Race of Champions
Dirt Tour
www.rocdirt.com

09/18/06

Penn-Can Order of Events For Sun., April 23 (4-17-06)

Penn-Can Speedway "Spring 125"
Sunday April 23, 2006 - ORDER OF EVENTS
Pit Admission: $25.00
12:00 - Pit Gates Open
12:30 - Grandstand Gates Open
1:10 - Hot Laps
Late Models/BRC Series
Sportsman/RoC Dirt Tour
Super Stocks/Trackside Products Series
Pure Stocks/Gary’s U-Pull-It Pure Stocks
1:45 - Drivers' Meeting
2:00 - RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour Guaranteed Starters' Race (10-laps)
2:10 - Heats
Late Models/BRC Series (8-laps)
Sportsman/RoC Dirt Tour (8-laps)
Super Stocks/Trackside Products Series (8-laps)
Pure Stocks/Gary’s U-Pull-It Pure Stocks (6-laps)
Consolations
Late Models/BRC Series (8-laps)
Sportsman/RoC Dirt Tour (8-laps)
Super Stocks/Trackside Products Series (8-laps)
Pure Stocks/Gary’s U-Pull-It Pure Stocks (6-laps)
Feature Events
Late Models/BRC Series (35-laps)
Sportsman/RoC Dirt Tour (40-laps)
Super Stocks/Trackside Products Series (25-laps)
Pure Stocks/Gary’s U-Pull-It Pure Stocks (25-laps)

Healthy RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour South Region Heads To Penn-Can Sun., April 23
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - The Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour's South Region opened at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway on Sun., April 9 with a strong field of 47 cars.

Penn-Can (Pa.) Speedway, be ready.

Al Wilcox and Reed Miller's three-eighths-mile oval will host the South Region's second event on Sun., April 23, part of the "Spring 125," a program that also includes the BRC Lazer Late Model Series, Trackside Products Super/Pro Stock Series and Pure Stocks.

Pit gates open at noon, grandstand gates open at 12:30 p.m., with hot laps at 1:15 p.m. and racing at 2 p.m. A rain date of Mon., May 29 (Memorial Day) is in place.

The RoC Dirt Sportsman main will be 40-laps, paying $1,000 to the winner.

"Adding New Egypt (N.J.) and Bridgeport (N.J.) to the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour's South Region for this year brought an added influence from the Garden State to our first race," said RoC Dirt administrative director Andrew Harpell.

"I'm sure the field at Penn-Can will offer that same mix of racers from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania."

Popular Willie Osmun of Bloomsbury, N.J., topped the lid-lifter at Five Mile Point, becoming the 10th winner in 10 RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour events ever contested. In Victory Lane, Osmun, a New Egypt Speedway regular, confirmed that he would chase South Region points in '06.

Middletown, N.Y.'s Danny Creeden placed second, ahead of Jason Hamilton, Alex Konopka and 20th-starter Brad Brightbill in the 40-lap event.

Top RoC Dirt contenders Kyle Weiss (18th), Shaun Walker (20th) and Jeff Geiges (27th), all top-five finishers in the '05 standings, will look to rebound at Penn-Can after tough showings at FMP.

Last year, Penn-Can Speedway hosted two RoC Dirt Sportsman events. Hometown driver Brian Decker won the Tour's inaugural event on Mon., May 30 over Arnie Slade, Hamilton, Weiss and Kevin Bates.

The second race, contested on Fri., Sept. 16, went to Weiss over Hamilton, Chad Cook, Paul Rooney and Slade. The two RoC appearances drew 49 and 38 entries, respectively.

Penn-Can Speedway is located conveniently off I-81 Exit 230 (Great Bend) or Route 17 Exit 79 (Windsor, N.Y.) on Route 171 in Susquehanna, Pa. For further information, contact the track office at: (570) 585-9928. The race day phone is: (570) 853-3434. Penn-Can Speedway is on the web at: www.penncan.com.

For further information on the RoC Dirt Tour, visit the website: www.rocdirt.com or contact the office at: (607) 775-5555.

NOTES: Grandstand admission prices for the "Spring 125" are: $12 (Adults); $10 (Youth - Ages 13-17); $10 (Seniors - Ages 62 and over); and $3 (Kids - 12 and younger). Pit admission is $25....
Competitors are reminded that the cut-off for early entries is Wed., April 19. Forms are available on www.rocdirt.com....
American Racer tire compounds are as follows: right-rear - minimum of 38; left-rear - minimum of 33; and minimum of 33 across the front....
The "Spring 125" will mark the first event contested at Penn-Can since the Susquehanna, Pa., oval was completely resurfaced following the final checkered of the '05 season. Over 20 inches of clay were spread across the entire racing surface...
Last year's RoC Dirt Sportsman champion Jason Hamilton is still searching for his first Tour win....
A 10-lap Guaranteed Starters' Race, featuring the DNQ cars from Five Mile Point, will run first (if eight of the eligible cars are on hand). The top-two finishers will earn guaranteed spots in the afternoon's feature should they fail to qualify through a heat or consolation....
The RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour's North Region opens on Sun., May 28 at Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway....

Guaranteed Starters' Race Lineup
10-laps, 2 cars qualify (MUST HAVE 8 CARS PRESENT TO HOLD EVENT)
6N Drew Ricco
4 Clay Butler
71 Mike Mammana
57 Ricky Rutt
280 Justin Holland
7C Chris Wood
51Z Ryan Olsommer
33Y Danny Yankowski
414 Eric Stephens
8 Ted DeGroat
117 Alex Tonkin
R14 Rick Raisner
11J Jim Toy
47G Chris Grbac
4SL Bobby Hentschel
31 Jim Kleedorfer
28 Mike Trautschold
8F Brad Force

Sherwood Racing Wheels To Sponsor RoC Dirt Sportsman Hard Charger Award
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour competitors will have extra incentive to slice through traffic in 2006, courtesy of Sherwood Racing Wheels.

RoC Dirt administrative director Andrew Harpell announced the addition of the Sherwood Racing Wheels Hard Charger Award during last Sunday's South Region opener at Five Mile Point Speedway.

The driver who gains the most positions during each feature event this season (North, South and combined races) will receive a $75 product certificate from Sherwood Racing Wheels. Decals for display on RoC Dirt Sportsman cars were distributed at Five Mile Point and will continue to be available at upcoming Tour events.

"Having Sherwood Racing Wheels on board is a great boost for the Tour," noted Harpell. "It's a great deal for the racers and it should only make our racing that much more exciting for the fans."

The first Sherwood Racing Wheels Hard Charger Award went to Coplay, Pa.'s Brad Grim, who raced from 25th to seventh in the 40-lap main.

Sherwood Racing Wheels, based in Owego, N.Y., is owned by Lee and Al Sherwood. They can be contacted by phone at: (607) 687-2991 or fax: (607) 687-4931.

The RoC Dirt Tour heads to Penn-Can Speedway in Susquehanna, Pa., on Sun., April 23 for South Region Race No. 2, part of the three-eighths-mile oval's "Spring 125" program featuring the Sportsman, BRC Lazer Series Late Models, Trackside Products Super/Pro Stock Series and Pure Stocks. Gates will open at noon, with racing promptly at 2 p.m.

For further information on the RoC Dirt Tour, contact the office at: (607) 775-5555 or visit the website: www.rocdirt.com.

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour South Region Driver Roster
Updated After Five Mile Point (4-9-06)

Car Number Driver Hometown
2 Steve Babicek Binghamton, N.Y.
4 Clay Butler Milford, N.J.
4SL Bobby Hentschel Pine Bush, N.Y.
4V Pat Votra Marathon, N.Y.
6N Drew Ricco Bellmawr, N.J.
7C Chris Wood Kirkwood, N.Y.
8 Ted DeGroat Dingman Ferry, Pa.
8F Brad Force Sellersville, Pa.
9 Butch Klinger Walton, N.Y.
9T Ken Titus Kirkwood, N.Y.
10S John Salvatore Jr. Martinsville, N.J.
11J Jim Toy Madisonville, N.Y.
12C Dave Coene Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.
12E Eric Palmer Cresco, Pa.
14 Willie Osmun Bloomsbury, N.J.
14 Alex Konopka Gouldsboro, Pa.
R14 Rick Raisner Easton, Pa.
15 Jason Hamilton Erwinna, Pa.
16X Danny Creeden Middletown, N.Y.
17D Mike Loney Taylor, Pa.
19 Brad Brightbill Sinking Spring, Pa.
21 Shaun Walker Masonville, N.Y.
21K Kyle Weiss Hamburg, Pa.
26M Derrick McGrew Ballston Spa, N.Y.
28 Mike Trautschold Parksville, N.Y.
31 Jim Kleedorfer Nazareth, Pa.
33Y Danny Yankowski Sherburne, N.Y.
35M Rich Green Berkshire, N.Y.
42 Mike Lartz Nicholson, Pa.
44 John McClelland Martinsville, N.J.
46 Josh Biever Orwigsburg, Pa.
47G Chris Grbac Iselin, N.J.
51Z Ryan Olsommer Waymart, Pa.
57 Ricky Rutt Phillipsburg, N.J.
59J Jesse Kline Bangor, Pa.
71 Mike Mammana Nazareth, Pa.
71D Frank Doty Middletown, N.Y.
77J Jeff Geiges Lawrenceville, N.J.
79 Michael Storms Wantage, N.J.
84Y Jamie Yankowski Throop, Pa.
91 Billy Tanner IV Newtown, Pa.
99 Craig Whitmoyer Hamburg, Pa.
117 Alex Tonkin Carbondale, Pa.
151 Joey Colsten Binghamton, N.Y.
280 Justin Holland White Lake, N.Y.
414 Eric Stephens Jermyn, Pa.
611 Brad Grim Coplay, Pa.

Race of Champions Dirt Mod Tour North Region Roster
Updated After Fonda (4-8-06)

Car Number Driver Hometown
1J Bobby Varin Sharon Springs, N.Y.
1K Robert King Granville, N.Y.
1X Willy Decker Vernon, N.Y.
1Z Ray Zemken Sprakers, N.Y.
2 Ronnie Johnson Duanesburg, N.Y.
B2 Bob Henry Jr. Clay, N.Y.
3D Matt DeLorenzo Voorheesville, N.Y.
5 Kris Savoie Fultonville, N.Y.
6 David Towns Rotterdam, N.Y.
7J Jeff Isabel Pennellville, N.Y.
8J Tom Sears Jr. Clay, N.Y.
11A Tony Pepicelli Princetown, N.Y.
11J Jerry Pennock Jr. Warrensburg, N.Y.
12A Jack Johnson Duanesburg, N.Y.
14J Alan Johnson Phelps, N.Y.
16 A.J. Romano Johnstown, N.Y.
19 Tim Fuller Edwards, N.Y.
19K Paul Kinney Oneida, N.Y.
20 Craig Hanson Tribes Hill, N.Y.
20 Brett Hearn Sussex, N.J.
21J Jeff Trombley Altamont, N.Y.
22 Dave Lape Canajoharie, N.Y.
22G Mitch Gibbs North Norwich, N.Y.
26 Dave Camara Fair Haven, Vt.
27A Steve Akers Altamont, N.Y.
27J Danny Johnson Phelps, N.Y.
27M Chic Chandler Charlton, Mass.
30 Gus Schmidt Liverpool, N.Y.
J30 Jim Crawn LeRaysville, Pa.
J30W Brent Wilcox Whitney Point, N.Y.
32C Vic Coffey Leicester, N.Y.
33F Mike Fusco Amsterdam, N.Y.
33 1/3 Tommy Meier Waldwick, N.J.
34 Steve Hough East Greenbush, N.Y.
42P Pat Ward Genoa, N.Y.
43 Floyd Billington Glens Falls, N.Y.
44 Josh Pieniazek Rotterdam, N.Y.
44S Matt Sheppard Waterloo, N.Y.
45H Don Mattison Wells, Vt.
53 Bobby Vedder Schoharie, N.Y.
61 Jamie Christian West Winfield, N.Y.
62 Todd Burley Spencerport, N.Y.
69K Kory Gurney Fort Johnson, N.Y.
71 Elmo Reckner Ballston Lake, N.Y.
72S Cass Bennett Mechanicville, N.Y.
73 Jimmy Davis Ballston Spa, N.Y.
76 Alton Palmer Howes Cave, N.Y.
77F Mark Flach Jr. Coxsackie, N.Y.
82 Dustin Purdy Delhi, N.Y.
85 Erik Nelson Amsterdam, N.Y.
88 Ryan Odasz Ballston Spa, N.Y.
93 Ryan Bartlett Adams, N.Y.
97 Jerry Higbie Jr. Slate Hill, N.Y.
109 Terry Knoblock Warners, N.Y.
114 Ancel Collins Sprakers, N.Y.

Borrowed Powerplant Does The Trick For Willie Osmun In South Region Opener At Five Mile Point
By BRETT DEYO

KIRKWOOD, NY - A borrowed powerplant did the trick for Willie Osmun in the 40-lap Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour South Region lid-lifter last Sunday afternoon at Five Mile Point Speedway.

Bloomsbury, N.J.'s Osmun lost his primary engine eight days earlier at New Egypt (N.J.) Speedway, his home track. Fellow racer Mike Bent loaned him an engine and Osmun took it to Victory Lane at FMP. He earned $1,000 for the win.

"I've got to thank Mike Bent," a happy Osmun reported. "Without him, we wouldn't have been here today. We lost our motor last week and he came through for us."

Driving his No. 14 Troyer "maxi-flex" chassis, Osmun raced methodically to the front from eighth starting position. He took second on lap 11 and closed on polesitter Alex Konopka, who led from the outset.

Osmun throttled to the outside of Konopka entering turn three on lap 14 and was never headed.

The popular Garden State driver reported that he would chase RoC Dirt points this season in the South Region.

Middletown, N.Y.'s Danny Creeden was a RoC-best second, driving his Precision-powered No. 16X Teo-Pro car.

Creeden took the position on lap 20, but didn't make up ground on the leader until the final five laps.

"He was fast," noted Creeden, an Accord/Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway regular. "I gained on him at the end, but I couldn't do anything with him.

"I'm happy. It was a good day."

Defending RoC Dirt Sportsman champion Jason Hamilton of Erwinna, Pa., placed third after starting sixth.

"We were tight," noted Hamilton, 30. "We expected the track to get slick and it didn't. It was shoving the nose.

"We were a third-place car."

Konopka, of Gouldsboro, Pa., faded to fourth after leading the first 14 laps and 20th-starter Brad Brightbill was fifth.

A bizarre incident on lap four - during a caution-period - saw 10 cars stack up on the frontstretch. No one was injured in the melee, though a 15-minute red flag ensued.

Heat winners for the 47 RoC Dirt Sportsman in attendance were Creeden, Shaun Walker, Kyle Weiss, Mike Loney, Butch Klinger and Osmun. Eric Palmer, Brad Brightbill and Jesse Kline topped the consolations.

The Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour's South Region heads to Penn-Can (Pa.) Speedway on Sun., April 23 for Race No. 2. For further information, contact the RoC Dirt office at: (607) 775-5555 or visit the website: www.rocdirt.com. 

RoC Dirt Notes: Brad Grim picked up the Sherwood Racing Wheels Sportsman Hard Charger Award. The Coplay, Pa., driver raced from 25th to seventh in the 40-lap feature....
Shaun Walker looked to be a threat early on, but his day went sour on lap 11 when his No. 21 Bicknell snapped to the right while battling for second. He impacted the turn-one concrete nose-first and retired from the event shortly thereafter....
Chris Grbac resurrected an engine that hadn't seen action since 1979 at Flemington (N.J.) Speedway. He was a DNQ....
Butch Klinger came to life late in the main, riding the high line to sixth. The Walton, N.Y., driver swept two extra-distance Sportsman events at FMP during the 2004 season....
It wasn't a good outing for Kyle Weiss, who pitted several times and finished 18th....

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour South Region Race No. 1 Feature Finish: WILLIE OSMUN, Danny Creeden, Jason Hamilton, Alex Konopka, Brad Brightbill, Butch Klinger, Brad Grim, John McClelland, Mike Lartz, Mike Loney, John Salvatore, Craig Whitmoyer, Michael Storms, Billy Tanner IV, Frank Doty, Josh Biever, Derrick McGrew, Kyle Weiss, Ken Titus, Shaun Walker, Joey Colsten, Rich Green, Pat Votra, Jesse Kline, Eric Palmer, Steve Babicek, Jeff Geiges, Jamie Yankowski, Dave Coene.
Did Not Qualify: Drew Ricco, Clay Butler, Mike Mammana, Ricky Rutt, Justin Holland, Chris Wood, Ryan Olsommer, Danny Yankowski, Eric Stephens, Ted DeGroat, Alex Tonkin, Rick Raisner, Jim Toy, Chris Grbac, Bobby Hentschel, Jim Kleedorfer, Mike Trautschold, Brad Force.

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour
Official Finish: South Region Race No. 1/Five Mile Point Speedway (4-9-06)

Car # Driver/Hometown Start
1 14 Willie Osmun/Bloomsbury, N.J. (8)
2 16X Danny Creeden/Middletown, N.Y. (5)
3 15 Jason Hamilton/Erwinna, Pa. (6)
4 14K Alex Konopka/Gouldsboro, Pa. (1)
5 19 Brad Brightbill/Sinking Spring, Pa. (20)
6 9 Butch Klinger/Walton, N.Y. (10)
7 611 Brad Grim/Coplay, Pa. (25)
8 44 John McClelland/Martinsville, N.J. (17)
9 42 Mike Lartz/Nicholson, Pa. (13)
10 17D Mike Loney/Taylor, Pa. (9)
11 10S John Salvatore/Martinsville, N.J. (4)
12 99 Craig Whitmoyer/Hamburg, N.J. (14)
13 79 Michael Storms/Wantage, N.J. (7)
14 91 Billy Tanner IV/Newtown, Pa. (18)
15 71D Frank Doty/Middletown, N.Y. (15)
16 46 Josh Biever/Orwigsburg, Pa. (27)
17 26M Derrick McGrew/Ballston Spa, N.Y. (29)
18 21K Kyle Weiss/Hamburg, Pa. (12)
19 9T Ken Titus/Kirkwood, N.Y. (24)
20 21 Shaun Walker/Masonville, N.Y. (3)
21 151 Joey Colsten/Binghamton, N.Y. (2)
22 35M Rich Green/Berkshire, N.Y. (22)
23 4V Pat Votra/Marathon, N.Y. (11)
24 59J Jesse Kline/Bangor, Pa. (21)
25 12E Eric Palmer/Cresco, Pa. (19)
26 2 Steve Babicek/Binghamton, N.Y. (23)
27 77J Jeff Geiges/Lawrenceville, N.J. (26)
28 84Y Jamie Yankowski/Throop, Pa. (16)
29 12C Dave Coene/Chestnut Ridge, N.Y. (28)

Entries: 47
Lap leaders: Konopka (1-13), Osmun (14-40)
Heat winners: Creeden, Walker, Weiss, Loney, Klinger, Osmun
Consi winners: Palmer, Brightbill, Kline
Sherwood Racing Wheels Hard Charger: Brad Grim (25th to 7th)

Did Not Qualify:
6N Drew Ricco/Bellmawr, N.J.
4 Clay Butler/Milford, N.J.
71 Mike Mammana/Nazareth, Pa.
57 Ricky Rutt/Phillipsburg, N.J.
280 Justin Holland/White Lake, N.Y.
7C Chris Wood/Kirkwood, N.Y.
51Z Ryan Olsommer/Waymart, Pa.
33Y Danny Yankowski/Sherburne, N.Y.
414 Eric Stephens/Jermyn, Pa.
8 Ted DeGroat/Dingman Ferry, Pa.
117 Alex Tonkin/Carbondale, Pa.
R14 Rick Raisner/Easton, Pa.
11J Jim Toy/Madisonville, N.Y.
47G Chris Grbac/Iselin, N.J.
4SL Bobby Hentschel/Pine Bush, N.Y.
31 Jim Kleedorfer/Nazareth, Pa.
28 Mike Trautschold/Parksville, N.Y.
8F Brad Force/Sellersville, Pa.

Five Mile Point Speedway April 9, 2006 Quick Results

Southern Tier Open Modified Feature Finish: RICH RICCI JR., Mike Ricci, Joey Grammes, Mitch Gibbs, Billy Pauch Jr., Brian Decker, Ryan Grim, J.R. Crouse, Doug Manmiller, Wade Decker, Brent Wilcox, Rich Keehle Jr., James Cornell, Jeff Kotary, Darin Schuler, Dan Hineline, Brian Weaver, Doug Hendricks, Barry Davis, Butch Getz, Dana Wagner, Jimmy Davis, Jim Crawn, George Hildebrant, Mike Colsten, Billy Pauch, Glenn Knapp, Alan Rudalavage.
Did Not Qualify: Mike Gular, Rick Laubach, J.R. Hurlburt, Brian Malcolm, Darwin Greene, Dave Calaman, Ray Deemer, Chris Ostrowsky, Allan Kellogg, Ken Eckert Jr., Gordie Isham, Ricky Yetter, Joel Batzel, Mike Doty.

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour South Region Race No. 1 Feature Finish: WILLIE OSMUN, Danny Creeden, Jason Hamilton, Alex Konopka, Brad Brightbill, Butch Klinger, Brad Grim, John McClelland, Mike Lartz, Mike Loney, John Salvatore, Craig Whitmoyer, Michael Storms, Billy Tanner IV, Frank Doty, Josh Biever, Derrick McGrew, Kyle Weiss, Ken Titus, Shaun Walker, Joey Colsten, Rich Green, Pat Votra, Jesse Kline, Eric Palmer, Steve Babicek, Jeff Geiges, Jamie Yankowski, Dave Coene.
Did Not Qualify: Drew Ricco, Clay Butler, Mike Mammana, Ricky Rutt, Justin Holland, Chris Wood, Ryan Olsommer, Danny Yankowski, Eric Stephens, Ted DeGroat, Alex Tonkin, Rick Raisner, Jim Toy, Chris Grbac, Bobby Hentschel, Jim Kleedorfer, Mike Trautschold, Brad Force.

Late Model Feature Finish: DAVE ZONA, Billy Marvin, R.J. Windhausen, Randall Pazton, Jamie Griffiths, Allan Kellogg, Adam MacGeorge, Bud Phillips, Jim O'Hara, Brian Bernheisel, Tracy Gregory, Chad Hollenbeck, Lary DiLello, Keith Mudge.
Did Not Start: Jim Cummings.

Heldover BRC Lazer Series Late Model Finish From Nov. 6, 2005: RANDALL PAXTON, Dave Zona, Bud Phillips, R.J. Windausen, Allan Kellogg, Tracy Gregory, Chad Hollenbeck, Jamie Griffiths, Larry DiLello, Keith Mudge, Rich King, Chris Piasecki.

Pure Stock Feature Finish: DOUG STACK, Frank Chapman, Charlie Gilbert, Mahlon Shoemaker, Rich Talada, Kurt Decker, Jeremy Shaw, Mike Wilbur, Nick Robinson, Bill Cook, Denny Decker, Jamie Batzel, Floyd Peters, Tom Eiklor, Jason Bond, Jim House.

Chemung Speedrome Sets RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour Date
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Scratch out the "TBA." Write Sun., July 16 in its place.

That's the date the Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour's South Region will make its asphalt run at Chemung (N.Y.)Speedrome.

RoC Dirt Tour administrative director Andrew Harpell recently confirmed the date with Chemung's promoter Chris Zacharias and owner Bob Stapleton.

A 30-lap main paying $1,000-to-win will highlight the day's events. Teams will not be permitted to make significant changes to their cars to run on the asphalt and only American Racer dirt tires will be allowed.

"We had agreed upon taking the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour to Chemung a while back, but we just needed to get the specifics worked out," noted Harpell, who is anxious to see the dirt Sportsman tackle the first-class, three-eighths-mile paved track. Chemung had been listed on all RoC Dirt schedules with "TBA" for the date.

"Whoever wins the RoC Dirt Sportsman title this year will have earned it," Harpell said. "They can say they've conquered dirt and asphalt."

Chemung Speedrome was originally built as a quarter-mile dirt track in 1951 by the noted Bodine family. It closed in 1978.

After buying the track in 1985 the current owner, Bob Stapleton, started to rebuild the facility in 1997. In October 2000, Chemung had its "inaugural" race event.

The Speedrome, situated on over 38 acres, features all new TV-quality Musco lighting, a 3,000-seat main grandstand, a 28-stall paved pit lane and much more.

Chemung joins the famed "Steel Palace" Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway as the second paved track on the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour. Oswego will host a North Region race on Wed., July 26.

For further information on the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour, contact the RoC Dirt office by phone at: (607) 775-5555 or check out the official website: www.rocdirt.com. Chemung Speedrome, located off Route 17 Exit 59, is on the web at: www.chemungspeedrome.net. The track phone is: (607) 529-9998.

Bridgeport Speedway Adds Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Event On Sun., Aug. 27
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - The Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour will now make two pilgrimages to the Garden State in 2006.

RoC Dirt administrative director Andrew Harpell recently announced the addition of a Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman South Region event at Bridgeport (N.J.) Speedway on Sun., Aug. 27. The event will be 40-laps, paying $1,000 to the winner.

Earlier this off-season, N.J.'s New Egypt Speedway jumped on board, hosting a RoC Dirt Modified/Sportsman South Region doubleheader on Wed., June 21.

"We're pleased to be able to bring RoC Dirt to New Jersey," said Harpell. "There's an additional pool of talent we can draw from, and this will only strengthen our South Region.

"Dave (Adams, Bridgeport promoter) and Jay (James, track owner) have made a lot of positive strides at Bridgeport. This should be a showcase event on our Sportsman Tour."

Billed as "The Fastest Dirt Track in the East," Bridgeport Speedway is a spacious five-eighths-mile clay oval. Since Jan. 2004, James and partner Brian Ramey have completed extensive renovations at the track, including: 20 skybox suites, one of which is a spacious 30- x 15-foot suite; double-wide, comfortable grandstand seating; a 30- x 100-foot covered pavilion; new bathrooms (complete with showers); a new flagger's stand; and a new Victory Lane.

The improvements are ongoing. Every week, fans and racers are treated to another improvement at the South Jersey oval.

For further information on Bridgeport Speedway, contact the track office at: (856) 467-4407, or call the 24-hour information line: (856) 467-4408. On the web: www.thenewbridgeportspeedway.com.

The Race of Champions Dirt Tour office can be reached by phone at (607) 775-5555 or on the web: www.rocdirt.com.

This Year, Bobby Varin Doesn't Want To Share; RoC Dirt Modified Tour Opens Sat., April 8 at Fonda
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Despite the best efforts of his grade school teachers, Bobby Varin isn't fond of sharing.
Especially when it comes to championships.
The Sharon Springs, N.Y., native ended in a deadlock with Mitch Gibbs for the 2005 Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour overall title. This year, he's looking to drop the "co" from his championship status.
The Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour opens its second season with the "Ice Jam" on Sat., April 8 at N.Y.'s Fonda Speedway, the historic half-mile fairgrounds oval known as the "Track of Champions."
The big-block/small-block Modifieds will compete in a 50-lap feature. Race one of the Tour's North Region will pay $4,000 to the winner plus a $500 small-block bonus.
Pit gates open at 10 a.m., grandstand gates at 11 a.m., with practice at noon and racing at 1 p.m.
Adult admission is $15 for the RoC Dirt Modified/Pro Stock doubleheader.
Varin launched into last season's prominence by driving to a victory in the 2005 running of the "Ice Jam" on Sat., April 9, besting a 58-car field on a sun-splashed spring afternoon.
He outdistanced a hard-charging Alan Johnson, who started 16th in Jeff Rudalavage's No. 14J 358-Modified. Jerry Higbie Jr. drove from 22nd to finish third, with Tony Pepicelli and Gibbs completing the top five.
"Ice Jam" glory was only the beginning of Varin's RoC Dirt prominence at Fonda. He led from green-to-checkered in a caution-free North Region event on Wed., July 27, besting Gibbs, Fonda legend Dave Lape, Ryan Odasz and Jack Johnson.
Varin's third Fonda RoC Dirt triumph - in the Sun., Sept. 25 McDonald's 100 - was the most remarkable. He raced from ninth into contention for the lead when contact with Jeff Trombley sent him spinning on a lap-14 restart.
The 35-year-old talent later ran out of fuel on lap 90 but still rallied in the waning circuits to collect the $7,500 triumph over RoC Dirt newcomer Tom Sears, Ronnie Johnson, Matt DeLorenzo and Gibbs.
The highlights of Varin's breakout '05 season included: Fonda big-block track championship; Albany-Saratoga (N.Y.) Speedway DIRT big-block Modified championship; RoC Dirt Modified overall co-championship; RoC Dirt Modified North Region championship (undefeated in North Region action); and a fourth-place finish in Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway's 358-Modified standings.
Varin has stated his intentions to run for the '06 RoC Dirt Tour title and will begin his defense aboard Jake and Nancy Spraker's potent JPM-powered No. 1J Bicknell at Fonda, an event that should attract a field bulging with quality and quantity.
RoC Dirt administrative director Andrew Harpell expects a banner turnout for the first race of the Tour's sophomore season.
"Last year, Fonda set the tone for our season," Harpell said, reflecting on the inaugural race for his touring series in '05. "We got off to a great start there with the 'Ice Jam' and kept that momentum rolling through the season.
"This year should be no different. Ric and Laura (Lucia) have an awesome facility. The fan in me can't wait to watch that race."
For further information on Fonda Speedway, contact the track office during business hours at: (518) 382-3115, or on race day: (518) 853-4235. The official Fonda Speedway website is www.fondaspeedway.com. 
Fonda Speedway is located one mile off New York State Thruway (I-90) Exit 28 in Fonda, N.Y.
The RoC Dirt office can be reached by phone at: (607) 775-5555 or on the web: www.rocdirt.com.

RoC DIRT NOTES: If Fonda Speedway owes a RoC Dirt triumph to any one driver, it is Altamont, N.Y.'s Jeff Trombley.
The Capital District veteran returned from back injuries sustained early last season to lead 98 laps of the '05 McDonald's 100 on Sept. 25 only to run out of fuel, two circuits removed from a huge payday....
Incidentally, his teammate/car owner, Ronnie Johnson, relinquished second one lap earlier in that event, the victim of the same fate....
One driver to watch at Fonda is North Norwich, N.Y., driver Gibbs, the inaugural RoC Dirt co-champion. Gibbs's three finishes in RoC Dirt competition at Fonda last year: fifth on April 9 after leading 18 laps; second on July 27 with no power steering; and a 24th-to-fifth charge on Sept. 25.
The 42-year-old will be at the controls of Lance Kenyon's No. 22G at Fonda....
Rules, tire compounds and entry forms for the "Ice Jam" have been posted on the RoC Dirt website....
News circulated recently during the pre-season car shows that Ric and Laura Lucia would be in control at Fonda through 2010, offering added stability to the track....
The RoC Dirt Modified Tour South Region lid-lifter is slated for Tues., June 6 at Pa.'s Big Diamond Raceway, where continuous and extensive renovations are underway....

RoC Dirt Modified North Region Race No. 1 Information (3-24-06)
Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour North Region Race No. 1/Fonda Speedway - Fonda, NY - Saturday, April 8

RACE INFORMATION
Location: One mile off the New York State Thruway (I-90) exit 28 in Fonda, N.Y.
Phone Info: Track office: (518) 853-4235 or business: (518) 382-3115
Speedway Website: www.fondaspeedway.com 
Pit Fees: $20 with Fonda License/$30 without
Pit Gates Open: 10:00 a.m.
Grandstand Prices: $15
Grandstand Gates: 11:00 a.m.
Practice: 12 noon
Race Time: 1:00 p.m.
Entry Info: Pre-race entry (received prior to April 4th): $15
Entry after above date: $20
Modified Feature: 50 green-flag laps
Tire Information: Tire Options - American Racer Compounds
Right-Rear Compound: 48 minimal softness, may run Fonda 50 compound; Left-Rear Compound 44 minimal softness; Right-Front Compound: any American Racer Tire; Left-Front Compound: any American Racer Tire. For tire information please call: Jumpin' Jacks Speed Shop - (518) 355-5314.
General Race Rules: The standard for motor, body, chassis and safety rules are based '04 DIRT rules.
Weight Info: Big-Block Modifieds - min. 2,500 lbs no tolerance ('04 DIRT legal); Small-Block Modifieds - min. 2,400 lbs. no tolerance ('04 DIRT legal); '05 Big Diamond/Grandview 9-to-1 Small-Blocks - min. 2,400 lbs. no tolerance; Any other Small-Block combination must weigh a min. of 2,500 lbs. no tolerance. NO mixing and matching of rules.
For more information please contact the Race of Champions office at (607) 775-5555 or log on to www.rocdirt.com. The Race of Champions fax is (607) 775-3417.

Jason Hamilton Leads RoC Dirt Sportsman Squad To Five Mile Point Sun., April 9
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Last year, Jason Hamilton was on top of the heap when the final Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour points were tallied.
But that was 2005. The slate has been wiped clean by a long winter and the challengers are ready.
Hamilton, 30, of Erwinna, Pa., begins his RoC Dirt Sportsman title defense in the '06 lid-lifter, slated for Sun., April 9 at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway. The event will mark the second consecutive springtime running of the Southern Tier Open at Five Mile Point.
Hamilton, a 270cc Micro-Sprint graduate, will strap into his familiar No. 15 Teo-Pro car for year three of Sportsman competition. Once again, he'll receive primary backing from Flurer Machine and Tool of Nazareth, Pa.
"I haven't won there, but Five Mile Point's been a good track to me," said Hamilton, who made his first appearances at the Point in '05. "We're looking to keep our positive momentum from last year rolling into that show."
The Sportsman division will take part in a 40-lap feature paying $1,000 to the winner. This year, the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour is split into two regions; the FMP event will be the first event of the South Region. The North Region opener is scheduled for Sun., May 28 at N.Y.'s Utica-Rome Speedway.
"The interest for this race and the RoC Sportsman Tour in general has been unbelievable. I'm expecting a huge field of Sportsman that day," noted Andrew Harpell, RoC Dirt administrative director.
Harpell, who doubles as the Five Mile Point owner/promoter, spent the month of March attending pre-season car shows and was impressed by the quantity of positive feedback he received.
Five Mile Point hosted two RoC Dirt Sportsman events in 2005. Coplay, Pa.'s Brad Grim was victorious in a 40-lapper on Wed., July 13 over N.J.'s Jeff Geiges, Brian Puckett, Kyle Weiss and Jimmy Horton IV. Forty-one cars entered the midweek event at the racy quarter-mile oval.
The historic Kirkwood track also closed the curtain on year one of the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour's existence. On Sun., Nov. 6, young Mike Ketcham outdueled Pennsy's Brett Tonkin in a thrilling 40-lap dash. Danny Creeden, Grim and Hamilton filled out the front five. Thirty-seven Sportsman racers checked into the pit area on a threatening autumn afternoon.
The 2006 season-opening Sportsman field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet.
Last year's Southern Tier Open victor Ryan Olsommer of Waymart, Pa., will return to FMP attempting back-to-back spring checkered flags. The Southern Tier Open winner from 2004, Jeremy Holt, will also be on hand, looking to kick the year off with a win.
Kyle Weiss, Danny Creeden, Jeff Geiges, Brian Puckett, Shaun Walker, Brad Grim, Michael "Kid Lightning" Storms, '05 Five Mile Point champion Eric Palmer and many more are expected to sign in as part of a talent-laden field.
Pit gates open at 10 a.m., with hot laps at 1 p.m. and racing at 2 p.m. Grandstand gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Joining the RoC Dirt Sportsman on the agenda will be open competition Modifieds in a 50-lap, $3,000-to-win main (big- or small-block Modifieds, gas or alcohol, sail panels, any 13 x 92-inch tire), plus a heldover BRC Lazer Late Model event from Nov. 6, 2005, a complete new Late Model program and Pure Stocks.
A tentative practice session is scheduled for Sat., April 8 at 2 p.m. The test and tune session will last four hours.
For more information on Five Mile Point Speedway, visit the official website: www.fivemilepointspeedway.net or contact the track office: (607) 775-5555. RoC Dirt can be found on the web at: www.rocdirt.com.

RoC DIRT NOTES: Harpell said the mild winter has left the track in prime condition for the early opener. He expects to be working the surface beginning Mon., March 27....
RoC Dirt regular Danny Creeden recently took Best of Show honors at the March 17-19 Middletown Motorsports Car Show at the Orange County Fairgrounds Arena in Middletown, N.Y. Creeden said he would follow the entire Sportsman Tour again this season....
A newcomer to the '06 RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour is Wantage, N.J.'s Michael Storms, a second-year Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway regular. Storms, 18, will be making his first Five Mile Point start on April 9....
What are the thoughts of Lawrenceville, N.J., driver Jeff Geiges as he prepares for year two of RoC Dirt Sportsman competition? "I can't wait!" exclaimed the New Egypt (N.J.) Speedway regular, who finished fifth in the '05 standings. Geiges will run the entire Tour this season with his Vengeance-powered Bicknell No. 77J....

RoC Dirt Sportsman South Region Race No. 2 Info (3-23-06)
Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour South Region Race No. 2/Penn-Can Speedway - Susquehanna, PA - Sunday, April 23 (Rain Date: Mon., May 29)

RACE INFORMATION
Location: Route 171 Susquehanna, PA 18847
Heading South On I-81
Take Exit 230 the first exit in Pennsylvania (GREAT BEND EXIT). At the stop sign turn left and go seven miles to the speedway on the right.
Heading North on I-81 from Scranton Area:
Take Exit 230 the first exit in Pennsylvania (GREAT BEND EXIT). At the stop sign turn right and go seven miles to the speedway on the right.
Phone Info: Office: (570) 585-9928/Track: (570) 853-3434 /Fax: (570) 585-9928
Speedway Website: www.penncan.com
Pit Fees: $25
Pit Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
Grandstand Prices: $12 for Adults - Youth (ages 13-17) - $10; Seniors (62 and older) - $10; Kids 12 and younger $3.00; Children 6 and under Free.
Grandstand Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.
Practice: 1:15 p.m.
Race Time: 2 p.m.
Entry Info: Sportsman pre-race entry (received prior to April 19th): $10; Entry after above date: $15.
Sportsman Feature: 40 laps - all green flag.
Tire Information: Tire Options - American Racer Compounds Right-Rear Compound: 38 minimal softness; Left-Rear Compound: 33 minimal softness; Minimum 33 front tire compounds. For tire information please call Trackside Products: (607) 748-3322.
General Race Rules: The standard for motor, body, chassis and safety rules are based on '04 DIRT rules.
Weight Info: Minimum of 2,400 lbs.
For more information please contact the Penn-Can Speedway at (570) 585-9928 or Race of Champions office at (607) 775-5555 or log on to www.penncan.com or www.rocdirt.com.
Two-way radios are not permitted. The speedway frequency is 154.515 or RACECEIVER frequency 454.000 and will be operational. It is not mandatory to have the one-way frequency but is suggested if you already have an adjustable scanner.

RoC Dirt Sportsman South Region Race No. 1 Information (3-22-06)
Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour South Region Race No. 1/Five Mile Point Speedway - Kirkwood, NY - Sunday, April 9

RACE INFORMATION
Location: 100 Francis Street, Kirkwood, NY 13795

Heading South On I-81 or 17 East from Elmira:
Take Exit 2 on I-81 - (says Five Mile Point on green highway sign). Immediately get into left hand lane and take first left onto Francis Street. Track is located up the road about one-half mile on right hand side of the street.
Heading North on I-81 from Scranton Area:
Take Exit 2W (Industrial Park Exit) make first left hand turn onto Francis Street. Speedway is located up the road about one-half mile on right hand side of street.

Heading From Route 17W - Middletown:
Take Exit 75 past Windsor, NY (this exit is not an off ramp exit rather a merge). Road splits to the left. Once you have gone under the Exit 75 sign, take first left hand turn onto Francis Street. Speedway is located up the road about one-half mile on the right hand side of street.

Phone Info: Track Office: (607) 775-5555/Fax: (607) 775-3417
Speedway Website: www.fivemilepointspeedway.net
Pit Fees: $30
Pit Gates Open: 10:00 a.m.
Grandstand Prices: $20 for Adults - Two Adult tickets for $35 (save $5); Youth (ages 13-17) - $10; Seniors (62 and older) - $10; Kids 12 and younger always free!
Grandstand Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
Practice: 1 p.m.
Race Time: 2 p.m.
Entry Info: Sportsman pre-race entry (received prior to April 5th): $10; Entry after above date: $15.
Sportsman Feature: 40 laps - all green flag.
Tire Information: Tire Options - American Racer Compounds Right-Rear Compound: 48 minimal softness (may use 50 compound); Left-Rear Compound: 44 minimal softness; Minimum 33 front tire compounds. For tire information please call French's Auto Parts: (607) 774-4500.
General Race Rules: The standard for motor, body, chassis and safety rules are based on '04 DIRT rules.
Weight Info: Minimum of 2,400 lbs.

For more information please contact the Race of Champions office at (607) 775-5555 or log on to www.rocdirt.com.

Two-way radios are not permitted. The speedway frequency is 154.515 and will be operational. It is not mandatory to have the one-way frequency but is suggested if you already have an adjustable scanner.

Race of Champions Dirt Tour Introduces Convenient General Membership For Modifieds and Sportsman
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Getting through the gate at Race of Champions Dirt Tour events just got easier.
Administrative director Andrew Harpell announced the advent of a General Membership for the RoC Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours for 2006, which is being offered as an alternative to the entry fee posted at each event.
"Last year, we had teams filling out early entry forms for each event and getting it to us in advance by fax or mail, but that was a lot of paperwork," said Harpell, preparing for upcoming openers at Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway on Sat., April 8 for the Modified North Region and Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway on Sun., April 9 for the Sportsman South Region.
"Then we had even more teams just filling out the entry forms at each event, which created a backlog at the pit gate. Buying this membership will be an automatic entry into every event."
The price of the entry fee reflects the designated early entry cost. Entry fees for RoC Dirt Modified events are $15 for early entry and $20 the day of the event. Sportsman prices are $10 for early entry and $15 for day of the event.
The Modified General Membership is $200. The Sportsman General Membership is $150. This one-time cost covers entry fees for the entire season in one step.
"Buying a General Membership is not mandatory," Harpell explained. "It's just a way to save time, save money and eliminate some paperwork down the line."
RoC Dirt General Membership Forms are available on the web at: www.rocdirt.com under the "Registration" page. Forms also may be obtained at any of the pre-season RoC Dirt car show appearances. The Race of Champions Dirt Tour office can be reached by phone at (607) 775-5555.
Please note that the General Membership does not cover the cost of a pit pass, just the entry fee.

Race of Champions Dirt Tours To Be Well Represented On Upcoming Show Circuit
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - It's showtime for the Race of Champions Dirt Tours.
Literally.
The RoC Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours will be prominently represented at four auto racing trade shows during a whirlwind month of March for Andrew Harpell and his sophomore dirt-track traveling group.
"I always enjoy going to the shows and interacting with the racers and fans before the season starts," said Harpell from the Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway office on Sun. afternoon, Feb. 26. In addition to his RoC Dirt duties, Harpell is the owner/promoter of Five Mile Point and the RoC Asphalt Modified Tour director.
"This year, RoC will certainly be 'out there' in a big way. We didn't have that opportunity in 2005 because we were just getting off the ground in February."
First on the agenda is the March 3-5 Southern Tier Speedworld presented by Mike Stolarcyk Chevrolet and Country Town Auto Service at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City, N.Y. It is the third installment of the Paul Szmal/Robin Oltz-promoted show and an excellent opportunity for auto racing neophytes to become acquainted with the sport in their area.
On March 10-12, RoC Dirt will boast a display at the 20th Annual CarQuest Motorsports Expo. The pre-season, three-day gathering is held in the Cargill Exhibit Center at The New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y. A "must-see" for racers and fans, the CarQuest Expo traditionally draws huge throngs of race enthusiasts.
The weekend of March 17-19 will provide "double exposure" for the RoC Dirt squad, with simultaneous show appearances being coordinated.
For the first time, RoC Dirt will make an all-out assault at Ed and JoAnn Stevens's Middletown Motorsports Show, stationed at the Orange County Fairgrounds Arena in Middletown, N.Y. Highlighting the RoC Dirt booth at the 15th Annual event will be the immaculate No. 77F dirt Modified of Mark Flach Jr. Flach, 22, of Coxsackie, N.Y., will be a RoC Dirt regular in 2006.
Roughly two hours across Route 17, RoC Dirt will also be represented at the World of Racing Motorsports Show presented by Gary's U-Pull-It at the former Ames building (Northgate Plaza) in Binghamton, N.Y., an event promoted by Don Lane and Doug Gardner.
Information, schedules, registration forms and apparel/novelties will be available at each of the RoC Dirt show appearances.
RoC Dirt's initial '06 show presence took place in January during the Len Sammons-promoted Motorsports 2006 presented by VP Racing Fuels at the Fort Washington (Pa.) Expo Center.
The second season of RoC Dirt on-track action officially gets underway on Sat., April 8 at Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway with the "Ice Jam" for the Modifieds. It will be the first event of the Tour's North Region.
Then, the Sportsman South Region racers will have their lid-lifter at Five Mile Point on Sun., April 9. The Sportsman will compete as part of the popular FMP Southern Tier Open program.
For more information on the RoC Dirt Tours, call the office at (607) 775-5555 or log onto the official website: www.rocdirt.com. Entry forms for Fonda and Five Mile Point have already been posted under the "Registration" link.

Big Diamond Raceway Sets 2006 Race of Champions Dirt Dates
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - The dates are set.
Big Diamond (Pa.) Raceway officials and Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour administrative director Andrew Harpell have confirmed two stops apiece in 2006 by the RoC Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours at the rejuvenated facility.
Running under the new managerial team of Buddy Biever, Barry Bashore and Dave Dissinger (BD Raceway, LLC) for the upcoming season, the three-eighths-mile oval will host two RoC doubleheader programs, featuring the RoC Dirt Modified Tour and RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour in South Region events on Tues., June 6 and Tues., July 25.
The Modified teams will compete in 75-lap features, while the Sportsman racers will run 40-lap mains.
"I'm happy to have Big Diamond back on board," said Harpell, enthusiastically entering year two of RoC Dirt promotion. "It's always good to see a track get new life, and that's exactly what the new management is doing with Big Diamond.
"There is potential for a great show there. I know Buddy (Biever) has spoken about the facility improvements being made. I'm pretty excited to see what they've done."
Similar to the 2005 season, the rules will be adjusted to equalize the mix of engine combinations eligible for Modified competition.
Last year, Big D hosted two RoC Dirt Modified South Region events.
On June 7, Jeff Strunk of Bethel, Pa., took the win over Rick Laubach (who raced much of the event with no power steering), Meme DeSantis, 26th-starter Ray Swinehart and Doug Hoffman.
Frenchtown, N.J.'s Billy Pauch wheeled Norm Hansell's No. 357 to the triumph in the Aug. 9 stop. Craig Von Dohren, Keith Hoffman, Strunk and Doug Hoffman trailed.
RoC Dirt Sportsman victories went to track regular Craig Whitmoyer (June 28) and New Yorker Arnie Slade (Aug. 9).
For further information on the RoC Dirt Tour, visit the official website: www.rocdirt.com or contact the office by phone at: (607) 775-5555. A full schedule is available on the web.
The RoC Dirt Tour will be represented on the upcoming car show circuit: Southern Tier Speedworld (March 3-5) Oakdale Mall/Johnson City, N.Y.; CarQuest Expo (March 10-12) New York State Fairgrounds/Syracuse, N.Y.; and Raceworld (March 17-19) Ames Building/Binghamton, N.Y.

New Egypt Joins RoC Dirt Fold; Garden State Track To Host Modified and Sportsman on Wed., June 21
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Momentum continues to build.
The sophomore season of the Race of Champions Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours took another leap forward when RoC Dirt administrative director Andrew Harpell announced the addition of N.J.'s New Egypt Speedway to the 2006 lineup.
Harpell made the New Egypt/RoC Dirt agreement public at last weekend's (Jan. 27-29) Eastern Motorsport Press Association Convention in Trevose, Pa.
Set for Wed., June 21, RoC Dirt's inaugural visit to New Egypt, dubbed "Metal Fab presents the RoC Rocket Rumble," will include the 75-lap RoC Dirt Modified Tour South Region lid-lifter, plus 40 laps of RoC Dirt Sportsman action in South Region race number three.
"I'm very pleased to have New Egypt on the schedule," noted Harpell, who has already brought Albany-Saratoga (N.Y.) Speedway (Modified North) and Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway (Sportsman North) on board with RoC Dirt during a full-bore off-season. A visit to Chemung (N.Y.) Speedrome by the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour is also pending.
"The racing at New Egypt is second-to-none, and I feel we can put on an awesome show by adding the RoC stars to New Egypt's established field."
NES public relations director Buffy Swanson said the RoC Dirt doubleheader was a perfect fit for a midweek opening on their schedule.
"Some of the guys from our track went on tour with RoC last year," Swanson explained. "They were interested in having a show on their home turf and we had a hole on our schedule.
"We like to get involved with people who are enthusiastic. Andy (Harpell) is definitely enthusiastic."
Last year, NES regulars Billy Pauch, Jimmy Horton and Frank Cozze dabbled in RoC Dirt Modified competition. Pauch won a 75-lap South Region main on Aug. 9 at Pa.'s Big Diamond Raceway, while Horton and Cozze finished sixth and seventh, respectively, in the Tour's South Region points.
Multi-time NES winner Jeff Geiges made the haul from Lawrenceville, N.J., to compete in every '05 RoC Dirt Sportsman event, finishing a respectable fifth in the final point tally.
New Egypt's American Racer tire rule clearly facilitates hosting a RoC Dirt event. NES regulars won't have to buy tires specifically for the special, which race director Jim Swanson believes should lead to high car counts in both divisions.
The Grosso family completely rebuilt New Egypt Speedway in 1997. The former paved oval transformed from a state of near-ruin into a half-mile clay short-track showcase reveled by racers and fans. From the bathrooms to the concession stands, everything at New Egypt is first-class.
Included in the "top notch " category is the Garden State oval's potent weekly Modified roster, headlined by '05 champ Cozze, Pauch, Keith Hoffman, Kenny Brightbill (confirmed as a regular at NES in '06), Horton, Ryan Godown and many more.
"It will be a different mix-up," Buffy Swanson said of the night's anticipated field. "Will the RoC drivers be up to going against Pauch, Horton, Cozze and the rest on their home turf?
"We'll have to wait and see."
For more information on New Egypt Speedway, contact the track office at (609) 758-1900 or visit the official website: www.newegyptspeedway.net.
RoC Dirt can be contacted by phone at (607) 775-5555 or on the web: www.rocdirt.com.

NES NOTES: Buffy Swanson is particularly enthused about one RoC Dirt regular's return to New Egypt: Brian Weaver. The Southern Tier standout developed a huge fan base at NES when he made the long haul from Windsor, N.Y., to compete there weekly in 2001.
Weaver, incidentally, was a feature winner at NES on April 14, 2001....
New Egypt looks to become the first track to host RoC Dirt and the Advance Auto Parts big-block Modified Super DIRT Series in the same season. "We're an independent track," Swanson said. "For us, it's not political."....
The Modified schedule is now comprised of 13 events: five South, five North and three combined. The Sportsman schedule boasts 15 events: six South, five North and four combined....
Officials at Big Diamond (Modified and Sportsman) and Chemung (Sportsman) remain committed to RoC Dirt but have not yet chosen their dates....
Harpell's presentation at the EMPA Convention centered on RoC's priority of the weekly racer and its emphasis on the fans (no time trials)....
The next event on the RoC Dirt agenda is the Southern Tier Speedworld show presented by Mike Stolarcyk Chevrolet and Country Town Auto Service Fri.-Sun. March 3-5 at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City, N.Y. An expansive display with information, schedules, etc., will be set up....

RoC Dirt Releases 2006 Tentative Schedules; Albany-Saratoga Joins Modified Fold, Oswego To Host Sportsman
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - New venues, returning facilities and convenience for the weekly racer highlight the 2006 tentative schedules for the Race of Champions Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours.
Administrative director Andrew Harpell released the recently-inked slates during the Jan. 13-15 Motorsports 2006 presented by VP Racing Fuels in Fort Washington, Pa.
The RoC Dirt Tour boasted an eye-catching display at Motorsports showcasing Jason Hamilton's championship-winning No. 16 Sportsman and the No. 8JR small-block Modified of Keystone State talent J.R. Crouse.
"Right now, RoC Dirt Tour dates are in demand for the Sportsman and Modifieds, which is a great thing," Harpell said while reflecting on a successful first season.
"I've been very careful with the placement and number of dates, because this has been about the weekly racer from day one. We need to have just enough races to keep teams and fans interested, but not too many where the Friday- or Saturday-night racers can't afford to run the whole Tour."
Tentatively, the RoC Dirt Modified Tour boasts 12 events at six different tracks. Big Diamond (Pa.) Raceway, Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway, Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway, Penn-Can (Pa.) Speedway and Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway, participants in the '05 inaugural RoC Dirt Tour, have re-upped for 2006.
An addition to the fold is N.Y.'s popular Albany-Saratoga Speedway. The Bruce Richards-promoted four-tenths-mile oval will host a RoC Dirt Modified North Region event in conjunction with the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) on Tues., June 27.
"Bruce (Richards) is excited to have us," Harpell offered. "I know it will be a great show. Albany-Saratoga is a racy track with a quality field. When the RoC Dirt stars invade, it should be one to remember.
"Having Albany-Saratoga join our other facilities is a big boost to the RoC Dirt Tour."
The North Region will begin at Fonda with the "Ice Jam" 50-lap event Sat., April 9. Utica-Rome (68-lap Mother's Day special) Sun., May 14; Albany-Saratoga (75-laps) Tues., June 27; Five Mile Point (75-lap 56th Anniversary Special) Wed., July 12; and Utica-Rome (75-laps) Sun., Aug. 13 complete the North Region schedule.
Confirmed South Region events include Penn-Can (75-lap "Hot Summer Nights" special) Tues., Aug. 1 and Five Mile Point (75-laps) Wed., Aug. 9. Big Diamond's new Biever/Bashore/Dissinger management team has agreed to host a pair of South Region events; dates are pending and will be announced shortly.
The three combined point events, integral races in the RoC Dirt Modified overall championship fight, are set for Penn-Can ("King of the Can" 100) Fri.-Sat. Sept. 15-16; Fonda (McDonald's 100) Sat.-Sun. Sept. 23-24; and Five Mile Point (Southern Tier 100) Sat., Oct. 14.
The RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour is currently comprised of 13 dates at seven tracks. As announced previously, the Tour will be split into North and South Regions.
Tracks returning from '05 include Accord (N.Y.) Speedway, Big Diamond, Five Mile Point, Fonda, Penn-Can and Utica-Rome. The legendary "Steel Palace" Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway jumps on board for '06. The five-eighths-mile paved oval will host the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour's North Region on Wed., July 26.
Sportsman North Region events are planned as follows: Utica-Rome (40-laps) Sun., May 28; Five Mile Point (40-laps) Wed., July 12; Oswego (30-laps) Wed., July 26; Penn-Can (40-laps) Tues., Aug. 1; and Utica-Rome (40-laps) Sun., Aug. 6.
Five Mile Point will launch the South Region with a 40-lap headliner on Sun., April 9. Penn-Can (40-laps) Sun., April 23, two events at Big Diamond (dates TBA) and an asphalt event (TBA) will fill out the South Region calendar. More information will be released shortly.
Combined events are slated for Penn-Can (40-laps) Fri., Sept. 15; Fonda (40-laps) Sat., Sept. 23; Accord (40-laps) Fri., Sept. 29; and Five Mile Point (40-laps) Fri., Oct. 13.
For further information on the RoC Dirt Tour, contact the office by phone at (607) 775-5555 or visit the official website: www.rocdirt.com. The office fax number is (607) 775-3417.

RoC DIRT NOTES: Think the tentative '06 schedule suits the needs of the weekly racer? "That (schedule) hits the spot," Jerry Higbie Jr., fourth in '05 overall RoC Dirt Modified points, said after a quick glance of the upcoming season's agenda.
"The races are spaced out well, we're back at some good tracks and I'm looking forward to racing at Albany-Saratoga. I think it's great."....
The number "68" in Utica-Rome's Sun., May 14 68-lap RoC Dirt Modified North Region event carries special significance: it was the car number of the late racer and promoter Alex Friesen....
Veteran Pennsylvania driver Frank Cozze is another driver looking forward to running RoC Dirt events in '06. While his focus will be the South Region, expect Cozze to venture north for the Albany-Saratoga event....
Harpell didn't rule out one or two additional events on the RoC Dirt Modified Tour. He hopes to "beef up" the South Region in coming weeks....
The likely candidate for the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour's South Region asphalt event is N.Y.'s Chemung Speedrome. Chemung promoter Chris Zacharias said he is searching for the right date to host the event....

Tentative 2006 Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Schedule
Date Track/Location Laps Region
Sat., April 8 Fonda Speedway/Fonda, N.Y. 50 North
Sun., May 14 Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, N.Y. 68 North
Tues., June 27 Albany-Saratoga Speedway/Malta, N.Y. 75 North
Wed., July 12 Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. 75 North
TBA Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pa. 75 South
Tues., Aug. 1 Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pa. 75 South
Wed., Aug. 9 Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. 75 South
Sun., Aug. 13 Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, N.Y. 75 North
TBA Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pa. 75 South
Fri.-Sat. Sept. 15-16 Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pa. 100 Combo
Sat.-Sun. Sept. 23-24 Fonda Speedway/Fonda, N.Y. 100 Combo
Sat., Oct. 14 Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. 100 Combo

Tentative 2006 Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour Schedule
Date Track/Location Laps Region
Sun., April 9 Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. 40 South
Sun., April 23 Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pa. 40 South
Sun., May 28 Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, N.Y. 40 North
Wed., July 12 Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. 40 North
TBA Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pa. 40 South
Wed., July 26 Oswego Speedway/Oswego, N.Y. 30 North
Tues., Aug. 1 Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pa. 40 North
Sun., Aug. 6 Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, N.Y. 40 North
TBA Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pa. 40 South
Fri., Sept. 15 Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pa. 40 Combo
Sat., Sept. 23 Fonda Speedway/Fonda, N.Y. 40 Combo
Fri., Sept. 29 Accord Speedway/Accord, N.Y. 40 Combo
Fri., Oct. 13 Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, N.Y. 40 Combo

RoC DIRT BULLETIN - JANUARY 15, 2006

All phone calls regarding the Race of Champions Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours should be directed to (607) 775-5555, the RoC Dirt/Asphalt and Five Mile Point Speedway home office.

Thank you for your cooperation.

RoC Dirt's First Season Concludes With Awards Banquet: Varin, Gibbs, Strunk and Hamilton Honored
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Their seasons couldn't have been more opposite.

Bobby Varin was high profile. He charged hard, won races and thrilled crowds with his go-for-broke driving style.

Mitch Gibbs was the quiet one. He avoided melees, racked up top-five finishes and cruised under the radar.

But they were equally successful.

Before a full house at the Binghamton Regency Hotel and Conference Center, Gibbs and Varin were honored as the inaugural Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour overall co-champions at a classy Awards Banquet on Saturday night.

The festive gathering served as a fitting conclusion to year one for Andrew Harpell's RoC Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours.

Brett Deyo worked the microphone for the RoC Dirt awards ceremony following a delicious dinner, as the top point-getters collected their share of $100,000 in point fund money paid out during the full slate, which also included year-end awards for the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour and Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway.

The RoC Dirt Modified title fight came down to the Tour's final event, the 36th running of the Southern Tier 100 at Five Mile Point on Oct. 15.

Gibbs finished second after trading the lead with Mike Ricci eight laps from the finish; Varin was sixth. Both drivers won their heat events, collecting the accompanying five-point bonus.

After 11 events (eight regional, three combined) and 841.5 laps of feature racing, Gibbs and Varin ended in a deadlock with 664 points.

Varin, of Sharon Springs, N.Y., dominated the North Region, winning all four events - two at Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway and two at Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway - driving Jake Spraker's JPM-powered No. 1J Bicknell.

He finished fifth in the South Region standings driving the Magsarus No. 93 PMC mount.

The 35-year-old missed the first combined event at Penn-Can (Pa.) on Sept. 17 due to a Saturday-night commitment at Fonda, but he rallied back to win the McDonald's 100 at "The Track of Champions" on Sept. 25, despite spinning from the lead on lap 15 and running out of fuel 10 laps from the finish.

The sixth at FMP combined with first-place regional points, 25 accrued heat points and 25 points for perfect attendance in the regional races vaulted Varin into a tie for his fourth championship of '05 (RoC overall, RoC North, Fonda and big-block at Albany-Saratoga (N.Y.) Speedway).

Varin, who struggled financially to field his own equipment during his career's formative years, couldn't thank his backers enough.

"The equipment makes such a difference," Varin said. "I'm thankful to have so many good people behind me. Jake and Nancy (Spraker) have given me a great opportunity. Ed (Munger) helped me out a lot, too.

"When I go to the track, whether it's a RoC race or a Saturday at Fonda, I know I've got a car to win. That is a great feeling."

While Varin made no secret that he would have liked sole possession of the RoC Dirt crown, he acknowledged Gibbs's efforts, those of his competition and RoC Dirt management.

"It's an honor to be up here with Mitch, he is an accomplished driver who I have a lot of respect for.

"But that's the great thing about this RoC deal, you race with such quality competition, it's rewarding to win one of these races. It definitely helps your confidence."

Varin affirmed that he would return to RoC Dirt in 2006 to defend his title.

Gibbs, of North Norwich, N.Y., scored three top-five finishes in the Tour's trio of combination events. The 42-year-old placed fourth at Penn-Can on Sept. 17, fifth at Fonda on Sept. 25 and second at FMP on Oct. 15. He earned 10 heat points and the 25-point perfect attendance bonus for the regional events.

A Can-Am (N.Y.)/Utica-Rome regular, Gibbs tallied second, behind Varin, in the North Region standings and came home third in the South Region rundown.

He split the Tour between his own team, featuring Moshier small-block-powered No. 2G Bicknell cars, and Lance Kenyon's Enders big-block-powered No. 22G Bicknell.

"It was nice having the two cars, especially running two nights per week with our own stuff like we did this year," Gibbs related. "Did it help us on the RoC Tour? Absolutely. We were prepared wherever we went.

"I am very happy with our year. I would've liked to get a (RoC Dirt) win, but we were consistent."

A 26-year "weekend warrior" with 10 track championships, Gibbs appreciated the opportunities RoC Dirt presented: larger purses, longer races and limited traveling for a healthy point fund.

"It was a perfect deal for me," he said. "I'll be back next year for sure."

Brian Weaver of Windsor, N.Y., who won the first combined event at Penn-Can on Sept. 17, was third in the overall standings, 21 points out of the lead. Jerry Higbie Jr. of Slate Hill, N.Y., and second-generation driver Ronnie Johnson of Duanesburg, N.Y., completed the front five.

Finishing sixth through 12th were Jeff Strunk of Bethel, Pa., Ted Lamb of Clay, N.Y., Mike Gular of Harleysville, Pa./Ryan Bartlett of Adams, N.Y., (tie) Jack Johnson of Duanesburg, N.Y., Willy Decker of Vernon, N.Y., and Rick Laubach of Quakertown, Pa.

The top 12 drivers in the overall RoC Dirt Modified standings collected point fund money and hardware.

*****

Bobby Varin led the list of North Region point-earners with his four victories (he also won all but one heat race in North Region action). Varin ultimately held a 79-point edge on runner-up Gibbs.

Ronnie Johnson, Higbie and Jack Johnson were third through fifth, respectively. Decker, Tony Pepicelli, Lamb, Weaver and Bartlett completed the top 10.

The top 10 finishers in the RoC Dirt Modified North Region championship battle received point fund money and hardware.

*****

Jeff Strunk was honored as the South Region champion. The full-time driver, who secured Grandview (Pa.) Speedway's NASCAR Modified championship for the fifth time in '05, won the Region's June 7 lid-lifter at Big Diamond (Pa.) Raceway.

The 36-year-old notched two additional top-five finishes, taking advantage of engine woes for chief rival Brian Weaver in the final point event at Penn-Can Aug. 17 to snatch the title by 11 points with a second-place finish to Alan Rudalavage.

"To race a series like this is refreshing," Strunk remarked. "You're competing with guys you don't usually race with and you get out to some different tracks.

"I enjoyed it a lot."

Weaver, Gibbs, Laubach and Varin rounded out the top five. Jimmy Horton, Frank Cozze, Gular, Bartlett and J.R. Crouse finished sixth through 10th, respectively.

The top 10 RoC Dirt Modified South Region drivers received point fund money and hardware.

*****

Jason Hamilton received his recognition as the 2005 Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour champion.

Erwinna, Pa.'s Hamilton recorded five top-five and eight top-10 finishes in the nine-race Tour, including runner-up efforts at Big Diamond Aug. 9 and Penn-Can Sept. 16. He completed every possible feature lap and earned 25 heat points, besting Arnie Slade by 32 markers.

A graduate from the 270cc Micro-Sprint ranks in only his second Sportsman season, Hamilton showed remarkable versatility when visiting different venues.

How did he prepare for new tracks?

"I made a lot of phone calls," Hamilton suggested. "I wasn't afraid to ask questions. Fonda and Utica-Rome were the two places I had never seen before this year.

"I hadn't raced a lot at any of the other tracks with the exception of Big Diamond."

The 29-year-old strapped into two Burnett-powered cars en route to the title: his self-owned No. 15 Teo-Pro car and Doug and Ann Flurer's No. 16 Teo-Pro car.

Mt. Upton, N.Y.'s Slade, the '05 Penn-Can champion, was second. Kyle Weiss of Hamburg, Pa., Shaun Walker of Masonville, N.Y., and Jeff Geiges of Lawrenceville, N.J., completed the front five.

Finishing sixth through 10th were Danny Creeden of Middletown, N.Y., Brad Grim of Coplay, Pa., Brian Decker of Susquehanna, Pa., Frank Doty of Middletown, N.Y., and Craig Whitmoyer of Hamburg, Pa.

The top 10 RoC Dirt Sportsman drivers received point fund money and hardware.

The RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour boasted nine winners in nine events, with 178 different drivers attempting to qualify for at least one show.

*****

Brian Weaver (Modified) and Frank Doty (Sportsman) earned the RoC Dirt Hard Luck Awards.

Weaver watched a potential South Region championship slip away when engine troubles sidelined Randy Decker's No. 9R in the Region finale on Aug. 17 at Penn-Can, a track he has dominated in recent seasons.

Doty made repeated long hauls from his Middletown, N.Y., home to every RoC Dirt Sportsman event despite repeated on-track mishaps.

Jeff Strunk's black, orange and yellow BPG No. 88 (Modified) and Kyle Weiss's orange, day-glow yellow and blue No. 21K (Sportsman) earned Best Appearing Car recognition.

D.J. Drew provided dancing and entertainment at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.

For more information on the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour, contact the RoC Dirt office at (607) 238-0432 or visit the website: www.rocdirt.com.

RoC DIRT BANQUET NOTES: RoC Dirt administrative director Andrew Harpell summed up the 2005 season with one word during his opening remarks: "wow."

Harpell alluded amount of talent assembled in the room, referencing the RoC Dirt and Asphalt competitors and Five Mile Point's weekly stars. He discussed the continued success of the Asphalt program, quick growth of the Dirt program and the planned improvements for Five Mile Point....

Earlier in the afternoon, Harpell held an informal meeting with RoC Dirt competitors to reflect on '05 and look ahead toward the '06 season.

Harpell said American Racer would return as the official tire of RoC and he expects no changes in Modified or Sportsman rules. He added that he is working toward a DART-head 358 engine package for the future in both RoC Dirt and Asphalt Modified competition....

All the tracks that participated in the 2005 RoC Dirt Tour have indicated they would be on board for the upcoming season, with the anticipated Modified (North Region) opener set for Fonda in early April....

There have been conversations between Harpell and the new management at Big Diamond, and all talks have been "positive."....

According to Harpell, the Sportsman Tour will be divided into regions, North and South. The point distribution, etc. will mirror the Modified Tour....

Each region of the Sportsman Tour will include one event on asphalt. American Racer dirt tires will be mandated and teams will be restricted to a set number of tires for the event to limit cost....

Harpell said Mercer (Pa.) management was interested in hosting a RoC Dirt Modified Tour event in early September. He asked for input from competitors with regard to the long tow....

Harpell said he plans to rely more on his own tech team rather than track officials next season....

Schedules and other information will be available at the Jan. 13-15 Motorsports 2006 presented by VP Racing Fuels....

2006 RoC Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours Coming Together
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Forget the sophomore jinx.
Admittedly "one year the wiser," Andrew Harpell reports making great strides with the 2006 versions of Race of Champions Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours.
Taking full advantage of an early start, Harpell looks to build on the success of 2005, when RoC Dirt transitioned from a virtual unknown to a major player in the dirt Modified world.
The RoC Dirt concept wasn't announced until late February last year. In that regard, Harpell, a 36-year-old who also directs the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour and owns/promotes N.Y.'s Five Mile Point Speedway, is ahead of the game.
"I've spoken with a number of different promoters already and I expect all the tracks that were with us last year to be back on board," Harpell, the RoC Dirt administrative director, said.
"I got nothing but positive feedback at PRI (the auto racing trade show held recently in Orlando, Fla.). The racers can look forward to more contingency sponsors next season."
Harpell said the RoC Dirt Modified Tour would again feature a mix of big- and small-block engines. The highest finishing 358-Modified will again be eligible for a $500 bonus in all RoC Dirt Modified events.
A regional breakdown of North and South will remain in place.
While there is the possibility of added dates at additional venues (Harpell is in negotiations with several different promoters looking at the RoC route for '06), he reiterated that he would stick to his focus of keeping RoC Dirt feasible for the weekly racer.
"I can't see adding that many more dates," Harpell said. "We're looking to expand, but not to the extent where you need to be a full-time racer to follow the RoC Tour. I want to stay within three or four dates of what we last year."
Similar to its Modified counterpart, the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour will be split into North and South Regions, with a series of combined races in the autumn to decide the overall champion.
"It's an example of what we said at our first meeting (held at the CarQuest Expo in Syracuse, N.Y., last March). You can race as much or as little as you want. I'm giving the Sportsman teams the option of focusing on one region.
"But I'd love to see some teams try and do every race."
Harpell said it was likely that both regions of the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour would include one event on asphalt, namely at Chemung (N.Y.) Speedrome and Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway.
"I've had a lot of interest in the Sportsman Tour with the recent developments," noted Harpell, referring to the decision by DIRT NorthEast to downsize its Sportsman Super DIRT Series.
"I think it will be exciting in its own right."
American Racer will again be the official tire for all RoC Dirt events, Modified and Sportsman.
The RoC Dirt and RoC Asphalt Modified Tours will be represented at Motorsports 2006 presented by VP Racing Fuels at the Fort Washington (Pa.) Expo Center Jan. 13-15. Show attendees can gather more information on the '06 season at the expansive display, which will include a dirt Modified, dirt Sportsman and asphalt Modified.
"Right now," bottom-lined Harpell, "I'm pretty comfortable with where we're at."
For further information on the RoC Dirt Tour, contact the office by phone at (607) 238-0432 or (607) 775-5555 or visit the website: www.rocdirt.com.

RoC DIRT BANQUET NOTES: Tickets for the upcoming Jan. 7 RoC Dirt and Asphalt/Five Mile Point Awards Banquet at the Binghamton Regency Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Binghamton, N.Y., are selling quickly. Contact the RoC office to purchase tickets. They are $35 each.
Reserved rooms at a discounted rate are available by calling the Binghamton Regency Hotel and Conference Center directly at 1-800-723-7676 or locally (607) 722-7575....

RoC Dirt/Asphalt and Five Mile Point Awards Banquet Set For January 7; RoC Dirt Tour Will Return In '06
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - The Binghamton Regency Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Binghamton will be abuzz with activity on Sat., Jan. 7.
The top point-getters from the 2005 season on the Race of Champions Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours, Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour and Five Mile Point Speedway will be honored at a gala Awards Banquet.
Numerous special awards will also be handed out, along with point fund monies.
Tickets are $35 each and must be purchased by Jan. 1. No tickets will be sold at the door. A group of 10 tickets purchased together comprises a reserved table.
"It's definitely going to be a sellout," said Andrew Harpell, Five Mile Point promoter/owner and the director of both RoC Dirt and Asphalt. "It's important to get your tickets as soon as possible. I'm looking forward to a festive night with a wide variety of people getting together."
Meal choices for the evening include 8 oz. Prime rib, Chicken Cordon Bleu and Pasta Primavera.
For those planning to stay at the Binghamton Regency after the Banquet, there are a limited number of dramatically reduced rooms available.
Please phone the hotel directly at 1-800-723-7676 or locally (607) 722-7575 and make mention of the Race of Champions/Five Mile Point Awards Banquet to receive the discount.
Banquet forms have been mailed to Five Mile Point and RoC competitors. For further information, contact the FMP/RoC office at (607) 775-5555 or (607) 238-0432.
Competitors must be present at the Banquet to receive their awards.
Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa., will be honored as the RoC Asphalt Modified overall champion. The son of NASCAR Modified standout Tony Hirschman also topped the Tour's North Region. Zane Zeiner of Bath, Pa., won the South Region title.
Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., and Mitch Gibbs of North Norwich, N.Y., tied for the RoC Dirt Modified Tour overall championship. Varin was the North Region champ and Bethel, Pa.'s Jeff Strunk topped the South Region.
Erwinna, Pa.'s Jason Hamilton earned the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour title in his second season driving a full-size stock car. Hamilton was previously a 270cc Micro-Sprint regular.
2005 Five Mile Point Speedway champions include Brian Weaver (Modified), Eric Palmer (Sportsman), Kevin Cole (FMP Modified), Bill Trego (Street Stock) and Mahlon Shoemaker (Pure Stock).
News and other information on RoC Dirt, RoC Asphalt or Five Mile Point can be obtained on the web at www.rocdirt.com, www.raceofchampions.net or www.fivemilepointspeedway.net.
*****
Yes, the Race of Champions Dirt Modified and Sportsman Tours will return in 2006.
Andrew Harpell confirmed that fact while in Florida last week at the Performance Racing Industries show.
"I've already started working on next year's schedule," said Harpell, the Tour's administrative director. "You can expect more information to be out in the coming weeks, probably after the holidays."
Harpell was pleased with the Tour's inaugural '05 season and expects a similar schedule to be in place for the coming year.
He added that the Sportsman Tour would most likely be divided into two regions, similar to the RoC Dirt and Asphalt Modified schedule.
"There will be a few surprises and new ideas," he said. "But we will build on what we accomplished in year one."

Final RoC Dirt Points - Sportsman (Top 50)
PENN CAN 5/30/05 BIG DIAMOND 6/28/05 FIVE MILE 7/13/05 BIG DIAMOND 8/9/05 UTICA ROME 9/11/05 PENN CAN 9/16/05 FONDA 9/24/05 ACCORD 9/30/05 FIVE MILE 10/14/05 Pos.
Driver Total Feature Heat Pts DNQ Pts Feature Heat DNQ Feature Heat DNQ Feature Heat DNQ Feature Heat DNQ Feature Heat DNQ Feature Heat DNQ Feature Heat DNQ Feature Heat DNQ

Hamilton, Jason 15 433 50 50 5 44 55 5 26 55 5 38 44 5 46 5 1
Slade, Arnie 22B 401 55 5 55 5 32 60 5 28 46 26 40 44 2
Weiss, Kyle 21K 391 48 40 48 46 46 5 60 5 15 36 42 3
Walker, Shaun 21 355 44 19 42 5 34 32 38 50 5 48 38 4
Geiges, Jeff 77J 312 21 21 55 5 50 30 28 32 34 36 5
Creeden, Danny 16X 292 32 5 30 15 42 20 32 28 38 50 6
Grim, Brad 611 226 34 32 5 60 16 8 18 5 48 7
Decker, Brian 9B 212 60 5 38 30 18 19 5 32 5 8
Doty, Frank 71D 198 19 28 36 5 21 9 30 5 21 24 9
Whitmoyer, Craig 99 189 5 60 19 22 34 17 32 10
Ketcham, Mike 9K 172 28 7 21 5 46 60 5 11
Loney, Mike 17D 152 7 9 34 32 40 30 12
McGrew, Derrick 17 148 28 5 36 5 19 55 13
Towns, David 133 55 5 60 5 8 14
Horton IV, Jimmy 43 126 10 44 46 26 15
Jagger, Dusty 48 119 9 24 42 18 7 19 16
Miller, Andy 1/64 109 6 24 10 36 10 23 17
Brightbill, Brad 19 103 48 5 22 28 18
Titus, Ken 9T 102 38 40 24 19
Puckett, Brian 41 97 50 21 26 20
Yannone, Jamie 21Y 90 30 60 21
Hendricks, Doug 8 84 36 48 22
Zemken, Jessica 1Z 83 16 20 42 5 23
Rutt, Ricky 57 80 5 18 19 38 24
Wagner, Luke 3 76 15 18 15 23 5 25
Konopka, Alex 14 71 40 5 26 26
Rooney, Paul 54 71 18 5 48 27
Lewis, Kyle 68 34 34 28
Lippincott, Larry 515 66 26 10 20 10 29
Carey, Paul 65 60 5 30
Masiado, Joe 43M 64 34 17 5 8 31
Apgar, Tim 98 61 26 30 5 32
Mills, Shawn 71 61 10 15 36 33
Farina, Louis 044 60 5 15 40 34
Tonkin, Brett 15 60 55 5 35
House, Justin 57 15 42 36
Palmer, Eric 12E 57 17 40 37
Slavin, Whitey 57 15 42 38
Ballestero, Michael 27B 55 55 39
Raisner, Rick R14 55 30 20 5 40
Hohenforst, Josh 53 5 48 41
Bates, Kevin 42B 51 46 5 42
Cook, Chad 50 50 43
Ruggiero, Mike 4R 50 50 44
Way, Steve 50 50 45
Munson, Jeremiah 48 48 46
Brennan, Tom 26 46 46 47
Dwyer, Tim 21B 46 46 48
Lartz, Mike 42L 46 7 8 5 9 17 49
Crambo, Jeff 44 44 50

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour Year in Review
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Born in early March as a stepchild of the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour, year one of the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour's existence was a success story in its own right.

With nine events on the schedule at six different venues, competitors turned out in droves for the first season; over 150 drivers took part in at least one event. The races paid $1,000-to-win and ranged from 30- to 40-laps.

The competitors that followed the entire Tour provided a unique blend of drivers from typically mutually exclusive different areas.

When was the last time, for example, a Sportsman regular from Pennsylvania's Big Diamond Raceway paid a visit to a year-end event at Fonda Speedway, located in upstate New York?

In 2005, the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour made it happen.

Keystone State driver Jason Hamilton etched his name as the Tour's first champion. The Erwinna, Pa., native didn't win a RoC event, but consistency was his biggest ally.

The second-year Sportsman driver scored five top-five finishes and was outside of the top 10 only once, at Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway on Sept. 11. A ninth-place finish at Fonda was a key to Hamilton's championship; Kyle Weiss was an early casualty when he lost a right-front wheel and Arnie Slade was 15th.

Finishing fifth in the Nov. 6 finale at Five Mile Point sealed the title for Hamilton, 29, who split the Tour between his own No. 15 Teo-Pro car and Doug Flurer's No. 16.

It was his second career championship, having won the 2004 New Egypt (N.J.) Rookie Sportsman title after making the move up from the 270cc Micro-Sprint ranks.

Trailing Hamilton (433 points) were Arnie Slade (401), Kyle Weiss (391), Shaun Walker (355) and Jeff Geiges (312).

The top point-getters from the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour will be honored at the Binghamton Regency in Binghamton, N.Y., on Sat., Jan. 7 as part of the RoC Awards Banquet.

For further information, contact the RoC Dirt office at (607) 238-0432 or visit the website: www.rocdirt.com.

Race No. 1 - Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pennsylvania (Mon., May 30): Postponed from its original April 24 date, the Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour's inaugural race took place on Memorial Day at Penn-Can Speedway, with 49 cars in the pit area. In the end, it was track regular Brian Decker who motored around Arnie Slade on a key restart 19 laps into the 40-lap main. Slade and Jason Hamilton ran with Decker in the race's second half, but the hometown driver held on for the historic $1,000 top prize. Slade, Hamilton, Kyle Weiss and Kevin Bates rounded out the top five.

Entries: 49
Lap leaders: Slade (1-19), Decker (20-40).
Heat winners: Bates, Paul Rooney, Slade, Decker, Alex Konopka, Danny Creeden.
Consi winners: Brad Grim, Ryan Olsommer, Jessica Zemken.

Race No. 2 - Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pennsylvania (Tues., June 28): Two-time Big Diamond champion Craig Whitmoyer drove an unlikely combination, a Troyer four-coil car with a sealed 9-to-1 compression engine, to the victory in the 40-lap main. Whitmoyer rode the high line from eighth to second in five laps. When early leader Mike Lyons pushed wide on lap 11, the Hamburg, Pa., driver took command. A restart on lap 36 put New Yorker Arnie Slade on Whitmoyer's bumper, but he held on for the $1,000 payday. Slade, Jason Hamilton, Brad Brightbill and Tom Brennan trailed.

Entries: 43
Lap leaders: Lyons (1-10), Whitmoyer (11-40)
Heat winners: Hamilton, Brad Grim, Slade, Brightbill.
Consi winners: Jordan Umbenhauer, Frank Doty.
Guaranteed Starters Race winner: Brent Boyer.

Race No. 3 - Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, New York (Wed., July 13): Chalk this one up as the biggest win in Brad Grim's career. Two months after notching his first-ever win, Grim returned to the limelight in the 40-lap RoC Dirt Sportsman stop at Five Mile Point. New Jersey's Jeff Geiges and Grim swept around Brian Puckett on lap 13 to run one-two. Grim, driving his No. 611 Dirt Wheels chassis, hounded Geiges until diving to the inside in turn three on lap 29. Slight contact was made and Grim took a lead he wouldn't relinquish en route to a $1,000 payday. Geiges, Puckett, Kyle Weiss and Jimmy Horton IV filled out the front five.

Entries: 41
Lap leaders: Puckett (1-12), Geiges (13-29), Grim (30-40).
Heat winners: Shaun Walker, Rick Raisner, Frank Doty, Geiges, Mike Ketcham.
Consi winners: Jesse Kline, Danny Creeden.
Guaranteed Starters Race winner: Mike Loney.

Race No. 4 - Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pennsylvania (Tues., Aug. 9): This time, Arnie Slade was one position better. Improving on a runner-up spot in his first Big Diamond appearance (on June 28), he won the 40-lap event at the three-eighths-mile oval in August. Slade picked the pole in the post heat-race draw and used it to full advantage. Slade's biggest challenge came in the form of 11th-starter Jason Hamilton, who took over second on lap 12 and made several low-line bids over the remaining distance. Hamilton couldn't unseat Slade for the $1,000 top prize and finished second, ahead of Jeff Geiges, Doug Hendricks and Kyle Weiss.

Entries: 40
Heat winners: Hamilton, Slade, Tim Apgar, Bobby Lilick.
Consolation winners: Ricky Rutt, Danny Creeden.
Guaranteed Starters Race winner: Andy Miller.

Race No. 5 - Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, New York (Sun., Sept. 11): Utilizing two distinctly different grooves on the speedway, Paul Carey and David Towns thrilled the fans at Utica-Rome Speedway in the 30-lap event. Coming from seventh, Carey set his sights on Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway regular Towns, who blasted off from the pole. Carey, holding the low line, pulled even with the high-running Towns on lap 16 and seven laps of side-by-side racing ensued on the fast one-half-mile oval before Carey nosed ahead. Towns finished second, ahead of Steve Way, who came from 19th, Jeremiah Munson and Kyle Weiss.

Entries: 43
Lap leaders: Towns (1-22), Carey (23-30).
Heat winners: Weiss, Jessica Zemken, Paul Carey, Derrick McGrew, Towns, Jeremy Vunk.
Consi winners: Steve Way, Mike Button, Jim Bowman.

Race No. 6 - Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pennsylvania (Fri., Sept. 16): On a night when weather was the major story, Kyle Weiss underscored Mother Nature by winning his first career RoC Dirt event at Penn-Can. With rain delaying the program and a slippery, wet track in place for the feature, Weiss started the main third in his orange No. 21K and took the lead on a lap-10 double file restart from Paul Rooney. Jason Hamilton worked by Rooney for second on lap 12. His best opportunity to take command came on lap 31. Weiss and the lapped car of Brian Puckett became momentarily entangled on the frontstretch. Hamilton dove three-wide into turn one and hit a slick spot, causing him to slide up the track. Weiss went on to win over Hamilton, Chad Cook, Rooney and Arnie Slade.

Entries: 38
Lap leaders: Titus (1-4), Rooney (5-10), Weiss (11-35).
Heat winners: Brian Decker, Weiss, Hamilton, Luke Wagner.
Consi winners: Craig Whitmoyer, Mike Lartz.

Race No. 7 - Fonda Speedway/Fonda, New York (Sat., Sept. 24): David Towns wasn't about to let a second RoC victory slip from his grasp. After being out-dueled by Paul Carey at Utica-Rome, Rotterdam, N.Y.'s Towns was dominant at Fonda, leading from green to checkered in the 40-lap affair. Cautions on laps 25, 30 and 24 allowed Mike Ballestero to close, but second was his peak. Shaun Walker, Josh Hohenforst and Tim Dwyer rounded out the top five.

Entries: 32
Lap leaders: Towns (1-40)
Heat winners: Drew Fallis, Towns, Shaun Walker, John McAuliffe.
Consi winner: Derrick McGrew.

Race No. 8 - Accord Speedway/Accord, New York (Fri., Sept. 30): It may have been a high-profile race, but the RoC Dirt Sportsman 40 at Accord Speedway was business as usual for Jamie Yannone. The Accord regular started second. However, contact from polesitter Mike Ruggiero on the opening lap relegated him to fourth. Yannone found the topside to his liking by the halfway point. He took second from Ruggiero on lap 21 and drove around McGrew with 15 laps remaining to score the $1,000 payday. McGrew, Ruggiero, Shaun Walker and Mike Ketcham trailed.

Entries: 34
Lap leaders: McGrew (1-24), Yannone (25-40).
Heat winners: Steve Krom, Dave Coene, Brad Grim, Jason Hamilton.
Consi winners: Arnie Slade, Jeff Richardson.

Race No. 9 - Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, New York (Sun., Nov. 6): Switching from an outdated Troyer to a newer Teo-Pro car, Mike Ketcham scored his first career victory in the 40-lap RoC Dirt Sportsman finale at Five Mile Point. Ketcham was quick in a heat-race victory and picked the pole for the feature. It wasn't a Sunday afternoon cruise for the Otisville, N.Y., driver. Pennsylvania's Brett Tonkin emerged from a seesaw battle with Danny Creeden on lap 22 and chased Ketcham to the checkered, trying valiantly to wrestle away the top spot. Ketcham's first win was worth $1,000. Tonkin, Creeden, Brad Grim and Jason Hamilton were second through fifth, respectively.

Entries: 37
Lap leaders: Ketcham (1-40)
Heat winners: Brian Decker, Tonkin, Hamilton, Ketcham.
Consi winners: Kyle Weiss, Shaun Walker.

2005 Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Year in Review
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - The Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour emerged in late February 2005, boasting a name immersed in auto racing history and enormous potential.
Led by Andrew Harpell, the RoC Dirt Modified Tour blossomed into the crown jewel of the weekly racer, a series that pitted top Friday, Saturday and Sunday night heroes against each other in extra-distance, high-paying events.
Two geographical regions kept traveling to a minimum, while a three-race combined series at season's end put the best from across the Northeast in one championship fight.
Boasting solid car counts and a growing fan base, the RoC Dirt Modified Tour's inaugural season was a success.
Mitch Gibbs of North Norwich, N.Y., and Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., ended in a dead tie atop the RoC Dirt Modified overall point standings with 664 points.
Gibbs earned his status through consistency, finishing fourth, fifth and second in the three combined events at Penn-Can (Pa.), Fonda (N.Y.) and Five Mile Point. Varin, meanwhile, missed the Penn-Can show due to a prior commitment, but won at Fonda and finished sixth at FMP.
Brian Weaver (643), Jerry Higbie Jr. (575) and Ronnie Johnson (540) completed the top five.
Varin swept the Tour's North Region to snag the championship with Jake Spraker's potent JPM-powered No. 1J. Varin (255) won two events apiece at his home tracks, Fonda and Utica-Rome (N.Y.).
Finishing second through fifth were Gibbs (176), Ronnie Johnson (168), Jerry Higbie Jr. (165) and Jack Johnson (160).
Bethel, Pa., star Jeff Strunk secured the RoC Dirt South Region title driving for Chad Sinon's BPG Racing operation. Strunk (184) won the Tour's June 7 stop at Pa.'s Big Diamond Raceway.
When Brian Weaver experienced engine troubles in the South Region finale at Penn-Can, Strunk pounced. He took the title by 11 points.
Weaver (173), Gibbs (170), Rick Laubach (163) and Varin (154) completed the top five.
Preparations are already underway for the '06 RoC Dirt Modified Tour.
The 2005 Awards Banquet will be held on Sat., Jan. 7 at the Binghamton Regency in Binghamton, N.Y.
For more information, visit the RoC Dirt website at www.rocdirt.com or contact the office at (607) 238-0432.

RoC Dirt Modified
COMBINED
Combined Race No. 1 - Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pennsylvania (Sat., Sept. 17): Demonstrating a veteran's maturity and knowledge of his Friday night home track, Brian Weaver became RoC Dirt's first combined race winner in the 100-lap "King of the Can" event at Penn-Can Speedway. Weaver raced patiently from 11th position into contention, sweeping by Mike Gular on the 70th circuit of the century grind. But Doug Hoffman had other ideas. Wheeling his Dennis "Moose" Eisenhard-owned No. 77, Hoffman took second on lap 81 and battled ferociously with Weaver in the final 19 circuits. The two cars made significant contact exiting turn two on lap 96, as Hoffman tried an outside pass, but Weaver maintained the lead. A lap-99 caution set up one final opportunity. Weaver took the win in Randy Decker's No. 9R. Hoffman was second and earned the $500 small-block bonus. Gular, Mitch Gibbs and Rick Virkitis, who started 21st, was fifth. Weaver's win was worth $5,000.

Entries: 38
Lap leaders: Gibbs (1-14), Gular (15-35), Grammes (36-50), Gular (51-70), Weaver (71-100).
Heat winners: Mike Colsten, Joey Grammes, Gular, Alan Rudalavage.
Consi winners: Rick Virkitis, Rich Keehle Jr.

Combined Race No. 2 - Fonda Speedway/Fonda, New York (Sun., Sept. 25): Even Bobby Varin couldn't believe this one. In a truly bizarre, unpredictable McDonald's 100-lapper at Ric Lucia's Fonda Speedway, Varin ended up victorious in unlikely fashion. Varin actually raced from his ninth starting position into the lead on a lap-14 restart, but contact from Jeff Trombley sent him spinning in turn one. Restarting from dead last, he was back in the top five when he ran out of gas 10 laps from the finish. Varin ducked pitside, got fuel and returned on the lead lap. Second-running Ronnie Johnson lost power on lap 97, out of fuel, bringing out the caution. During the yellow period, Trombley (who had led laps 1-98) saw his run go sour with a dry fuel cell. That put Varin, who passed Tom Sears Jr. for third on lap 95, back into the lead. He raced on for the $5,000 win. Sears finished second in his first RoC start, ahead of Ronnie Johnson, Matt DeLorenzo and Mitch Gibbs. Trombley's eighth-place finish netted him the $500 small-block bonus.

Entries: 48
Lap leaders: Trombley (1-98), Varin (99-100).
Heat winners: A.J. Romano, Danny Johnson, Steve Akers, Trombley, Tim Clemons, Varin.
Consi winners: Tony Pepicelli, Jerry Higbie Jr., Ronnie Johnson.
Non Qualifiers Race winner: Mike Fusco.

Combined Race No. 3 - Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, New York (Sat., Oct. 15): One lap on the quarter-mile Five Mile Point Speedway ended up the deciding factor in not only the 36th running of the Southern Tier 100, but the RoC Dirt Modified overall championship as well. Polesitter Mike Ricci, driving a PMC chassis for owner Jim Winchell, battled with veteran Mike Colsten in the race's first half. However, contact on a lap-45 restart between the pair sent Colsten spinning. FMP kingpin Mitch Gibbs made his presence felt by lap 85, when he took second. Gibbs actually slid by Ricci to lead at the line for lap 92, but Ricci promptly regained the top spot with an inside pass in turn two. The rebound for Ricci not only changed the race's outcome, it also played a pivotal role in the RoC point standings. Gibbs ended up second and tied with Bobby Varin, who was sixth, for the title. Jeff Trombley, Craig Terrell and Ted Lamb rounded out the top five in the race. Ricci's earnings topped out at $5,900 including the $500 small-block bonus and $400 for leading halfway.

Entries: 52
Lap leaders: M. Ricci (1-91), Gibbs (92), M. Ricci (93-100).
Heat winners: M. Ricci, Colsten, Vic Coffey, Gibbs, Varin, Ronnie Johnson.
Consi winners: Alan Rudalavage, Craig Terrell, Chris Ostrowsky.

RoC Dirt Modified
NORTH REGION
North Region Race No. 1 - Fonda Speedway/Fonda, New York (Sat., April 9): Under bright sunny skies, the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour contested its very first event, North Region event No. 1, at "The Track of Champions." Setting the tone for his career-best season, Sharon Springs, N.Y., driver Bobby Varin carved from sixth starting position to unseat a high-running Mitch Gibbs for the lead on lap 24 with his Jake and Nancy Spraker No. 1J. Varin fought off a methodical Alan Johnson, who finished second and picked up the $500 small-block bonus, to score the $4,000 triumph in the 50-lap main. 22nd-starter Jerry Higbie Jr., 19th-starter Tony Pepicelli and Gibbs rounded out the top five.

Entries: 58
Lap leaders: Gus Schmidt (1-5), Gibbs (6-23), Varin (24-60).
Heat winners: Erik Nelson, Gibbs, Varin, Ronnie Johnson, Gus Schmidt, Ryan Odasz.
Consi winners: Pepicelli, Ray Zemken, Bobby Vedder.

North Region Race No. 2 - Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, New York (Sun., May 8): Starting 12th, Varin flexed his muscles at the half-mile oval, earning laurels in the Mother's Day 66 1/2-lap special at Utica-Rome Speedway. Polesitter Ronnie Johnson burst into the lead at the start and paced the first 19 laps, but Varin methodically moved into contention, taking a lead he wouldn't relinquish lap 20. U-R regular Willy Decker contended in the waning laps, finishing second in Tom Cullen's No. 1X. He picked up the $500 small-block bonus. Jason Barney, Johnson and Mitch Gibbs trailed at the finish.

Entries: 36
Lap leaders: R. Johnson (1-19 1/2), Varin (20-66 1/2)
Heat winners: Jamie Christian, Todd Burley, Varin, R. Johnson.
Consi winners: Paul Jensen, Alton Palmer.
Guaranteed Starters Race winner: Paul Kinney.

North Region Race No. 3 - Fonda Speedway/Fonda, New York (Wed., July 27): Making a pre-race phone call to Bicknell's Randy Williamson for set-up advice, Varin blasted off from the outside pole, outgunning fellow front-row starter Bob McCreadie to lead green-to-checkered in a caution-free 50-lap main. The feature took 18 minutes, eight seconds to run and all 26 starters finished. Mitch Gibbs ran the final 21 laps without power steering, but came out on top of an intense second-place battle. Dave Lape, Ryan Odasz and Jack Johnson trailed. Seventh-place A.J. Romano earned the $500 small-block bonus.

Entries: 33
Lap leaders: Varin (1-50)
Heat winners: Bob McCreadie, Craig Hanson, Jerry Higbie Jr., Lape.
Consi winners: Ted Lamb, Bobby Vedder.

North Region Race No. 4 - Utica-Rome Speedway/Vernon, New York (Sun., Sept. 11): When Bobby Varin slid by Willy Decker and Mitch Gibbs on the 14th circuit of the 75-lap to take the lead, it looked like it would be an easy Sunday Utica-Rome ride. On lap 30, however, Varin made a miscue in turns three and four, sailing off the top of the speedway and necessitating the caution. Dropping to dead last in the running order, Varin battled back. He regained the lead on lap 63, taking advantage of mechanical woes for Todd Burley and Jamie Christian, then powering around Ted Lamb to sweep the North Region and win the title. Lamb, Chad Phelps, Jack Johnson and Willy Decker completed the front five. Decker collected the $500 small-block bonus.

Entries: 31
Lap leaders: Decker (1-10), Gibbs (11-13), Varin (14-29), Gibbs (30-31), Burley (32-40), Christian (41-43), Burley (44-48), Christian (49-53), Burley (54-56), Lamb (57), Burley (58-60), Lamb (61-63), Varin (64-75).
Heat winners: J. Johnson, Christian, Decker, Varin.
Consi winner: Brian Weaver.

RoC Dirt Modified
SOUTH REGION
South Region Race No. 1 - Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pennsylvania (Tues., June 7): Jeff Strunk demonstrated his prominence on the PA Dual-Track circuit in the 75-lap RoC Dirt Modified South Region Race No. 1, labeled the "School's Out Special" at Big Diamond Raceway. Driving a No. 88 Teo-Pro car for owner Chad Sinon, Strunk started seventh and patiently raced forward. His "taking it easy" strategy worked to perfection. He drove by early leader Brian Weaver on a lap-23 restart. Though Strunk said the car "didn't feel that good," he raced to his first Big D triumph since May 11, 2001. Rick Laubach finished second, overtaking Jimmy Horton on lap 53 despite battling a car with no power steering. Meme DeSantis, 26th-starter Ray Swinehart (in Jeff Ebersole's big-block) and Doug Hoffman trailed. Hoffman was the $500 small-block bonus recipient.

Entries: 36
Lap leaders: Weaver (1-23), Strunk (24-75).
Heat winners: Mike Gular, Kevin Hirthler, Meme DeSantis, Mitch Gibbs.
Consi winners: Barry Davis, Bobby Trapper.

South Region Race No. 2 - Five Mile Point Speedway/Kirkwood, New York (Wed., July 13): Brian Weaver defended his home turf in the South Region's second race, a 75-lap main at Five Mile Point Speedway. A regular at the quarter-mile oval, Weaver came from 22nd starting position after qualifying through the consolation. Jimmy Horton appeared to be the dominant force in the Wasson No. 51M, but the New Jersey veteran became the victim of a lapped traffic jingle on lap 39. Weaver took command on lap 40 and repelled furious charges from Mitch Gibbs, who started 23rd, and Jim Crawn for the $4,000 payday. Gibbs (who earned the $500 small-block bonus), Crawn, Bobby Varin and Joel Batzel filled out the front five.

Entries: 48
Lap leaders: Batzel (1-15), Horton (16-20), Mike Ricci (21), Horton (22-39), Weaver (40-75).
Heat winners: Ricci, Horton, Rick Holgate, Alan Rudalavage, Jeff Strunk, Varin.
Consi winners: Russell Hendrickson Jr., Rick Virkitis, Randy Chrysler.

South Region Race No. 3 - Big Diamond Raceway/Minersville, Pennsylvania (Tues., Aug 9): Making his first-ever RoC Dirt start, Billy Pauch proved why he is known as the Northeast's most versatile driver. Pauch became the first driver to win a RoC-sanctioned race on both dirt and asphalt, as he graced the Big Diamond clay in the 75-lap main. Driving Norm Hansell's No. 357, Pauch started second and grabbed the lead on lap 12 when unheralded Shawn Fitzpatrick piled into a slowing Brian Malcolm on the frontstretch. Craig Von Dohren closely pursued Pauch, but settled for second. Keith Hoffman, Jeff Strunk and Doug Hoffman were third through fifth, respectively. Hoffman was the $500 small-block bonus recipient.

Entries: 29
Lap leaders: Fitzpatrick (1-12), Pauch (13-75).
Consi winner: Mike Gular
Guaranteed Starters Race winner: Billy Pauch Jr.

South Region Race No. 4 - Penn-Can Speedway/Susquehanna, Pennsylvania (Wed., Aug. 17): In one of the season's most popular victories, Pennsylvania's own Alan Rudalavage brought the fans to their feet in the 75-lap "Hot Summer Night" South Region finale at Penn-Can Speedway. The "Quaker Shaker" Rick Laubach set a torrid pace early on, leading the first 35 circuits around the three-eighths-mile before Rudalavage took command on lap 26. The Newton Lake, Pa., racer then fought off the valiant charge of Jeff Strunk to pick up the $4,500 victory (including the $500 small-block bonus). Strunk, Laubach, Frank Cozze and Butch Tittle trailed.

Entries: 42
Lap leaders: Laubach (1-35), A. Rudalavage (36-75).
Heat winners: Bobby Varin, Bill Huff, Jeff Rudalavage, Joey Grammes, Billy Thornton.
Consi winners: Mike Ricci, Rich Keehle Jr.

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour
Official Finish: Race No. 9/Five Mile Point Speedway (11-6-05)

Car # Driver/Hometown Start
1 9K Mike Ketcham/Otisville, N.Y. (1)
2 15 Brett Tonkin/Carbondale, Pa. (5)
3 16X Danny Creeden/Middletown, N.Y. (3)
4 611 Brad Grim/Coplay, Pa. (4)
5 16 Jason Hamilton/Erwinna, Pa. (8)
6 22B Arnie Slade/Mt. Upton, N.Y. (13)
7 21K Kyle Weiss/Hamburg, Pa. (17)
8 12E Eric Palmer/Cresco, Pa. (19)
9 21 Shaun Walker/Masonville, N.Y. (18)
10 77J Jeff Geiges/Lawrenceville, N.J. (6)
11 09 Kyle Lewis/Pennellville, N.Y. (25)
12 9B Brian Decker/Susquehanna, Pa. (12)
13 17D Mike Loney/Taylor, Pa. (9)
14 414 Eric Stephens/Jermyn, Pa. (20)
15 41 Brian Puckett/Old Forge, Pa. (26)
16 TEN Frank Doty/Middletown, N.Y. (15)
17 169 Joshua Purcell/Owego, N.Y. (23)
18 32Y Danny Yankowsi/Sherburne, N.Y. (2)
19 94X Bob Mills/North Norwich, N.Y. (22)
20 84 Eddie White/Candor, N.Y. (11)
21 48 Dusty Jagger/Port Crane, N.Y. (7)
22 KT3 Corey Renninger/Llewellyn, Pa. (21)
23 X27 Jeremy Holt/Kirkwood, N.Y. (10)
24 11 Kevin McCoy/Piscataway, N.J. (24)
25 49 Tim Howell/Moscow, Pa. (16)
26 917 Jared Miller/Barto, Pa. (14)

Entries: 37
Lap leaders: Ketcham (1-40)
Heat winners: Decker, Hamilton, Tonkin, Ketcham
Consi winners: Weiss, Walker

Did Not Qualify:
39 Tom Cremer/Sinking Spring, Pa.
515 Larry Lippincott/Riegelsville, Pa.
31 Jim Kleedorfer/Nazareth, Pa.
4V Tim Votra/Marathon, N.Y.
96 Scott Allen/Cortland, N.Y.
43M Joe Masiado/Easton, Pa.
3D Jamie Yankowski/Throop, Pa.
59 Justin Holland/White Lake, N.Y.
151 Joe Colsten/Binghamton, N.Y.
17 Billy Moyer Jr./Pine Grove, Pa.
99 Craig Whitmoyer/Hamburg, Pa.

New Teo-Pro Car Does Trick For Ketcham, Wins Career-First In FMP Sportsman RoC 40
By BRETT DEYO

KIRKWOOD, NY - A long ride to Ohio is beginning to play dividends for Mike Ketcham.

After making the late-season haul to purchase a Teo-Pro car from Sharon (Ohio) Speedway regular Jim Sherwood, Ketcham parlayed a boost in performance into career win number one.
Ketcham won the 40-lap Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour finale Sunday afternoon at Five Mile Point Speedway. An Accord (N.Y.) Speedway regular from Otisville, N.Y., Ketcham earned $1,000 for the triumph.
Jason Hamilton finished fifth and took the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour title in his second season of full-size stock car competition. He held a 32-point edge on Arnie Slade in the final tally.
The 29-year-old from Erwinna, Pa., was the '04 New Egypt (N.J.) Speedway Rookie Sportsman champion.
Ketcham, a Go-Kart graduate in his rookie Sportsman season, offered nothing but praise for the new ride.
"This car is awesome," he said. "I love this Teo."
Following a dominant heat win, the 25-year-old picked the pole for the feature in the redraw.
Ketcham grabbed the lead on the start with his Morrison-powered No. 9, while Danny Creeden and Brett Tonkin swapped second position. Tonkin took the spot on lap seven, while Creeden regained it in traffic on lap 16.
Fulton (N.Y.) regular Tonkin moved around Creeden for good on lap 22 and reeled in Ketcham, who had been running in the track's upper groove.
Tonkin worked inside Ketcham in turns three and four on lap 27, but Ketcham held his line and the lead. A second challenge from Tonkin on the 28th circuit forced Ketcham to change his line, moving lower on the track.
"When the 15 (Tonkin) put his nose under me, I had to tighten it up and hold the bottom," Ketcham said. "I actually had better laps once I did that."
A final caution flew on lap 32, but Ketcham didn't falter.
Tonkin, of Carbondale, Pa., was second despite losing his power steering halfway through the main.
"I saw five-to-go and I just wanted to hang on," said Tonkin, making his first start at FMP of the season. "I thought I had something for him in traffic, but he was fast."
Middletown, N.Y.'s Creeden placed third, ahead of Brad Grim and Hamilton.
Heat winners for the 37 Sportsman in attendance were Brian Decker, Hamilton, Tonkin and Ketcham. Kyle Weiss and Shaun Walker split the consolations.
RoC Sportsman NOTES: Kyle Lewis, using a buy-in from Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway, fared well in finishing 11th after starting 25th in his Stadium International No. 09....
Tonkin is a former regular at Five Mile Point....
Seven drivers competed in every RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour event: Jason Hamilton, Arnie Slade, Kyle Weiss, Shaun Walker, Jeff Geiges, Danny Creeden and Frank Doty....
The win for Ketcham comes one week after he set a new Sportsman track record at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway during Eastern States Weekend....

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour Race No. 9 Feature Finish: MIKE KETCHAM, Brett Tonkin, Danny Creeden, Brad Grim, Jason Hamilton, Arnie Slade, Kyle Weiss, Eric Palmer, Shaun Walker, Jeff Geiges, Kyle Lewis, Brian Decker, Mike Loney, Eric Stephens, Brian Puckett, Frank Doty, Joshua Purcell, Danny Yankowski, Bob Mills, Eddie White, Dusty Jagger, Corey Renninger, Jeremy Holt, Kevin McCoy, Tim Howell, Jared Miller.
Did Not Qualify: Tom Cremer, Larry Lippincott, Jim Kleedorfer, Tim Votra, Scott Allen, Joe Masiado, Jamie Yankowski, Justin Holland, Joe Colsten, Billy Moyer Jr., Craig Whitmoyer.

Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour Driver Roster
Updated After Accord (9-30-05)

Car Number Driver Hometown
1/64th Andy Miller Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
1 Bill Deckelman Fremont Center, N.Y.
M1 Mike Lyons Monroe Township, N.J.
1M Mark Mortensen Glenville, N.Y.
1R Richard Quick Scotia, N.Y.
1X Casey Williams Utica, N.Y.
1Z Jessica Zemken Sprakers, N.Y.
2 Randy Davis Vorheesville, N.Y.
2 Rich Stankiewicz Laureldale, Pa.
2T Michael Taylor Milford, N.J.
2X Lee Maulik Walden, N.Y.
3 Luke Wagner Grantville, Pa.
3 Mark Kislowski Ballston Lake, N.Y.
3D Jamie Yankowski Throop, Pa.
3H Marc Herman Windsor, N.J.
3J Howard Jarvis Accord, N.Y.
K3 Steve Krom Neversink, N.Y.
KT3 Corey Renninger Llewellyn, Pa.
04 Michael Teachout Bridgeport, N.Y.
4 Jim Rothwell South Plymouth, N.Y.
4R Mike Ruggiero Walden, N.Y.
5 John Sundlof Danbury, Conn.
B5 Brian Bray Elmhurst, Pa.
5G Joe Giachinta Cold Spring, N.Y.
6 John Stangle Neshanic Station, N.J.
6 David Towns Rotterdam, N.Y.
6H Josh Hohenforst Gloversville, N.Y.
7 Cliff Pierce Spencer, N.Y.
7A Gene Stravinsky New Egypt, N.J.
7A Bobby Lane Harpursville, N.Y.
7B Bob Conklin Thompson, Pa.
7M Mike Marold Jr. Honesdale, Pa.
8 Rich Scagliotta Bound Brook, N.J.
8 Doug Hendricks Orwigsburg, Pa.
8 Gary Hunsinger Scranton, Pa.
8Jr. Warren Floyd Jr. Milford, N.J.
09 Kyle Lewis Pennellville, N.Y.
9B Brian Decker Susquehanna, Pa.
9G Boyd MacTavish Fenwick, Ontario
9K Mike Ketcham Otisville, N.Y.
9KL Butch Klinger Walton, N.Y.
9T Ken Titus Kirkwood, N.Y.
11 Rick Yard Stockton, N.J.
11T Tim Votra Marathon, N.Y.
12C Dave Coene Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.
12E Eric Palmer Cresco, Pa.
13 James Morris Riegelsville, Pa.
13 David Bush Accord, N.Y.
13 Mike Barney Syracuse, N.Y.
14 Alex Konopka Gouldsboro, Pa.
R14 Rick Raisner Easton, Pa.
15 Jason Hamilton Erwinna, Pa.
15B Jim Bowman Baldwinsville, N.Y.
16 Rick Brown Dalton, Pa.
16 David Bush Accord, N.Y.
16 Jason Hamilton Erwinna, Pa.
16B Mike Bowman Baldwinsville, N.Y.
16X Danny Creeden Middletown, N.Y.
17 Derrick McGrew Ballston Spa, N.Y.
17 Billy Moyer Jr. Pine Grove, Pa.
17B E.J. Harrington Pittstown, N.J.
17D Mike Loney Taylor, Pa.
J17 Jesse Marks Napanoch, N.Y.
17T Ryan Grim Laurys Station, Pa.
18 Danny Varin Sharon Springs, N.Y.
18 Geoff Arnold Kingsley, Pa.
19 Bubba Folk Hallstead, Pa.
19 Brent Boyer Bloomsburg, Pa.
19 Pat O'Hanlon Duanesburg, N.Y.
19B Brad Brightbill Sinking Spring, Pa.
19U Jordan Umbenhauer Richland, Pa.
20 Danny Tyler Cottekill, N.Y.
21 Shaun Walker Masonville, N.Y.
21B Tim Dwyer Sprakers, N.Y.
21K Kyle Weiss Hamburg, Pa.
21Y Jamie Yannone Newburgh, N.Y.
22B Arnie Slade Mt. Upton, N.Y.
23 John McAuliffe Ballston Lake, N.Y.
23 Chris Grispin South Salem, N.Y.
24F Ken Ferrier Middletown, N.Y.
25 Ray Deemer Phillipsburg, N.J.
26 Tom Brennan Pottsville, Pa.
27 Andy Stout Thornhurst, Pa.
27B Mike Ballestero Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
27S Steve Way Vernon Center, N.Y.
Z28 Brian Lilick King of Prussia, Pa.
31 Steve Kotary Rome, N.Y.
31 Jim Kleedorfer Nazareth, Pa.
T31 Drew Fallis Johnstown, N.Y.
32V Jeremy Vunk Edmeston, N.Y.
33 Luke Munroe Duanesburg, N.Y.
33P Skip Pickwick Bainbridge, N.Y.
33X Matt Janczuk Sherrill, N.Y.
33Z Justin House Gloversville, N.Y.
34J Josh Beierle Newfoundland, Pa.
35 Ben Donaruma Flemington, N.J.
36R Jeff Hager Cornwall, N.Y.
37S Jimmie Becker Rensselaer, N.Y.
39 Tom Cremer Sinking Spring, Pa.
39 Paul Carey Bridgewater, N.Y.
39B Lowell Snyder Erwinna, Pa.
M40 Mark Forte Jr. Haddon Township, N.J.
41 Brian Puckett Old Forge, Pa.
42 Mike Lartz Nicholson, Pa.
42B Kevin Bates Lake Ariel, Pa.
42C Craig Pope Mt. Upton, N.Y.
43 Jimmy Horton IV Folsom, N.J.
43M Joe Masiado Easton, Pa.
044 Lou Farina Philadelphia, Pa.
44 Butch Reiter Sherrill, N.Y.
44X Shane Jablonka Poughquag, N.Y.
44X Robbie Fairweather Westbrookville, N.Y.
Z44 Jeff Leslie Fly Creek, N.Y.
48 Dusty Jagger Port Crane, N.Y.
50 Jeff Richardson Goshen, N.Y.
51 Jeremiah Munson St. Johnsville, N.Y.
51 Sam Wescott Jr. Grenloch, N.J.
51Z Ryan Olsommer Waymart, Pa.
52 Tim Nye Oneida, N.Y.
53 Whitey Slavin Petersburgh, N.Y.
54 Paul Rooney Thompson, Pa.
56 Brian White Candor, N.Y.
57 Alan Barker Norwich, N.Y.
57 Ricky Rutt Phillipsburg, N.J.
57A Keith Van Oyan Pine Bush, N.Y.
57B Alan Barker Norwich, N.Y.
58 Jeremy Howe Binghamton, N.Y.
59 Ladd Yeomans Swan Lake, N.Y.
59J Jesse Kline Bangor, Pa.
60 Bruce Evans Jr. Greenfield Township, Pa.
60 Ken Stafford Homer, N.Y.
61 John Leindecker Allentown, Pa.
61S John Scarborough Bomoseen, Vt.
71 Mike Mammana Nazareth, Pa.
71 Russ Zimmerman Tunkhannock, Pa.
71C Chad Cook Deposit, N.Y.
71D Frank Doty Middletown, N.Y.
71J Chris James Mahrsville, Pa.
71M Shawn Mills Windsor, N.Y.
72 Bill Price Clayville, N.Y.
73 Darrel Herman Allentown, Pa.
74 Jeremy Holt Kirkwood, N.Y.
74 Robert Perry Amsterdam, N.Y.
74B Brian Decker Susquehanna, Pa.
76 Brett Graham Accord, N.Y.
76 Bob Lilick King of Prussia, Pa.
77 Scott Brady Whitney Point, N.Y.
77 Jeff Crambo Throop, Pa.
77J Jeff Geiges Lawrenceville, N.J.
77M Rick Mill New Windsor, N.Y.
78A Brad Alger Oneonta, N.Y.
80X Mike Button Chittenango, N.Y.
91 Billy Tanner IV Newtown, Pa.
95 Freddie Fisher Sinking Spring, Pa.
96 Scott Allen Cortland, N.Y.
96J Josh Ainey New Milford, Pa.
97 Keith Still Middletown, N.Y.
98 Tim Apgar Milford, N.J.
99 Craig Whitmoyer Hamburg, Pa.
114 Rick Whitney Montrose, Pa.
124 Dave Constantino Amsterdam, N.Y.
144 Don Miller Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
151 Joey Colsten Binghamton, N.Y.
157 Andy Fayash Jr. Mary-D, Pa.
169 Josh Pursell Owego, N.Y.
176 Garth Tonkin Jr. Carbondale, Pa.
213 Mike Van Tassel Hamburg, Pa.
318 John DeForest Norwich, N.Y.
515 Larry Lippincott Riegelsville, Pa.
611 Brad Grim Coplay, Pa.
712 Kevin Beach Llewellyn, Pa.
563 Steve Kyzer Sussex, N.J.
1450 Greg Weiland Port Carbon, Pa.

FINAL Race of Champions Dirt Mod Tour COMBINATION Points After FMP (10-18-05)

RoC Dirt Points - Modified - COMBINATION
START PENN CAN 9/17/05 FONDA 9/25/05 FIVE MILE PT 10/15//05 Position
Driver Total Regional Heat Pts Attendance Feature Heat Pts DNQ Pts Feature Heat Pts DNQ Pts Feature
Heat Pts DNQ Pts
Varin, Bobby 1J/93 664 500 25 25 60 5 44 5 1
Gibbs, Mitch 22G 664 475 10 25 48 46 55 5 1
Weaver, Brian 9R 643 475 5 25 60 36 42 3
Higbie, Jerry 97 575 450 5 25 36 44 15 4
Johnson, Ronnie 2 540 460 10 50 15 5 5
Strunk, Jeff 88 515 500 5 10 6
Lamb, Ted 82 490 395 26 23 46 7
Gular, Mike 53 470 395 5 50 5 15 8
Bartlett, Ryan 93 470 380 25 32 15 18 9
Johnson, Jack 12A 461 440 5 16 10
Decker, Willy 1X 451 425 5 21 11
Laubach, Rick 5 450 450 12
Crouse, JR 4B 440 365 25 7 24 19 13
Horton, Jimmy 42H 435 425 10 14
Pepicelli, Tony 11A 430 410 20 15
Ricci, Mike 17 418 320 5 28 60 5 16
Cozze, Frank 44 415 410 5 17
Rudalavage, Alan 145 414 350 5 16 5 38 18
Barney, Jason 39 391 350 5 17 19 19
Hoffman, Doug 77 390 335 55 20
Schmidt, Gus 30 370 335 5 9 21 21
Palmer, Alton 76 333 305 28 22
Christian, Jamie 61 330 320 10 23
Swinehart, Ray 33 305 305 24
VonDohren, Craig DR1 295 290 5 25
Mattison, Don 10 290 290 26

Five Mile Point RoC Dirt Sportsman/T3 All-Star Series/BRC Lazer Late Model Tripleheader Postponed Until Sun., Nov. 6
By BRETT DEYO

KIRKWOOD, NY – Jason Hamilton’s nerves will have to endure three more weeks after unexpected rains postponed Sunday’s Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour finale at Five Mile Point Speedway.

Hamilton’s shot to clinch the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour title won’t come until Sun., Nov. 6 when the Sportsman stars do battle in a 40-lap, $1,000-to-win main.

The T3 All-Star Series 358-Modifieds and BRC Lazer Series Late Models will also decide their ’05 champs when the twice-postponed program goes green at 2 p.m. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with practice slated for 1 p.m.

The three-division card was scheduled to kick off Five Mile Point’s National Quarter Mile Dirt Track Championship Weekend on Fri., Oct. 14. Rain nixed that plan and the show was moved to Sunday.

However, significant winds and heavy lake-effect showers forced RoC Dirt administrative director/FMP promoter Andrew Harpell to reschedule the show for the second time.

“You just never know, it (Nov. 6) might be shorts weather,” said Harpell, shortly after pulling the plug at 9:30 a.m. “That’s the most feasible date right now, after looking over the schedule of remaining races in the area.”

Hamilton, of Erwinna, Pa., takes a 25-point lead into the ninth event of the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour. Arnie Slade, Kyle Weiss, Shaun Walker and Jeff Geiges round out the top five.

For more information on the Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman Tour or Five Mile Point Speedway, call (607) 775-5555 or (607) 238-0432 or on the web: www.fivemilepointspeedway.net or www.rocdirt.com.

Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour
Official Finish: Combined Race No. 3/Five Mile Point Speedway (10-15-05)
Car # Driver/Hometown Start
1 17 Mike Ricci/Rosendale, N.Y. (1)
2 2G Mitch Gibbs/North Norwich, N.Y. (6)
3 21 Jeff Trombley/Altamont, N.Y. (5)
4 56 Craig Terrell/Windsor, N.Y. (20)
5 L82 Ted Lamb/Clay, N.Y. (10)
6 93V Bobby Varin/Sharon Springs, N.Y. (12)
7 9R Brian Weaver/Windsor, N.Y. (26)
8 26 Glenn Knapp/Johnson City, N.Y. (8)
9 145 Alan Rudalavage/Newton Lake, Pa. (19)
10 12E Eric Palmer/Cresco, Pa. (3)
11 J30 Jim Crawn/LeRaysville, Pa. (30)
12 27 Joel Batzel/Kirkwood, N.Y. (31)
13 51 Mike Colsten/Binghamton, N.Y. (4)
14 5J Joey Grammes/Kunkletown, Pa. (22)
15 73 Jim Davis/Ballston Spa, N.Y. (16)
16 41 Bobby Puckett/Old Forge, Pa. (18)
17 55 Rich Ricci Jr./New Paltz, N.Y. (15)
18 6H J.R. Hurlburt/Otego, N.Y. (23)
19 30 Gus Schmidt/Liverpool, N.Y. (33)
20 21Jr. Russ Hendrickson Jr./Harpursville, N.Y. (13)
21 4B J.R. Crouse/Nazareth, Pa. (28)
22 93B Ryan Bartlett/Adams, N.Y. (32)
23 32C Vic Coffey/Leicester, N.Y. (7)
24 21K Randy Chrysler/Lewiston, N.Y. (17)
25 5B Brian Decker/Susquehanna, Pa. (14)
26 7 Bob Hamm Jr./Windsor, N.Y. (2)
27 97 Jerry Higbie Jr./Slate Hill, N.Y. (27)
28 17T Ryan Grim/Laurys Station, Pa. (24)
29 19 Rich Keehle Jr./Windsor, N.Y. (29)
30 29 Chris Ostrowsky/Conklin, N.Y. (21)
31 9 Bob McCreadie/Watertown, N.Y. (25)
32 2 Ronnie Johnson/Duanesburg, N.Y. (11)
33 7J Danny Johnson/Rochester, N.Y. (9)*
*Changed cars, started last

Entries: 52
Lap leaders: M. Ricci (1-91), Gibbs (92), M. Ricci (93-100)
Heat winners: M. Ricci, M. Colsten, Coffey, Gibbs, Varin, R. Johnson
Consi winners: Rudalavage, Terrell, Ostrowsky

Did Not Qualify:
8J Tom Sears Jr./Clay, N.Y.
39X Scott Frack/Quakertown, Pa.
1A Chris Weaver/Binghamton, N.Y.
21 George Kostelansky/Susquehanna, Pa.
119 Brian Malcolm/Lake Ariel, Pa.
6 Rick Holgate/Kingsley, Pa.
38 Tim Harris/Hannibal, N.Y.
7J Jeff Isabell/Pennellville, N.Y.
213 Steve Walsh/Callicoon, N.Y.
8A Darwin Green/Susquehanna, Pa.
2J Chad Cook/Deposit, N.Y.
77V Rick Virkitis/Richmondale, Pa.
61C Craig Hawley/Windsor, N.Y.
314 Tony Kawalchuk/Accord, N.Y.
30+ Bobby Trapper/Scranton, Pa.
25W Dana Wagner/Trout Creek, N.Y.
S1 Steve Babicek/Binghamton, N.Y.
51X Joey Colsten/Binghamton, N.Y.
88 Herb Wright/Addison, N.Y.

Mike Ricci’s Determination Results In Southern Tier 100 Victory; Varin and Gibbs RoC Dirt Co-Champs
By BRETT DEYO

KIRKWOOD, NY – How did Mike Ricci react to losing the lead nine laps from the finish in Saturday night’s Southern Tier 100 at Five Mile Point Speedway?
By promptly regaining the top spot.
In a show of grit and determination, Ricci stormed to victory in the 100-lap Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour finale, the last of three combined events. The Rosendale, N.Y., native earned $5,900 for the triumph in the 36th running of the fall classic - $5,000 for the win, $400 for leading halfway and a $500 small-block bonus.
Mitch Gibbs and Bobby Varin, meanwhile, ended in a deadlock for the overall RoC Dirt title and were crowned co-champions.
“Mitch slid by so quick,” said an ecstatic Ricci, who split his '05 racing calendar between Accord (N.Y.) Speedway and Afton (N.Y.) Speedway. “I didn’t know if I could get it back. Man, this is awesome!”
Making his third start aboard a Jim Winchell-owned PMC chassis, Ricci started the century grind from the pole, thanks to his brother Rich Jr.’s pre-race redraw.
“I was down at my trailer mounting tires and I never heard the call for the draw,” Ricci said. “I was getting ready to go and little brother came down and said he drew number one.
“It’s the best night for drawing spots that I’ve ever had (Ricci also started his heat from the pole).”
A faulty restart on lap five put Bob Hamm Jr. into the lead on the track (though officials planned to penalize Hamm on the next caution), with Ricci and an emerging Mike Colsten in tow.
Colsten nearly worked by Ricci on lap 17 between turns one and two, but Ricci fended off the challenge. Five laps later, an outside bid by Colsten resulted in contact with the homestretch wall.
“When Bobby (Hamm) jumped me on that restart, he set an awfully fast pace,” Ricci said. “And Colsten was fast, too.”
Ricci cleared Hamm to put the No. 17 back out front on lap 23. Colsten made a duplicate pass two laps later.
A two-time winner of the Southern Tier 100, Colsten’s Jim Gabriel-built big-block powerplant challenged Ricci through two caution periods before a lap-45 restart changed the race’s complexion.
Ricci, opting for the inside on the double-file restart, got together with Colsten as they battled for racing room between turns three and four. Colsten spun wildly to the outside of the speedway, collecting Ryan Bartlett.
Ricci motored away unscathed.
“Bob Hamm already jumped me, and I thought he was going to get away with it,” Ricci said. “Colsten tried to jump, and I wasn’t gonna let him.”
With Colsten relegated to the rear of the field, fifth-starter Jeff Trombley assumed the runner-up spot when the race went green on lap 47.
On lap 49, Gibbs cleared the lapped car of J.R. Crouse and cruised comfortably in third spot with his Nice ‘n Easy Grocery Shoppes No. 2G.
A caution on lap 75 set the stage for Gibbs, who ran a conservative race after starting sixth.
He sized up Trombley, looking high and low for 10 trips around the quarter-mile oval before moving into second.
But Ricci was expecting him.
“I knew the guys with the harder tires would be coming,” Ricci said, noting that he opted for the American Racer SD 48, the softer of the compound choices for the right-rear. “I figured Mitch would be there. He’s always fast here, and he knows this place.”
Gibbs rapidly reeled in Ricci, making it a nose-to-tail fight out front by lap 88.
With nine laps remaining, he made his move. Heading down the backstretch, the veteran driver from North Norwich, N.Y., pulled his Moshier-powered Bicknell even with Ricci. They rubbed rails through turns three and four, and Gibbs led at the line for lap 92.
Entering turn one, his car skated up the track. The savvy Ricci darted low and regained command on the backstretch.
“Mitch is a clean racer,” Ricci said. “We went into three and four and we both hit. It was just hard racing. He got me, but when he went into (turn) one, he slid up. I knew I had to be in the middle of the track, and it came right to me.
“My car stayed perfect every lap.”
Ricci snaked through the slower cars in the final laps, including a key pass of Russell Hendrickson Jr. with two laps remaining, to fend off Gibbs’s challenges and earn his first FMP victory since 2003.
Gibbs finished second, but was sickened at the thought that the turn-one miscue cost him sole possession of the RoC Dirt crown.
“Can’t I do that lap over?” Gibbs, 42, joked. “Honestly, I thought I had a flat tire. I felt the wheel jerk when I got under Mike, and I thought maybe I cut the right-rear.
“I went into one and I picked up a push.
“I ran the 50 compound tire, and part of my strategy was to wait until the end to go. That’s how you win races here. I just wish I had that lap to do over again.”
Trombley, of Altamont, N.Y., finished third in Ronnie Johnson’s No. 21 Teo-Pro car, equipped with his own Enders big-block engine.
“We were good early,” said Trombley, who began his career at FMP in a Four Cylinder Modified. “But we lost a little at the end.
“The left-rear tire was shot.”
Consolation winner Craig Terrell of Windsor, N.Y., throttled from 20th starting position to finish fourth, despite a failing engine in the final laps. Ted Lamb of Clay, N.Y., rounded out the top five.
Heat winners for the 52 Modifieds in attendance were Mike Ricci, Colsten, Vic Coffey, Gibbs, Varin and Ronnie Johnson. Alan Rudalavage, Terrell and Chris Ostrowsky took the consolations.
George Catanzano of Ghent, N.Y., won the 30-lap Empire State Series IMCA-Modified main event, fending off Mike Stolarcyk III to clinch the Empire State Series title. Stolarcyk III stayed within striking distance, but couldn’t unseat the stout Catanzano at the front of the field.
Former FMP Four Cylinder Modified regular Danny Ody was third, ahead of Dale Caswell and Brian Rhodes.
Glenwood, Pa.’s Dan Pompey capped his full-fender career at FMP with a victory in the 25-lap Street Stock Quarter-Mile Championship. Pompey took the lead from Chris Strohl on a lap-five restart, but fought off the fierce charges of Bill Trego, including a stout bid on lap 21, to score his seventh win of the season.
Pompey announced that he would move to the Sportsman ranks in 2006.
Trego, a late arrival to the speedway after blowing a transmission at Utica-Rome (N.Y.) earlier in the afternoon, then making repairs in the FMP parking lot, was the runner-up after starting 17th. Strohl, Matt Roberts and Ken Taugher rounded out the top five.
Denny Decker of Afton, N.Y., won a crash-marred, time-shortened 17-lap Northeast Pure Stock Championship. Decker’s No. 99 was out front when officials stopped the event. Mike Wilber, John Glezen, Rob Loucks and Shane Wolf rounded out the top five.

COUNTER POINTS: Once the skies cleared, 52 Modifieds, 36 IMCA-Modifieds, 17 Street Stocks and 42 Pure Stocks (a total of 147 cars) jammed both the regular pit area and the turn-two overflow….
Think heat-race points don’t matter? Both Gibbs and Varin won their qualifiers on Saturday, earning five bonus points. Had one of them finished second, it would have made the difference in the RoC Dirt championship….
Colsten felt that Ricci "crowded him" on the pivotal lap-45 restart....
Engine woes kept Danny Johnson from starting the Southern Tier 100 in Roger Heroux’s No. H24, but he picked up the ride in Jeff Isabel’s No. 7J. Johnson pulled out on lap three with drive line problems….
Mike Ricci’s win served as a bookend on the season for the Ricci family. Rich Jr. won the Southern Tier Open to kick-start the 55th season at the quarter-mile oval on April 17….
Randy Chrysler’s top-five run ended on lap 70 when Bob Hamm Jr. got loose in turn one, causing Chrysler to impact the inside dirt berm. Chrysler later landed on his side in a lap-76, turn four tangle….
Track crews worked tirelessly to salvage the surface after 10 straight days of rain that thoroughly soaked the oval's fresh clay....

Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Combined Race No. 3 Feature Finish: MIKE RICCI, Mitch Gibbs, Jeff Trombley, Craig Terrell, Ted Lamb, Bobby Varin, Brian Weaver, Glenn Knapp, Alan Rudalavage, Eric Palmer, Jim Crawn, Joel Batzel, Mike Colsten, Joey Grammes, Jim Davis, Bobby Puckett, Rich Ricci Jr., J.R. Hurlburt, Gus Schmidt, Russell Hendrickson Jr., J.R. Crouse, Ryan Bartlett, Vic Coffey, Randy Chrysler, Brian Decker, Bob Hamm Jr., Jerry Higbie Jr., Ryan Grim, Rich Keehle Jr., Chris Ostrowsky, Bob McCreadie, Ronnie Johnson, Danny Johnson.

Did Not Qualify: Tom Sears Jr., Scott Frack, Chris Weaver, George Kostelansky, Brian Malcolm, Rick Holgate, Tim Harris, Jeff Isabel, Steve Walsh, Darwin Green, Chad Cook, Rick Virkitis, Craig Hawley, Tony Kawalchuk, Bobby Trapper, Dana Wagner, Steve Babicek, Joey Colsten, Herb Wright.

RoC Dirt Modified Combined Point Standings (Top 5): BOBBY VARIN and MITCH GIBBS (664 – TIE); Brian Weaver (643); Jerry Higbie Jr. (575); and Ronnie Johnson (540).

Empire State Series IMCA-Modified Feature Finish: GEORGE CATANZANO, Mike Stolarcyk III, Danny Ody, Dale Caswell, Brian Rhodes, Kevin Cook, K.C. Cole, Bob Brodt, Lyle Smith, Sean Lias, Brad Wall, Jo Jo Donato, Gary Dence, Bob Banks, Joe Cole, Aaron Jacobs, Mike Stoddard, Ken Rodgers, Mike Smith, Scott Bennett, Danny Ballard, Ken Klinkowsky, Mark Griffen, Rich Townsend, Rich Riggs.
Did Not Qualify: Bob Ridgeway, Tyler Stoddard, Ed Wilson, Tom Eiklor, Bill Anderson, Josh Sawyer, Bob Chapman, Brad Whitt, Eric Weir, Pete Neff, Gary Roberts.

Street Stock Quarter-Mile Championship Feature Finish: DAN POMPEY, Bill Trego, Chris Strohl, Matt Roberts, Ken Taugher, Darwin Green, Les Gillette, Ken Hineline, Dave Luff, Paul Strohl, Darren Stout, Nick Petrilak, Joe Thomas, Randy Tyler, Jerry Tonti, Jason Bartsch, Carl Heater.

Northeast Pure Stock Championship Feature Finish: DENNY DECKER, Mike Wilber, John Glezen, Rob Loucks, Shane Wolf, Steve Deinhardt, Clayton Ingrham, Joe Rafferty Jr., Jeremy Shaw, Mahlon Shoemaker, Dick Stark, Eric Beach, Chad Stone, Ernie Martin, Mike Codington, Charlie Gilbert, Don Russell Jr., Jonathan Carpenter, Tom Garren, Doug Nelson, Phil Retter, Max Moshier, Chris Wood, Cliff Moss, Matt Jilson.
Disqualified: Jamie Batzel.

Did Not Qualify: Teto Velez, Mike Morris, Toby Sparks, Ernie Martin, Phil Retter, Tom Eiklor, Randy Richards, Josh Towner, Toby Lehr, Dan Babcock, Paul Carpenter, Jeff Whitt, Lou Ross, Joe Cisney, Bill Hubbard, Jason Rhodes.

Race of Champions Dirt Mod Quick Results From Five Mile Point (10-15-05)

Rosendale, N.Y.’s Mike Ricci won Saturday night’s Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Southern Tier 100 at Five Mile Point Speedway. Ricci led from the outset in his Jim Winchell-owned No. 17 PMC mount, but momentarily lost the top spot on lap 91 to Mitch Gibbs. Gibbs slid high in turn two on lap 92, allowing Ricci to reclaim the lead. He earned $5,900 - $5,000 for the win, $400 for leading lap 50 and a $500 small-block bonus.

Mitch Gibbs (second) and Bobby Varin (sixth) tied for the overall RoC Dirt Modified point championship.

Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Combined Race No. 3 Feature Finish: MIKE RICCI, Mitch Gibbs, Jeff Trombley, Craig Terrell, Ted Lamb, Bobby Varin, Brian Weaver, Glenn Knapp, Alan Rudalavage, Eric Palmer, Jim Crawn, Joel Batzel, Mike Colsten, Joey Grammes, Jim Davis, Bobby Puckett, Rich Ricci Jr., J.R. Hurlburt, Gus Schmidt, Russell Hendrickson Jr., J.R. Crouse, Ryan Bartlett, Vic Coffey, Randy Chrysler, Brian Decker, Bob Hamm Jr., Jerry Higbie Jr., Ryan Grim, Rich Keehle Jr., Chris Ostrowsky, Bob McCreadie, Ronnie Johnson, Danny Johnson.
Entries: 52.
Heat winners: M. Ricci, Colsten, Coffey, Gibbs, Varin, R. Johnson.
Consi winners: Rudalavage, Terrell, Ostrowsky.

RoC Dirt Modified Combined Point Standings (Top 5): BOBBY VARIN and MITCH GIBBS (664 – TIE); Brian Weaver (643); Jerry Higbie Jr. (575); and Ronnie Johnson (540).

RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour
Guaranteed Starters Race For Five Mile Point (10-14-05)
2X Lee Maulik
213 Mike Van Tassel
5G Joe Giachinta
36R Jeff Hager
24F Ken Ferrier
6 David Towns
48 Dusty Jagger
57A Keith Van Oyan
5 John Sundlof

RoC Dirt Modified Tour
Guaranteed Starters Race For Five Mile Point (10-15-05)
53V Bobby Vedder
22B Billy Osta
8 Frank Jashembowski
30 Gus Schmidt
11J Jerry Pennock Jr.
74 Robert Perry
473 John Alberti
1Z Ray Zemken
24 Chris Shultz
M2 Todd Morey
20 Craig Hanson
85 Erik Nelson
44 Josh Pieniazek
78M Eric Mack
1P Billy Pauch
9 Bob McCreadie
22 Mario Clair

*Guaranteed Starters Races will only be run with an adequate car count.

Great Field Assembling For Five Mile Point Weekend; Bob McCreadie, Danny Johnson, Ronnie Johnson Join All-Star Cast
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - Anticipation continues to build for this Friday and Saturday's National Quarter Mile Dirt Track Championship Weekend at N.Y.'s historic Five Mile Point Speedway.
A large, talent-laden field will take to the 55-year-old facility on Saturday, when the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour decides it inaugural champion in the 36th running of the Southern Tier 100.
This year's event, run for the first time under the RoC Dirt banner, will offer a $5,000 top prize and a $400 Smith Halfway Lap Leader Bonus. The race will take place on a completely reworked surface boasting 20 loads of new clay.
"We've worked hard to make an awesome racing surface," said RoC Dirt administrative director and Five Mile Point owner/promoter Andrew Harpell. "The new clay will make for multi-groove racing this weekend."
Among the drivers who will compete in Saturday's Southern Tier 100 is dirt Modified legend Bob McCreadie.
The Watertown, N.Y., native is no stranger to racing at Five Mile Point. McCreadie, who started his big-block career at FMP in 1979, won the fall classic in 1995 when the race was run as a 200-lapper. He'll look for a repeat performance driving his Kinney Drugs No. 9 in his third RoC Dirt appearance of the '05 season.
Danny Johnson of Phelps, N.Y., will be on hand for both Friday night's T3 All-Star Series 40-lapper and Saturday's RoC Dirt Modified showdown. Johnson won the Southern Tier 100 in 1991 and finished second in his only Five Mile Point start this season on Aug. 4 to Mitch Gibbs in a T3 All-Star Series special.
Popular second-generation talent Ronnie Johnson of Duanesburg, N.Y., currently fifth in the RoC Dirt combined point standings, plans to make his first-ever appearance at the quarter-mile. The Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway regular has watched his father, Jack Johnson, win countless races at FMP over the years.
All the top RoC touring stars will congregate at the Kirkwood oval, including current RoC Dirt combined point leader and North Region/Fonda champion Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., who will run for the title with the Magsarus No. 93.
Varin will have to contend with 2005 Penn-Can/Five Mile Point champ Brian Weaver of Windsor, N.Y., in Randy Decker's No. 9R, North Norwich, N.Y.'s Mitch Gibbs with his proven Nice 'n Easy Grocery Shoppes No. 2G, and '05 Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway 358-Modified champion Jerry Higbie Jr. in the family-owned No. 97.
Northcountry runners Ryan Bartlett of Adams, N.Y., and Jason Barney of Constantia, N.Y., will make the haul south on I-81 to compete at the Point, while RoC regular and FMP runner-up J.R. Crouse of Nazareth, Pa., will have Ed Tauschman's No. 4B in the pit area.
2002 Five Mile Point champion Gibbs, Danny Johnson, and McCreadie are just some of the past Southern Tier 100 winners who will be in the field.
1998 winner Jim Crawn will have his Tom and Terry Coar No. J30 on hand, while Southern Tier veteran Mike Colsten of Binghamton, N.Y., the event's 1990 and 1993 top gun, has entered his Don's Automotive Mall No. 51.
Other notable early entries include Afton (N.Y.) Speedway standout "The Heavyfoot" J.R. Hurlburt of Otego, N.Y.; Aug. 17 Penn-Can RoC Dirt South Region winner Alan Rudalavage of Newton Lake, Pa.; local favorites Glenn Knapp of Johnson City, N.Y., and Rich Keehle Jr. of Windsor, N.Y.; multi-time Fonda Speedway Modified winner Jim Davis of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; and the "Heavy Hauler" Gus Schmidt of Liverpool, N.Y.
*****
The Friday portion of the weekend will include the point finale for the T3 All-Star Series (40-laps), the championship-decider for the RoC Dirt Sportsman Tour (40-laps) and the first '05 appearance by the lightning fast Late Models in the BRC Lazer Late Model Series point season culminating 30-lapper. Race time on Friday is 7 p.m. Pit gates open at 4:30 p.m., grandstands open at 5 p.m. and hot laps are at 6:15 p.m.
The Southern Tier 100 for the RoC Dirt Modified Tour will headline the Saturday portion. Also on the card will be the point season finale for the IMCA Empire State Series, plus a 30-lap Street Stock Quarter Mile Championship and 25-lap Northeast Pure Stock Championship. Race time on Saturday is 5 p.m. Pit gates open at 2:30 p.m., grandstand gates at 3 p.m., with practice at 3:45 p.m.
The top-finishing small-block in the Southern Tier 100 that also competed in Friday's T3 show will receive a $500 bonus. A second $500 bonus will be awarded for the highest-finishing small-block (participation in Friday's T3 show not mandatory).
Camping and parking are free all weekend.
For more information, contact the speedway office at (607) 775-5555 or the RoC Dirt office (607) 238-0432. On the web: www.rocdirt.com or www.fivemilepointspeedway.net.

Five Mile Point To Decide Inaugural RoC Dirt Point Champs Oct. 14-15
By BRETT DEYO

BINGHAMTON, NY - History will be made on Oct. 14-15 as the inaugural Race of Champions Dirt Modified (overall) and Sportsman champions are decided at Five Mile Point Speedway.
A tradition-laden quarter-mile oval celebrating its 55th consecutive year of operation, the "Home Speedway of the Southern Tier" will host seven divisions of competition, deciding five series titles in the span of the two-day National Quarter Mile Dirt Track Championship Weekend.

"The National Quarter Mile Dirt Track Championship Weekend should be nothing short of huge," said RoC Dirt administrative director and FMP owner/promoter Andrew Harpell. "This weekend is developing into a true 'event' on the fall racing schedule.
"We encourage fans to camp, spend the weekend and enjoy what should be an exciting two days of racing on the quarter-mile."
The action will get underway on Fri., Oct. 14 with a three-division card of T3 All-Star Series 358-Modifieds, Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman and BRC Lazer Series Late Models. Race time is 7 p.m.
Serving as the host of the RoC Dirt Sportsman finale, the Tour's first ever champion will be crowned in Kirkwood, N.Y.
With eight of nine events complete, Erwinna, Pa., native Jason Hamilton (382 points) sits atop the standings. Penn-Can (Pa.) Speedway champion Arnie Slade (357) is second, 25 markers back. Kyle Weiss (349), Shaun Walker (317) and Jeff Geiges (276) complete the top five.
The Sportsman racers will compete in a 40-lap main paying $1,000 to the winner.
Brad Grim of Coplay, Pa., won the RoC Dirt Sportsman visit to FMP on July 13, besting Jeff Geiges, rookie Brian Puckett, Kyle Weiss and Jimmy Horton IV. Forty-one cars entered the program.
Kenny Shupp's T3 All-Star Series has enjoyed a successful first season since its debut in mid-April at Black Rock (N.Y.) Speedway. The high car counts and competitive racing should continue in the second T3 visit to the Point, with the small-block stars competing in a 40-lap foray paying $1,500-to-win.
Mitch Gibbs took the first '05 T3 event on Thurs., Aug. 4 over Danny Johnson, Joel Batzel, Rich Keehle and J.R. Crouse.
The BRC Lazer Series for the Late Models will certainly thrill the crowd as the high-speed machines go all-out for every point in their '05 finale.
A post-race bonfire with complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers (and beer on sale) will be held on the backstretch at the conclusion of the night's on-track action.
Saturday, Oct. 15's program will be highlighted by the 36th running of the Southern Tier 100 for the RoC Dirt Modifieds, offering a $5,000 top prize, along with a $400 Smith Halfway Lap Leader Bonus (to the leader of lap 50).
Joining the Modifieds on the card will be the Empire State Series for the IMCA Modifieds in a championship-deciding headliner, Street Stocks (25-laps) and Pure Stocks (25-laps). Race time is 4 p.m.
Entering the year's final RoC Dirt Modified combined event, Sharon Springs, N.Y., racer Bobby Varin sits at the head of the class with 615 points. Varin swept the Tour's North Region en route to that title and won the combined race at Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway on Sept. 25.
Only 11 markers back in second is 2002 FMP track champion Mitch Gibbs (604). 2005 Five Mile Point and Penn-Can champ Brian Weaver is third with 601 points.
Weaver, the winner of the first combined event at Penn-Can on Sept. 16, also topped the competitive South Region event at FMP on July 13 over Gibbs, Jim Crawn, Varin and Joel Batzel. That event drew 48 entries.
Jerry Higbie Jr. (560) and Ronnie Johnson (520) complete the top five in the RoC combined Modified standings.
Past winners of the Southern Tier 100 include Gibbs, Billy Decker, Brett Hearn, Bob McCreadie, Mike Colsten, Danny Johnson, Jack Johnson, Chuck Akulis, Kenny Brightbill, Stan Ploski, Gerald Chamberlain, Dave Kneisel, Don Beagell and many more.
A huge, talent-filled field will descend on a completely resurfaced facility looking to add their name to the race's prestigious list of winners.
Small-block drivers competing in both Friday's T3 show and Saturday's RoC Dirt Modified program will have an extra incentive. There will be a $500 bonus to the top finisher in Saturday's event (using a small-block) that also competed in Friday night's 40-lapper.
Camping is free for the weekend.
For more information on the huge weekend of competition at Five Mile Point Speedway, contact the track office at (607) 775-5555 or visit the website: www.fivemilepointspeedway.net.
RoC Dirt Tour info can be found by calling the RoC office at (607) 348-0432 or visiting the website: www.rocdirt.com.
Full rules, prices and entry forms are available on both websites.

RACE OF CHAMPIONS DIRT MODIFIED TOUR – COMBINATION FINALE SATURDAY, OCT. 15TH – FIVE MILE POINT SPEEDWAY – KIRKWOOD, NY

Location: 100 Francis Street, Kirkwood, NY 13795
Heading South On I-81 or 17 East from Elmira
Take Exit 2 on I-81 – (says Five Mile Point on Green highway sign) Immediately get into left hand lane and take first left onto Francis Street. Track is located up the road about a ˝ mile on right hand side of the street.
Heading North on I-81 from Scranton Area
Take Exit 2w (Industrial Park Exit) make first left hand turn onto Francis Street. Speedway is located up the road about a ˝ mile on right hand side of street.
Heading From Route 17W – Middletown
Take Exit 75 past Windsor, NY. (this exit is not an off ramp exit rather a merge). Road splits to the left. Once you have gone under the Exit 75 sign, take first left hand turn onto Francis Street. Speedway is located up the road about a ˝ mile on the right hand side of street.
Speedway Phone: Track office: (607) 775-5555 Fax: (607) 775-3417
Speedway Website: www.fivemilepointspeedway.net
Pit Fees: $35
Pit Gates Open: 2:30 p.m.
Grandstand Prices: $20 for Adults – Two Day Ticket (Fri. – Sat. $35) save $2; Youth (ages 11-17) - $15; Seniors (62 and older) - $15 – Two Day Ticket - $25; Kids 10 and younger always free!
Grandstand Gates: 3:00 p.m.
Practice: 3:45 p.m.
Race Time: 5:00 p.m.
Entry Info: Modified Pre- race entry (received prior to Oct. 10): $15; Entry after above date: $20.
Qualifying Heats: 5:00 p.m.
Modified Feature: 100 laps – cautions to count between laps 25-75. (no more than 5 caution laps will be logged in a row). Drivers will not lose laps under yellow flag conditions.
Tire Information: Tire Options: American Racer Compounds - Right Rear Compound: 48 minimal softness (may only use 50 compound as right rear harder
option); Left Rear Compound: 44 minimal softness; May use minimum 33 front tire compounds.
For Tire Information please call: French’s Auto Parts (607) 774-4500.
General Race Rules: The standard for motor, body, chassis and safety rules are based ’04 DIRT rules.
Weight Info: Big-block Modifieds – min. 2,500 lbs no tolerance. (’04 DIRT legal);
Small-block Modifieds – min. 2,400 lbs. no tolerance. (’04 DIRT legal); Big Diamond/Grandview 9-to-1 small-blocks – min. 2,400 lbs. no tolerance; Any other small block combination must weigh a min. 2,500 lbs. no tolerance. NO mixing and matching of rules.
For more information please contact the Race of Champions office by phone at (607) 238-0432 or log on to www.rocdirt.com.
Two-way Radios are not permitted – the speedway frequency is 154.515 and will be operational. It is not mandatory to have the one way frequency but is suggested if you already have an adjustable scanner.

RACE OF CHAMPIONS DIRT SPORTSMAN TOUR – POINT FINALE FRIDAY, OCT. 14TH – FIVE MILE POINT SPEEDWAY – KIRKWOOD, NY

Location: 100 Francis Street, Kirkwood, NY 13795
Heading South On I-81 or 17 East from Elmira
Take Exit 2 on I-81 – (says Five Mile Point on Green highway sign) Immediately get into left hand lane and take first left onto Francis Street. Track is located up the road about a ˝ mile on right hand side of the street.
Heading North on I-81 from Scranton Area
Take Exit 2w (Industrial Park Exit) make first left hand turn onto Francis Street. Speedway is located up the road about a ˝ mile on right hand side of street.
Heading From Route 17W – Middletown
Take Exit 75 past Windsor, NY. (this exit is not an off ramp exit rather a merge). Road splits to the left. Once you have gone under the Exit 75 sign, take first left hand turn onto Francis Street. Speedway is located up the road about a ˝ mile on the right hand side of street.
Speedway Phone: Track office: (607) 775-5555 Fax: (607) 775-3417
Speedway Website: www.fivemilepointspeedway.net
Pit Fees: $30
Pit Gates Open: 4:30 p.m.
Grandstand Prices: $17 for Adults – Two Day Ticket (Fri. – Sat. $35) save $2; Youth(ages 11-17) - $12; Seniors(62 and older) - $12 – Two Day Ticket - $25; Kids 10 and younger always free!
Grandstand Gates: 5:00 p.m.
Practice: 6:15 p.m.
Race Time: 7:00 p.m.
Entry Info: Sportsman pre-race entry (received prior to Oct. 10): $10; Entry after above date: $15
Qualifying Heats: 7:00 p.m.
Order of Events – Sportsman, Late Models, T3 Modifieds. Consolations and
features – same as above.
Sportsman Feature: 40 green flag laps.
Tire Information: Tire Options: American Racer Compounds - Right Rear Compound: 48 minimal softness (may only use 50 compound as right rear harder option); Left Rear Compound: 44 minimal softness; May use minimum 33 front tire compounds.
For Tire Information please call: French’s Auto Parts (607) 774-4500.
General Race Rules: The standard for motor, body, chassis and safety rules are based ’04 DIRT rules.
Weight Info: Sportsman – min. 2,400 lbs no tolerance. NO mixing and matching of rules.
For more information please contact the Race of Champions office by phone at (607) 238-0432 or log on to www.rocdirt.com.
Two-way radios are not permitted – the speedway frequency is 154.515 and will be operational. It is not mandatory to have the one way frequency but is suggested if you already have an adjustable scanner.