Stroud Memorial National Midget “Rookie of the Year” Award. Coleman Gulick of Binghamton, N.Y. received the National Sprint Car “Rookie of the Year” honors.

Casey Riggs of Shelbyville, Ind. and Zach Daum of Pocahontas, Ill were named USAC “Most Improved” National Drivers of 2011.

The Jim Blunk Award for contributions to the sport of Midget racing went to three-time USAC National Midget Champion Jason Leffler in recognition of his commitment to the history of the sport of Midget auto racing.

USAC’s 2011 “Mechanical Achievement of the Year” awards went to Tony Stewart Racing’s John Sayne and Brad Mariscotti.

Second and third-place drivers and car entrants in USAC’s National racing series also received their year-end recognition and awards.

All USAC driving champions were also presented one-year memberships by the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa.

Joe DeFabis of DeFabis Photography, USAC’s Official Portrait Studio, presented Championship Photos to the 2011 National driving champions.

Floral decorations were provided by Jockish Flowers of Indianapolis. Tim Spillman of Auto Racing Ministries delivered the invocation.

--USAC--

INAUGURAL eBAY MOTORS/MOPAR PACE AWARDS

TO BE REVEALED FRIDAY AT USAC’S “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS”

by DICK JORDAN

Four young aspiring race drivers will be announced as the recipients of the inaugural eBay Motors/PACE Awards this Friday night as part of festivities at the 56th Annual USAC “Night of Champions Awards ceremonies.

Each of the drivers under the age of 20 will receive a distinctive award and the program offers more than $100,000 from eBay Motors which will apply toward their motorsports careers.

In conjunction with USAC sponsors Traxxas, AMSOIL, Mopar and Oakley, eBay Motors has partnered together with them to develop this new scholarship program to recognize emerging motorsports talent and foster their careers.

"eBay Motors is incredibly excited to partner with USAC to help support the racing community," said Famous Rhodes, senior director, eBay Motors. "With the millions of enthusiasts visiting eBay Motors each month, we wanted an opportunity to give back to the community, and the sponsorship with USAC is a great way to do so. As this year's racing season comes to a conclusion, we congratulate this year's top winners, and look forward to an exciting year ahead."

Two additional drivers will also be awarded special “arrive and drive” programs by eBay Motors and they will also be announced at Friday’s USAC function.

The PACE awards represent the Program for Acceleration of Championship Education and these awards are designed to become an annual vehicle for recognition of youthful motorsports talent.

More information regarding the eBay Motors/Mopar PACE Award program can be found on USAC’s website at http://www.usacracing.com/pace/.

--USAC--

Dec 7 2011

ROOKIES LARSON & GULICK & MOST IMPROVEDS DAUM & RIGGS

SHARE USAC SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY IN INDIANAPOLIS

by DICK JORDAN

Champions of USAC’s 2011 racing season will be honored on Friday night, December 9, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. as the 56th “Night of Champions” coincides this year with the 3rd Annual International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), being held at the nearby Indiana Convention Center.

USAC “Rookies of the Year” for 2012 include Kyle Larson (Traxxas Silver Crown and Mopar National Midget) and Coleman Gulick (AMSOIL National Sprint Car), while “Most Improved Drivers” for 2012 are Zach Daum and Casey Riggs. Larson, of Elk Grove, Calif., finished third in both the Silver Crown and Midget standings and Gulick, of Binghamton, N.Y., was 14th in the final Sprint standings. Larson won the “4-Crown Nationals” Silver Crown race and posted four Midget wins during the season. Gulick’s best finishes included a runner-up finish to Jon Stanbrough at Sarver, Pa. Daum, of Pocahontas, Ill. and Riggs, of Shelbyville, Ind., both USAC feature winners during 2012, were deemed to have exhibited the most improvement over previous USAC seasons. Daum won the prestigious “Hut Hundred” Midget race and Riggs scored a $10,000-to-win Sprint victory at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Inc.

In addition to the various series championship awards, numerous other performance awards are part of the ceremonies as well as special recognition awards.

USAC’s Traxxas Off-Road Truck Championships (TORC) will also be featured at the banquet, which gets under way with a cocktail hour at 6 pm and dinner to follow at 7.

USAC National Racing Champions to be honored include Bryan Clauson, the repeat winner of USAC’s National Drivers Championship and Mopar National Midget title. The National Drivers Championship again carries a $40,000 cash prize and a yet-to-be-announced 2012 scholarship from INDYCAR. Other National Champions are Levi Jones (Silver Crown and AMSOIL Sprint) and Nick Drake (Ford Focus) and Cole Custer (Focus Young Guns). Traxxas TORC Champions include Ricky Johnson (Pro 4x4), Bryce Menzies (Pro 2WD) and Andrew Caddell (Pro Light 2WD).

The Indiana Roof Ballroom is located at 140 W. Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis.

--USAC--

Dec 1 2011

RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP TICKETS WENT ON SALE THURSDAY, DEC. 1

Special savings available for fans who buy tickets, new incentives early

by J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 - Tickets for the 2012 Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP event, scheduled for Aug. 17-19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will go on sale Thursday, Dec. 1, and fans are encouraged to buy now at www.imstix.com to take advantage of special early pricing.

Reserved seat ticket prices for Race Day, Sunday, Aug. 19, are unchanged from 2011. Prices range from $70-$130 depending on location. Fans who purchase a Race Day reserved seat also can buy a Friday-Saturday general admission ticket for just $20 any time between Dec. 1 and Aug. 17, a great value.

"Indianapolis is my home race, and it's already circled on my calendar for 2012," said 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, from Owensboro, Ky. "I really appreciate the support of the fans at IMS, and I hope to see you next August. Get your tickets today and take advantage of this very good offer."

Fan-friendly incentives available only for Race Day reserved seat ticket holders in 2012 include motorcycle track laps, three-day auto parking passes and VIP motorcycle parking near the IMS Hall of Fame Museum.

These amenities - track laps and VIP motorcycle parking are new for 2012 - will be sold through tiered pricing, so reserved seat customers who buy early will enjoy special savings. Prices for each of these products will be $10 from Dec. 1 through April 15. The cost will increase to $30 from April 16-Aug. 1 and to $40 from Aug. 2-19.

Four types of tickets will be available for general admission customers at the 2012 Red Bull Indianapolis GP: Friday, Saturday, Race Day and Three Day (Friday-Saturday-Sunday). Friday-Saturday general admission tickets are available only for Race Day reserved seat customers.

General admission tickets for Friday, Aug. 17 or Saturday, Aug. 18 cost $20 each from Dec. 1 through Race Day, Sunday, Aug. 19.

Three Day and Race Day general admission tickets will be sold through tiered pricing:

Orders for general admission and reserved seat tickets, track laps and parking can be made at www.imstix.com and through the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. For more information, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2012 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Information on camping at IMS during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP is available at www.imstix.com. Hotel package information can be found at visitindy.com/redbull.

The Red Bull Indianapolis GP will be the 11th of 18 events in the 2012 MotoGP World Championship, which opens April 15 with the Grand Prix of Qatar.

The fifth annual MotoGP race at IMS will take place one week earlier than in 2011. The event also will be the second half of a new American swing for the world's most prestigious motorcycle racing series.

The Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix is scheduled for July 27-29 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., followed by MotoGP's traditional summer break and then the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

MotoGP fans will see new machinery in the premier class in 2012. Riders will compete on 1000cc prototype motorcycles, with more speed and power than the 800cc machines used since 2007.

There also will be three Americans on the MotoGP starting grid for the fifth consecutive year at IMS: 2006 World Champion Hayden, 2010 Rookie of the Year Ben Spies and Colin Edwards. Hayden and Spies each are two-time podium finishers in the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, and Spies won the pole for the 2010 race.

World Championship support classes Moto2 and the new Moto3 will return to IMS in 2012. Other support classes will be announced in the future.

Nov 29 2011

LARSON VAULTS TO 2ND IN FINAL NDC POINTS

by Dick Jordan

Kyle Larson’s fourth-place finish in Thursday night’s “Turkey Night Grand Prix” vaulted him from fourth to second in the final 2011 USAC National Drivers Championship and the $20,000 cash prize the position affords. Prizes will be distributed at the USAC “Night of Champions” Awards Banquet in Indianapolis, Ind. December 9.

Bryan Clauson finish third in Thursday’s USAC’s National eason finale at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., completing his drive to his second USAC National Drivers Championship. He will receive his $40,000 cash prize and a yet-to-be announced scholarship from INDYCAR at the December 9 “Night of Champions.”

Drivers finishing third through 10th in the final standings and also earning year-end cash bonuses included Chris Windom (3rd), Levi Jones (4th), Tracy Hines (5th), Bobby East (6th), Jerry Coons Jr. (7th), Darren Hagen (8th), Hunter Schuerenberg (9th) and Jon Stanbrough (10th).

USAC NATIONAL DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS AND YEAR-END PAYOUT

1-Bryan Clauson-1,062 ($40,000); 2-Kyle Larson-1,028 ($20,000); 3-Chris Windom-1,026 ($15,000); 4-Levi Jones-1,022 ($12,500); 5-Tracy Hines-991 ($10,000); 6-Bobby East-942 ($7,500); 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-921 ($5,000); 8-Darren Hagen-866; ($3,000); 9-Hunter Schuerenberg-864 ($2,000); 10-Jon Stanbrough-854 ($1,000).

Nov 24 2011

1960 INDIANAPOLIS 500 WINNER RATHMANN DIES AT 83

by J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 - Jim Rathmann, winner of both the 1960 Indianapolis 500 and the international 500-mile "Race of Two Worlds" in 1958 at Monza, Italy, died Wednesday, Nov. 23.

Rathmann passed away in a hospice in Melbourne, Fla., nine days after suffering a seizure at his home. He was 83.

Rathmann, who was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007, already was a three-time runner-up in the "500" (1952, 1957 and 1959) when he scored his greatest victory. And if the 1960 race, with its record 29 lead changes, was not the finest "500" ever held, there can be no question that Rathmann's epic two-hour duel with defending winner Rodger Ward continues to stand out as the Speedway's greatest sustained two-man battle of all time.

For the entire second half of that never-to-be-forgotten classic, Rathmann and Ward were rarely any more than a few feet from each other, exchanging the lead 14 times between them. That number could have been considerably more had not tire wear played into the equation. Long before the days of computer-generated race strategies, two-way radio communication, spotters, and Pace Car-led pack-ups during caution periods, these two wily veterans pretty much had to figure it out for themselves, aided only by a pit board message flashed to them every minute or so.

Ward, an early leader, had stalled on his first of three planned stops, losing at least a half-minute. He raced hard to regain lost ground and caught up with Rathmann just before the halfway mark, fully cognizant that in the process he had placed undue stress on his tires. They swapped the lead several times before Ward decided to run behind Rathmann for a while and let him dictate the pace, both aware that third-placed Johnny Thomson was running a comfortable margin behind them. That was until the pit board signs began advising them that the advantage was shrinking. When it fell to only 10 seconds, they determined it was time to go.

The lead changed hands six more times in the final 30 laps until Ward happen to notice tell-tale discoloration appearing in the center of his right front tire, indicating that the cords were about to show through. He led as late as Lap 197 before reluctantly slowing down to salvage second as a greatly relieved Rathmann nursed his ailing tiresto the finish and won at a record average speed of 138.767 mph.

Had Ward prevailed, Rathmann, who led exactly half of the 200 laps that day, would have held the dubious distinction of being history's only four-time runner-up at Indianapolis.

As an illustration of just how different things were in those days, the winning Ken-Paul Special was a brand new Offenhauser-powered car Rathmann had commissioned from his old friend A. J. Watson on behalf of Rathmann's partners, Kenny Rich and Paul Lacy. Rathmann and his chief mechanic, Chickie Hirashima, drove a station wagon out to Watson's shop in Glendale, Calif., to pick up the car whereupon they loaded it on to an open trailer and then towed it back to the Midwest themselves. More than rewarded by the eventual first-place prize money checks totaling a record $110,000, Rathmann later estimated the entire investment at only $35,000.

Born in Los Angeles on July 16, 1928, Rathmann started life as Royal Richard Rathmann, becoming "Jim" in the immediate post World War II years when he began racing hot rods as an underage teenager. He borrowed the identity of his two-and-half-year older brother, James, who later raced extensively and won the 1958 "500" pole position as "Dick" Rathmann. Although they were later to modify their dates of birth from time to time, they thankfully avoided further confusion by never professionally using their given names as they appeared on their driver's licenses and so forth, Richard Rathmann known for the remainder of his life as Jim, and James as Dick.

A contemporary, since his earliest racing days, of Troy Ruttman, Jack McGrath, Pat Flaherty, Don Freeland, Andy Linden and numerous other "500" stars of the future, Jim Rathmann moved to Chicago in 1948 to race hot rods with Andy Granatelli's Chicago-based Hurricane Hot Rod Association.

In 1949, Rathmann, Ruttman and Flaherty all made their Indianapolis debuts, Flaherty (who missed the show) being, at 23, the only one legally over 21. Rathmann, claiming to be 24, but really only 20, took his "rookie" test in a car he owned himself, but sponsored by Grancor Corporation, the hot rod business belonging to and operated by the Granatelli brothers. Rathmann ended up qualifying the Pioneer Auto Repair Special for John "The Popper" Lorenz and finishing 11th.

In 1952, driving for the Granatelli brothers, Rathmann finished second in the "500," beaten only by Troy Ruttman, his boyhood friend and fellow hotrod club member.

Rathmann, who was also runner-up to Sam Hanks in 1957 and to Ward in 1959, drove in a total of 14 Indianapolis 500 Mile Races between 1949 and 1963, leading at some stage during six of them for a total of 153 laps. At the time of his retirement in May 1964, he had completed 2,295 laps in competition and was within less than a full race of claiming the all-time record, only Cliff Bergere (2,452 laps) and Mauri Rose (2,420 laps) having completed a greater number.

Having travelled to Monza for the invitational 500-miler in 1957 merely as a potential relief driver since his regular car owner, Lindsey Hopkins had chosen not to send a car, Rathmann brokered a deal for the 1958 contest.

Underwritten by Bob Wilke of Leader Cards, sponsor of his recent fifth-place effort with Hopkins at Indianapolis, Rathmann leased a car from John Zink, retaining Zink's chief mechanic, Watson, another of Rathmann's hot rod cronies from the late 1940s. The 500-mile race at the steeply-banked and bone-jarring 2.64-mile concrete bowl was divided into three legs, with intervals between each. Rathmann won all three and was the undisputed overall winner at the incredible average speed of 166.722 mph.

That association led to Wilke forming the Leader Card Racing Team, with Watson leaving Zink to head up the operation and build new cars. At one point, Leader Card intended running a two-driver team, with Rathmann joining Ward. Then Hopkins made an arrangement to purchase the second brand-new "Watson" for Rathmann, Ward going on to win, with Rathmann recording his third runner-up finish.

By the time the 1959 "500" was held, Rathmann had further demonstrated his great skill and bravery by winning a 100-mile USAC National Championship race April 4 at the brand-new Daytona International Speedway. Far better suited to the NASCAR stock cars, which had ushered in the Daytona 500 in February with Lee Petty winning the caution-free inaugural at 135.521 mph, Rathmann ripped off the 100 miles in the astonishing time of only 35 minutes. Scrunched down in the cockpit of his fish-tailing front-engined Offenhauser-powered Watson "roadster" and wearing a short-sleeved polo shirt with only an open-faced Cromwell-type helmet for protection, he averaged a breathtaking 170.261 mph.

Three-times the Midwest hot rod champion (1948, 1950 and 1951) and third-ranking AAA stock car driver of 1955, the diversified Rathmann was one of the first oval track specialists to dabble in sports car racing, taking part in the Sebring 12 Hours three times (sharing the 12th place-finishing and class-winning Corvette with Dick Doane in 1958) and racing several times at Nassau. He was even down to drive the Tec-Mec Maserati at the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix of the United States at Sebring in 1959 although he ended up not competing. He twice ran in the Carrera Panamericana, sharing an Oldsmobile in 1952 with Frank "Rebel" Mundy, and he even took part in the Miami-Nassau powerboat race one year, sustaining a broken foot along the way while trying to fix a mechanical problem.

An entrepreneur from his earliest days, Rathmann graduated from a paper route to running a hot rod shop while still in his teens. A muffler shop in Chicago was followed by a speed shop in Miami, a used car business and eventually a huge Cadillac and Chevrolet dealership in Melbourne, Fla., the latter being contingent upon his retirement, an agreement upon which he "fudged" for at least two more years.

There was also a very successful go-kart business which produced the highly sought-after Rathmann Xterminator and even an adventuresome episode of his life in which he held the rights toretrieving centuries-old treasure chests, firearms and cannons from sunken pirate ships off the coast of Florida.

Close friends with all of the early astronauts, Rathmann actually pulled off a most unlikely coup by having one of them discreetly affix a Rathmann car dealership decal to the famous golf cart which was driven on the surface of the moon! Yet another venture was the G.C.R. Corporation team which contested the USAC championship series in 1966 and 1967, the "G" being for Gus Grissom, the "C" for Gordon Cooper and "R" for Rathmann.

One of the fascinating character traits of Rathmann was that he always seemed so nonchalant in the winner's circle, even at Indianapolis and Monza where he'd be poker-faced and stoic, standing up in the cockpit with loosened helmet straps dangling around his neck and barely smiling as he waved one hand at just above waist level.

It was a misleading illusion.

In fact, this very down-to-earth and unpretentious individual happened to be a fun-loving, chronic practical joker who seemed up for just about any mischievous adventure. A very modest man, he was most gracious to the fans, benched-raced with the best of them and told stories laced with a most infectious giggle. Questions about his own career were usually passed off with brief and rather evasive responses as he preferred instead to tell stories about his colleagues, tears of mirth rolling his cheeks as he relayed the details of yet another prank.

But Rathmann was a serious racer, and he loved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. To him, the month of May at the track was "everything," the other 11 months always being filled with plenty of activities, but with the focus clearly on the next migration to IMS. In spite of his deep competitive spirit, he was a great sportsman who was close with many of his contemporaries, photographs taken in the aftermath of the 1957 and 1959 Indianapolis races indicating that he obviously had great affection for both Hanks and Ward, who had narrowly defeated him.

Ill health in recent years had prevented Rathmann from making his annual pilgrimage to his beloved Speedway where, for many years he had matched his golfing skills with Ward, Lloyd Ruby, Parnelli Jones, James Garner and others. Six times the Pace Car driver for the "500," Rathmann's final appearance in the city of Indianapolis came at the Convention Center in February 2009 for the Speedway's Centennial Era Gala, where he was the oldest and earliest of the 19 Indianapolis 500 winners on hand.

Rathmann is survived by wife Kay, sons Jimmy and Jay, stepsons Zack and Tosh Pence, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In place of flowers the family requests that donations be made to:

William Childs Hospice House

381 Medplex Parkway

Palm Bay, FL 32907

Nov 22 2011

CLAUSON, JONES, JOHNSON, MENZIES & CADDELL TOP HONOREES

AT DECEMBER 9 USAC AWARDS BANQUET IN INDIANAPOLIS

BY DICK JORDAN

The 2011 “Night of Champions” USAC National Awards Dinner is scheduled for Friday night, December 9, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. Champions of USAC’s 2011 racing series will be honored during the gala evening.

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. locked up his second consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship last month in California. Among his championship awards are a $40,000 cash bonus and a yet-to-be-announced scholarship from INDYCAR. Clauson also leads the Mopar National Midget standings entering this Thursday night’s finale at Irwindale, Calif.

Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. will again be celebrated as USAC’s Traxxas Silver Crown and AMSOIL National Sprint Car Champion. It’s the second consecutive year he has swept both titles.

Ricky Johnson of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Bryce Menzies of Las Vegas, Nev. and Andrew Caddell of Graham, Wash. will also be honored as 2011 USAC TORC Off-Road Truck Champions. Johnson claimed the Pro 4x4 title, while Menzies won the Pro 2WD crown and Caddell is the Pro Light 2WD titlist.

The affair will be held again this year in conjunction with the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), which will be held December 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center, located just one block south of the banquet facility.

In addition to the various series championship awards, numerous other performance awards are part of the ceremonies as well as special recognition awards.

USAC’s Mopar .25 Midget “Generation Next” Champions will also be featured at the banquet, which gets under way with a cocktail hour at 6:30 pm and dinner to follow at 7.

Reservations for this special evening are being accepted until November 30 by Nikki Wilke at the USAC headquarters at nikki@usacracing.com or by calling 317-247-5151 (Ext. 214). Tickets for the banquet are priced at $60 each. Discounted hotel reservations are available through the IMIS website at www.imis-indy.com or by contacting the housing bureau at 317-684-2573 and mentioning IMIS.

Emcees for the affair are renowned broadcasters Jim Tretow, Robin Miller and Meghan Kolb.

The Indiana Roof Ballroom is located at 140 W. Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis.

--USAC--

IMS OFFERING GREAT DEAL ON 2012 SEASON TICKETS ON BLACK FRIDAY

Free parking, other discounts provided in holiday special

by J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is offering a special holiday package of Season Tickets for all three motorsports events in 2012 at the "Racing Capital of the World," with savings of $120 and free parking included for fans who buy early on Black Friday, Nov. 25.

Fans who purchase two Season Tickets for a total of $140 also will receive one free parking pass to each event if they purchase between 6 a.m.-noon (ET) on Black Friday at www.imstix.com or at the IMS Ticket Office. Season Tickets provide general admission for the 2012 Indianapolis 500, the Crown Royal Presents The "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP,

If purchased separately, two general admission tickets and parking for all three events would total $260.

Great holiday deals continue at www.imstix.com after noon Friday, with fans saving more the earlier they purchase tickets.

•Individual Season Tickets are available for $70 through 5 p.m. Cyber Monday, Nov. 28. Free parking is not included.

•Individual Season Tickets are available for $75 from Tuesday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Dec. 31.

The Season Pass will cost $85 beginning Jan. 1, still a $15 value over Race Day pricing.

***

2012 IMS tickets: Tickets for the three events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2012 - the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 27, the Super Weekend at the Brickyard from July 26-29 and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP from Aug. 17-19 - are on sale now.

Tickets can be purchased now by visiting www.imstix.com, calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street. Ticket office and phone hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Nov 19 2011

71ST “TURKEY NIGHT GRAND PRIX” AFFECTS 11 USAC STANDINGS

MIDGETS, SPRINTS, FORD FOCUS COMBINE AT IRWINDALE

by DICK JORDAN

Next Thursday night’s 71st Annual “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Calif. will conclude USAC’s 2011 racing season but not without an impact on eleven (11) different USAC championships!

The National Drivers Championship, Mopar National Midget, Mopar Western Midget, National Midget Pavement, AMSOIL Western Sprint, Western Classic Sprint, Western Classic Pavement, National Ford Focus, Western Ford Focus, Western Pavement Ford Focus and Southern California Ford Focus standings will all be affected by the outcome of the three races which comprise Thursday’s program at the complex featuring both half and third-mile paved ovals.

One of America’s most revered events, “Turkey Night” has been conducted since 1934, with brief intermissions (no races from 1942-1944 or 1951-1954) and has found a home at Irwindale since 1999. Eight other tracks hosted the race before it landed at its current location. They were Gilmore Stadium, Gardena Stadium, Ascot Park, Speedway 605 (in Irwindale), Saugus Speedway, Bakersfield Speedway, Perris Auto Speedway and Ventura Raceway.

A 98-lap race on the half-mile for the Mopar USAC National and Western Midgets caps the program, saluting the #98 made famous by race organizer J.C. Agajanian, whose sons now organize the event. The AMSOIL USAC Western and Western Classic Sprint cars race for 40 laps, also on the big half-mile, while the Western Ford Focuses compete in a 30-lapper on the third-mile oval.

Of the eleven championships to be impacted Thursday, only three have been resolved entering a Western Midget/Ford Focus/Focus Young Guns “tripleheader” tomorrow night (Nov. 19) at Ventura (Calif.) Raceway. No less than six driving championships will be up for grabs at Irwindale, depending on the Ventura results.

At least five former champions of the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” Midget race are expected to be in competition Thursday, namely defending two-time champ Bryan Clauson, two-time champ Jason Leffler, Billy Wease, Bobby East and Bobby Santos III. Former winners of the “Turkey Night” Sprint race expected to compete are two-time champ Tony Hunt, Tracy Hines and Kody Swanson.

USAC NATIONAL DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS

1-Bryan Clauson-1,056, 2-Chris Windom-1,024, 3-Levi Jones-1,022, 4-Kyle Larson-1,016, 5-Tracy Hines-991.

USAC MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Bryan Clauson-1,110, 2-Darren hagen-1,091, 3-Kyle Larson-1,030, 4-Tracy Hines-941, 5-Bobby East-840.

USAC MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET PAVEMENT POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-364, 2-Kyle Larson-343, 3-Caleb Armstrong-299, 4-Tanner Sasnson-267, 5-Tracy Hines-258.

USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS (Prior to Ventura 11/19)

1-Cory Kruseman-533, 2-David Prickett-498, 3-Johnathon Henry-485, 4-Cody Swanson-426, 5-Jake Swanson-403.

USAC AMSOIL WESTERN SPRINT POINT STANDINGS

1-Audra Sasselli-640, 2-Tony Hunt-620, 3-Tim Skoglund-609, 4-Cody Gerhardt-599, 5-Luis Ramos III-524.

USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT POINT STANDINGS

1-Geoff Ensign-848, 2-Tony Hunt-830, 3-Scott Pierovich-756, 4-Tim Barber-634, 5-Shauna Hogg-622.

USAC WESTERN SPRINT CLASSIC PAVEMENT POINT STANDINGS

1-Tony Hunt-443, 2-Audra Sasselli-442, 3-Scott Pierovich-392, 4-Cody Gerhardt-382, 5-Tim Skoglund-371.

USAC NATIONAL FORD FOCUS POINT STANDINGS (Prior to Ventura 11/19)

1-Nick Drake-720, 2-Ross Rankine-705, 3-Brodie Kostecki-702, 4-Garett Peterson-687, 5-Jarett Andretti-687.

USAC WESTERN FORD FOCUS POINT STANDINGS (Prior to Ventura 11/19)

1-Brodie Kostecki-826,.2-Jim Waters-807, 3-Garett Peterson-769, 4-Chuck Groat-760, 5-Wally Pankratz-754.

USAC WESTERN FORD FOCUS PAVEMENT POINT STANDINGS

1-Jessica Clark-1,222, 2-Brodie Kostecki-1,038, 3-Garett Peterson-913, 4-Keegan Walmer-902, 5-James Edens-731.

USAC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FORD FOCUS POINT STANDINGS

1-Jessica Clark-734, 2-Brandon White-681, 3-Paul Graham-658, 4-Brodie Kostecki-534, 5-Keegan Walmer-356.

Nov 15 2011

BATTLE FOR 2ND IN NDC HEADED FOR IRWINDALE

CLAUSON MATHEMATICALLY LOCKS UP 2ND TITLE

by Dick Jordan

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. mathematically locked up his second consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship Saturday night, finishing sixth in the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint car finale at Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif. The final event in the 2011 NDC is the November 24 “Turkey Night Grand Prix” Midget race at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Calif.

Drivers Chris Windom, Levi Jones and Kyle Larson enter the finale separated by just eight points for the runner-up spot in the final standings. Jones bolted past Larson to third in the points after winning Saturday’s race at Hanford.

Windom’s worst of his 25 top finishes this year is an eighth, while Jones’ worst of 25 is a sixth and Larson’s worst is a 10th, so a Larson victory at Irwindale could be huge, since a driver’s best 25 finishes count toward the final tally.

Year-end prizes for the USAC National Drivers Championship will be distributed at the December 9 “Night of Champions” USAC National Awards Banquet in Indianapolis, Ind.

USAC NATIONAL DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AND PROJECTED PAYOUT, BASED ON CURRENT STANDING:

1-Bryan Clauson-1,056 ($40,000); 2-Chris Windom-1,024 ($20,000); 3-Levi Jones-1,022 ($15,000); 4-Kyle Larson-1,016 ($12,500); 5-Tracy Hines-991 ($10,000); 6-Bobby East-942 ($7,500); 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-921 ($5,000); 8-Hunter Schuerenberg-864 ($3,000); 9-Jon Stanbrough-854 ($2,000); 10-Darren Hagen-824 ($1,000).

Nov 10 2011

SUPER WEEKEND INCLUDED IN NEW GRAND-AM CHAMPIONSHIP

Winners of North American Endurance Championship to be crowned July 27 at IMS

by J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 - The inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard is more than eight months away, but the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series already has placed the race among its elite events by including it as the exciting finale of its new North American Endurance Championship for 2012.

GRAND-AM officials announced Nov. 9 that the Super Weekend at the Brickyard on Friday, July 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will join the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29 at Daytona International Speedway and the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen on June 29-July 1 at Watkins Glen International in the prestigious endurance championship.

The North American Endurance Championship is a special championship within the 13-race GRAND-AM schedule for 2012. Teams in both the Daytona Prototype and production-based GT classes will compete, with championship winners being crowned after the race on the 13-turn, 2.534-mile Grand Prix road circuit at IMS.

"The addition of the Super Weekend at the Brickyard to the North American Endurance Championship heightens the anticipation for this inaugural event more than ever," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "It's only fitting that the winners of this exciting new championship will earn their titles at the Racing Capital of the World."

In addition to featuring all of GRAND-AM's full-time drivers, several top teams also have indicated they will field additional cars with all-star drivers to compete in the North American Endurance Championship, including the Super Weekend at the Brickyard.

"I think the North American Endurance Championship adds more excitement to an already exciting schedule," said four-time Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champion Scott Pruett, also a veteran of the Indianapolis 500 and Crown Royal Presents "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard. "The Rolex 24 is clearly the highlight of our season, and I'm very excited with the addition of Indianapolis. The new championship gives further emphasis on our three endurance races."

GRAND-AM will make its IMS debut as part of the inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard. Separate races for the Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge will take place July 27, with a three-hour endurance race for the Rolex Sports Car Series.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series also will compete on the oval during the four-day event from July 26-29. It's the first time races will take place on the 2.5-mile oval and 2.534-mile road course at IMS during the same event.

***

Super Weekend tickets: Tickets are on sale now for the Super Weekend at the Brickyard on July 26-29 at IMS.

All ticket orders can be made at www.imstix.com and through the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. For more information, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult with a Super Weekend Ticket or general admission ticket.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Nov 8 2011

CLAUSON CLOSING IN ON 2ND NDC TITLE;

WINDOM PASSES LARSON FOR #2 SPOT IN STANDINGS

by Dick Jordan

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. is two races away from earning his second consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship. Despite failing to increase his point total with finishes of sixth, eighth and 28th in last weekend’s “Budweiser Oval Nationals” at Perris, Calif., he takes a 32-point lead over Chris Windom into this Saturday’s AMSOIL USAC National/CRA Sprint race at Hanford, Calif. The NDC point race concludes November 24 in the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” Mopar USAC National/Western Midget race at Irwindale, Calif.

Windom, of Canton, Ill., bolted past Kyle Larson into the runner-up point spot in the NDC standings with his victory, fifth and eighth-place finishes at Perris. Larson had a disappointing 13th-place finish in the Perris finale after missing the first two Perris features and has slipped to third in the new standings.

The best 25 National feature finishes count toward a driver’s seasonal NDC total and Clauson could mathematically eliminate his challengers at Hanford.

The National Drivers Champion will be presented a cash bonus of $40,000 and a ride in all of the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights oval-track races when USAC’s 2011 champions are honored December 9 in Indianapolis, Ind.

USAC NATIONAL DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AND PROJECTED PAYOUT, BASED ON CURRENT STANDING:

1-Bryan Clauson-1,056 ($40,000); 2-Chris Windom-1,024 ($20,000); 3-Kyle Larson-1,016 ($15,000); 4-Levi Jones-1,007 ($12,500); 5-Tracy Hines-989 ($10,000); 6-Bobby East-942 ($7,500); 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-921 ($5,000); 8-Hunter Schuerenberg-864 ($3,000); 9-Jon Stanbrough-834 ($2,000); 10-Darren Hagen-824 ($1,000).

Nov 1 2011

FIRST ATLANTIC CITY INDOOR RACE ENTRIES RECEIVED,

NEW TRACK LAYOUT TO IMPROVE RACING AND VIEWING

by by Len Sammons

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - October 2011 . . Registration is underway for Indoor Auto Racing to be held at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in February. The 10th edition of the event under the direction of Len Sammons and staff is planned for Friday and Saturday nights Feb. 3-4, 2012. TQ (three quarter) Midgets, dirt 600cc Micro-Sprints, Slingshots and Champ Karts.

Competitors and fans will be greeted with an altered track layout for the ‘12 edition.

The entire oval will be shifted inside the hall for better fan sight lines. Competitors will enjoy wider corners and straightaways. The inside of the track’s turns will be marked by tires rather than guardrails. The tires were used successfully at Providence, R.I., for the previous events.

Jonathan Reid of Lockport, N.Y., filed the first TQ Midget entry for the ‘12 A.C. Indoor Race. Reid will drive a No. 9 for noted Western New York owner Harry Macy.

Manchester, N.J.’s Jimmy Carpenter was first to enter the 600cc Micro-Sprint portion of the weekend.

Kurt Bettler of Hellertown, Pa., led the Slingshot contingent, entering his No. 66 first, while Brianna Page of Brick, N.J., was first to enter the Champ Kart portion of the weekend.

Registration forms and race information can be obtained by visiting the Atlantic City Indoor Race page at www.aarn.com.

Tickets for the Atlantic City event are on sale now at Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Boardwalk Hall box office. Ticket prices remain the same as the past event. Premium seats sell out quickly.

Tickets and further information can also be obtained by calling the show office (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 609-888-3618.

Ted Christopher from Plainville, Conn. will be returning to defend the "Gambler’s Classic" title he won this past January in the headline Three-Quarter Midget division.

Christopher, the 2009 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion, also won the "Coffee Cup" TQ-Midget feature held inside the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, R.I., to sweep last winter's Indoor Racing Series.

The Providence events will again be held in 2012, on Sat.-Sun. March 10 and 11.

The Three-Quarter Midgets hit speeds upwards of 70 miles per hour while running around a course set-up on the historic landmark Boardwalk Hall concrete floor. Feature events find a minimum of 24 cars taking the green flag providing some hair raising action for fans.

Each year professional race car drivers from many different divisions of the sport; and over 10 different states, compete at the event.

The Champ Kart and Slingshot divisions will also be included in the exciting Atlantic City race weekend. Racing will begin on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Each night will include qualifying races and a feature event for the headline division.

Additional information may also be found on the web at www.aarn.com or by emailing motorsports@aarn.com.

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