Wease Wins Round 1 of Rumble

Dunn picks up 2 features in cart series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photo By: Fred Patton (http://www.fredericsphoto.com/)

FORT WAYNE, IN.- "The Rumble in Fort Wayne hit the War Memorial Coliseum this past weekend December 26-27th. An incredible sixteen different sprint and go kart series were in action. It was easily the biggest single race event I've had the previlige of covering. 

Saturday night (December 26th), Noblesville native Billy Wease (Left No. 99) took the  win in the 60 lap midget A-Main feature. Behind the No. 99 was Brian Nuckles, while third went to David Gough. Tony Stewart Racing entry Mike Fredorcak finished the night in fourth place, while Tampa, FL. native Joe Liguori came home in fifth place.

Midget sprint legend Mel Kenyon took sixth in the A-Main on Saturday night. The midget feature win gave Wease third indoor feature wins since 2007.

In early action on Saturday night, Fremont, OH. racer John Ivy (Left No. 02) picked up the 40 lap micro sprint feature win. No. 22 Ryan Smith (Kunkletown, PA.) finished the night right behind Ivy in second place. Chelsea, MI native Paul Price picked up third place honors in his No. 61 micro sprint. Fourth place went to Kendallville, IN. racer No. 19 Ben Taylor, while No. 35z Mark Zumbrun (Larwill, IN.) rounded out the top five in the micro sprint feature.

In the other feature on Saturday night, Sellersburg, Indiana's Cole Williams came home with the IKO MiniCup Stock Car feature. I remember that the IKO MiniCups were sweet. They looked like miniture scales of Nascar Sprint Cup cars. Anyway, Brandon Dunn (Frankfort, KY.) had a special night, as he won both the Senior Medium and Heavy Cart series features for the night in his No. 21 cart.

Noblesville, IN. racer Nathan Dishoungh raced his way to the Senior Caged Kart A-Main feature victory. In the Junior Heavy Kart division, Lima, OH. native Max Stambaugh found victory lane, winning the Heavy Kart feature for Saturday night. Spencerville, IN. racer John Hawley won the Junior Caged Karts feature, with help from his sponsors who were his Mom and Dad. Rounding out the Kart series feature winners for Saturday night was Gabriel Gilbert, Mooresville, IN., who picked up the Kid Karts feature win.

Garrett Johnson came home with the Jr. Sprint feature on Saturday night. USAC Midget Champion Mike Streicher's son Richie Streicher raced his way to the Heavy 160 quarter midget feature. Ohio racers Cooper Clouse (Light 160), Nick Ley (Heavy Honda), and Aaron Leffel (Senior Honda) all picked up feature wins on Saturday night at the "The Rumble in Fort Wayne".

Information and results for Sunday (December 27th)'s races at "The Rumble in Fort Wayne" were not posted at the time I wrote this article. I'm very sorry.

Stay tuned as I move my focus to the 2010 Chili Bowl this weekend in Tulsa, OK.  I will not be there in person, but all the action will be covered on "Through the Gears".  I thank you for taking some time to read my articles.

Kenyon Set to Retire after "The Rumble"

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

If you have followed midget and sprint car racing, you have probably seen him race or at least heard his name Mel Kenyon (Left). Kenyon and his No. 61 sprint car have been a fixture in the midget divisons for decades, dazzling racers and fans alike.

Kenyon is set to retire after this year's "Rumble in Fort Wayne". Kenyon has shared the race tracks with some of the best racers to come through the divisions, including legendary drivers like Tony Stewart, Dave Darland, and Jon Stanbrough.

Kenyon is a pioneer in the sport of midget sprint racing. In a legendary racing career, that has spained over four decades, Kenyon has seen the checkered flag in over 100 A-Main Features in over 380 career starts.

Midget sprint racing will definitely not be the same without Kenyon. He will be truly missed by not only his many, many race fans but I'm sure by his many competitors as well.

Mel advanced to the A-Main Midget feature last night, by way of the second place transfer spot. In the A-Main, Kenyon avoided some late race accidents to finish the night in 6th place.  Kenyon will try to put his famous No. 61 in the A-Main Feature for the final time today. All the racing action kicks off at 3 pm, live from the War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, IN.

I ask you to please go out and support Mel in his last race, if you can make it. There are few drivers that have put together, such a remarkable racing career as Mel did.   

"The Rumble" Hits the Fort

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
FORT WAYNE, IN- Fort Wayne will be rocking this weekend (December 26-27th) when the midgets do battle in the War Memorial Coliseum, in the "Rumble in Fort Wayne."

"The Rumble in Fort Wayne" is two days chalked full of racing. On the race bill will be winged outlaw midgets, midgets, JEGS quarter midgets MiniCup stock cars,  Jr. Sprints, and karts. The racers will be racing around a 1/6th mile concrete oval in the lower level of the Coliseum.

Racers including Ronnie Wuerdeman (Pictured Upper Left in Red #33) will put their talents on display in this two day racing jamboree. Sarah Fisher has entered her midget team in the Rumble this year, and will be on hand to take pictures and sign autographes in the Fan Zone Sunday, December 27th from 2-3 pm. Many well- known racers will be take part in the event, including 14 year old up and comer Kyle O'Gara. O'Gara is the younger brother of Fisher's husband Andy O'Gara. Kyle will be taking part in the event, as a member of Fisher's midget team.

Personally, this will be my first time covering the "Rumble in Fort Wayne." I am pumped up go see some of my good race friends take part in such an exciting racing weekend.  You can catch a full recap of the "Rumble in  Fort Wayne" on Monday or Tuesday. To all my Through the Gears fans, I wish each and everyone of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years.

Smoke Hits Australia for the Holidays

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Tony Stewart will be celebrating the Christmas and New Year's season out of the United States. Smoke, as many call him, will be heading to Australia to race the No. 14 Outlaw sprint car in a big four race event at Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia).

Tony Stewart Racing's Donny Schatz will accompany Stewart in the holiday trip to Australia. Stewart's first race down under will be December 26th. Smoke will race in the Valvoline Australian Sprintcar Grand Prix at the Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway. After the December 26th race, Smoke will take part in the Hogs Breath Sprintcar International on December 29th.

Then Schatz and Stewart will compete in the big $50,000 to win Scott Darley race on January 2nd and 3th. Schatz and Stewart will be accompanied by American racing greats Tim Shaffer and Jason Johnson. Many Australian racing greats will take part in the two-day race including Max Dumesny, Ryan Farrell, and Robbie Farr.

Busch Motorsports Makes Some Moves for 2010

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Kyle Busch (Left) is a proven winner in the Craftsman Truck Series. On Friday, Busch made some important announcements concerning his truck series motorsports teams.

Kyle Busch Motorsports are bringing two truck teams to the table in 2010. Busch himself will race the No. 18 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming Toyota when the Craftsman Truck Series and the Sprint Cup Series run at the same tracks during the race season. Busch will then hand over the keys to the No. 18 to Brian Ickler (Lower Left), when the series head to separate tracks.

The other KBM entiree will be the No. 56 Toyota Tundra, driven by Taylor Malsam (Left in helmet). Malsam will be competing the full 2010 Craftsman Truck Series for KBM.

Look for KBM to be very competitive in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2010, with the trio of Busch, Ickler, and Malsam.

Busch Brothers Switch Crew Chief

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

On Monday, Penske Racing announced the new hire of Steve Addington (Left). Addington will be the new crew chief for Kurt Busch and the famous No.2 Miller Lite blue duece next season. Addington comes to Penske Racing from Joe Gibbs Racing, where he was the head crewman for Kurt's little brother Kyle Busch. Addington and the No. 2 team will look to get that famous No.2 blue duece back in victory lane next season.

It is not yet known who will replace Addington as Kyle Busch's new crew chief in 2010.

Danica Mania Hits the Nationwide Series

Ex-IRL Star hopes for second shot in Nationwide
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Danica Patrick made her first step to stock races on Tuesday, by announcing her move to the Nationwide Series starting in 2010. The Ex-IRL star will pilot the No. 7 Go-Daddy.com sponsored Chevy for JR Motorsports this coming season.

Patrick is slated to start in the February 6 ARCA race at Daytona, with tests at the famed track on February 18-20. I am for women breaking into stock car racing and it will be interesting to see what Danica can do.Her experiences in the Indy Racing League will only help her as she hopes to find a refreshed start to her new style of racing career with JR Motorsports.

Nascar Banquet 2009 Live From Las Vegas

Martin steals the show
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

LAS VEGAS, NV.- Nascar owners, drivers, and their respective teams packed the Wynn Ballroom for the 2009 Nascar Awards Ceremony.  The night belonged to Jimmie Johnson, who collected his earnings (6.6 million)  for an amazing season, which saw him win his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Series Championship.

Various drivers and owners spoke about their year in Nascar, but the speech of the night came from an unlikely source in some eyes.  After two years of running a limited Nascar program, Mark Martin (Upper Left) returned this past season with a vengence, racing the No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports.

As Martin took the stage, the crowd came to a silence, only to hear one of the most memorable Nascar Ceremony speeches ever given . Martin stole the show, reflecting upon one heck of a Nascar run to the Championship this past season. Th e Nascar legend collected a total of five victories on his quest to the Cup.

Mark continued his speech by noting a little bit about the unending value of quality time that he was able to spend with his various crew members, along with his own family. You can never replace quality time with your family. This is just one of the many valuable lessons that Martin displayed throughout an unforgettable 2009 run to the Championship.

Stay tuned for various updates from the world of racing, along with driver Q&A's, all courtesy of "Through the Gears"

Johnson and Hamlin Share Victory Lane at Homestead

Johnson= 4th straight Series Championship, Hamlin=Ford 400 Victor
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

HOMESTEAD, FL.- Jimmie Johnson added to his trophy case in a big way. On Sunday afternoon, Johnson picked up his 4th straight Sprint Cup Series Championship, with a fifth place finish at Homestead. The Ford 400 victory went to Joe Gibbs racer Denny Hamlin.

The rest of the top five shake out like this. Jeff Burton takes a solid second place finish, while RCR teammate Kevin Harvick comes home in third. Fourth goes to the blue deuce of Kurt Busch while Johnson ran a smart race, finishing fifth.

Behind Johnson in sixth was Hendrick teammate and long time friend Jeff Gordan. Seventh went to the always exciting Carl Edwards, while Kyle Busch stayed around the top ten all day to bring home an eighth place finish. Nineth was Martin Truex in his last ride with D.E.I. and that black #1 car. Racing a hard fought race was A.J. Allmendinger, who battled and came away with a tenth place finish on the day.

Other notable finishers include Mark Martin, who was chasing Johnson in the Championship points race, finished the day in 12th. "Awesome" Bill Elliot had a good run in his #21 Little Debbie sponsored machine, collecting a sixteenth place finish. Finishing behind Elliot in seventeenth was the always competitive Kasey Kahne.

Stewart Haas Racing teammates Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman took 22nd and 23rd respectively. Stewart bounced back to finish 22nd. Stewart was involved in an early race scuffle with Juan Pablo Montoya. Montoya brushed the wall, collecting the "Rushville Rocket". Stewart spun out with a blown tire. This contact ended Montoya's day, saddling him with a DNF (Did Not Finish) and a 38th place finish.

The drivers and teams will be hard at work these next few months, dialing their cars in for February's Daytona 500. Until then, it was a pleasure taking you "Through the Gears". Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Goodnight everyone.

Cottle Takes Second Straight Feature at Gas City

Darland among Top 5
Photo By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Tuesday, August 11, 2009

GAS CITY, IN- Kokomo racer Shane Cottle (Left) swept the night, winning the first heat, along with the feature from the pole position. Taking a second place finish was West Terre Haute native Blake Fitzpatrick. Third belonged to No. 71P Billy Puterbaugh Jr.

Fourth went to USAC veteran Dave Darland, who raced the No. 10D 24 Hour Truck Service sprint, between nights off from the regular USAC schedule. Rounding out the top five was No. 27A Andrew Elson. Just outside the top five was Jon Stanbrough in sixth and Thomas Meseraull in seventh. Eighth went to Huntington Beach, CA. native Nic Faas, while the 2009 Hoosier Hundred winner Shane Hollingsworth had another good run, finishing the night in nineth. Taking the final spot in the top ten was No. 18W Travis Welpott.

In UMP Modified action, Marion native Scotty Orr took the checkered flag. Feature polesitter No. 14 Andy Bishop hung around the top spot to nab a strong second place finish. Third place honors went to No. 20 Steven Hogue. Taking fourth was the No. 20x UMP Modified, driven by Steve Hughes, while the No. 25P of Bub Patrick rounded out the top five UMP Modifed feature finishers.

No. 35 James Headley piloted his Street Stock to victory lane, winning the 20 lap Street Stock feature. Polesitter Thurman Wines stayed around the top spot, coming away with a second place finish. The No. 37 Street Stock of Scott Hubbard took third place, while fourth went to Ervin Turner, who switched cars with Chad Satterthwaite before the feature. Fifth place went to No. 12 Jesse Dixon.

The No. 12x Thunder Car of Josh Owens cruised to another impressive Thunder Car feature. Ron Flaugh took second place honors in his No. 41F Thunder Car, while DJ Holt raced his way to a top three finish. Bryan Martin took fourth, while Trenton Vogts came away with a top five finish.

The Gas City Speedway returns to live this Friday, August 14th with their regular program of Non wing sprints, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars, so get out there and cheer on your favorite racers as they do battle at the Gas City Speedway.

Cottle Cruises To Victory at Gas City Speedway

Photo By: Dave Merritt (www.davespitpassphotos.com)

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Thursday, August 6, 2008

GAS CITY, IN.- Current Gas City Speedway sprint car points leader and Kokomo native Shane Cottle came away with the feature win on Friday night.

After the victory, Cottle said, "It feels pretty good. I just tried to pick the right line and time to pass." Coming in second was No. 21x Casey Shuman. Shuman said, "We were up there leading for awhile. You can't give Cottle too many spots here. We'll try to do better tomorrow night." Huntington Beach, CA. racer Nic Faas had a rough start but was able to turn it around for a strong third place finish in the 25 lap feature. "Well, third is pretty good considering we spun out on the first lap of the feature", said Faas.

The 2009 Hoosier Hundred winner Shane Hollingsworth stayed up front all night to take a fourth place finish, while West Terre Haute native Blake Fitzpatrick rounded out the top five, finishing his night in fifth place.

In UMP Late Modified action, No. 25 Bub Patrick brought home another feature win this season. Following Patrick was the No. 20x Steve Hughes, while No. 46E J0sh Eads raced to a top three finish.

Ervin Turner won yet another UMP Street Stock feature in his white No. 1 UMP Street Stock. Taking second place honors was No. 37 Scott Hubbard, while third belonged to No. 56 Tony Bowman.

No. 12x Josh Owens collected the final feature of the night, winning the Thunder Car feature. No. 73J Jeff Baldauf stayed up front the whole race, ending his night in second place. Third went to No. 41F Ron Flaugh.

The Gas City Speedway returns to life Friday August 7th, as they race their regular program of Nonwing Sprints, UMP Modifeds, UMP Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars.

NOTE: There will be no article covering the racing for Miami County Speedway on Saturday, August 1st. The rain closed in and rained out the Kreiser Engines $1000.00 race along with the Jr. feature. The Kreiser Engines $1000.00 race will be run first along with the Junior feature and then the regular program of five micro sprint features. All the action in one night. It all kicks off this Saturday night, August 8th at 7 p.m. live from the Miami County Speedway.

Fast Night at MCS

Busz gets first feature win
Photo By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

PERU, IN.- The Miami County Speedway was the sight of some high-flying fast racing on Saturday night. The night's racing program featured racing from Juniors, Restrictors, Non wing, Wing, and the Senior Classes.

Kokomo native Parker Price Miller (Upper Left) raced his way to another impressive feature in the Junior class. After the win, Price Miller said, "I broke a few thing, but came back to win. This feels great." Following Price Miller in second was No. 22 Justin Weir, while No. 11 Kaleb Kinsler drove his way to a strong third place finish.

Pierceton racer No. 73 Brian Busz won his first Restrictor feature of his career. After the win, Busz explained, "It felt pretty good. This is my fourth year running micros, and it's my first feature win." Taking second place honors was No. 29 Nick Abbott, while Richard Dobbins took third place in his No. 66 Restrictor.

Farmland racer No. 33z Zeke Lewis took the Nonwing B-Main victory. Peru native Brandon Rose drove to a second place finish in the NW B-Main, while No. 51 Jason Ormsby came home in third.

Then it was time for the Front Row Challenge, which the Non wing played host to on Saturday night. No. 14 Dennis Veach took the Front Row Challenge, and went from the pole all the way to the tail.

In the Nonwing A-Main, Camden's Chris Miller raced his way to the feature win in his No. 20 Nonwing micro. "It felt great to win. It's been a while, since I won, so it felt great. We are ready for the Thousand Dollar race next weekend." Following Miller was No. 23 Jordan Lambert in second. Third belonged to No. 19T Ben Taylor.

Camden native Whitey Kendall collected his second feature victory in the Senior feature on Saturday night. "It feels pretty good to win another feature", said Kendall. After Kendall, was the No. 40 Senior micro of Mike Stahl, while Dennis Veach took third place honors in his No. 13 Senior machine.

The final feature of the night was the Wing feature. Greentown racer Andrew Peters dominated en route to the feature win. After the win, "Peters said, "It felt great. It ran good in the slick, drove off good, everything was good." Bob Bourff drove his way to a second place finish, while third went to Brian Busz.

Next Saturday, August 1st, the Miami County Speedway hosts the Mid-season Nonwing Bonanza. A $1000.00 will be awarded to the winner of the Nonwing feature. It will also be the Restrictor Class Special, which means $150.00 will be awarded to the winner of the Restrictor feature.

Clauson Wins a Last Lap Thriller at Gas City Speedway

Fowler wins first UMP Late Mod feature
Photo By: Dave Merritt (http://www.davespitpassphotos.com/)

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 27, 2009

GAS CITY, IN.-Noblesville racer Bryan Clauson (Left) took the No. 11 Jeff Walker Racing Sprint car to victory lane, winning the 25 lap feature at Gas City (I-69) Speedway on Friday night. Clauson also took the checkers at ORP on Thursday night. About the two big victories, Clauson said, "It's pretty cool to win at two completely different venues. Three racers had the lead on the last lap. It felt great to win tonight."

Feature polesitter No. 29W Cole Whitt was up front most of the night. Whitt finished the night in second, while Gas City Speedway points leader and Kokomo native No. 10E Shane Cottle came home with a top three, finishing third.

In the UMP Late Modified feature, No. 1 Mark Fowler (Marion, IN.) collected his first feature win. On winning his first UMP Late Modified feature, Fowler said, "It feels amazing to win. This is my first feature. I would like to thank Joe LaFontaine, and the crew for all their help."

No. 20x Steve Hughes had another great run, finishing the night in second, while Marion racer No. 88 Scott Orr took third place honors.

In UMP Street Stock action, Ervin Turner had another impressive run, winning the feature in his No. 1T street stock machine. After Turner was the No. 1N of Caleb Nutter in second, while No. 19D Rob Draper worked his way from the back to finish with a top three finish in third.

No. 12X Josh Owens won the Thunder Car feature. After Owens was No. 63 Mike Frederick in second, No. 44 Dave Fritz in third, No. 11 Pete Thompson in fourth, and rounding out the top five finishers in the Thunder Car feature was No. 68 Trenten Vogts.

The Gas City (I-69) Speedway returns to action next Friday, July 31st, with the running of Non Wing Sprints, UMP Late Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and Thunder Cars. All the racing action starts around 7 p.m.

Edwards Wins Kroger 200

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 27, 2008

CLERMONT, IN.- Carl Edwards (Left) drove to victory lane on Saturday night, winning the Kroger 200 benefitting the Riley's Children's Hospital at O'Reilly Raceway Park. Finishing behind Edwards was Nationwide points leader Kyle Busch. Matt Kenseth drove to a top three finish in the No. 16 Nationwide racecar. Brad Keslowski came home in fourth place, while Steve Wallace took a strong fifth place showing.

Finishing sixth was Camping World Truck Points leader Ron Hornaday in Kevin Harvick Inc. No. 33 Nationwide entry. No. 99 Trevor Bayne took seventh place honors, while eighth went to Jason Leffler. Scott Wimmer raced his way to a nineth place finish, while Kenny Wallace rounded out the top ten finishers in tenth place.

After the race at O'Reilly Raceway Park, Busch is still leading the points race, with 3,296 points this season. After his weekend win at ORP, Edwards is in second place, 192 markers behind Busch. In third sits Brad Keslowski, 392 points back. Jason Leffler occupies the fourth spot in the chase, 506 points back of Busch, while Joe Gibbs racer Joey Logano is in fifth, 901 points back of the top spot.

Next up for the Nationwiders is Iowa Speedway (Newton, IA.) for the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by Northland Oil and TMC Trucking

Johnson Wins In Final Laps at the Brickyard

2 in a row for Johnson

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Sunday, July 26, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, IN.- The famous "Yard of Bricks" played host to yet another classic Brickyard 400 finish on Sunday afternoon. Hendrick Motorsports Jimmie Johnson took the checkers for the second consecutive time, winning the 2009 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

Polesitter Mark Martin stuck around the top spot all day, finishing with a strong second place showing. Third place honors went to "The Rushville Rocket", Indiana native Tony Stewart. Roush Fenway racer Greg Biffle ran up in the top five most of the day, ending with a solid fourth place finish. Finishing in the final top five spot was Red Bull racer Brian Vickers.

Kevin Harvick had a great day, racing to a sixth place finish. Seventh went to the No. 9 Dodge of Kasey Kahne. David Reutimann had another great Nascar Sprint Cup finish, racing his way to an eighth place finish, in his No. 00 Dream Machine sponsored Toyota Camry. Four-time Brickyard 400 winner Jeff Gordan raced his way from a 22nd place starting spot, to finish 9th. Taking the final top ten finishing spot was the No. 17 Dewalt sponsored Ford of Matt Kenseth. Juan Pablo Montoya dominated the race, leading a remarkable 116 laps on the day. He was unfortunately caught speeding on the final pit stop of the race, and was put to the tail of the field. He raced his way to an eleventh place finish on the day.

Tony Stewart holds a firm hold on the Sprint Cup points lead, heading into next weekend's race at Pocono Raceway. With his second consecutive Brickyard victory, Jimmie Johnson has jumped up to second place in the standings, only 192 points back of Stewart. Johnson's longtime Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordan sits in the third spot in the chase, 207 points from the lead. Penske Racing's Kurt Busch stays in the fourth spot after Indy, 446 points away from the top spot. Carl Edwards moves up one spot after Indy, and he's now 498 points off the top spot. Denny Hamlin is in the sixth spot, 536 points off the lead. Smoke's Stewart Haas Racing teammate Ryan Newman occupies the seventh spot in the standings, 548 points back of Stewart. Kasey Kahne is in eighth, 572 points out of the top spot. With his strong second place run, Mark Martin has moved up to 2 spots in the points race. Martin sits 9th in the points, 583 points back of Stewart. Juan Montoya rounds out the top ten in the points race, 593 points off the lead. Following a strong fourth place showing at Indy, Greg Biffle is now occupying the 11th place spot in the chase, 609 points back off the lead, while Matt Kenseth sits in the 12th and final spot, 625 points back of Tony Stewart.

Next on the Nascar Sprint Cup Series schedule, the racers will travel to "The Tricky Triangle" known as Pocono to race the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 from Long Pond, PA. next Sunday, August 2nd. All the action starts at 1 p.m. on ESPN.

Special Night of Racing at Kendallville

Black Gets 1st Feature Win
Photo By: Fred Patton

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

KENDALLVILLE, IN.- The Miami County Speedway track crew traveled to the Noble County 4-H Fairgrounds to showcase micro sprint racing in the 2nd annual Kendallville Classic on Tuesday night.

In the first A-Main of the night, Peru racer Braiden Black raced his way to victory, winning his first feature of his young career in the Restrictor Class A-Main. After the big win, Black said, "It felt good to win my first feature. The car felt perfect and I won." Following Black was the No. 22z of Zach Shepler, while A.J. Grim raced to a top three finish in his No. 7a Restrictor micro sprint.

Jackson, MI. native Dan Danigan Jr. collected his first feature win in the Wing Class A-Main. "It feels unbelievable. It feels good because we have been down to Peru (Miami County Speedway) and Logansport (US 24 Speedway) with not much luck." Danigan Jr. continues, "It feels good to finally make a feature and win it."

The Miami County Speedway weclomed the Go-Karts to come take part in Tuesday night's racing action. Winning the Go-Kart feature was Kendallville native No. 40 Mike Riehm. After the win, Riehm explained, "It was fun. This is a group of guys and girls that race every other weekends. We also race two private tracks. This was the first time, most of us raced in front of a crowd." Taking second place honors was No. 0 Camden Fox, while third went to No. 25 Gary Strater.

The Slingshot were something new to the Kendallville fairgoers, but not to the racers and fans of Miami County Speedway. Taking his second straight Slingshot feature victory was Warsaw native David Rapp in his No. 86 Slingshot sprint.

Wrapping up the night was the Nonwing finale. The No. 21 Nonwing of Tyler Marsh (Muncie, IN.) came away with an exciting, hard fought victory. "It feels great to get the win tonight." Marsh continued, "Everytime a caution came out, I was doing everything I could to hold them off." No. 41 Cole Ketchum raced to a second place finish, while No. 43 Jim Ray ended the night in third place.

The Miami County Speedway returns to action this Saturday, July 25th, as they hosted the always exciting regular program, which will include the Senior Class.

Another Big Car Count at MCS

MCS Hosts Nonwing Special
Photo By: Fred Patton

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 20, 2009

PERU, IN.- Over 90 micro sprints came to race on Saturday night, as the Miami County Speedway hosted the Nonwing Class Special. The Nonwingers were racing for double the Champion points and an extra payout to the feature winner.

Farmland racer No. 33z Zeke Lewis raced his Nonwing to the feature win. After the big win, Lewis said, "It was awesome. This is our first feature win, and it's unbelievable." North Manchester native Jordan Lambert came in second place, while third went to Andrew Peters.

The wing class had the Front Row Challenge on Saturday night. Logan Jarrett and Kris Knox both declined the challenge, raising the pot to $240.00 for the Nonwing racers to think about next Saturday, July 25th.

No. 2 Todd Kirkman (Kokomo, IN.) drove to victory, winning the Wing Class feature. "It felt great to win, especially coming from 11th place," said Kirkman. No. 92 Kris Knox took second place honors, while third belonged to Mentone racer Sam Kimmel.

Camden's Dax Kendall came away with the Restrictor Class finale win. After the victory, Kendall said, "It felt good to win tonight. I want to thank Uncle Gary for building it." Following Kendall in second was the No. 68G Restrictor of Tyler Gunn, while Braiden Black took a third place showing.

The No. 9p Parker Price-Miller (Kokomo, IN.) raced his way to another impressive Junior Class feature crown. After the win, Price-Miller said, "It felt really good to win. The car felt really good. We tightened up the car, so it could run the middle." Taking a second place finish was the always tough No.11K of Kaleb Kinsler (Delphi, IN.). Finishing third was the No. 12F Junior of Hallie Feuquay.

The fifth and final feature of the night was the Slingshot Class. The No. 86 Slingshot, driven by Warsaw's David Rapp beat No. 119 Larry Willams. After the win, Rapp said, "It was relieving to win tonight. This is my first feature win in slingshots."

Next up for the MCS racers will be the 2nd annual Kendallville Klassic on Tuesday, July 21st at the Noble County Fairgrounds.

Exciting Night at Gas City Speedway

TQ Sprints put on a show

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 20, 2009

GAS CITY, IN.- The Gas City (I-69) Speedway welcomed the UMRA TQ Sprints to town this past Friday, July 17th. Along with the TQ Sprints, the speedway featured an exciting feature from the UMP Modified division, along with racing from UMP Street Stocks and Thunder Cars.

No. 19 Brent Turner (Fortville, IN.) won the UMRA TQ Sprint feature, his third feature win of the season. After the victory, Turner said, "The win was good. I'm going for the Championship this season, and this win helps our run." Following Turner in second was No. 26 Barry Walton, while #35 Terry Goff took third place honors.

Bloomington racer NO. 7R Kent Robinson took the checkered flag, winning an exciting UMP Modified feature. "It feels awesome to win. Last time I was here, we wrecked. This time we came back and won," said Robinson. Wheatfield native Steve Hughes beat out Scotty Orr for the second place finish. Orr finished the night in third.

The No. 35 UMP Street Stock of James Headley made it's way to victory lane, winning the UMP Street Stock feature. Shane Landis raced his No. 11 Street Stock to a strong second place finish, while Bruce McGill took a third place showing in his No. 27 UMP Street Stock.

Mike Frederick started on pole for the Thunder Car finale, and stayed there, taking the feature victory in his No. 63 Thunder Car. Behind Frederick in second was the No. 9X of Corey Johnson. Third belonged to No. 66 David Clark.

Next Friday, July 24, the Gas City (I-69) Speedway welcomes the Nonwing Sprints to town. Along with the Nonwing Sprints, the UMP Modified and Street Stocks will be on showcase, along with Thunder Cars.

Brown Does It Again

Wilkinson, Edwards among the weekend winners

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 20, 2009

SEATTLE, WA.- The NHRA Full Throttle Series traveled to the Pacific Raceways (Seattle, WA.), to compete in the NHRA Northwest Nationals this past weekend July 18-19.

Top Fuel Dragster points leader Antron Brown (Upper Left) did it again, beating Tony Schumacher in the finals of the Top Fuel Dragsters. This is the second straight finals victory for Brown.

In Funny Car action, Tim Wilkerson defeated Tony Pedegron in the final. Ron Capps took control of the lead in the Funny Car points race, but Ashley Force-Hood is right on his heels in second.

Mike Edwards improved his spot in the Pro Stock points chase, by defeating Jason Line in the Pro Stock finals. Edwards sits in second place, while Line is third in the standings. Line beat out Allen Johnson (last weekend's Pro Stock finals winner) to advance to the final round matchup with Edwards.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle Class took the weekend off, but will return to action next weekend (July 24-25) in the third and final stop (Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals-Sonoma, CA.) on "The Western Swing".

The NHRA Full Throttle Series rolls into Sonoma, CA for the Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals next weekend, July 24-25th. This is the third and final stop on "The Western Swing".

Jones Wins Tight ISW Battle

Fantastic End to 22nd Indiana Sprint Week

22nd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Sunday, July 19, 2009

HAUBSTADT, IN.- The Tri-State Speedway saw one of the best finishes to an Indiana Sprint Week in recent years. Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones won the 30 lap feature and in doing so also seeled up his second straight Indiana Sprint Week title.

Bryan Clauson finished the night with a strong second place finish in both the feature and the Indiana Sprint Week points race. 2009 Indiana Sprint Week Kokomo winner Chad Boat took third place honors. Following Boat in fourth was Cole Whitt, while fifth belonged to Josh Wise.

Darren Hagan finished just outside the top five in sixth. Marion, IN. native Scotty Weir drove to a seventh place finish, while eighth went to Levi's TSR teammate Tracy Hines. Robert Ballou finished Saturday night in nineth, while Brady Short rounded out the top ten.

Jones's 414 ISW points led the way. Clauson followed in second with 412. The third spot belonged to Boat, who had 387 ISW points. Darland had two ISW wins (Lawrenceburg and Kamp Motor) and finished with 362 points this Indiana Sprint Week. Whitt took control of the fifth spot with 312 ISW points.

Jones is the leader of the National Sprint Car series points chase with 1,201 points this season. Darland is second with 1,139 points. In third stands Whitt with 1,061. Jerry Coons Jr. is in fourth with 993, while Hines rounds out the top five in the season points race with 856.

Next the National Sprint Car series will travel to Iowa for a few events. On July 31st, the National Sprint Car series will race a 50 lap feature at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA. Then it's off to the Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA.) on August 9th. The Southern Iowa Speedway (Oskaloosa, IA.) will be the third stop for the National Sprint Car series on August 11th. There is still a lot of racing this season for the National Sprint Car series, so what the schedule to see when they are hitting a track near you.

Action Packed Weekend at the Big E

McCarl, Schatz Visit Victory Lane

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Sunday, July 19, 2009

ROSSBURG, OH.- "The Big E" Eldora Speedway (Rossburg, OH.) was the sight of some action packed racing, as it welcomed back the Kings Royal to town this weekend

On Friday, July 18th, Terry McCarl (Upper Left) took the win in the 30 lap "Night Before the King's Royal" race. Second went to the 2009 King's Royal Champion Donny Schatz. Schatz also is in control of the World of Outlaw points lead. Third place in the "Night Before the King's Royal" was Jason Meyers. Fourth went to Kerry Madsen, while Randy Hannagan came away with a top five finish.

Schatz walked away with the Super Clean Start of the Night Award, while Meyers won the Penske Power Position Award. The third and final award (The KSE Hard Charger) of the "Night Before the King's Royal" was awarded to Kasey Kahne Racing's Joey Saldana.

Tony Stewart Racing's Donny Schatz (Left) took the win in the main event of the weekend, the 2009 King's Royal on Saturday night. Schatz was followed by Dale Blaney in second. Third place honors went to Sam Hafertepe Jr., while Tim Shaffer came home in fourth. Rounding out the top five was "The Night Before the King's Royal" winner Terry McCarl.

Other notable finishes included "The King" Steve Kinser, who finished 19th, while "The Wild Child" Jac Haudenschild right behind Kinser in 20th.

Taking the Super Clean Start of the Night Award for the King's Royal was Danny "The Dude" Lasoski. Sam Hafertepe Jr. took home the Penske Power Position Award, while Terry McCarl brought home the KSE Hard Charger Award.

There is a battle brewing for the World of Outlaws points title. Schatz is standing strong in first with 5,348 points this season. Joey Saldana is second with 5,304. Third sits Jason Meyers, who has 5,279 points. Fourth goes to "The King" Steve Kinser, who has 5,239 points, while Danny "The Dude" Lasoski rounds out the top five in the World of Outlaws points chase with 5,108 points this season.

The World of Outlaw racers have a busy couple of days. On July 21st, the World of Outlaws visits the Lernersville Speedway in Sarver, PA. Then they go to Mechanicsburg, PA to race at the William Grove Speedway on July 24th and 25th. On July 26th, the World of Outlaws travel to West Lebanon, NY to compete at the Lebanon Valley Speedway. Then it's up north to race at the Ohsweken Speedway in Ohsweken, Ontario on July 28th. Watch the World of Outlaws schedule to see if they hit a track near you.

Busch Finds Victory Lane at Gateway

Only stock car race this weekend

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Sunday, July 19, 2009

MADISON, IL.- Nationwide points leader Kyle Busch took another step in his pursuit of the 2009 Nationwide crown, winning the Dodge Dealers 250 at Gateway International on Saturday night.

Busch fended off a hard charging Reed Sorenson to take the victory. After a strong second place run from Sorenson, we find the always exciting Carl Edwards in third. Fourth went to Mike Bliss, who moved up one spot to sixth in the points race with his fourth place finish. Taking fifth place honors was Brad Coleman.

Busch still leads the points race with 3,121 points on the season. In second sits Carl Edwards with 2,909. Third is Brad Keselowski with 2,744, while Jason Leffler sits in fourth with 2,648. Rounding out the top five in the 2009 Nationwide points chase is Joey Logano, who has 2,395 points this season.

The next event on the Nationwide Series racing schedule is Saturday, July 25th, when the Nationwide racers try to tame O'Reilly Raceway Park in Clermont, IN. All the action kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Check your local listing for start times.

Clauson Catches Jones at Bloomington

22nd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Saturday, July 18, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, IN.- Noblesville racer Bryan Clauson took the feature win in the sixth night of the 22nd Indiana Sprint Week on Friday. Levi Jones raced his way to a strong second place finish, while third went to Jon Sciscoe. Hunter Schuerenberg came home in fourth. Brady Short led the opening laps and stuck around the top five throughout the feature, finishing the night in fifth.

Just outside the top five was Kamp Motor winner Dave Darland, while Jon Stanbrough took seventh. Casey Shuman brought home an eighth place finish, while Marion native Scotty Weir came away with a nineth place showing. Cole Whitt rounded out the top ten with a tenth place run.

The Indiana Sprint Week points race is really heating up. By winning last night's 30 lap feature, Clauson has pulled alongside Jones in a battle for the 2009 Indiana Sprint Week Championship, heading into tonight's final night of Indiana Sprint Week action at Tri-State Speedway (Haubstadt, IN.). Both Clauson and Jones have 347 points apiece heading into tonight's action. Third place in ISW points is Dave Darland with 327. Chad Boat occupies fourth with 322 points, while Josh Wise sits in fifth with 252 ISW points.

A battle is also shaping up in the USAC Sprint points race. Levi Jones is leading with 1,138 points this season. Darland is second with 1,104, while Whitt is in third, with an even 1,000 points this year. The fourth spot belongs to Jerry Coons Jr., who has 959 points on the year. Rounding out the top five in the USAC Sprint points race is Jones's TSR teammate Tracy Hines, who has 809 points on the year.

The seventh and final night of the 22nd Indiana Sprint Week is tonight, live from Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN.

Darland Makes History at Kamp Motor

22nd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Friday, July 17, 2009

BOSWELL, IN.- USAC legend Dave Darland (Left) held off a hard-charging Cole Whitt to take his second victory of the 2009 Indiana Sprint Week campaign. Darland sits atop the leader board for the most wins in Indiana Sprint Week competition. Darland's 13 Indiana Sprint Week victories puts him ahead Cory Kruseman, who had 12 ISW wins.

After Whitt, was 2009 ISW points leader Chad Boat in third. Fourth went to Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones, while Jon Stanbrough rounds out the top five finishers on Thursday night. Finishing just outside the top five was Bryan Clauson, while Josh Wise grabbed seventh place. Terre Haute ISW winner Brad Sweet took eighth place, while Dustin Morgan (9th) and Tracy Hines (10th) made up the top ten finishers at Kamp Motor Speedway on Thursday night.

Boat's 294 still leads the overall 2009 ISW points race. With his latest fourth place finish, Jones jumped ahead of Clauson to take over second place. Jones has 284 ISW points. Clauson is third in points with 282. With his two ISW victories, Darland occupies the fourth spot in the race, with 273. Fifth is Cole Whitt, who has 217 points this ISW campaign.

Levi Jones has the overall 2009 USAC Sprint Car series points lead with 1,075 points this season. With his latest victory at Kamp Motor, Darland has pulled himself to within 25 points of Jones. Darland sits in second with 1,050 points. Whitt is third with 966 points, while fourth belongs to Coons, who has 938. Fifth is Jones's TSR teammate Tracy Hines who has 795 points this year.

Bloomington Speedway is the next destination for the USAC Sprint Car series, as they race the sixth night of Indiana Sprint Week tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Sweet Showing at Terre Haute

22nd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Thursday, July 16, 2009

TERRE HAUTE, IN.- Kasey Kahne Racing's Brad Sweet (Left) paved the way to victory, winning the 30 lap feature in the 4th night of Indiana Sprint Week.

It was another great night for USAC legends Jerry Coons Jr. and Dave Darland. Coons Jr. won the third heat of the night and went on to take second place honors behind Sweet. After a strong second place finish in the second heat, Darland drove his way to a top three finish in the 30 lap feature. Cole Whitt finished in fourth, while Josh Wise rounded out the top five feature finishers on Wednesday night.

Sixth place went to "The Demon" Damion Gardner, while ISW Gas City winner Levi Jones had another consistent run to finish seventh. ISW Kokomo winner Chad Boat took the pole and then raced to another strong top ten finish, grabbing an eighth place finish on Wednesday night. Marion, IN. native Scotty Weir took nineth, while USAC veteran J.J. Yeley rounded out the top ten.

With his great runs at Kokomo and Terre Haute, Chad Boat grabbed the top spot as the new leader of the 2009 Indiana Sprint Week points race. The race for the ISW points is real tight. Boat is leading with 233 total ISW points. Bryan Clauson is only four points back of Boat, with 229. In third sits the current USAC Sprint points leader Levi Jones with 226 ISW points. Fourth is USAC legend Dave Darland with 201, while Jerry Coons Jr. occupies the fifth spot, with 166 ISW points.

In the 2009 USAC Sprint points race, Levi Jones leads with 1,017. In second is Darland with 978 points, while third goes to Coons Jr. with 907. Whitt stands in fourth with 901 points. Tracy Hines rounds out the top five in fifth with 762 points this season. With his recent ISW victory at Terre Haute, Brad Sweet has jumped up to nineth in the 2009 USAC Sprint points race, having collected a total of 647 points this season.

Next up on the 2009 Indiana Sprint Week schedule is tonight (Thursday, July 16th), when the USAC Sprint racers travel to Boswell, IN. to race the fifth night of the 22nd Indiana Sprint Week at the Kamp Motor Speedway.

Big Night at MCS

Estimated 99 micros showed up to race
(Photo By: Fred Patton)

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Tuesday, July 14, 2009

PERU, IN.- Miami County Speedway saw one of it's largest car counts show up to race at the eighth of a mile dirt oval last Saturday, July 11th.

An estimated 99 micros put on a show for the MCS fans. Miami County Speedway ran their regular five feature (junior, restrictor, non wing, wing, and senior) micro program on Saturday.

Kokomo racer Parker Price-Miller found victory lane, winning the junior class feature. Behind Miller in second was Tipton native Justin Weir, while Delphi's Kaleb Kinsler rounded out the top three junior finishers in third.

In the Restrictor finale, No. 08 Logan Martin took the win. Finishing second was Kokomo's Garrett Miller, while third belonged to the No. 28K restrictor machine of Dax Kendall.

The Nonwing racers had the Front Row Challenge on Saturday night. Nonwingers No. 14H A.J. Hopkins and No. 69H Stuart Hanft both declined the Front Row Challenge offer. The Front Row Challenge pot is up to $220.00 now, and the Wing Class will entertain the Front Row Challenge offer next Saturday, July 18th.

The No. 14H Nonwing of AJ Hopkins won the Nonwing feature from the pole position. Second went to No. 69H Stuart Hanft, while Amboy racer Laine Hite rounded out the top three Nonwing feature finishers.

Westfield's Stephanie Mockler won the wing class feature. No. 2 Todd Kirkman raced his way to a strong second place finish, while Kokomo native Halen Shafer took home a third place showing.

Rounding out the five features was the always competitive senior class. No. 40 Mike Stahl took the senior class feature victory. Taking second place honors was No. 62 Joe Taylor, while No.00 Tony Carlson came home it third place.

There will be more action packed racing at Miami County Speedway next Saturday, July 18th, when MCS hosts the Nonwing Class Special. Double points and an extra pay out will be on the line for the Nonwing racers, so come out and check out some exciting racing action. Hot laps start at around 6:30 pm with live racing to follow at 7 p.m.

Boat Wins at Kokomo

Another great run for Clauson
22nd Indiana Sprint Week
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 13, 2009

KOKOMO, IN.- Chad Boat (Left) led the whole way, picking up the 30 lap feature win in the 3rd night of Indiana Sprint Week. Noblesville racer Bryan Clauson continues to run constantly strong, finishing with another second place showing. USAC legend Jon Stanbrough came back from his scary flip at Gas City, to take a third place finish at Kokomo Speedway. Kasey Kahne Racing's Brad Sweet took fourth, while fifth went to Hud Cone.

Sixth went to West Terre Haute racer Blake Fitzpatrick, while Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones came away with a seventh place showing. Eighth went to Josh Wise, while Jerry Coons Jr. (9th) and Darren Hagan (10th) rounded out the top ten.

Clauson is hanging on to the overall Indiana Sprint Week points lead. Fresh off last night's victory at Kokomo, Boat sits right behind Clauson in the battle for Indiana Sprint Week points title. In third is Gas City winner Levi Jones. Fourth goes to Blake Fitzpatrick, while fifth goes to Lawrenceburg winner Dave Darland.

In the overall USAC Sprint season points race, Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones stands atop the leader board with 968. Darland is behind Jones in second with 917. Red Bull racer Cole Whitt is in third with 847, while Coons Jr. is fourth with 838. Rounding out the top five in points is Tracy Hines with 721 points. Just outside the top five is "The Demon" Damion Gardner, who sits in the sixth spot with 680 points this season. With his win at Kokomo, Boat is now tenth in the season points race, with 520 points on the year.

The USAC Sprint Cars get a few days to rest, before they head south to take on the Terre Haute Action Track in Terre Haute, IN. on Wednesday, July 15th.

1st Stop of "The Western Swing" For NHRA

Capps ties Force Hood for F.C. Points Lead

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Monday, July 13, 2009

DENVER, CO.- It was another exciting weekend for NHRA drag racing. This weekend was the Mopar Mile High Nationals.

In the semifinals of the Top Fuel dragsters, Doug Kalitta defeated Cory McCleanathan, and TF points leader Anton Brown (Left) got pass Spencer Massey. Brown took his 5th career finals win, defeating Kalitta. This will definitely help strengthen Brown's lead in the Top Fuel points race.

It was another classic semifinal showcase in Funny Car. Ron Capps advanced to the finals by beating Jack Beckman. Ashley Force Hood took down her Force Racing teammate Robert Hight. The Finals was an instant classic. This match up directly affected the Funny Car points race. Ron Capps took a close win over Force Hood. Now the two are tied for the F.C. points lead, heading into next weekend's NHRA Northwest Nationals from Seattle, WA.

It was an all Harley Davidson Final to decide the Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion. Pro Stock points leader Eddie Krawiec (Left) defeated Hector Arana, while his teammate Andrew Hines beat Craig Tremble. The Harley Davidson teammates faced off at Norwalk, and now it was time to see who had the winning combination at Denver. Krawiec was able to pad his points lead, by defeating his teammate Hines.

Jason Line(Left) defeated Allen Johnson in the Pro Stock Final. Line advanced to the Finals by beating Pro Stock points leader Jeg Coughlin, while Johnson got there by defeating Rickie Jones.

Next up for the NHRA is this weekend (July 17-19), as they travel to Seattle, WA. to take part in the NHRA Northwest Nationals.

Martin Holds Off Gordan To Win at Chicagoland

Another strong run for Gordon and Stewart
Nascar Sprint Cup Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 13, 2009

JOLIET, IL.- Hendrick Motorsports shined bright once again at Chicagoland, taking a one-two finish. Mark Martin found victory lane once again this season, winning the Lifelock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. Coming in second was Martin's teammate Jeff Gordan.

Kasey Kahne raced to a top three finish, coming home in third place. Fourth place belonged to "The Rushville Rocket" Tony Stewart. Denny Hamlin had another great run, rounding out the top five finishers.

Taking sixth place was Stewart's teammate Ryan Newman. Polesitter Brain Vickers finished the night in seventh place, while eighth went to Hendrick Motorsports racer Jimmie Johnson. Rounding out the top ten, was Clint Bowyer in 9th and Juan Pablo Montoya in 10th.

Stewart still has a solid grasp on the Nascar Sprint Cup Series points race. A strong second place finish brings Gordan to within 175 points of Stewart. Johnson sits in third, 212 points behind Smoke. Team Penske's Kurt Busch stands in fourth, 358 points back of the points leader. After a strong fifth place finish, Hamlin moved up from sixth to fifth in the points race, 427 points behind his former Gibbs Racing teammate.

The Nascar Sprint Cup Series takes next weekend off, before they travel to the famed "Yard of Bricks" for the Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 26th. Check your local television listings for start times for the Brickyard 400.

Logano's Gamble Pays Off at Chicagoland

Nascar Nationwide Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, July 13, 2009

JOLIET, IL.- Joey Logano took the checkered flag, winning the Dollar General 300 at Chicagoland last Friday (July 10th). Logano passed current Nationwide points leader Kyle Busch for the lead with 23 laps to go. Then pit strategy came into play.

Logano elected to stay out on the last caution, while Busch and all the other front runners came to the pits for gas and tires. Logano's gamble paid off, and he was able to hold off a strong second place showing from Nationwide points leader Kyle Busch. Brian Vickers drove to a top three finish.

This is Logano's first victory at Chicagoland Speedway, and his third Nationwide Series win of the season. Logano's victory tightens up the race for the Nationwide points race, but Busch still has a strong hold on the points lead.

Indiana Sprint Week Under Way

Lawrenceberg, Gas City done, Next Up Kokomo
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Sunday, July 12, 2009

After two nights of high flying sprint car racing fun, Levi Jones is the overall points leader. Noblesville, IN. native Bryan Clauson is in top spot for the overal Indiana Sprint Week points race.

LAWRENCEBURG, IN.- USAC legend Dave Darland opened the 2009 edition of Indiana Sprint Week in style, winning the Robbie Stanley Classic from Lawrenceburg Speedway in Lawrenceburg, IN. After the win, Darland said, "It felt great to win. A win is always good for confidence." Taking second was Bryan Clauson, while third went to Chad Boat.

GAS CITY, IN.- Brownsburg racer Levi Jones took the victory at Gas City Speedway, to close out the second night of the 2009 Indiana Sprint Week action. After the victory, Jones said, "It was great to win tonight." Clauson raced his way to another strong second place finish. "We would of liked to have won, but it's a solid run going into Kokomo." Rounding out the top three finishers from Gas City was Marion, IN. racer Scotty Weir. About his third place finish, Weir said, "It was good but first would have been better."

Heading into tonight's action at the always exciting Kokomo Speedway (Kokomo, IN.), Jones and Darland are one and two in the points race. Red Bull racer Cole Whitt sits in third, while Jerry Coons Jr. and Tracie Hines round out the top five spots in the USAC Sprint Car series points race.

Mayfield Will Fight Nascar Appeal

Nascar Sprint Cup Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Thursday, July 9, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Jeremy Mayfield won the ruling last week, allowing him to take part in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona last Saturday. Unfortunately Mayfield was not able to make it to the race. This week, Nascar has filed their appeal to ban Mayfield from competition, because of his positive drug test earlier this season. Mayfield has elected to set his sights on fighting Nascar's appeal to ban him from racing.

Indiana Sprint Week Is Upon Us

Week of excitement coming
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Thursday, July 9, 2009

After a week of testing and tuning, it all comes down to this. The biggest week for the USAC sprint cars is straight ahead. In an eight day period, the USAC Sprint cars will do battle on seven big speedways in and around Indiana. The 22nd edition of Indiana Sprint Week is set to hit the state of Indiana tomorrow (Friday, July 10th).

All the action starts this Friday, July 10th, when the USAC Sprints race the Robbie Stanley Classic at Lawrenceburg Speedway (Lawrenceburg, IN.). Then the Sprints make their way up north to race at Gas City (I-69) Speedway (Gas City, IN.) on Saturday, July 11th). On Sunday, July 12th, the USAC Sprints head over to Kokomo Speedway (Kokomo, IN.). Kokomo Speedway is where some of the USAC Sprint car drivers race on their off days.

The USAC Sprint racers take a few days off before returning to action at the Terre Haute Action Track (Terre Haute, IN.) on Wednesday, July 15th. On Thursday, July 16th, the USAC Sprinters take on the Kamp Motor Speedway (Boswell, IN.). Then it's off to race at the always exciting Bloomington Speedway (Bloomington, IN.) on Friday, July 17th. The final stop on this huge week of USAC Sprint car racing action is the Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN.

The last time the USAC Sprints raced, Bobby East collected his first victory last Friday (July 3rd) at Toledo Speedway in Toledo, OH. This week also has a big affect on the USAC Sprint Car points race. Heading into the 22nd Indiana Sprint Week, Tony Stewart Racing's Levi Jones holds the top spot with 791. Then in second sits Dave Darland with 777 points. Third belongs to Cole Whitt with 749 points. Jerry Coons Jr. stands in fourth with 741, while Jone's TSR teammate Tracie Hines rounds out the top five spots with 660 points this season.

Martin Truex Finds A New Home

Nascar Sprint Cup Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

CORNELIUS, N.C.- D.E.I./Ganassi racer Martin Truex has found a new home for the 2010 Nascar Sprint Cup Series campaign. Truex will race the No. 56 Toyota Camry for Michael Waltrip Racing next season. Truex was weclomed by loud amounts of applause from MWR crew members and fans, as he rolled his new ride (No. 56 Toyota Camry) into the MWR shop. Michael Waltrip also announced that he will run a limited race schedule (4-12 races) in the 2010 Nascar Sprint Cup Series season.

This move is a big one for the MWR bunch. Look out for MWR next season and the seasons to come, as they build around Truex.

Smoke Wins Wild One at Daytona

Fireworks In Last Lap Finish

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Saturday, July 4, 2009



DAYTONA, FL.- The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona is a tradition in Nascar. Dating back to the start of Nascar, this event has been raced every July 4th, no matter what week day the 4th fell on. Many racers and fans have fond memories of the July 4th race. This race is always exciting.


This year's race lived up to the excitement, that's for sure. Tony Stewart won the 400 in dramatic fashion, blowing by Kyle Busch on the home stretch, coming to the checkers.
Smoke started on pole, because qualifying had been washed out. The field was set according to the points standings. Smoke was in the lead, therefore he won the pole. There were some real contendors heading into the 400.


The race was dominated by Stewart, who had a fast car that could run up front for long distances. Gibbs racer Denny Hamlin worked his way through the field, various times. Hendrick entries No. 5 Mark Martin and No. 24 Jeff Gordan were caught up in wrecks early in the night. The No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson stayed strong throughout the contest.

Stewart took advantage of fast pit stops from the Stewart-Haas Racing crew. The crew got Tony off in first a total of seven times throughout the 160 lap race. A caution came out with 15 laps to go in the race. Smoke's pit crew made sure that Stewart remained in the top spot.


Coming down to the wire, there was a battle between former Gibbs teammates Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart. With the help of Denny Hamlin's pushing, Busch was about to pass Smoke, setting up a classic 400 finish. This is why every race fan watches racing, to see who emerges victorious. Stewart and Johnson set up a surge one last surge to the front runner Busch.

Busch blocked every advance from Stewart. They made contact sending Busch spinning hard into the wall, giving the win to Smoke. What a race. It was the craziest finish to a race, that I had ever seen. I don't fault Stewart one bit, because racing is racing and well if I was in Smoke's car, I would of done the same thing. Racing is racing. Anything for the win.


In case you were wondering, the rest of the top five finishers included second place Johnson. Then it was Denny Hamlin in third, while fourth went to Carl Edwards. Rounding out the top five was Kurt Busch. Kurt's little brother Kyle Busch ended the night in 14th.


The points race is heating up with half the season now in the books. Stewart holds onto a solid points lead, having amassed 2,719 points this year. Jeff Gordan lost ground and is now 180 points back of Stewart. Third place in the points is Jeff's teammate Jimmie Johnson, who trails Smoke by 194 points. Fourth is Kurt Busch, who is 305 points back. In fifth we find Carl Edwards, who is 402 behind Smoke. After his third place run, Denny Hamlin is in sixth, 417 points back . Tony's Stewart-Haas teammate and South Bend racer Ryan Newman stands in seventh, 484 points back from the top spot. Kyle Busch occupies the eighth spot in the chase, 485 points back. Nineth place belongs to Greg Biffle, who is 504 points behind the leader. Matt Kenseth takes the tenth spot in the chase, 518 points behind Stewart. After a great run at Daytona, Target Chip Ganassi racer Juan Pablo Montoya sits in 11th place, 532 points away from the lead. Kasey Kahne currently sits in the 12th and final position in the chase, 553 points behind "The Rushville Rocket".


Nascar Sprint Cup Series racing action next travels to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. for the Lifelock.com 400 on Saturday, July 11th. All the action from Chicagoland kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on TNT.

Nascar Honors 25th Anniversary of Petty's 200th Win

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Saturday, July 4, 2009

DAYTONA, FL.- Nascar celebrated the 25th anniversary of "The King" Richard Petty's 200th win at Daytona. The 1984 Firecracker 400 at Daytona was a special race for many reasons.

It was the 200th win in Petty's historic Nascar career. It was also the first and only Nascar race, for which a United States President attended. President Ronald Reagan gave the command from Air Force 1. President Reagan arrived mid-race, just in time to see some fireworks. The caution came out with 158 of 160 laps completed in the race. It was a drag race between the No. 28 Hardee's sponsored machine of Nascar legend Cale Yarbrough and the classic No. 43 STP machine of Petty.

Yarbrough and Petty battled back and forth to the line, where Petty took the historic victory by just a few inches over the always competitive Yarbrough. After the victory, the garage was blocked off with black paper, while President Reagan congratulated Petty on his 200th win.

Then the two joined other racers and their families for a dinner of fried chicken. Boy, I would have given anything to interview Petty after his 200th win. On a personal note, I have met Petty once in my life. He was signing autographs at the Louisville Truck Show. I forget the year, but I almost jumped out of my shoes. I was so fortunate to meet "The King". I will remember the meeting for the rest of my life.

Nascar is now building their Hall of Fame in Charlotte. "The King" is only one of many Nascar drivers, owners, and writers, who deserve the right to be inducted. It's awesome to see legends of the sport of racing, finally being honored. I look forward to watching the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Sprints Take Center Stage at Gas City Speedway

Kyle Robbins Wins 1st at Gas City
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider

Saturday, July 4, 2009



GAS CITY, IN.- The USAC Sprints made their return in front of a large crowd at the Gas City (I-69) Speedway on Friday night. UMP Modifieds, and Street Stocks also ran on Friday.

New Castle racer Kyle Robbins held off a hard-charging Shane Cottle (Kokomo) for the 25 lap sprint car feature. Cottle raced his way to a hard fought second place finish. Finishing third was West Terre Haute native Blake Fitzpatrick.

After his exciting victory, Robbins said, "This win is huge. Gas City (I-69) Speedway is my favorite track, and it's huge to get my first win here." Robbins added, "I'd like to thank everyone at BCI and everyone that has supported me."

Following his hard fought second place finish, Cottle said, "We will be here Saturday to try and get the win." After his top three finish, Fitzpatrick explained, "We just built a new car, and it feels good to get a 3rd with it."

Marion's Glenn Bradley won the 20 lap UMP Modified A-Main feature on Friday night. After his victory, Bradley said, "It feels good to win. Anytime you can win, it feels good. It's also our wedding anniversary." Second place belonged to No. 25 Bub Patrick, while No. 37 JD Francis rounded out the top three finishers in third.

In Street Stock action, No. 08 Aaron Wolf took the victory. Finishing second was No. 36 Ervin Turner, while third went to No. 3N Caleb Nutter. Turner raced the No. 36 black Street Stock after an early accident involving his No. 1 Street Stock. Turner worked his way through the eight car field, to capture a second place finish.

There was a battle to decide the thunder car finale. No. 63 Mike Frederick and No. 12x Josh Owens went back and forth for five laps, but the feature victory went to Frederick. Owens finished right behind Frederick in second, while the always dangerous No. 36 DJ Holt took third place honors.

Next Saturday, July 11th, the Gas City (I-69) Speedway will host the USAC Indiana Sprint Week. There will be no racing at the speedway on Friday, July 10th.

NOTE: Micro sprint racing from the Miami County Speedway was postponed due to the dowpours in the Peru area on Saturday, July 4th. All the micro sprint racing action will return to the speedway on Saturday, July 11th.

Mayfield Can Race at Daytona This Weekend

Nascar Sprint Cup Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Nascar racer Jeremy Mayfield will be able to participate in the Nascar Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona this weekend. A federal judge temporary lifted Mayfield from a drug suspension issued by Nascar earlier this year.

Mayfield was relieved with the decision, but now has a decision to make. Mayfield can either drive for another team this weekend at Daytona, or try and get his car ready for the race. June 23rd was the deadline to enter Saturday's race at Daytona. Mayfield has the option to enter the Daytona race as a late arrival until the garage opens on Thursday 8:30 am. Being a late arrival would mean that Mayfield would not earn any Championship points.

There is disappointment in the Nascar camp. Nascar chairman Brian Frances noted that Nascar is in no hurry to file an appeal, but he didn't rule out a later appeal.

Santos III Wins at Iowa

USAC Mopar Midget National Championship Series

NEWTON, IA.- Bobby Santos continued his hot streak, taking the checkered flag at Iowa Speedway on Friday, June 19th. Mopar Midget points leader Brad Kuhn took a strong second place finish, while Darren Hagan finished the night in third. Fourth place belonged to Brad Sweet, while Jerry Coons Jr. brought home a top five finish.

Cole Carter raced to a sixth place finish, while Shane Hmiel took seventh. Eighth place went to Kevin Swindell, while A.J. Fike was close behind in nineth. Rounding out the top ten was Adam Kramer.

Notable racers that finished outside the top ten were Tracy Hines in 11th, Bryan Olson in 15th, Hines's TSR teammate Levi Jones in 16th, and Bobby East in 17th.

Brad Kuhn leads the points chase with 701 points this season. Behind Kuhn is Jerry Coons Jr. in second with 665 points. Hagan sits in third with 653 points, while the fourth spot belongs to Sweet with 618 points. Rounding out the top five in points is Hines who has 600 points this season.

The USAC Mopar Midgets race at Toledo Speedway (Toledo, OH.) this Friday, July 3rd.

Santos III Wins 60 Lapper at RIR

USAC National Sprint Car Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, June 29, 2009



Bobby Santos III picked up his second straight USAC Sprint Car Series win this Friday, June 26th at Richmond International Raceway. Darren Hagan took a hard fought second, while Brad Sweet stayed up front all night, finishing in third. Cole Whitt brought home a fourth place finish, while the always strong Jerry Coons Jr. rounded out the top five.

Sixth place went to the always tough Bobby East. Tony Stewart Racing racer Tracy Hines took a seventh place finish, while his teammate Levi Jones finished the night in eighth. USAC veteran and USAC National Sprint Car Series points leader Dave Darland raced to a nineth place finish, while Henry Clarke rounded out the top ten finishers.

The points race is tight in the USAC National Sprint Car Series. Dave Darland is in first with 664 points this season. Levi Jonesis in the second spot, with 662 points. Jesse Hockett sits in third with 622 points. USAC veteran Jerry Coons is in fourth with 584, while Cole Whitt occupies the fifth place spot with 577 points this season.

Next up for the USAC Sprint Car racers is Winchester Speedway (Winchester, IN.) this coming Thursday, July 2nd. Then the series shifts to Toledo Speedway (Toledo, OH.) on Friday, July 3rd.

Tyler Takes Victory at Richmond

USAC Silver Crown Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, June 29, 2009

RICHMOND, VA.-After a few weeks off, the USAC Silver Crown Series returned to action at Richmond International Raceway this past weekend June 26-27.

Brian Tyler took the checkered flag in the feature. Bobby East took a hard fought second place finish, while Cameron Dodson followed in third. Ryan Smith raced to fourth. A.J. Fike held solidly in fifth. After the top five, we have Chet Filip (6th), Jacob Wilson (7th). TSR entry Tracy Hines finished eighth, while nineth went to current USAC Silver Crown series points leader Bud Kaeding. Rounding out the top ten was Jay Drake.

Some notable racers back in the field include: Levi Jones (14th), Jerry Coons Jr. (15th), Josh Wise (16th) and Kody Swanson (17th).

East led 86 of the 100 lap feature, before Tyler took it over for the win. Bud Kaeding sits in the points lead with 111 points this season. Second place goes to TSR entry Tracy Hines with 87, while third belongs to Jesse Hockett with 81 points. Shane Hmiel is close by in fourth with 79, while Jon Stanbrough is in fifth with 74 points on the season.

The USAC Silver Crown racers take a few weeks off, before hitting O'Reilly Raceway Park on July 23rd, to race 100 laps under the lights.

Hornaday Finds Victory Lane In Memphis

Nascar Camping World Truck Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, June 29, 2009

MEMPHIS, TN.- Camping World Trucks points leader Ron Hornaday took his Chevy to victory lane once again, this time at Memphis on Saturday, June 27th. Brian Scott worked his way through the field to finish in second place, while third belonged to the No. 24 Toyota of David Starr. Aric Almirola stayed up front all day, earning a fourth place finish. Rounding out the top five finishers was Matt Crafton, in his No. 88 Chevy.

Hornaday leads the points race with 1,713 points this season. Matt Crafton is second with 1,637, while the third spot belongs to Mike Skinner with 1,579. Todd Bodine sits in fourth place with 1,564, while David Starr stands in fifth with 1,482 points on the season.

The Camping World Trucks take a few weeks off, but return to action at Kentucky Speedway. They will race the Built Ford Tough 225 presented by the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers on Saturday, July 18th. You can catch the race on the Speed Channel, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Busch Wins in Nationwide Action

Nascar Nationwide Series
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Monday, June 29, 2009

LOUDON, N.H.-Nascar Nationwide points leader Kyle Busch found victory lane at N.H. on Saturday. Taking second was the always strong (now first time Sprint Cup winner) Joey Logano. The No. 88 Go Daddy.com sponsored Chevy of Brad Keselowski came home in third. No. 1 Mike Bliss had a strong run, taking a fourth place showing, while Nationwide veteran Kevin Harvick rounds out the top five finishers.

The points race is heating up in the Nationwide Series. Kyle Busch is leading the points race with 2,581 points this season. Behind Busch is Carl Edwards in second with 2,419 points. In third place sits Keselowski with 2,338 points. Fourth place belongs to Jason Leffler with 2,261 points, while Logano rounds out the top five in points with 2,040 points this season.

Next the Nationwide racers go to Daytona International Speedway to take part in the Subway Jalapeno 250 powered by Coca-Cola on Friday, July 3rd. All the action gets started at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.