Conneaut, OH, (July 4, 2008): For the fourth time and the third different name, Raceway 7 attempted to beat the weather and run its classic event originally known as the “Fall Classic”.  After two rainouts at the end of last season the name was changed to the “Fall into Spring Classic” and scheduled for opening night.  After rain again plagued the event, the name was again changed to the “Freedom Classic”, with blue skies, sun, and warm temperatures greeting a large crowd of race fans and a full pit area.

Chris Hackett led the Roberts Trucking Super Late Model 30-lap special for the win.  John Lacki took over the lead of the Precision Weld Fab FASTRAK Late Model Regional event on a lap 21 restart and led the rest of the event for his first win of the season.  Russ Dunn prevailed in the Applebee Motorsports E-Mod feature after a back and forth early battle with Mike Potosky.  Dave Ferringer led flag-to-flag in the Zimmer Service Center Open Street Stock finale.  The Challenger “Crack the Whip” event was won by Vince Simms.

Jared Miley and Chris Hackett brought the Roberts Trucking Super Late Model field to the green which lasted one lap until Russell King and Greg Oakes had problems resulting in King sideways on the front straight and Oakes heading to the pits with damage.  Dave Tackett also headed to the pits with unknown problems.  At the restart Hackett held the lead for another lap before caution again flew for a spin by Alan Dellinger.  Hackett, Miley, and Dutch Davies led with Miley trying at every turn to gain the advantage to no avail.  After a restart at lap six, Chad Valone was able to get by Davis for third while Hackett and Miley fought over the lead.  Valone then got by Miley after a lap eleven restart with Davies following into third.  At halfway Hackett was still leading with Valone, Davies, Miley, and Matt Urban filling out the top five. At lap nineteen third-running Miley slapped the fourth-turn wall with a tire down.  Following Hackett at this point was still Valone with Matt Urban third and perennial hard luck driver Mickey Wright up to fourth from his sixteenth starting position.  Valone and Urban raced side by side for a lap after green at lap twenty before Valone again reestablished himself in second.  However, neither Valone nor anyone else was able to get close to Hackett as he went on to the $3000 Freedom Classic Victory.  Valone was second with Urban third, David Scott, from 11th on the start, and Wright.

Dave Osterberg led from the pole position for the first lap before caution slowed the Precision Weld Fab FASTRAK regional event.  Osterberg continued to lead after green again appeared with Tom Snyder coming to second at lap five, John Lacki third, Alan Dellinger fourth, and Dennis Lunger fifth when caution again came over the raceway at lap eight.  At the restart several cars, including fourth-running Dellinger spun in turn one. After green, due to the double-file restart Tom Snyder got by the leader and four laps later Lacki got by for second. Lunger then got by Osterberg for third.  Dick Barton came to third at lap twenty, ten a lap later Lunger lost the handle in turn three, looping his mount.  The resulting double-file restart erased a half straight lead and gave the second-running Lacki the preferred line allowing him to gain the lead when green again flew.  At the finish it was Lacki, Snyder, Bumpy Hedman, Dick Barton, and Alan Dellinger.

Russ Dunn led from the start of the Applebee Motorsports E-Mod feature with Mike Potosky second.  Potosky led at lap five but Dunn went back by in turn one. After a caution Potosky again got by, this time making it stick until lap 12 when Dunn again took over at the front.  Potosky’s luck got even worse a lap later when he spun in turn three after contact with Joel Watson.  Watson was sent to the rear for his part in the incident.  Dunn went on to the win over Shawn Shingledecker, Percy McDonald, Rich Michael Jr, and Jason Genco.

The Zimmer Service Center Open Street Stock feature was led flag to flag by former division champion Dave Ferringer from the pole with Don Kramer in second.  Kramer took over at the front on lap six but his lead was short lived as he spun in turn two, less than half a lap after taking the lead.  Ferringer won the event, marred by twelve caution periods over the 20-lap distance.  Ken Zimmer finished second with Tim Deutsch third, Andy Buckley fourth, and Chris Withers fifth.

Vince Simms won the Challenger Mini-Stock “Crack the Whip” event.

Roberts Trucking Super Late Models:

Heat 1: Dutch Davis, Brent Rhebergen, Matt Urban, Todd Andrews, Dave Tackett, Mickey Wright, Tony Lombardi, Charles Supplee, Dennis Lunger, Corey Ruffo

Heat 2: Mike Knight, David Scott, Jared Miley, Dick Barton, Jason Morell, Russell King, Greg Oakes, Dan Maxim, Ben Porter, Terry Porter,

Heat 3: Doug Ricotta, Chad Valone, Ron Davies, Chris Hackett, Alan Dellinger, Bump Hedman, Darrell Bossard, Ryan Scott, Mike Biehler, Rich Gardner

B-Main: Greg Oaks, Rich Gardner, Darrell Bossard, Dennis Lunger, Ryan Scott, Dan Maxim, Charles Supplee, Corey Ruffo, Ben Porter, Tony Lombardi, Mike Biehler

Feature: Chris Hackett, Chad Valone, Matt Urban, David Scott, Mickey Wright, Todd Andrews, Dutch Davies, Mike Knight, Dick Barton, Doug Ricotta, Ron Davies, Rich Gardner, Ryan Scott, Alan Dellinger, Brent Rhebergen, Bumpy Hedman, Jared Miley, Jason Morell, Dan Maxim, Darrell Bossard, Dennis Lunger, Dave Tackett, Greg Oakes, Russell King

Precision Weld Fab FASTRAK Late Models:

Heat 1: Alan Dellinger, Butch Lambert, Kevin Meadows, Greg Oakes, Justin Kann, Jon Law, Bob Kish, Chad Myers, Alex Anderson

Heat 2: Rusty Moore, Tom Snyder, Dick Barton, Derek Frank, Bob Diver, Bobby Whitling, Bob Dorman, Jim Frank

Heat 3: John Lacki, Max Blair, Dave Osterberg, Bobby Powell, Bump Hedman, Scott Jones, Jay Watson, Gary Miller

Heat 4: Roger French, Dennis Lunger, Steve Hollabaugh, Andy Buckley, Tom Copeland, Bert Blackson, Dan Stives, Todd Sweet

B-Main 1: Jon Law, Bob Kish, Bob Dorman, Alex Anderson, Bobby Whitling, Jim Frank, Chad Myers

B-Main 2: Jay Watson, Dan Stives, Scott Jones, Gary Miller, Todd Sweet, Bert Blackson

Feature: John Lacki, Tom Snyder, Bumpy Hedman, Dick Barton, Alan Dellinger, Jay Watson, Justin Kann, Greg Oakes, Rusty Moore, Andy Buckley, Dave Osterberg, Max Blair, Bob Diver, Butch Lambert, Jon Law, Kevin Meadows, Steve Hollabaugh, Dan Stives, Dennis Lunger, Tom Copeland, Roger French, Bob Kish, Derek Frank, Bobby Powell

Applebee Motorsports E-Mods

Heat 1: Percy McDonald, Joe Gabrielson, Rich Michael Jr, Kyle Scott, Chuck Steinle Jr, Rick Pratschler, Scott Stiffler, Gary Van Ryswyk, Ron Armstrong (DNS)

Heat 2: Jack Young, Russ Dunn, Bill Taylor, Dave Atkinson, Dave Willoughby, Craig Bedell, Jim Tatgenhorst, Dan McDonald, Brian Douglas

Heat 3: Gary Eicher, Joel Watson, Jason Genco, Ron Roncaglione, Howard Fraley, Hugo Litwiler, Gary Sullivan, Joe Weber, Kale Crocker

Heat 4: Mike Potosky, Shawn Shingledecker, Butch Lambert, Kyle Bedell, Rick Robinson, Mike Butler, Lee Patrick, Chris Peterson

B-Main 1: Chuck Steinle Jr, Dan McDonald, Scott Stiffler, Craig Bedell, Rick Pratschler, Ron Armstrong, Gary Van Ryswyk, Brian Douglas, Jim Tatgenhorst, Dave Willoughby (DNS)

B-Main 2: Hugo Litwiler, Kale Crocker, Joe Weber, Howard Fraley, Mike Butler, Lee Patrick, Chris Peterson, Rick Robinson, Gary Sullivan

Feature: Russ Dunn, Shawn Shingledecker, Percy McDonald, Rich Michael, Jason Genco, Scott Stiffler, Butch Lambert, Ron Roncaglione, Mike Potosky, Hugo Litwiler, Joe Weber, Joel Watson, Dan McDonald, Bill Taylor, Rick Pratschler. Gary Eicher, Kyle Bedell, Jack Young, Craig Bedell, Joe Gabrielson, Chuck Steinle Jr, Dave Atkinson, Kyle Scott, Howard Fraley, Kale Crocker (DNS) ,

Joslin-Landis Insurance Agency Street Stocks

Heat 1: Tim Deutsch, Dan Lewis, Mike Gonzales, Rod Laskey, Terry Wheeler, Chris Withers, Shaun Fawcett, Bryan Wagner, Jason Stanke, Randy Wyant

Heat 2: Ken Zimmer, Andy Buckley, Dave McLaughlin, Chad Stevenson, Rusty Wheeler, Carlos Aponte, Mike Harmon, James Flaherty, John Sousa, Bob Bates

Heat 3: Dave Ferringer, Don Kramer, Charlie Beck, Frank Ortiz, Russell Byler, Ed Bolyard, Mike Cross, Rick Emerson, Zachary Downes

Heat 4: Bruce Redman, Gary Fisher, Jamie Brown, Tim Burns, Kevin Snowberger, Becky Kase, Mike Kinney, Jason Reagle, Ed Snyder

B-Main 1: Rusty Wheeler, Terry Wheeler, Shaun Fawcett, Chris Withers, Carlos Aponte, Jason Stanke, Jim Flaherty, Rob Bates, Randy Wyant, Mike Harmon

B-Main 2: Jason Reagle, Russell Byler, Mike Cross, Ed Bolyard, Mike Kinney, Ed Snyder, Becky Cross (DNS), Kevin Snowberger (DNS), Zachary Downes (DNS), Rick Emerson (DNS)

Feature: Dave Ferringer, Ken Zimmer, Tim Deutsch, Andy Buckley, Chris Withers, Rod Laskey, Shaun Fawcett, Frank Ortiz, Gary Fisher, Bruce Redman, Carlos Aponte, Russell Byler, Mike Cross, Ed Bolyard, Rusty Wheeler, Jason Reagle, Don Kramer, Charlie Beck, Terry Wheeler, Jamie Brown, Mike Gonzales, Tim Burns, Chad Stevenson, Dan Lewis, Dave McLaughlin,

Challenger Mini Stocks:

“Crack the Whip”: Vince Simms, Kyle Jackson, Kyle Dickenson, Rick Tackett, Jon Boyd, Austin Fitzgerald, Bud Sergeff, John Cross, Chris Pildner, Joe Plesniak, Elaine Best, Mike Gelhausen, Ed Huge, Chuck Simms Jr, Mark Hares

STUHLER SCORES 1ST ANNUAL RED NININGER MEMORIAL, BARD TAKES MARYLAND CLASH, CORNETT TRIBUTE TO DILLON

Hagerstown, Md. – Starting second with a six car invert, Gary Stuhler led all 40 laps to capture the victory in the 1st Annual Red Nininger Memorial for the Cindy Rowe Auto Glass late models at Hagerstown Speedway on Saturday night. The Winchester/ Hagerstown Shootout II event was postponed from June 14 and almost could have been another same situation as showers arrived during the first late model warm-ups and resulted in a two hour delay in starting the program. The final checkered waved at 1:26 a.m.  

“Starting position helped a bunch but it’s such an honor to win this thing,” said Stuhler, driver of the Nininger Tire & Auto Center late model. ”I’m glad for Glenn and all those guys. I know they wanted me to win. I put a lot of pressure on myself before this night came. In his honor, I’m just glad to do it for him. I think he (Red) was with us.”

Stuhler, of Greencastle, Pa., was in command of the race from the start with late model sportsman driver, Tyler Armstrong doing double duty and giving chase from the third lap. Stuhler’s racer began smoking on the final lap but won his 125th career and second of the season by .81 seconds over Armstrong.

“I think we broke a piston,” he said. “It kind of laid down there coming for the white flag. I thought it was getting bad coming off two, I didn’t know if I’d make it down the back straightaway it was getting that bad. It just held on enough, I don’t think I would’ve have made it another lap.”

Shippensburg’s Jerry Bard won the Maryland Clash, the combined Allegany County/Hagerstown event for the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman which was postponed from May 17th. It was his first win in 13 months and he became the eighth different winner. The race was ended two laps early due to the time limit exceeded as Ashley Barrett ended in the runner up spot after he and Bard battled most of the race.

“I couldn’t ask for a better car. I did the set up myself tonight. I guess I’ll have to do it all the time,” Bard said.

Kenny Dillon of Hanover was the winner of the 13th Annual Jim Cornett Tribute for the Ernie’s Auto Enterprises pure stocks for the third time. He won previously in 2000 and 2003. It was his first win since April 2006. Dillon sprinted off the final turn ahead of Dave Stouffer Jr. to win by a hood length.

“This is the one race I want to win every year,” Dillon said. “If I don’t win another race the rest of the year, this is the only one I wanted to win. I’ve won it twice already. It’s just real neat to win it.”

Matt Smith of Carlisle added his name to the Enduro Dash winners after he took the lead from Larry Hurley Jr. on the 17th lap and pulled out to a 1.7 second lead at the end over Mark Vegh.

Paced by two of the former restored racers driven by Red Nininger, Stuhler took the green and sped off the outside row ahead of Mike Lupfer to start the show. Sixth starting Armstrong quickly grabbed the runner up spot on the third lap with Ray Kable Jr. taking third the next circuit.

By the halfway mark Stuhler had caught traffic as Armstrong was 1.2 seconds behind while a near straightway back to Kable.

On the 23rd, Kable’s night ended as Keith Jackson took his place after stating from the 14th spot with Billy Wampler and Ronnie DeHaven next in line. Wampler’s good run ended on the 30th lap while Darryl Hills and Alan Sagi also dropped out on a 34th lap restart and Lupfer stopped on lap 36.

Stuhler sped the final four circuits to finish .81 seconds ahead of Armstrong with Jackson, Marvin Winters and 20th starting Rick Eckert completing the top five.

Jim Yoder was sixth with Paul Crowl from 22nd, Brian Booze, from 17th, Devin Friese and previous weeks winner, Andy Anderson from 21st, completing the top ten. 

Armstrong, Friese and Kable Jr. were heat winners for the 32 entries while Frankie Plessinger was the B main winner.

Nathan Durboraw brought out the red when he took a horrific series of flips in turns three and four when he caught the fence and began rolling with the car ending in a stand up position.

In the three car inverted start for the Clash event, Scott Palmer took the lead from the pole as Bard, from fourth, ducked in front of third starting Barrett. Bard maintained a ten length lead in the first laps with Barrett getting by on a 13th lap restart, but Bard powered off the fourth turn to regain the point and not give it up the rest of the race. When Bard caught traffic at lap 25, Barrett was still close enough to challenge with a straightway back to Palmer. When the caution waved on lap 28, the event was checkered as the time limit had been exceeded and was already 12:50 a.m.

Armstrong ended fourth with Jamie Swank coming from 18th to complete the top five. Barrett, Wayne Walls Jr. and Palmer were heat winner with Swank taking the B main. 

Dave Stouffer Jr. sped from fourth to grab the pure stock lead on the opening lap as fifth starting Dillon was into second by the second lap. Stouffer maintained a comfortable distance in the first 13 laps as point leader, Dale Hollidge got by Dillon for second on the 14th lap but dropped out on the 17th circuit. Dillon reeled in Stouffer and gave it his best shot on the final lap to round the top and exit the final turn by a hood length. Kevin Keefer was next with Jim Snyder coming from 14th to earn the J & M Sportsworld Hard Charger Award and Steve Lowery ending fifth after coming from 15th. Dillon, Stouffer and Kevin Keefer won the heats with Bill Ecton winning the B main. 

The speedway returns to action Saturday night with another special for the Cindy Rowe Auto Glass late models, The Ernie’s 25 Special, with $2,500 awaiting the winner. The Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman and Ernie’s Auto pure stocks will also be on the program.

Pit gates open at 4  p.m., grandstands open at 5 p.m and warm ups begin at 7:00 p.m. Check the speedway website for any changes in weather at: www.hagerstownspeedway.com or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640.

Hagerstown Speedway Results

1st Annual Red Nininger Memorial, Shootout II, Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Late Models, (PP from June 14) 40 laps, 32 entries, (Lap Leaders –Gary Stuhler 1-40) 1.Gary Stuhler; 2.Tyler Armstrong; 3.Keith Jackson; 4.Marvin Winters; 5.Rick Eckert; 6.Jim Yoder; 7.Paul Crowl; 8.Brian Booze; 9.Devin Friese; 10.Andy Anderson; 11.Tommy Armel; 12.Scott LeBarron; 13.J.T. Spence; 14.Brent Smith; 15.Mike Lupfer; 16.Alan Sagi; 17.Darryl Hills; 18.Billy Wampler; 19.Ronnie DeHaven Jr.; 20.Ray Kable Jr.; 21.Roy Deese Jr.; 22.Frankie Plessinger; 23.Les Hare; 24.D.J. Troutman; DNQ: Mike Hardy, Chris Fletcher, Chris Croner, Larry Baker II, Mike Atherton, Doug Stine, DNS – Jamie Lathroum, Nathan Durboraw

Maryland Clash (Allegany County/Hagerstown) (PP From May 17) - Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic Late Model Sportsman, 30 Laps, 28 entries (Lap Leaders – Scott Palmer 1-2, Jerry Bard 3-30): 1.Jerry Bard; 2.Ashley Barrett; 3.Scott Palmer; 4.Tyler Armstrong; 5.Jamie Swank; 6.Matt Sponaugle; 7.Richard Walls; 8.Kyle Lear; 9.Barry Lear Sr.; 10.Paul Cursey; 11.Courney Shreiner; 12.Francis Stone; 13.Travis Stickley; 14.Dan Zechman; 15.Barry Miller; 16.Eugene Conlee; 17.Brian Lessley; 18.Dylan Yoder; 19.Mike Shoemaker; 20.Michael Collins; 21.Pete Weaver; 22.Wayne Walls Jr.; 23.Terry Flaherty; 24.Andy Fries; DNQ – Nick Pappas, Steve McCastney, Rob Gergel, Glenn Nininger Jr.

13th Annual Jim Cornett Tribute - Ernie’s Auto Enterprises Pure Stocks, 20 laps,  28 entries (Lap Leaders – Dave Stouffer Jr. 1-19, Kenny Dillon 20): 1.Kenny Dillon; 2.Dave Stouffer Jr.; 3.Kevin Keefer; 4.Jim Snyder (J & M Sportsworld Hard Charger); 5.Steve Lowery; 6.Billy Ecton Jr.; 7.Drew Fitzsimmons; 8.Kevin Dayhoff; 9.Hans Stamberg; 10.Bill Ecton; 11.Dave Mikolajski; 12.Bill Reitober; 13.Kenny Day; 14.Bobby Taylor; 15.Frank Dibella; 16.Dave Gross; 17.Lin Sutphin; 18.Eddie Catrell; 19.Dale Hollidge; 20.Mike Sanders; 21.Tony Catlett; 22.Tim Monn; 23.Darrin Younker; DNQ – Brian Swiger, Danny Beavers, Charlie Pensinger, Wayne Hawbaker. Kevin Boyer

Enduro Dash (PP from May 17) 30 laps,27 entries; (Lap Leaders - Larry Hurley Jr. 1-16, Matt Smith 17-30) - 1.Matt Smith; 2.Mark Vegh; 3.Larry Hurley Jr; 4.Krazy Kenny Thomas; 5.Chris Ebersole; 6.Derek Riley; 7.Kenny Thomas; 8.William Crook; 9.Dustin Proctor; 10.Jim Speelman; 11.Danny Holmes; 12.Roy Stevens; 13.Chris Loy; 14.Richard Tracey; 15.James Clark; 16.Mike Hoffman; 17.Joe Rodgers; 18.John Conrad; 19.Jamie Mills; 20.Jason Harper; 21.Bill Silkworth; 22.Rodney Miner; 23.Dave Shatto; 24.Nathaniel Younker;  25.John Poole; DNS – Larry McGowan, Butch Whipp

Pearson Jr. in Victory Lane at "The Gap"
By: James Essex

BULLS GAP, TN (July 5, 2008) - Scoring his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win since his victory at Golden Isles back in early April; 3-time and reigning LOLMDS National Champion Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL passed Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN with eight laps remaining as he went on to win the Toyota Tundra 60 on Saturday Night at Volunteer Speedway. Owens then handed over second place to Dale McDowell after Owens and a lapped car got into it, just after Pearson had passed him for the lead. Trailing Pearson and McDowell across the finish line were Chad Ogle of Sevierville, TN, Rick Rogers from Knoxville, TN and Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regular Bart Hartman of Zanesville, OH.

Rogers and McDowell would start on the front row of the 60 lap main event, with chief starter Kelley Carlton waving the green flag to begin the $10,000 to win race. McDowell would take his Rocket Chassis to the point on the first lap with third-place starter Jimmy Owens edging by Rogers to take second place with one lap in the books.

McDowell, the former World 100 and Hav-A-Tampa Series Champion set sail in the early going as he stretched his lead to six-car lengths by the fourth circuit. The top five with five laps in the books were McDowell, Owens, Rogers, Scott Bloomquist and Chris Madden. With McDowell in control of the race, he would start to encounter some lapped traffic by the ninth lap which would impede him just enough that Owens was able to cut his lead down.

McDowell would maintain a six-to-seven car length advantage despite contending with lapped traffic for four laps until Owens sliced it to three lengths with 14 laps recorded. Owens, then, was all over McDowell as he closed right on his left rear quarter panel a lap later. Owens made a successful pass for the lead overhauling McDowell in heavy traffic on lap 16.

Owens opened up some distance between himself and McDowell as Bloomquist was now putting the pressure on McDowell after Bloomquist had battled with Rogers for the first 17 laps until he was finally able to overtake the veteran driver on the 18th lap.

Bloomquist continued to hound McDowell as Owens continued to show domination out in front. Chris Madden began to make some moves as he passed Rogers for fourth on the 22nd lap as he put himself in contention as he closed quickly on the race on front of him for second between McDowell and Bloomquist.

Bloomquist would move into second around McDowell on lap 24 and then without much hesitation he would rapidly gain ground on Owens, as Owens was entering more lapped traffic as the race was caution-free up until this point. Owens would put two lapped cars between himself and Bloomquist giving him some cushion as the halfway-mark approached.

With 30 laps down Owens still held the point with Bloomquist, McDowell, Madden and Rogers in the top five running order. Bloomquist would make quick work of the two lapped cars between he and Owens as the 2008 Eldora Dirt Late Model Dream winner closed right on the rear deck lid of Owens' car.

Coming off of turn four on lap 36 the front of the field would suddenly bunch up in traffic as Madden apparently laid down some fluids on the track which forced the drivers to take evasive action which almost caused a major pileup. Madden would take his smoking car to the pits relinquishing his fourth place running position.

On the restart Owens would be out in front for the Delaware double-file restart with Bloomquist and McDowell lined up side-by-side behind him. Bloomquist would be on the outside for the restart and has he accelerated into the first turn he hopped the cushion and slid into the wall with the right front of his car. Bloomquist would slid down the track just enough as Dan Schlieper would clip the rear of Bloomquist' car causing further damage. Both cars were done for the night along with Joe Armes' mount that stopped in turn two along with Brad Neat.

So with one of his main competitors (Bloomquist) out of the race Owens would see the green flag to restart race as the fans were treated to another side-by-side tussle between McDowell and Pearson, who had started seventh in the field. Pearson was able to clear McDowell on lap 37 to take over the second spot.
Owens extended his lead to three lengths with 20 laps to go and moments later it was a six car length lead as Owens was cruising around the 4/10ths mile track with little difficulty. With 15 laps to go it was a solid lead for the '07 World 100 winner, but seemingly in an instance Pearson got the Bobby Labonte Racing #44 up to speed as the widdled down Owens' lead in a heartbeat as he closed to within a two-car length deficit with 13 laps to go.

Pearson then got right on Owens' left rear quarter panel and when Owens slid up the track entering turn four on lap 52 that open the door for Pearson to go the inside of Owens and pass him for the lead. Both Pearson and Owens were contending with a lapped car for several laps and just when Pearson made the move to pass Owens, Owens would get together with the lapped car ramping over the left rear of that car which caused damage to the right front of Owens' mount and that would end any hopes that Owens had for the win as he slowed on the track and went pitside.

On the restart, Pearson would hold the point for the first time in the event, but a caution after the restart for Vic Hill and Mark Vineyard would slow the field one more time. Hill who was running sixth at the time did a 360 in turn four and kept his position in the race as he did not stop on the race track.

That would be the last caution of the race and Pearson was up to the task of holding a comfortable lead the rest of the way as he would go on to record his 12th career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory and his second of 2008.

In the Lucas Oil Victory Lane, Pearson was relieved the race was over after seeing two top contenders (Owens and Bloomquist) not finish the race. "It's been a long-time coming, our crew has worked their rear ends off, it's been an up and down season, I've flipped, got knocked out and broke my wrist. This is the car that Bobby (Labonte) drove in the Prelude and it ran so good I think I'll just keep on racing this car so maybe I won't give it back to him to drive," said the 36-year old who is in his second year driving for the 2000 NASCAR Champion. "Those Bloomquist cars are always tough here, I'm not sure what happened to Bloomquist out there, but with Jimmy, he's a great driver as well and we had a good race with him and you hate to see what happened to him, but we were just in the right place at the right time tonight, I've got to thank my crew Randall, Matt and Keith for the great job they do and thanks to all the fans that came out tonight, I hope they enjoyed the show."

The Bobby Labonte Racing Team #44 based out of Archdale, NC is sponsored by LifeLong Locks, Lucas Oil Products and Sunoco Race Fuels as he MasterSbilt Dodge Charger is powered by a Larry Wallace Racing Engines.

McDowell of Chickamauga, GA finished second in the Base Racing Fuels/Clements Engines/Rocket followed by Chad Ogle who was making his first career LOLMDS start in his Sammy's Hardware Store/AFCO/GRT Monte Carlo. Completing the top five were Rick Rogers in the Greeneville Forest Products/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Warrior Monte Carlo as ninth-place starter Bart Hartman in the Imler's Poultry/Cornett Engines/Rocket Monte Carlo came home fifth.
Completing the top ten were 14th starting Shanon Buckingham, Tommy Kerr, Vic Hill, Ray Cook and Mark Vineyard.

In preliminary racing action Jimmy Owens was the PRC Fast Timer in qualifications with a lap of 12.298 seconds among the 44 entrants on hand. The heat races were won by Owens, Dale McDowell, Scott Bloomquist and Rick Rogers. The B-mains went to Tommy Kerr and Dan Schlieper.

In the first B-main of the night LOLMDS driver John Mason of Millersburg, OH was involved in a mishap on the main straightaway that left the Hall of Famer suffering from concussion like symptoms after he took a hard hit in the wreck which knocked one of the wheels off the car. He was later transported to an area hospital in Greeneville, TN. Mason had complained of arm and neck pain at the track, but x-rays proved negative on those. The results of a cat-scan showed that Mason had sustained a concussion, with doctors releasing him shortly after.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be back on the track Sunday Night, July 6th at Tazewell Speedway in Tazewell, TN for the Toyota Knoxville 75. The event was originally scheduled for Friday Night but persistent rain showers forced the event to be postponed until Sunday Night. For more information you can go to www.tazewellspeedway.net.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log onto www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
You can find out more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series by logging on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Saturday Night, July 5, 2008
Volunteer Speedway - Bulls Gap, TN

PRC Fast Time: Jimmy Owens/12.298 seconds

Hawk Brake First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Chris Madden, Bart Hartman, Joe Armes, Tommy Kerr, Scott James, John Mason, Brad Neat, Brad Hall, Jeff Maupin - DNS

Hawk Brake Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Dale McDowell, Billy Ogle Jr., Vic Hill, Shanon Buckingham. Steve Casebolt, Bryan Hendrix, Wayne Chinn, Randy Weaver, Herman Goddard, Bobby Giffin, J. Allan, Roger Best

AFCO Racing Products Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson Jr., Ray Cook, John Gill, Michael Smith, Mark Vineyard, Brad Coffey, Steve Smith, Bobby Mays, Mike Jackson, Terry Casey

Tiger Rear Ends Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Rick Rogers, Shane Roberts, Chad Ogle, Justin Rattliff, Dan Schlieper, Billy Drake, Kerry Jones, Freddy Smith, Jeff Wolfenbarger, John King, Anthony White - DNS

Mason Racin' Rebel Shock Dyno First B-Main (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Tommy Kerr, Bryan Hendrix, Brad Neat, Steve Casebolt, Scott James, Wayne Chinn, Bobby Giffin. Brad Hall, John Mason, Herman Goddard, J. Allan, Randy Weaver - DNS, Roger Best - DNS, Jeff Maupin - DNS

Quarter Master Second B-Main (12 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Dan Schlieper, Michael Smith, Mark Vineyard, Billy Drake, Freddy Smith, John King, Mike Jackson, Jeff Wolfenbarger, Brad Coffey, Bobby Mays, Steve Smith, Kerry Jones, Terry Casey, Anthony White - DNS

"Toyota Tundra 60" Feature Finish (60 Laps): Earl Pearson Jr., Dale McDowell, Chad Ogle, Rick Rogers, Bart Hartman, Shanon Buckingham, Tommy Kerr, Vic Hill, Ray Cook, Mark Vineyard, Billy Drake, Steve Casebolt, John Gill, Shane Roberts, Michael Smith, Justin Rattliff, Jimmy Owens, Bryan Hendrix, Brad Neat, Scott Bloomquist, Dan Schlieper, Joe Armes, Chris Madden, Billy Ogle Jr.

Race Statistics

Entries: 44
Caution Flags: 4
Lap Leaders: Dale McDowell 1-15, Jimmy Owens 16-52, Earl Pearson Jr. 53-60
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Steve Casebolt, Billy Drake
PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race: Billy Drake (Started 24th and finished 11th-advanced 13 positions)
Allstar Performance Performer of the Race: Dale McDowell
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Earl Pearson Jr.
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: none
ASI Racewear Lucky 7 Award: Tommy Kerr
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Eric Fulwood (Billy Drake)
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Larry Wallace Racing Engines
Time of the Race: 35 minutes

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings
1) Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL) 3665
2) Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN) 3500
3) Bart Hartman (Zanesville, OH) 3370
4) Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI) 3230
5) Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY) 3220
6) Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL) 3075
7) Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN) 3015
8) Terry Casey (New London, WI) 2880
9) Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN) 2630
10) Wayne Chinn (Bradford, OH) 2425

Quarter Master Rookie of the Year Points Standings
1) Terry Casey (New London, WI) 2880
2) Wayne Chinn (Bradford, OH) 2425
3) John Blankenship (Williamson, WV) 745
4) Tony Knowles (Tyrone, GA) 425
5) Eric Jacobsen (Seacliffe Beach, CA) 245

R&L Carrier - "The Official Carrier" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Sunoco Race Fuels - "The Official Fuel" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

SuperClean - "The Official Degreaser" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

2008 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include: 5150 Race Trailers, Afco Racing Products, Allstar Performance, American Racer Tire, ARC Engines, ASI Racewear, Banshee Graphics, Bloomquist Race Cars, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Comp Cams, Cornett Racing Engines, Cruise with the Champions, Dart Machinery, Duralite Racing Wheels, Dyers Top Rods, Erson Cams, GRT Race Cars, Hawk Performance Brake Pads, Hyperco, Integra Shocks, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, Malcuit Racing Engines, Mason Racin', Mullvain Motorsports, Ohlins, On the Edge Graphics, PBM, Penske Shocks, Performance Bodies, Performance Rod & Customs, Pro Power Racing, Quarter Master, Rick Schwallie Photography, Rocket Chassis, Tiger Rearends, Vic Hill Racing Engines, Victory Circle Chassis, WD Enterprises, Wiles Driveshafts, and Wrisco Aluminum.

'Pepsi 75' at Portsmouth Raceway Park - Quick Results
By: Jason Shank

JNJ Motorsports presents the AlturnaMats ® "Shock the Clock" MACS
Time Trials:
Car # / Driver Name / Time
99 - Donnie Moran 14.609
28 - Eddie Carrier Jr. 14.800
43A - Jason Covert 14.822
25 - Josh Richards 14.965
11 - Steve Francis 14.997
18E - Eric Wells 15.024
24M - Jeremy Miller 15.062
71C - R.J. Conley 15.085
34 - Josh McGuire 15.088
7 - Matt Miller 15.096
21 - Matt Lux 15.139
17 - Nick Dickson 15.140
E1 - Mike Balzano 15.149
33C - Chris Meadows 15.159
46 - Doug Horton 15.170
21M - Jason Montgomery 15.188
F1 - Coleby Frye 15.224
WE11 - David Wells 15.303
B7 - Ben Adkins 15.304
JB1 - Josh Bocook 15.305
12D - Doug Drown 15.325
C7 - Kenny Christy 15.330
17M - Mike Marlar 15.377
5M - Ryan Markham 15.419
2R - Joe Ramey 15.443
14P - Jack Pencil 15.470
4B - Jackie Boggs 15.480
71R - Rod Conley 15.482
71 - Delmas Conley 15.507
24S - Charlie Swartz 15.513
5W - Waylon Wagner 15.518
56 - Russell King 15.540
0 - Ron Delano 15.582
11H - Randy Boggs 15.605
39 - Greg Fetters 15.647
5E - Michael England 15.665
79 - Mike Altobelli 15.680
1K - Bobby Kitchen 15.687
13 - Jamie Ferguson 15.797
02 - Tony Lombardi 15.842
17W - Chris Wilson 15.868
33W - Kevin Wagner 15.935
1A - Audie Swartz 15.950
5 - Chuck Clise 16.006
4F - Brett Foster 16.045
72* - Jared Teegarden 16.048
12DD - Daniel Williams 16.253
9H - Terry Hicks 16.399
16 - Paul Davis 16.449
17Q - Mark Queen 16.455
66R - Roger Ruark 16.467
15 - Brandon Queen 17.490
48 - Larry Ferrell 17.728
17T - Shannon Thornsberry NT
3 - Tom Baker NT
30 - Steve Shaver NT


Donnie Moran was awarded a $200 Gift Certificate from Alturnamats® plus a $100 Gift Certificate from Impact Graphics for being Fast Qualifier. The Portsmouth Raceway Park Track Record is 14.252 and held by Josh McGuire.

Bazell Fuels presents the Sunoco Race Fuels 1st B Main : 1. Doug Drown, Wooster, OH; 2. Matt Miller, Arlington, OH; 3. R.J. Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 4. Rod Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 5. Jamie Ferguson, West Liberty, Ky.; 6. Terry Hicks, Grayson, Ky.; 7. Chuck Clise, Frostburg, MD; 8. Ron Delano, Stoystown, PA; 9. Daniel Williams, West Liberty, Ky.; 10. Mark Queen, Wayne, W. Va.; 11. Jared Teegarden, Chesterfield, Va.; 12. Charlie Swartz, Grayson, Ky.; 13. Nick ****son, Lewistown, Pa.; 14. Jack Pencil, Bedford, PA; 15. Tom Baker, Massillon, OH; 16. Shannon Thornsberry, Martin, KY; 17. Mike Altobelli, Saxton, PA; 18. Kenny Christy, Vanceburg, Ky.; 19. Roger Ruark, Flemington, Ky.; 20. Chris Meadows, Crab Orchard, W. Va.;
21. Steve Shaver, Parkersburg, WV.

Big Shot Performance presents the Keizer Wheels 2nd B Main : 1. Jackie Boggs, Grayson, KY; 2. Delmas Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 3. Russell King, Bristol, Ohio; 4. Waylon Wagner, Lewistown, Pa.; 5. Ryan Markham, Ashland, OH; 6. Chris Wilson, Louisa, Ky.; 7. Joe Ramey, Ironton, Ohio; 8. Bobby Kitchen, Grove City, Ohio; 9. Matt Lux, Franklin, PA; 10. Paul Davis, Pilgrim, Ky.; 11. Kevin Wagner, Wheelersburg, Ohio; 12. Brett Foster, Jackson, Ohio; 13. David Wells, Wooton, Ky.; 14. Audie Swartz, Minford, OH; 15. Greg Fetters, Everett, PA; 16. Larry Ferrell, South Point, Ohio; 17. Tony Lombardi, Warren, OH; 18. Randy Boggs, Grayson, KY; 19. Brandon Queen, Wayne, W. Va.; 20. Michael England, Glasgow, Ky..

Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic presents the Hoosier Tire Heat Race #1: 1. Donnie Moran, Dresden, OH; 2. Eric Wells, Hazard, Ky.; 3. Jason Montgomery, Jackson, OH; 4. Doug Drown, Wooster, OH; 5. Matt Lux, Franklin, PA; 6. Jack Pencil, Bedford, PA; 7. Waylon Wagner, Lewistown, Pa.; 8. Jared Teegarden, Chesterfield, Va.; 9. Chris Wilson, Louisa, Ky.; 10. Roger Ruark, Flemington, Ky.; 11. Michael England, Glasgow, Ky.; 12. Steve Shaver, Parkersburg, WV.

Dave Poske Performance Parts presents the Rocket Chassis Heat Race #2: 1. Eddie Carrier Jr., Salt Rock, WV; 2. Coleby Frye, Dover, Pa.; 3. Jeremy Miller, Gettysburg, PA; 4. Jackie Boggs, Grayson, KY; 5. Nick ****son, Lewistown, Pa.; 6. Russell King, Bristol, Ohio; 7. Kenny Christy, Vanceburg, Ky.; 8. Kevin Wagner, Wheelersburg, Ohio; 9. Daniel Williams, West Liberty, Ky.; 10. Brandon Queen, Wayne, W. Va.; 11. Mike Altobelli, Saxton, PA.

Lias Tire Racing Division presents the American Racer Heat Race #3: 1. Mike Balzano, Parkersburg, WV; 2. Mike Marlar, Winfield, Tenn.; 3. Jason Covert, York Haven, Pa.; 4. R.J. Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 5. Audie Swartz, Minford, OH; 6. Rod Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 7. David Wells, Wooton, Ky.; 8. Terry Hicks, Grayson, Ky.; 9. Bobby Kitchen, Grove City, Ohio; 10. Ron Delano, Stoystown, PA; 11. Larry Ferrell, South Point, Ohio.

Bert Transimssions presents the ATL Fuel Cells Heat Race #4: 1. Josh McGuire, Grayson, Ky.; 2. Josh Richards, Shinnston, W. Va.; 3. Ben Adkins, W. Portsmouth, Ohio; 4. Delmas Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 5. Shannon Thornsberry, Martin, KY; 6. Ryan Markham, Ashland, OH; 7. Jamie Ferguson, West Liberty, Ky.; 8. Randy Boggs, Grayson, KY; 9. Chuck Clise, Frostburg, MD; 10. Paul Davis, Pilgrim, Ky.; 11. Chris Meadows, Crab Orchard, W. Va..

GRT Race Cars presents the Mason Racin' Heat Race #5: 1. Steve Francis, Ashland, KY; 2. Doug Horton, Bruceton Mills, WV; 3. Josh Bocook, Wheelersburg, Ohio; 4. Matt Miller, Arlington, OH; 5. Greg Fetters, Everett, PA; 6. Tom Baker, Massillon, OH; 7. Tony Lombardi, Warren, OH; 8. Mark Queen, Wayne, W. Va.; 9. Brett Foster, Jackson, Ohio; 10. Charlie Swartz, Grayson, Ky.; 11. Joe Ramey, Ironton, Ohio.

'Pepsi 75': 1. Eddie Carrier Jr., Salt Rock, WV; 2. Jason Covert, York Haven, Pa.; 3. Donnie Moran, Dresden, OH; 4. Doug Horton, Bruceton Mills, WV; 5. Eric Wells, Hazard, Ky.; 6. Mike Balzano, Parkersburg, WV; 7. R.J. Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 8. Coleby Frye, Dover, Pa.; 9. Delmas Conley, Wheelersburg, OH; 10. Jack Pencil, Bedford, PA; 11. Russell King, Bristol, Ohio; 12. Josh McGuire, Grayson, Ky.; 13. Josh Bocook, Wheelersburg, Ohio; 14. Mike Marlar, Winfield, Tenn.; 15. Josh Richards, Shinnston, W. Va.; 16. Steve Francis, Ashland, KY; 17. Jason Montgomery, Jackson, OH; 18. Matt Miller, Arlington, OH; 19. Jackie Boggs, Grayson, KY; 20. Doug Drown, Wooster, OH; 21. Jeremy Miller, Gettysburg, PA; 22. Ben Adkins, W. Portsmouth, Ohio; 23. Audie Swartz, Minford, OH; 24. Greg Fetters, Everett, PA

Critical Nine-Race World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Wild West Tour’ Kicks Off July 9 At Deer Creek Speedway
By: Kevin Kovac

Swing Will Visit Minnesota, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, Wyoming, South Dakota, Kansas & Nebraska

CONCORD, NC – July 5, 2008 – Go west, young men.

That’s the directive for the stars of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, which is about to embark on an unprecedented summertime odyssey across six states and one Canadian province located in the western half of North America.

Beginning with the 29th annual Featherlite Trailers ‘Gopher 50’ on Wed., July 9, at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., the WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour’ will contest nine $10,000-to-win events over a 13-day period. The swing features two shows in Minnesota, two in North Dakota and one each in Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

The 2008 WoO LMS will still have 19 shows remaining following the Wild West Tour, so the trip isn’t do-or-die for the drivers chasing the $100,000 series points championship. But the grueling stretch of racing that will keep teams far from their home shops for an extended period of time will certainly put an indelible stamp on the points battle.

“You can’t win the championship on the swing,” said Rick Eckert of York, Pa., who ranks third in the WoO LMS points standings and enters the Wild West Tour as one of the hottest drivers on the trail. “But you can definitely lose it. If you have problems and start dropping out of races, you’re going to be in big trouble.”

There will be little time to rest for the WoO LMS travelers, who figure to log over 2,250 miles in their haulers hustling between the tracks on the Wild West Tour. The swing is the most ambitious in the history of the WoO LMS, both in number and frequency of dates (races in five consecutive nights to start the tour will be a first for the series) as well as geography (the series is making its biggest penetration ever into the west).

“You don’t want to have the ‘snowball effect’ start happening to you out there,” said defending WoO LMS champion Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who is hoping the western excursion gets him back on track after a subpar ‘Great Northern Tour’ dropped him from the points lead to 70 points behind in fourth place. “If you happen to crash out a car at Deer Creek or one of the early races, we’re too far out west to do much other than try to patch it up so you’ll basically be behind for the rest of the trip.”

Preparation, preparation, preparation – that’s going to be the key to success on the Wild West Tour.

“We’re just gonna go out there with our stuff as ready to go as we can get it,” said WoO LMS points leader Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who heads west carrying an amazing streak of 10 consecutive top-five finishes in series events. “We’re gonna keep doing the same things we’ve been doing, but at the same time you know you have to be extra prepared to be out on the road for a few weeks.”

The Wild West Tour kicks off with a rush, running five nights in a row starting on July 9 at Deer Creek Speedway, a three-eighths-mile oval that is the most senior host of WoO LMS events on the swing. The Queensland family’s track will hold its fifth series event since 2006.

Following Deer Creek on the busy opening-week schedule are stops on July 10 at North Central Speedway in Brainerd, Minn., which returns to the WoO LMS for the first time since 2006 and will have its action taped for broadcast on SPEED at 4 p.m. ET on Aug. 16; July 11 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., which is part of the series for the third consecutive season; July 12 at Saskatchewan’s Estevan Motor Speedway, which brings the Outlaws across the Canadian for the fourth time this season; and July 13 at Williston Basin Speedway in Williston, N.D.

Two well-deserved off-days (July 14-15) precede the second half of the Wild West Tour, which features stops on July 16 at Gillette (Wyo.) Thunder Speedway; July 18 at Brown County Speedway in Aberdeen, S.D.; July 20 at the Belleville (Kan.) High Banks, which drew a standing-room-only crowd for its inaugural WoO LMS event in 2007; and July 21 at Boone County Raceway in Albion, Neb., where the Outlaws action will be part of the annual Boone County Fair.

The WoO LMS will make first-ever visits to Estevan, Williston Basin, Gillette, Brown County and Boone County, and eight of the nine A-Mains will be run over the 50-lap distance. Only the event at the wicked-fast Belleville half-mile will be shorter.

Francis, Lanigan and Eckert are among the WoO LMS regulars who will headline the Wild West Tour. The series roster also includes 20-year-old Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who is tied with three-time series champion Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., atop the trail’s 2008 win list with four victories; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who won last year’s Gopher 50 at Deer Creek; Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill.; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y.; John Blankenship of Williamson, W.Va.; and 2008 Rookie of the Year contender Vic Coffey of Leicester, N.Y.

An array of top regional racers will challenge the Outlaws throughout the Wild West Tour, including Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis. (the entire swing is on his schedule); Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., who plans to enter the first five shows; Kelly Boen of Henderson, Col. (slated to join the tour at River Cities and continue for the ensuing five events); John Anderson of Omaha, Neb. (the first three shows plus tentative appearances at Belleville and Boone County); and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa.

Immediately following the Wild West Tour, the WoO LMS will head back east for the Alltel Ohio Speedweek to continue the furious month of July. Speedweek events are scheduled for July 24 at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio; July 25 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio; July 26 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio; and July 27 at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

The tour’s postponed $40,000-to-win Firecracker 100 presented by GottaRace.com at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., will close out the month on Tues., July 29.

When the flurry of July racing is finally completed, WoO LMS teams will have traveled anywhere from 4,800 to 5,600 miles from their shops and back.

For more information on the ‘Wild West Tour’:

* Deer Creek Speedway on Wed., July 9: Visit www.deercreekspeedway.com or call 1-877-DCS-RACE.

* North Central Speedway on Thurs., July 10: Visit www.racencs.net or call 218-828-1545.

* River Cities Speedway on Fri., July 11: Visit www.rivercitiesspeedway.com or call 701-780-0999.

* Estevan Motor Speedway on Sat., July 12: Visit www.estevanmotorspeedway.com or call 306-636-7500.

* Williston Basin Speedway on Sun., July 13: Visit www.basinspeedway.com or call 701-774-8008.

* Gillette Thunder Speedway on Wed., July 16: Visit www.gillettespeedway.com or call 307-682-7290.

* Brown County Speedway on Fri., July 18: Visit www.browncountyspeedway.net or call 605-225-0762.

* Belleville High Banks on Sun., July 20: Visit www.highbanks.org or call 785-527-2488.

* Boone County Speedway on Mon., July 21: Visit www.boonecountyraceway.com or call 402-395-5171.

* World of Outlaws Late Model Series: Visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

2008 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of June 25 - 18 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/wins/top-5s/top-10s/earnings/points/deficit to leader):

1. Darrell Lanigan 2-10-16-$50,150-2451 (-0)

2. Josh Richards 4-10-14-$72,160-2415 (-36)

3. Rick Eckert 1-9-14-$49,050-2401 (-50)

4. Steve Francis 1-8-14-$86,650-2381 (-70)

5. Chub Frank 1-7-12-$40,630-2375 (-76)

6. Shane Clanton 0-8-12-$35,430-2335 (-116)

7. Shannon Babb 1-6-12-$52,200-2331 (-120)

8. Clint Smith 1-5-9-$33,010-2301 (-150)

9. Tim Fuller 0-3-5-$20,620-2195 (-256)

10. John Blankenship 0-0-5-$21,070-2161 (-290)

11. Vic Coffey 0-0-2-$14,470-1772 (-679)

12. Danny Johnson 0-0-1-$9,950-1598 (-853)

13. Tim McCreadie 1-6-9-$38,200-1463 (-988)

14. Joe Isabell 0-0-0-$6,590-1397 (-1054)

15. Billy Moyer 4-6-6-$70,420-1181 (-1270)

(July, 4, 2008)  Rain has forced Motordrome Speedway officials to postpone the Toyota Dealers of Western PA "Fan Appreciation Night" until next Friday night, July 11.  A giant fireworks display and $5 admission prices will greet race fans next week, when the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action begins at 7:30pm.  Twin State Auto Racing Club Members will be granted free admission, and concession stand discounts plus Toyota t-shirt giveaways will enhance the rescheduled "Fan Appreciation Night" on July 11.

This adjustment to the 2008 schedule also impacts the racing program the following week.  The Modified division's 30-lap special event and the Whelen Night promotions will be moved to Friday July 18.  The popular "Driver Autograph Night" with free checkered flags presented to all children ages 12 and under, will remain on the agenda for July 18 as scheduled, and be joined by the extra-distance Modified event at no extra admission charge.

(July 3, 2008) Keith Barbara was the winner of the 33rd Annual Yankee Doodle 50, presented by C&B Bank and the Nevasky Foundation on Thursday night at Central PA Speedway.  The South Park, PA driver survived two rain delays that stretched the 52 lap feature race to over three hours in the event for the Unified Force Race Championship Super Late Model Tour presented by Comcast .

With a field of 34 cars on hand, four qualifying races were run.  Heat 1 was won by Rodney Sweitzer from the outside pole, a fete duplicated by Tim Fedder in Heat 2.  Heat 3 went to D.J. Myers also from outside row 1, with Alex Ferree winning Heat 4 from starting position 4.  With threatening weather throughout the area for the duration of the race day, track management graciously announced that they would eliminate the need for any Last Chance Races, by allowing all 34 cars the chance to run the feature event.

In the redraw for the top 12 starting positions, the higher positions went early, with the two front row positions still available to the last three drivers to draw.  The tenth driver to draw, Jared Miley, finally nabbed the pole position.  Gregg Satterlee was next to draw, and nabbed position 2, and the 34-car starting field was set to go.  33 cars would start the 33rd running of the Yankee Doodle, with just nationally-known Hooters Pro Cup Series point leader Benny Gordon, making a rare dirt race start, unable to answer the call due to car problems in his heat race.

The 33rd Annual Yankee Doodle 50 was set, running a distance of 51 laps in regards to UFo Area 51 procedure.  With Jared Miley and Gregg Satterlee leading the field to green at exactly 9:00 PM, Satterlee blasted into the lead in turn two, but the caution flag immediately replaced the green as Josh Kennelley spun at the flagstand.   The second try for a start was a good one, as Satterlee again used a good run through turn two on the outside to grab the lead.  Lap 2 saw the caution appear, and during this caution period a few drops of rain started to fall.  It caused the race to go into a rain delay, as the track crew immediately went to work to help prepare the soggy surface into shape.  After 51 minute delay, the racing was able to resume.

An incident on the attempted restart saw a tangle that knocked UFo point leader Alex Ferree from competition.  Racing resumed with Satterlee leading, but eighth starting Keith Barbara got a good run on the inside as he advanced from fifth at the break to second.  Miley settled into third, with Mike Johnson and Chub Frank trailing.  Frank and D.J. Myers passed Johnson to take fourth and fifth on lap 4.  With the leaders quickly catching the tail of the field, lap 6 saw Barbara use the inside of turn two to take the lead at lap 7.  Miley grabbed second from Satterlee on lap 8, as the caution appeared. 

On a lap 11 restart, Barbara continued to show the way, with Miley and Satterlee now racing for second.  Satterlee used the outside to take second on lap 14, with Frank passing Miley a lap later.  Frank passed Satterlee for second on lap 16, and closed quickly on leader Barbara.  Barbara and Frank were side by side at the line on lap 17 with Barbara still inches ahead.  Frank moved ahead through turns one and two, but the move was wiped out by a yellow flag before the next lap could be scored.

Barbara was good again on the low side of turn one on the restart, pulling to a comfortable lead.   Shawn McGarvey had advanced quietly to third after starting 14th, and now slipped past Frank to take second.  Satterlee and Mike Blose from 15th now filled the top five.  Caution again waved on lap 19, with a couple sprinkles showing again.  Barbara again showed the way, but McGarvey challenged for the lead at lap 20.  The two were racing hard for the lead entering turn one, and McGarvey spun to force the yellow at lap 20.  Blose was now third, ahead of Satterlee and Miley.

Frank slowed with a flat tire the next time by for another caution.  Rain concerns saw yellow flag laps count on this caution period only, and racing resumed on lap 26.  Blose, Miley, 21st starting Jason Witherite, and Satterlee now filled the top five.  Rain once again slowed the pace, causing a second rain delay with 29 laps complete.  This delay lasted over an hour, with racing resuming as Patsy Cline was singing "Walking After Midnight."

Back to green, lap 30 had Barbara leading Blose, Miley, Witherite, and Chris Farrell.  Farrell then spun in turn three to force the caution.  McGarvey made ground on this restart, passing Witherite to take third on lap 32.  Frank moved back to fourth as caution waved with 34 complete.  Tim Fedder moved into fifth as things stabilized at the front.  A ragged restart on lap 39 shuffled the top five again, with the next lap showing Barbara over Frank, Blose, Miley, and McGarvey, as caution appeared again at lap 40.

With the race winding down, Chub Frank passed Barbara for the lead on the back straight, but Barbar retook the lead from Frank with a hard drive into turn 4.   A last lap caution forced two laps to be run, but at the finish it was Barbara getting the prestigious victory.  Frank was second after two visits to the pits.  Blose was a solid third.  Miley rallied in the late laps for fourth, and in the process took over the UFo point lead.  McGarvey came back for fifth, with Satterlee, Witherite, Tim Fedder, Matt Gaston, and Rodney Sweitzer filling the top ten.

UFo Contingency Connection winners of this event included Pass-Maximum Award winners were Jerry Redden, Chris Farrell, and Herman Bertolini.  Each driver advanced 15 positions in the main event.  Each winner will receive product certificate awards depending on the number of products for which a driver is registered and eligible out of the 75+ product sponsors. A driver eligible for 20 products will receive $500 in awards.

The next event in the UFo Race Championship Tour presented by Comcast will be on Sunday, July 13 at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway for the running of the Red Miley Memorial 53.  The winner of the 53 lap main event will pocket $5,300, and with lap money included, it is possible for the winner to earn as much as $8,109.  Semi-Lates and Cadets under UFo rules will also be on the card.  Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway is located at Imperial, PA, west of Pittsburgh off of US 22/30 at the Noblestown exit.  PPMS information may be obtained at http://www.ppms.com or by calling 412-279-7223. 

The UFo Race Championship presented by Comcast has over $400,000 of prize payoffs and contingencies for Super Late Model teams over the scheduled races including a points bonus for the top 10 drivers at the end of the season. The points bonus includes $1,000 for each completed event plus 100% of additional sponsor contributions. The tour has $40,000 of contingency awards available to drivers through the Contingency Connection Program. The Pass Maximum award winner from the feature event plus the top 2 drivers in UFo points that do not qualify for the feature will be awarded contingency prize bundles at the events. A driver eligible for just 20 awards out of the 100+ participating sponsors will win $500 of product certificates.  Complete information on the UFo Race Championship presented by Comcast including payoffs and rules can be found at http://uforacechampionship.com.

UFo Race Championship 2008 Sponsors include Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, Lias Tire & American Racer, Comcast, Bryan De-Signs & Decals and the Contingency Connection. Information on these sponsors may be found at http://comcast.com http://www.hoosiermidatlantic.com, http://liastire.com , http://bryandecals.com and http://contingencyconnection.com.

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2008 UFo Race Championship presented by Comcast Schedule

Date / Track / Event / Laps / To Win

April 13 / Challenger Raceway / PA State Short Track Championships / 51 laps / $5,000 – won by Robbie Blair

May 25 / Central PA Speedway / The Grizzly / 51 laps / $5,000 – won by John Flinner

June 1* / Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway / F-2 Shockwave / 2 x 30 laps / $5,100 Total winners were Steve Baker and Al Atallah

July 3 / Central PA Speedway / Yankee Doodle / 51 laps / $7,000 – won by Keith Barbara

July 13 / Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway / Red Miley 53 / 53 laps / $5,300 + $2,809 lap money

Aug 3 / Tyler County / Earl Hill Championship / 51 laps / $4,000

Aug 17 / Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway / PENNational / 51 laps / $5,000

Sep 6 / Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex / King of the Knob / 51 laps / $5,500

Sep 18-19-20 / Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway / Pittsburgher 100 / 100 laps / $20,100

Oct 9 / Challenger Raceway / Mega-Blitz 2008 / 33 laps/ $3,000

Oct 10-11* / Challenger Raceway / The Ultimate / 91 laps / $22,000

*To be televised on CN8, the Comcast Network

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Unified Force Championship Tour presented by Comcast Super Late Model results for Central Pennsylvania Speedway for Thursday, July 3, 2008.

Car count – 34.

Feature – with finish, start, car, driver, and hometown

1, 8, 17, Keith Barbara, South Park, PA

2, 5, 1* , Chub Frank, Bear Lake, PA

3, 15, 5, Mike Blose, Dayton, PA

4, 1, H1, Jared Miley, South Park, PA

5, 14, 8H, Shawn McGarvey, Coalport, PA

6, 2, 22, Gregg Satterlee, Rochester Mills, PA

7, 21, 24M, Jason Witherite, Luthersburg, PA

8, 9, 8, Tim Fedder, Millerstown, PA

9 , 20, 47, Matt Gaston, Rochester Mills, PA

10, 7, 84, Rodney Sweitzer, Stoystown, PA

11, 4, 2J, Mike Johnson, Imperial, PA

12, 27, 5R , Jerry Redden, Mahaffey, PA

13, 28, 53, Chris Farrell, Clearfield, PA

14, 23, 33, Bernie Whiteford, Hastings, PA

15, 11, 1B, Dwayne Brooks, Falls Creek, PA

16, 26, 7J, Josh Young, Berwick, PA

17, 30, D42, Matt Dobnak, West Mifflin, PA

18, 33, 7X, Herman Bertolini, Creighton, PA

19, 29, W1, Tim Smith, Jr., McVeytown, PA

20, 32, 55, Denny Fenton, Clearfield, PA

21, 13, 51, Chuck Kennedy, Brockway, PA

22, 24, 34D , Bob Dunn, East Waterford, PA

23, 10, 70J, D.J. Myers, Greencastle, PA

24, 19, 27, Bobby Stokes, Milton, PA

25, 3, 231, George Fultz, Beech Creek, PA

26, 18, 17B, Todd Baumgardner, West Decatur, PA

27, 25, 4W, Keith Witherite, Mahaffey, PA

28, 6, 75, Mel Minnick, Jr., Uniontown, PA

29, 16, 32, Billy Dickson, West Decatur, PA

30, 22, 82G, Ted Gallaher, Irvona, PA

31, 12, 4, Alex Ferree, Saxonburg, PA

32, 17, 19C, Chris Clark, Curwensville, PA

33, 31, 23, Josh Kennelley, Blanchard, PA

Did not start, Benny Gordon, DuBois, PA

Feature 1 Lead Changes – 1.

Satterlee 1-6

Barbara 7-52.

Heat 1 – 1, Rodney Sweitzer. 2 , George Fultz. 3, Mel Minnick, Jr. 4, Chuck Kennedy. 5, Chris Clark. 6, Jason Witherite. 7, Keith Witherite. 8, Benny Gordon.

Heat 2 – 1, Tim Fedder. 2, Dwayne Brooks. 3, Jared Miley. 4, Shawn McGarvey. 5, Todd Baumgardner. 6, Ted Gallaher. 7, Josh Young. 8, Tim Smith, Jr. 9, Denny Fenton.

Heat 3 – 1, D.J. Myers. 2, Chub Frank. 3, Gregg Satterlee. 4, Mike Blose. 5, Bobby Stokes. 6, Bernie Whiteford. 7, Jerry Redden. 8, Matt Dobnak.

Heat 4 – 1, Alex Ferree. 2, Keith Barbara. 3, Mike Johnson. 4 , Billy Dickson. 5, Matt Gaston. 6, Bob Dunn. 7, Chris Farrell. 8, Josh Kennelley. 9, Herman Bertolini.

Updated UFo Series point standings –

1, 347.5, Jared Miley.

2, 344.5, Alex Ferree

3, 336.5, Keith Barbara

4, 324.5, Gregg Satterlee

5, 324, Shawn McGarvey

6, 310, Mike Johnson

7, 308, Rodney Sweitzer

8, 288, Matt Dobnak

9, 287, Herman Bertolini

10, 285, Mel Minnick, Jr.

11, 239, Matt Gaston

12, 227, Chris Farrell

13, 225, Bobby Stokes

14, 189, John Flinner

15, 184, Mike Blose

16, 173.5, Steve Baker

17, 169, Jason Witherite

18, 167, Lynn Geisler

Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprints (25 Laps)

1. (2L) Ed Lynch Jr., Apollo
2. (8) Mike Lutz, Mercer
3. (4) Rod George, Kittanning
4. (15) Charlie Holben, Cabot
5. (6F) Bob Felmlee, Seneca
6. (23JR) Jack Sodeman Jr., N. Jackson OH
7. (9) Kevin Schaeffer, Kittanning
8. (10) Carl Bowser, Sarver
9. (3B) Scott Bonnell, Fairview
10. (56) Ralph Spithaler, Evans City
11. (33) Brent Matus, Wampum
12. (83M) Broc Martin, Wooser OH
13. (98) Dan Shetler, Johnstown
14. (51) Jason Pisani, Pittsburgh
15. (4C) Paul Kish, Poland OH
16. (4K) Bill Kiley, Cabot
17. (11) Scott Priester, Rimersburg
18. (8K) Mike Kaminski, Ford City
19. (6) Shelia Rankin, Renfrew
20. (3J) Bud Watt, Wildwood
21. (96) Lindsay Enscoe, Petrolia
22. (16) Gary Rankin, Renfrew
23. (24S) Brian Steinman, Lucinda
24. (29E) Brent Ellenberger, Butler
25. (44C) Bob Clark, New Castle
26. (141) Walt Tutak Jr., Kittanning

Heat Race Winners: Scott Priester, Bob Felmlee, Rod George

Friedman’s Freshmarkets UMP DIRTcar Super Late Models  (25 Laps)

1. (29) Ken Schaltenbrand, Sarver
2. (5) Mike Blose, New Bethlehem
3. (1C) Lyn Geisler, Cranberry Twp
4. (22) Greg Satterlee, Rochester Mills
5. (10) Gary Lyle, Hyde Park
6. (28C) Clate Copeman, Greensburg
7. (2S) Sam Stile, Charleroi
8. (4) Alex Ferree, Saxonburg
9. (38R) Nick Reges, Butler
10. (48) John Flinner, Zelienople
11. (1J) Dave Murdick, Slippery Rock
12. (66) Todd Bachman, Natrona Heights
13. (25B) Mark Booth, Irwin
14. (27) Jeff Jones, Evans City
15. (7X) Herman Bertolini, Creighton
16. (1L) Dane Laraway, Irwin
17. (6A) Chuck Kennedy, Mars
18. (23) Tony Burke, Sarver
19. (72) Michael Norris, Sarver
20. (2J) Mike Johnson, Imperial

Heat Race Winners: John Flinner, Lynn Geisler

Ferrante Motor Cars DIRTcar Modifieds (25 Laps)

1. (777) Kevin Bolland, New Brighton
2. (31) Jim Weller Jr., Hubbard OH
3. (61) Dave Murdick, Slippery Rock
4. (83) Brian Swartzlander, Leechburg
5. (12T) Tim Doran, New Castle
6. (20D) Del Rougeux Jr., Frenchville
7. (2) Mark Flick, Apollo
8. (45) Steve Feder, Butler
9. (8F) Doug Fleeger, Butler
10. (28) Tom Winkle, Mars
11. (96) Mike Turner, Butler
12. (38) Phil Evans Jr., Greensburg
13. (37MD) Jeremiah Shingledecker, Polk
14. (66) J.R. McGinley, Fairmount City
15. (27R) Dave Reges, Butler
16. (29E) Eric Martin, Evans City
17. (6) Carl Murdick, Butler
18. (34) John Durci, Sarver

DNS: 123) Eddie Brown, Saxonburg

Heat Race Winners: Kevin Bolland, Brian Swartzlander

Advance Auto Parts UMP DIRTcar Street Stocks (20 Laps)

1. (30) Bob Egley, Kittanning
2. (12) Shawn Thorn, Murrysville
3. (54) Wayne Carbo, Saxonburg
4. (33X) Greg Beach, Chicora
5. (2) Dave “Brew” Baker
6. (J19) Jason Fosnaught, Creighton
7. (48) Kevin Haas, Sarver
8. (66) Joe Kelley, Mt. Pleasant
9. (380) Pat Hanley, Monroeville
10. (02) Joseph Heinl, Prospect
11. (1) Randy Hanovick, Mars
12. (57) Troy Jeuther, Valencia
13. (29B) Bryan Byers, Butler
14. (7) Erick Piotrowski, Cranberry Twp.
15. (32) Mark Sanders, New Castle
16. (28Y) Terry Young, Butler
17. (20J) Jim Fosnaught, Bairdford
18. (25) Brett McDonald, Saxonburg
19. (87) Mike Miller, Bessemer

NLC: (15K) Matthew Keith, Franklin

DNS: (3S) Paul Schreckengost, Creighton

Heat Race Winners: Joe Kelley, Terry Young

Car Count Total: 87

Sprint: 26, Late Model: 21, Modified: 19, Street Stock: 21

Upcoming Events:

7/11/2008 – Fab Four Racing (Commercial Truck & Trailer Night)

7/15/2008 – Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprints

Cleveland Brothers CAT DON MARTIN MEMORIAL SILVER CUP XVII

7/29/2008 – RESCHEDULED 2nd Annual Firecracker 100 presented by GottaRace.com Finale

Lucas Oil Events at Tazewell and Volunteer Broadcast Live on the Internet This Weekend
By: James Essex

CORONA, CA (7/1/08) - This Friday and Saturday, July 4th and July 5th, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is set to air their races from Tazewell and Volunteer Speedways live on the internet. The broadcasts will get underway at 8pm eastern, 7pm central on www.RaceTalkLive.com.

Two of the highest banked and most exciting tracks on the Series tour, Tazewell Speedway and Volunteer Speedway always live up to the hype of superb racing and full-throttle excitement. In addition to the Series regulars, other drivers expected for the $10,000 to win races include Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Vic Hill, Randy Weaver, and Anthony White among others.

For the Friday night event at Tazewell, American Race Tires South is putting up a $500 bonus for any Late Model driver that can break the track record of 11.103 seconds on American Race Tires. If more than one driver breaks the track record, the driver with the fastest time will get the $500 bonus.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Internet Broadcast Coordinator Dustin Jarrett will bring you each action-packed lap Friday and Saturday night beginning at 8pm eastern, 7pm central on www.RaceTalkLive.com. As always, the broadcast is FREE for all listeners, who are reminded to have the latest edition of Windows Media Player installed on their computer to hear the show.

For more information on the Series' internet broadcasts or the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit www.LucasDirt.com.
Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1) Earl Pearson Jr. (Jacksonville, FL) 3365
2) Steve Casebolt (Richmond, IN) 3275
3) Bart Hartman (Zanesville, OH) 3115
4) Dan Schlieper (Sullivan, WI) 3055
5) Justin Rattliff (Campbellsville, KY) 3020
6) Billy Drake (Bloomington, IL) 2850
7) Scott James (Lawrenceburg, IN) 2845
8) Terry Casey (New London, WI) 2750
9) Freddy Smith (Seymour, TN) 2460
10) Wayne Chinn (Bradford, OH) 2260

Quarter Master Rookie of the Year Points Standings

1) Terry Casey (New London, WI) 2750
2) Wayne Chinn (Bradford, OH) 2260
3) John Blankenship (Williamson, WV) 745
4) Tony Knowles (Tyrone, GA) 425
5) Eric Jacobsen (Seacliffe Beach, CA) 245

2008 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors

Arizona Sport Shirts - "The Official Merchandise Vendor" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Dixie Chopper - "The Official Mower" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

E3 Spark Plugs - "The Official Spark Plug" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Fatheadz Sunglasses - "The Official Eyewear" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

General Tire - "The Official Tire" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Hoosier Tire - "The Official Race Tire" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Jasper Engines - "The Official Engine" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Jim Beam - Drink Smart - "The Official Beverage" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

K&N Filters - "The Official Filter" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Lucas Oil Products - "The Official Oil" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

R&L Carrier - "The Official Carrier" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Sunoco Race Fuels - "The Official Fuel" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

SuperClean - "The Official Degreaser" of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series


2008 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Supporters Include: 5150 Race Trailers, Afco Racing Products, Allstar Performance, American Racer Tire, ARC Engines, ASI Racewear, Banshee Graphics, Bloomquist Race Cars, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Comp Cams, Cornett Racing Engines, Cruise with the Champions, Dart Machinery, Duralite Racing Wheels, Dyers Top Rods, Erson Cams, GRT Race Cars, Hawk Performance Brake Pads, Hyperco, Integra Shocks, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, Malcuit Racing Engines, Mason Racin', Mullvain Motorsports, Ohlins, On the Edge Graphics, PBM, Penske Shocks, Performance Bodies, Performance Rod & Customs, Pro Power Racing, Quarter Master, Rick Schwallie Photography, Rocket Chassis, Tiger Rearends, Vic Hill Racing Engines, Victory Circle Chassis, WD Enterprises, Wiles Driveshafts, and Wrisco Aluminum.

Officials of the Challenger Raceway have announced that the UFo Mega-Blitz 2008 event that was originally scheduled for July 20 has been rescheduled for October 9 and will now be part of the weekend of The UFo Ultimate and FallFest Super Championships.   The massive 3-day event will now post payoffs over $145,000 with $25,000 total to win for UFo Super Late Models.  The original July 20 date for Mega-Blitz 2008 will now serve as the rain date for the July 13 running of the UFo Red Miley 53 at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway.

The 2007 edition of The Ultimate saw over 300 race teams participating including 166 late model cars (87 Super Late Models and 79 Semi-Lates).  The Ultimate was proclaimed to be “best race of the year” by a majority of the near-sell out, record crowd in attendance.  After 5 lead changes, Billy Drake from Bloomington, IL took his highest payday ever by winning The Ultimate from 15th on the staring grid.

The event will kick off on Thursday Night, October 9 with the Mega-Blitz 2008.   This event will feature a full racing program for the UFo Super Late Models with a 33-lap championship feature paying $3,000 to the winner and $300 for 24th.   Practice sessions for Semi-Lates, B-Cadets, Sport Stocks and Roadrunners will take place throughout the night’s activities. 

The Night Flight Scramble on Friday Night, October 10 will see the UFo Super Late Models vie for the initial starting positions on the Grid for The Ultimate.    Seven or Eight 17-lap Qualifiers will determine the initial qualified drivers for the $22,000 to win event.   Semi-Lates, B-Cadets, Sport Stocks and Roadrunners will compete in their qualifying heat races for the FallFest Super Championships also on Friday Night.

On Saturday Night, October 11, the UFo Super Late Models will compete in The Ultimate 14.  This year’s event pays a record $22,000 to the winner of the 91-lap national championship race.    Semi-Lates will pay $2,000 to win, B-Cadets will pay $1,000 to win, Sport Stocks will pay $500 to win and Roadrunners will pay $500 to win for their FallFest Super Championship races. 

The event will continue to pay well deep into the field for 2008.  The combined total for Mega-Blitz 2008 and The Ultimate for UFo Super Late Models will pay $1,800 for 24th, $400 for 40th and $300 for 80th.   The discount on race car entry fees will also continue, as teams who register their cars for the even by Tuedsay, Sept 30 will receive 50% off gate entry fees.  Entry blanks will be posted in the near future at http://www.challengeraceway.com.

Both general admission and pit 2-day tickets for the Night Flight Scramble and The Ultimate will be offered at a discount if purchased in advance by Friday, October 3.   Top 3 row reserved seating will also be available for those two nights.  Pricing and order information will be released in the near future.  The Mega-Blitz will be a stand-alone event with tickets available at the gate.

UFo rules and procedures will apply for the Super Late Models for all 3 nights.  Semi-Lates (limited/steel block/crate lm), B-Cadets (street/pro-stock), Sport Stocks (hobby/charger/strictly stock) and Roadrunners (4-cylinder front-wheel drive) will use Challenger Raceway rules.  These rules permit virtually any car from all areas speedways to be legal with weight and spoiler variances.   The rules remain the same as were used at the PA State Short Track Championships event in April with one adjustment being made to allow crate motor Semi-Lates use of a spillboard on the nosepiece.