Open Wheel NewsURC, KARS, 410, ESS
Open Wheel News
URC, KARS, 410, ESS
09/18/2006
SPEEDWEEK IS HERE
York Haven, PA....The 16th Annual Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Pennsylvania Sprint Car
Speedweek is here. The popular series that will include nine Sprint Car races in
ten days begins on Saturday June 24 and runs through Monday July 3.
Over the past 15 years Pennsylvania Speedweek has hosted 98 races at 11
different Speedways. This year a new track will join the fold, and a former
track will return. Sprint Car ace Fred Rahmer will be looking to expand upon his
amazing Speedweek stats.
Rahmer has won 27 races during Speedweek competition, and is a nine time
Speedweek champion. He will be looking to once again collect the lion's share of
the nearly quarter million dollars in prize money posted for the week.
Rahmer's closest challengers, Lance Dewease and Greg Hodnett will be looking to
add to their own stats during the week. Each driver has won 14 Speedweek
features. Dewease owns three Speedweek crowns, while Hodnett has one. Other
champions include Keith Kauffman and Steve Smith with one each.
This year the Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek will kick
off at the Lincoln Speedway, near Hanover, with the Kevin Gobrecht Memorial
Race. The 30 lap feature on the June 24 program will pay $5000 to win.
Thundercars are also a part of the program.
Sunday June 25 Speedweek will make it's first ever visit to the Bedford
Fairgrounds in Bedford, PA. The 30 lap, $5000 to win feature will be the first
ever at Bedford, but will also be the 100th event in Speedweek history. Street
Stocks will also be on the program. Monday June 26 is an offdate for Speedweek,
but will also be the raindate for the Bedford show.
Action resumes on Tuesday June 27 at the Grandview Speedway, near Bechtlesville.
Again the feature will pay $5000 to win, but this time it's for a 35 lap
feature. The ARDC "wingless" Midgets will also be a part of the program.
The Hagerstown Speedway (just south of the Mason-Dixon line) will return to the
Speedweek fold on Wednesday June 28. Hagerstown offers up a Sprint Car only show
that also pays $5000 to win a 30 lap feature event. Hagerstown was last a part
of Speedweek in 1996.
Speedweek moves to the Susquehanna Speedway Park, near Newberrytown, on Thursday
June 29. Yet another 30 lap feature with $5000 to the winner awaits fans and
drivers at Susky. The Xtreme Stock Cars and Women on Wheels join in the fun.
Historic Williams Grove Speedway, near Mechanicsburg, offers up what has long
been the "Crown Jewel" of Speedweek on Friday June 30. The 30 lap Mitch Smith
Memorial Race will pay $10000 to the winner. A Fireworks display will round out
the program which is also Adoption Night.
Speedweek moves on to the Port Royal Speedway on Saturday July 1. The Port
offers up a 30 lap feature with $5000 to the winner. The Prostocks are a part of
the program
Sunday July 2, Speedweek moves to Selinsgrove for the running of the Jan
Opperman Memorial Race. Another 30 lap feature with $5000 to the winner.
Prostocks again take part in the program.
The Cindy Rowe Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek will conclude on Monday evening
July 3 back where it started. Lincoln speedway will wrap up Speedweek with a 30
lap feature that will offer the second $10000 first place payoff of the week.
Thundercars again take part in the program.
In addition to all the money offered by the tracks there will be a point payoff
that offers $2500 to the week's champion with a payoff to the tenth position.
Several special awards are also being posted for the week.
Hank's Performance Products will once again offer the Hank's Perfect Performance
Award. Any driver who can set fast time, win his heat and win the feature on any
night of Speedweek will pick up a $500 bonus from Hank's.
The Rae Peters family will again offer a bonus to the driver who wins the most
heat races during the week. This award will be $1200 this year.
Trone Outdoor Advertising is offering a $100 Hard Charger bonus during each
night of Speedweek, and Dupont Tyvek is offer a $100 Fast Time award each night
as well.
Choice Hotels are the official Hotels of Pennsylvania Speedweek. Special rates
can be had at Clarion, Comfort Inns and Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Main Stay
Hotels, and Econo Lodges, just by asking for the special LURC rates. Call
1-800-399-4852 for more information.
WWW.SCOTTPURSELLRACING.COM WEBSITE DEBUTS
Frenchtown, NJ – Scott Pursell and his Advanced Autosports #1 Racing Team
announce the debut of their new web site:
www.scottpursellracing.com.
Pursell is now in his ninth year of dirt sprint car competition with the United
Racing Company (URC).
“We are proud of this site and are glad we are finally able to provide a source
of information and results for fans and sponsors,” stated Pursell. The site also
contains a driver profile, sponsor list and sponsor links, pictures, and the
2006 URC schedule.
Pursell, a six-time stock car driving champion, has been campaigning since 1998
with the URC organization. He has four feature wins and has finished in the top
ten in URC points seven out of eight seasons.
In addition, C&M Tree Service located in Baptistown, NJ has joined the team as
an associate sponsor.
The team’s sponsors include Mavrode Farms and Champion Tire of Ringoes, NJ;
Advanced Billiards and BJ Novelty Screen Printing in Milford, NJ; Pioneer
Mortgage in Clinton, NJ; Anthony Danzo, Esq. and JMH Transfer in Frenchtown, NJ;
and L.A. Sharp in Maple Shade, NJ.
Product sponsors of the Team include Wilwood, K&N Filters, Jaz Products, Tony
Feil Competition Engines, Zemco Speed Equipment, AmSoil, Frankland Racing
Products, French Grimes Race Systems, ISC Racers Tape, Penske Shocks, GME
Steering, and Behrent’s Speed Center.
Please visit Scott and his team on the web at
www.scottpursellracing.com.
RAINS STOPS URC RUN SATURDAY NIGHT AT
DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL
It was going to be a miserable weather day and Delaware International Speedway
Promoter Charlie Cathell made the right decision to cancel the Saturday night,
April 22nd racing event that included the United Racing Company Sprint Car
Series. As always, it's disappointing to lose a race, but the season still has
so much to offer. Next Saturday night, the URC BAR's Leaks/Advance Auto Parts
Sprint Car Series will make its' first appearance at the New Egypt Speedway.
All eyes will be on the TEAM 56 Bill Turpin/Fred Kennedy sprinter, sporting
their newly hired driver Brook Weibley. In just his first URC sprint ride,
Weibley won the twenty-five lap $2,000 to win feature event last Saturday night
at the Bridgeport Speedway. The feature was a thriller with Weibley losing the
lead for a brief moment late in the race to defending URC Champion Curt Michael.
Weibley, who got caught behind some lapped traffic, used the outside groove to
retake the lead from Michael then go on to a comfortable win. In Weibley's
words, "It was just time to turn up the wick".
Going into New Egypt next Saturday night, April 29, Weibley leads the points in
both the season long title chase as well as the Fred's Trailer Parts NEW Series
of 2006. The NEW Series is a mini-point series within URC that includes all the
events in the two states of New Jersey and New York.
Following the New Egypt event, URC will then take a week off before returning to
Delaware International on Saturday night, May 13.
Quickly approaching is the much anticipated two race weekend with URC making a
Friday night, May 26 stop at the popular Penn Can Speedway. The following night,
Saturday, May 27, URC will team-up with the 358 sprints at the Selinsgrove
Speedway for the $3,000 to win Jack Gunn Memorial Shoot Out.
Plenty of racing along with several big events are on the URC schedule for 2006.
For more details, driver profiles, a complete schedule and point standings,
please visit us at: www.urcsprints.com.
KEITH PRUTZMAN & TRANSFORCE 28
READY TO RACE THIS WEEKEND;
TEAM ALSO HAS NEW WEBSITE UP AND RUNNING FOR ’06 SEASON
Article by Jeffrey J. Gromis
Hamburg, PA – March 9, 2006 - Keith
Prutzman and the TransForce-Prutzman/Powley 28 Racing Team will open their 2006
racing season this weekend with 358 Sprint races at Selinsgrove and Williams
Grove Speedways. The season opener comes at Selinsgrove (PA) Speedway on
Saturday evening (March 18) at 6 o’clock. Next it is off to Williams Grove
Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA, for racing on Sunday afternoon (March 19) at 2
o’clock.
The events will be the first for the team’s new sponsor, TransForce, which
serves over 1500 companies, providing the highest-quality, full-time and
part-time Commercial Drivers Licensed (CDL) drivers from coast to coast with
local offices in Harrisburg and Reading.
Keith Prutzman Racing has also just opened a sharp, new website designed by
Blake Tobias Motorsports. The site at
www.keithprutzmanracing.com is
still growing but already has nearly 2000 hits prior to this formal announcement
of its opening.
The site features details on Keith and the Prutzman-Powley team members. There
is information detailing Prutzman’s racing accomplishments year-by-year
including career feature wins and more. The team’s plans for the year, the 2006
schedule and information on the tracks in their plans are documented.
The sponsors of the team are also prominently listed with links to the web pages
of the team’s main sponsors, TransForce, Schaeffer’s Harley Davidson, The Westy
Bar and Grill and Buck Rubs Gentleman’s Club, as well as each of the team’s
product sponsors. There is also a guest page area where message can be left for
Prutzman and the racing team.
Team news will be updated on a weekly basis and current photos will be added
throughout the year. Within the next two weeks, photos from Prutzman’s past
racing seasons will also be added to the site.
Joining TransForce, Schaeffer’s Harley Davidson, The Westy and Buck Rubs as
sponsors of Prutzman/Powley Racing’s 358 sprinters for this season are Dark N’Go
Tanning Salon, McKeansburg Hotel, Haus Automotive, Action Glass, Kim’s Notary
Services, Nester’s Sanitation, Penske Racing Shocks, Simpson Racing Products,
Wilwood Brakes, Schoenfeld Headers, and Jason (a.k.a. Little Giant).
Blake Tobias is responsible for the design of the team’s outstanding web site
and will be maintaining it throughout the year. Blake’s own website is
www.blaketobiasmotorsports.com
for information on the services BTM can provide.
Appalachian Racing Inc.
After 20 years of racing Appalachian Racing
Inc. is going to give another shot at its 4th Limited Sprint Championship. The
Schall’s Brakes and Repairs no.81 Sprint car has most of its sponsors back with
the addition of some new ones including Overhead Door, ABE Fence, Buzzy’s Auto
body, and A Town Tool along with last years sponsors such as Fredrick’s Penna.
Dutch Meats, Shive Lettering, Kreitz Oval Track Parts, Stahley’s Restaurant, A1
Advertising, Kelly Fuels, Ice Cream World, and Schall’s Brakes and Repairs.
This is Appalachian Racing Inc. driver, Bob Beidleman, 31 feature wins, 3
Limited Sprint championships, 26th year as a sprint driver. The team has high
expectations for the upcoming season. Our main track we will be competing at
will be Selinsgrove Speedway, and we will also run Limited Sprint competition at
Williams Grove.
Bob will also run the Cheyenne Motor sports & Gettle Machine Shop no. 4c at
Selinsgrove Speedway, and also Williams Grove. We wish all the teams good luck
for the ’06 season, and we’ll see you at the track.
Best regards,
Appalachian Racing Inc.
TRANSFORCE JOINS KEITH PRUTZMAN 358 SPRINT TEAM
TransForce, the largest workforce solutions firm in the United States dedicated entirely
to the transportation industry, has joined Keith Prutzman and the Prutzman-Powley 358
Sprint Racing Team for the 2006 season.
This year the team will focus on weekly competition at Selinsgrove (PA) Speedway and all
358 Sprint events at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA, as well as events at
various speedways on open dates.
TransForce, Inc. serves over 1500 companies through a growing number of 100%
owned/controlled offices from coast-to-coast including Harrisburg, PA and Reading, PA.
Their business is to provide high value-added solutions to transportation companies by
providing the highest-quality, full-time and part-time Commercial Drivers Licensed (CDL)
drivers.
Joining TransForce as sponsors of Prutzman/Powley Racing are The Westy Bar and Grill,
Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson, Dark N’Go Tanning Salon, Buck Rubs Gentlemen’s
Club, McKeansburg Hotel, Haus Automotive, Action Glass, Kim’s Notary Services,
Nester’s Sanitation, Penske Racing Shocks, Wilwood Brakes, Schoenfeld Headers, Simpon
Race Products, and Jaz Racing Products as well as support from Jason (a.k.a. Little
Giant).
The Prutzman/Powley #28 Racing Team is well prepared for the 2006 season. Their mindset is
to do all they can to contend for the feature event win every time they take to the track
and deal with any adversity they might encounter to achieve the best possible event
finish. With this attitude, the goal of challenging for the season-long track
championships at both Williams Grove and Selinsgrove Speedways becomes achievable.
A 2005 Maxim car will be the primary mount used for the season but a 2004 Maxim frame is
also in-house ready to go if needed. Three 358 cubic inch displacement, cast iron, fuel
injected Chevy engines are ready to insure the teams is ready for each and every event at
Williams Grove and Selinsgrove if they encounter any mechanical problems.
Since moving up the ladder from the super sportsman cars to the 358 sprints, Prutzman has
not been a position to be running at a speedway every week for a full season like he plans
to do at Selinsgrove in 2006. No matter if it was racing at Williams Grove Speedway,
Lincoln Speedway or with the KARS tour, the 358 Sprints were not in action every week.
Although it may seem more tiring or grueling on a team and driver, Keith has always
excelled when racing weekly. Six wins at five speedways when running the super sportsman
every Saturday at Silver Spring Speedway and previously seventeen late model when racing
every Friday at Big Diamond Raceway support this.
“I don’t know if the racing every week keeps me sharper as a driver or maybe
more focused,” shared Prutzman, “but I just seem to run better with a weekly
schedule. It probably also keeps the entire team more focused knowing we are on a weekly
routine.
“I cannot wait to get the season started with the strong support we are getting from
TransForce and returning sponsors like the Westy and Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson.
Selinsgrove is probably the fastest track than I have run on and Williams Grove’s
national reputation speaks for itself. The car is ready now for the pre-season car shows
so we will certainly be ready to race come March.”
The TransForce/Schaeffer’s Harley Davidson/Kim’s Notary Service #28 will on
display at pre-season car shows including the annual Schaeffer’s Harley Davidson show
in Orwigsburg, PA on February 11 and the Reading Fairgrounds Mall Show and Racers’
Reunion in Reading, PA from February 26 through March 4.
SCOTT PURSELL ANNOUNCES SPONSORS AND PLANS FOR 2006 URC
SEASON
Frenchtown, NJ – Sprint car driver Scott Pursell and his Advanced Autosports #1
Racing Team are ready for competition with the United Racing Company (URC) sprint car
series in 2006. Pursell will return for his ninth year of URC competition in a new 2006
Maxim chassis. The URC opener will be on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at Bridgeport Speedway
in Bridgeport, NJ.
The team’s returning primary sponsors are Mavrode Farms of Ringoes, NJ, a supplier of
specialty plants and evergreens to wholesale; and Advanced Billiards in Milford, NJ. Major
returning sponsors are Pioneer Mortgage and Finance located in Clinton, NJ; Champion Tire
out of Ringoes, NJ; Anthony Danzo, Esq. in Frenchtown, NJ; and BJ Novelty Screen Printing
located in Milford, NJ. Returning associate sponsors include Seramba & Associates CPAs
in Flemington, NJ; JMH Transfer of Frenchtown, NJ; and L.A. Sharp Services out of Maple
Shade, NJ.
The Advanced Autosports Racing Team will be competing in a 2006 Maxim Chassis. The car
will carry a power plant engineered by the legendary Tony Feil Competition Engines located
in Raritan, NJ. The team will also have a back-up car at its disposal.
Product sponsors of the Team include Wilwood, K&N Filters, Jaz Products, Tony Feil
Competition Engines, Zemco Speed Equipment, AmSoil, Frankland Racing Products, French
Grimes Race Systems, ISC Racers Tape, Penske Shocks, GME Steering, Behrent’s Speed
Center and DSP Photos.
Pursell, a six-time stock car driving champion, has been campaigning since 1998 with the
URC organization. He has four feature wins and has finished in the top ten in URC points
seven out of eight seasons. Scott’s beautiful #1 sprint car was recently on display
at Motorsports 2006 at the Fort Washington, PA Expo Center as a part of the Wilwood
exhibit.
Advanced Autosports crew members include Gary Bacon, Scott’s wife Dawn Pursell, Al
“Muggs” DeAngelis, Jamie Bodo, and Scott’s father, Bill Pursell.
2006 SPEEDWEEK PLANS FINALIZED- -OPENS SATURDAY, JUNE 24
Plans for the 2006 Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek have now been
finalized. The popular Sprint Car series that leads up to the Independence Day holiday
will include nine races in ten days covering eight different Speedways.
Cindy Rowe Auto Glass, with locations in Chambersburg, Ephrata, Hanover, Harrisburg,
Lancaster, Lebanon, Manheim, Mechanicsburg, Reading, Selinsgrove, York, and Hagerstown,
MD, will return for the second year as the series title sponsor.
With management changes at Big Diamond Speedway, and the closing of Silver Spring
Speedway, the 2006 Speedweek series will take on a new look. The return of an old friend,
and the addition of a new location will spice up the Speedweek agenda. An added race at a
Speedweek mainstay will also add to the mix.
The purse structure for Speedweek has once again been increase, with the standard minimum
purse now offering $5000 to win, with increased money from the 11th -24th positions. The
new purse totals at $23,750, a $1650 increase over 2005.
The 16th Annual Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek will kick off on
June 24 at the Lincoln Speedway, near Hanover. The 30 lap Kevin Gobrecht Memorial Race
will offer $5000 to win. Lincoln Speedway has participated in all 15 previous Speedweek
series.
Sunday June 25 will find Speedweek charting new territory, as it makes it's first ever
stop at the Bedford Fairgrounds Speedway in Bedford. While Bedford has presented Sprint
Car racing in the past, 2006 will mark it's first time as part of Speedweek. The 30 lap
feature will offer $5000 to win.
After an off night on Monday June 26, Speedweek resumes at Grandview Speedway in
Bechtelsville on Tuesday June 27. The Thunder on the Hill Racing Series at Grandview
Speedway has been a part of Speedweek since 1995, and will offer $5000 to win their
scheduled 35 lap feature.
On Wednesday June 28, Speedweek returns to the Hagerstown, MD Speedway. While just south
of the PA/MD border, Hagerstown has always been considered a part of the central
Pennsylvania Sprint car circuit, and in fact offered weekly Sprint car racing during the
1960's and ‘70's. Hagerstown was last on the Speedweek calander in 1996. The 30 lap
feature there will offer $5000 to win.
Susquehanna Speedway Park, near Newberrytown, will be the site of Speedweek on Thursday
June 29. Like Lincoln, SSP has been a part of Speedweek since the beginning. The 30 lap
feature there will offer $5000 to win.
Friday June 30, Williams Grove Speedway will offer the $10,000 to win, 30, lap Mitch Smith
Memorial Race, known as the "Crown Jewel of Speedweek". The Mechanicsburg oval
has also participated in all the Speedweek Series.
Saturday July 1, Speedweek moves to the Port Royal Fairgrounds, in Port Royal. Port Royal
has hosted Speedweek since 1997, and will offer $5000 to win their 30 lap feature.
Sunday July 2 finds Speedweek moving on to Selinsgrove Speedway, in Selinsgrove for the
Jan Opperman Memorial Race. Selinsgrove has participated in 13 of the 15 previous
Speedweek events. Their 30 lap event will offer $5000 to win. With Independence Day
falling on a Tuesday this year, Selinsgrove will hold that date as their rain date.
That's because Lincoln Speedway will offer a second Speedweek show on Monday July 3. The
scheduled Speedweek closer this year at Lincoln will offer $10,000 to the winner of a 30
lap feature. While in recent years Speedweek has visited tracks just once during the week,
a double show is not new to the series. Lincoln hosted double shows during the first
Speedweek in 1991, and Williams Grove hosted double shows in ‘91, ‘93 and
‘94.
Over the years the Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek has visited 11
different tracks, and Bedford will become the 12th. There have been 98 Speedweek races, so
the show at Bedford will mark the 100th Speedweek event.
Fred Rahmer leads all drivers with 27 wins and nine Speedweek crowns. Greg Hodnett and
Lance Dewease are tied for second with 14 wins each during past Speedweek series. Dewease
owns three Speedweek crowns, while Hodnett, Keith Kauffman and Steve Smith each have one.
Choice Hotels will be the official hotels of the Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Pennsylvania Sprint
Car Speedweek, offering special rates to fans at Clarion, comfort, Quality, Sleep Inn.
Rodeway Inns, Main Stay Hotels, and EconoLodges during Speedweek. Fans can book rooms by
calling 1-800-399-4852 and asking for the LURC rate.
CRSA To Sanction 305 Sprints In 2006; Accord To Host Eight
Shows
By BRETT DEYO
ACCORD, NY - Like the speed and excitement of full-size Sprint Car racing but can't afford
the increasing cost?
Now, racers have a cost-effective option, courtesy of Brian Grisel and the Capital Region
Sprintcar Association (CRSA). The CRSA will sanction 305 Sprint Car racing in 2006.
Led by president Grisel, of Fonda, N.Y., the CRSA has already secured dates at four
facilities, headed by N.Y.'s Accord Speedway, which will play host to the winged machines
on eight occasions this season. Afton (N.Y.) Speedway, Utica-Rome (N.Y.) Speedway and Glen
Ridge (N.Y.) Motorsports Park are also on board.
Negotiations with a handful of other tracks are ongoing as details of the '06 schedule are
finalized. Currently, the CRSA has booked approximately 15 events for its inaugural
season.
According to the 46-year-old Grisel, a life-long race enthusiast who has driven a dirt
Modified and 360 Sprint Car, the CRSA's role is to provide an avenue for economical Sprint
Car racing in the Capital Region, Southern Tier and southeastern quarter of New York
State.
"I used to run a 360 car myself and it got to the point where I couldn't afford
it," Grisel said. "There are a lot of guys out there sitting on cars because
they just can't do it anymore."
Grisel said the cost of assembling a "good" 360 Sprint Car is $30-35,000. Much
of that cost stems from the engine compartment, he explained.
That's where the CRSA has worked to cut costs. The chassis, tinwork, suspension and
general car construction are exactly the same as any other Sprint Car organization -
Empire Super Sprints (ESS), United Racing Company (URC), Patriot Sprint Group (PSG), etc.
However, the CRSA features 305 cubic inch engines with RACESAVER 305 SPEC heads and
penny-pinching RACESAVER rules.
Grisel emphasized the CRSA is "not a crate motor class" and "guys can build
their own engines," but the RACESAVER 305 SPEC heads and strict rules eliminate the
advantage of "cubic dollars." Full engine rules are available on the web www.racesaver.com.
All engines will undergo a thorough tech inspection and will be sealed by the CRSA
inspector(s) before the car hits the track.
Other CRSA-specific rules (mufflers, safety equipment, etc.) are listed online at
www.crsasprintcars.com
The RACESAVER 305 SPEC heads are available through French Grimes Race Systems in Madison,
Va. They are on the web at www.frenchgrimes.com.
Grisel said, using a one-year-old rolling chassis, it would cost "roughly
$10,000" to go racing in the CRSA.
The CRSA, by design, will put winning and losing in the hands of the drivers and crew
chiefs; races in the CRSA will be won by skill behind the wheel and in the pit area, not
by the size of a wallet, Grisel predicted.
"All the cars theoretically should have a shot to win, which will make for some great
racing," Grisel said.
The CRSA is not the first to jump on the RACESAVER program.
Currently, there are 305 Sprint Car organizations all over the country using the RACESAVER
rules, including the Virginia Sprint Series, PA 305 Sprints, El Paso Renegade Sprint
Series, Heartland 305 Sprint Series and Smiley's Sprint Series of Texas.
On the clock, the 305 Sprint Cars are comparable to their 360 counterparts, especially on
the quarter- and one-third-mile ovals.
For track promoters, the CRSA offers an affordable option to present Sprint Car racing
(most of the other organizations cost upwards of $10,000 for one race night).
To host the CRSA, it costs promoters $3,810 for a 24-car field, $2,420 for a 15-car field
and $1,490 for a 10-car field.
The purse structure for the racers is anything but top-heavy. If there are 24 cars, the
winner gets $250. Fifth-place pays $200, 10th pays $165 and dead last is $115.
"We wanted to spread the money out to everyone, not just the winner," Grisel
said, adding that he devised the payoff from the other RACESAVER-based series.
CRSA's year-end point distribution is also unique. Instead of tabulating points throughout
the year, Grisel decided to divide up the point fund equally among all drivers who have
attended at least 75 percent of the shows. Trophies will be given out for special awards
winners only.
The point fund will be generated by series sponsors and registration fees/membership.
Grisel said a major series sponsorship announcement is forthcoming.
Grisel held a meeting for interested racers last November and the early response has been
tremendous.
"I've had different people calling every day," he said. "And I think there
are more guys who are sitting back and waiting to see what happens with this deal."
A 2006 roster on the CRSA website lists 29 drivers as of Jan. 13. Included is a wide
variety of talent; drivers moving up from Mini-Sprint racing, Sprint Car veterans who can
no longer afford to compete with the other 360 Sprint organizations, drivers from other
divisions and raw rookies.
Vice-president Tad Uzzle of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., joins in the day-to-day operations of the
CRSA. Tech officials will be announced in the near future.
For more information, contact Grisel by phone at (518) 853-3283, on his cell phone (518)
848-2554 or via e-mail at bgrisel@nycap.rr.com.
Uzzle's phone number is (845) 298-7239. CRSA is on the web at: www.crsasprintcars.com.
CRSA NOTES: A quick glance of the CRSA roster presents familiar names like veteran
Sportsman racer Stan Jablonka and son Shane, Jeremy Quick, Marshall Gogg, Duby Woodruff
and Stephen LaPine of Mini-Sprint notoriety and Lee Niznik, a Street Stock hotshoe turned
Orange County (N.Y.) 358-Modified racer....
Accord Speedway's Gary Palmer can hardly wait to see the return of full-size Sprint Cars
to his quarter-mile (Palmer hosted a KARS event in 2003).
"I've always been a Sprint Car fan," Palmer said. "And this group is like a
'working man's' tour for Sprint Cars. I think it will catch on fast,"....
Accord tentatively has the CRSA booked on the following dates: April 28; May 19; June 2;
June 16; July 14; Aug. 11; Sept 15; and Sept. 29....
Palmer isn't the only promoter hooked on CRSA. Afton's Pat Jordan spoke highly of the
group's benefits at his tracks Dec. Awards Banquet. "This group allows me to bring
Sprint Cars to Afton without raising the (grandstand) admission price. That's
big."....
CRSA tech/practice days will take place at Accord on April 7 and 14, with rain dates of
April 8 and 15....
All Stars Crown Champion at 2005 Awards Banquet
By Bryan Autullo
Chad Kemenah, winner of 8 All Star features in 2005 and recipient of the Huggins Cams Fast
Time award for setting the most top qualifying times throughout the season, was crowned
Champion of the All Star Circuit of Champions for the 4th consecutive year. Chad made the
announcement that he will return to the All Stars in 2006 and make a run at his 5th points
title. “I’d like to thank Guy Webb for everything he’s done since he’s
been here,” said Kemenah. “I’m looking forward to bigger and better things,
as Guy would put it.” He continued, “I’d also like to thank all the other
competitors, my brother, and Kevin & Scott for giving me a great race car. I want to
thank my wife, Tracy – she has a lot do deal with sometimes.” He continued,
“I want to thank Jim Harble for this opportunity and John Bores and UUI –
without them this wouldn’t be possible”.
Guy Webb started off the evening with the announcement that the All Stars will start off
the 2006 season at Volusia County Speedway in Barberville, FL (Daytona) on Feb. 7th. The
All Stars will have four dates at Volusia sandwiched around two World of Outlaw dates. The
All Stars will race Feb. 7, 8, 11, and 12. For more information, visit www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com. Dean Miracle
has taken over as promoter at Volusia and many improvements have been made to the
facility. “This will hopefully start building back our presence in Florida,”
said Webb. “We’ll also have family packs of tickets available, and another neat
thing will be a $10,000 to win 360 race on Feb. 7th with the USCS series.”
Guy Webb announced that the All Star series has not been sold as some internet rumors that
had been circulating have stated. He has teamed up with Indiana businessman Glynn Barber
and Michigan based businessman Mike Bowen to form a company that will be involved in land
acquisitions that will include several dirt tracks around the country. “There is a
need to stabilize some of the things we do,” Webb stated, “and this will enable
us to do those things and to run more $10,000 to win events and get the series where it
needs to be.” The model for these acquisitions is not to run these tracks under the
All Star banner, but instead to put capable teams in place to promote these facilities and
handle the day to day operations, while running weekly racing programs and special events.
The concept is simple, but much planning is still underway.
Michael Bowen is CEO of the Westwood Development Group which is a national commercial
retail developer (www.thewestwoodgroup.com).
Glynn Barber is the owner of Qualtech Tool & Engineering in Portland, IN and is also
the man behind the new Xplex Extreme Competition Park (www.xplexpark.com).
Qualtech has begun to manufacture bolt-on components for the sprint car industry and will
become a sponsor of the All Star series. Ryan VanAtter is the Chief Operating Officer of
the Xplex Park and will be working closely with the All Stars in this new venture along
with Glynn. David Ayers is the Motorsports Manager for the park and will also be assisting
the All Stars in future scheduling and business operations at the tracks that the series
will visit. “I’m not going to make a lot of bold statements regarding these
purchases,” said Webb, “but we’ll release information on these tracks as
those deals are signed.”
Other news regarding plans for the 2006 season included:
Hummers Gone Wild will join the All Stars as a new sponsor for 2006. They will be at
several of the events throughout the year and will have contests and displays to promote
their products.
Ohio Speedweek will have a $10,000 individual payoff to the winner of the week’s
points. Guy Webb welcomed back Wayne County Speedway to the Speedweek schedule for next
year.
The Haulmark Dash will have a season points fund rather than a nightly payoff. There will
be a race at the end of the season with the Top 6 cars in dash points racing for $5000 to
win.
The 2006 schedule is still being solidified and currently has 46 dates. More are being
added and the goal is to have 60 dates. The new track acquisitions will help to fill that
schedule. It will be released when the contracts have been signed and the schedule is as
complete as possible to eliminate some of the confusion that was seen in 2005.
In closing, Guy Webb stated, “We are no longer playing defense here. We are moving
forward. The thing that I want to be able to do,” he continued, “is have more
higher paying events, more two day shows, and take the series to some new tracks where we
can link our events with other entertainment packages that will help the promoters sell
more tickets.”
Danny Smith won the All-Pro Heads gift certificate for a new set of heads. “I want to
thank Bob Williams from All Pro,” said Smith. “He’s been a big supporter of
the All Stars and he’s really helped our motor program. I want to thank him for his
support. We really appreciate it.”
Chad Kemenah won the Huggins Cams Fast Time award. Chad set quick time at 26.6% of the All
Star races and is a threat every time he goes out to qualify, whether he draws a high
number, low number, or somewhere in between. “I used to be the world’s worst
qualifier, but now I think I’ve got a pretty good grip on it,” said Kemenah.
The Fisher Performance Hard Charger award went to Paul May. “I want to thank Rick
Susong for this award,” said May, “and for being there every night and
supporting us and supplying us with parts.”
The All Star Circuit of Champions Rookie of the Year award went to Cody Geldart. The
Canadian young gun was a contender each week and had consistent finishes throughout the
season. He won his first All Star event in Mayetta, KS back in August. “I want to
thank my dad for paying all the bills and putting up with me. It was an awesome
year,” said Geldart.
The Crew Chief of the Year award went to Danny Smith. “I need to talk to my car owner
about a raise now,” said Smith. Danny’s shop burned to the ground last winter
and he was aided by several different people to get everything back together in time to
make it to Florida for the start of the 2005 season. He was able to turn his hard work and
determination into a 2nd place finish in series points.
The banquet awards ceremony, hosted by All Star announcer Rob Klepper, was filled with
video highlights from Dean Mills, who is the official All Star videographer. Each award
recipient’s highlight reel from the 2005 season ran before they took the stage to
receive their trophy and series points fund check.
Barry Ruble, who finished 11th in driver points thanked his crew chief Fred Scott, and his
sponsors who have helped him along the way. Barry has been with the All Stars for several
years and thanked those who have supported him in his racing career.
Rob Hunter was 11th in car owner points with drivers Kenny Jacobs and Tim Hunter. “I
want to thank all of our sponsors and I want to thank Kenny Jacobs for driving for
us,” said Hunter. “I want to thank the All Stars. As a car owner, the All Stars
are just great. They’ve done everything that they said they would and they’ve
stepped up to the plate. I know there have been other people who have tried to form other
things to go against them,” he continued, “but the All Stars just keep on going.
I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Tom Chiapelli finished 10th in owner points with drivers Mike Lutz and Dan Shetler but was
unable to attend the event.
Bob Bennett was 10th in driver points and 9th in owner points. “It was a tough season
for us,” said Bennett. We went through some trying times.” He commented that he
was glad to be able to do this deal with his dad helping him every step of the way. He
continued, “We met some great people along the way and I hope to see you all again
next year.”
Cody Geldart was 9th in driver points for 2005 and his father, Brian Geldart, was 8th in
owner points. “This year was a lot of fun,” said Cody. “It was a learning
experience. I got to meet a lot of new people.” He also thanked his dad and sponsors
for their support.
Paul May was 8th in driver points and 7th in owner points for the season. “I first
want to thank my mother and father for giving me this opportunity to drive a sprint
car,” said May. “I grew up racing quarter midgets and micros and I begged my dad
to death to buy me a sprint car. He finally did and here we are today.” He also
thanked his mother, his girlfriend, and all his sponsors for their support.
Brock Mayes finished 7th in driver points and 6th in owner points. He thanked his father
and his crew for all their hard work. He thanked his sponsors and Shirley Kears for her
help. “I also want to thank Guy Webb and the All Stars,” he continued, “for
getting us what they said they would. If it wasn’t for that none of this would be
possible.”
Jeremy Campbell finished 6th in driver points and 5th in owner points. He thanked his
sponsors and his step-mom and father for their help.
Greg Wilson finished 5th in driver points piloting 2 different cars. He also accepted the
award for Jack Elden who finished 4th in owner points. Greg began by saying “I must
be a messed up driver. I sent two car owners into retirement in one year.” He was
referring to long time All Star car owners Bob Hampshire (who retired after Ohio
Speedweek) and Jack Elden (who retired at the end of the season). He thanked his
girlfriend, his mom & dad, and all the people and sponsors who have supported him
along the way. He said a special thanks to Bob Hampshire and Jack Elden for their support
of the All Star series over the years. “Next year I’ll be driving for a new team
owned by Verl Warnimont,” said Wilson. “Verl is new to the series and ran some
races with Mike Brecht in 2005. We have a lot of sponsor help for 2006 and I just hope
that we have a good and successful season next year.”
Randy Hannagan finished 4th in driver points and his brother, Terry Hannagan, was 3rd in
owner points. He started out by congratulating Brian and Chad Kemenah on their
championship. “This was my first full year with the All Stars, and I think I picked
the wrong year to do it,” said Hannagan. “Next year looks a lot brighter for the
series and I wish everyone well. I know I’ve always got a home to come back to.”
Randy has joined another series for the 2006 season. He continued, “The All
Star’s people are great. Randy Fink does a great job with the officiating. Guy Webb
is bringing the series up to where it needs to be and I commend him for that.” He
went on to thank his crew, his brother, his sponsors, and especially Bob Williams at All
Pro for helping his motor program. “This is my first year up here on this stage, and
I hope to be back up here again in the years to come.”
Finishing 3rd in 2005 was Dale Blaney who drove for both George Fisher and Jack Elden in
2005. “I’d like to thank everyone with the All Stars,” he stated. “Guy
Webb does a good job as well as the All Star officials. Sprint car racing is a tough deal
right now. We all hope this series is headed in the right direction. It’s a great
series for guys from this area to make a good living at.” He also thanked car owner
George Fisher for the opportunity to drive his car. He thanked the Eldens for letting him
drive their car. “I’d also like to thank them for firing me so I could go back
and run for George. That was a difficult situation, but we made the best of it.” He
also thanked Tom and Fritz Andrews for their help.
Second place in points for the 2005 season was veteran Danny Smith. “Congrats to the
15k team,” he stated. “The second year in a row running 2nd to them would
normally suck, but after the way the season started – and the way the season ended
– we’ll take it.” He thanked everyone who helped him get back on his feet
after the shop fire. He thanked all of his sponsors and the people who have supported him
through the years. He went on to say, “I also want to thank Guy Webb and all of his
staff. You do an outstanding job. We complain a lot, but it really is the best show on
dirt.”
For information regarding upcoming All Star Circuit of Champions news and events, please
visit our web site at www.allstarsprint.com.
URC TO LAUNCH A NEW BEGINNING IN 2006. . . .
CURT MICHAEL & KATHY PALLADINO CROWNED 2005 URC CHAMPIONS. .
$51,000 IN CASH DISTRIBUTED AT GALA URC BANQUET SATURDAY
DOVER, DE. . . . . .URC does a lot of things right and Saturday night at the Hotel
Sheraton in Dover, DE, they demonstrated just how to throw a first class awards banquet. I
doubt if any champion in short track racing is honored with the class and dignity that was
bestowed upon 2005 Champion Driver Curt Michael and Champion Owner Kathy Palladino. A
total CASH payout of more then $41,000 was divided among the top drivers and owner who
competed on the BAR's Leaks Sprint Series presented by Advance Auto Parts. An additional
$15,000 is contingency awards were presented along with the $10,000 cash BAR's Leaks Team
Sponsorship. Other big news includes the popular continuation of sponsorship support from
BAR's Leaks and Advance Auto Parts.
Curt Michael, the popular driver from Ocean View, DE captured the 2005 URC title on the
strength of three feature wins and a season of consistent finishes that pushed the
Michael/Palladino championship team to a one-hundred and sixty-two point advantage over
runner-up Dave Ely. Michael ended the season with a URC career total of twenty-six feature
wins and this years marks the third trip to the championship podium for Michael. Curt is
the defending champion and previously won the URC title in 1998. Along with the
"cash" , the hardware was plentiful as well as Curt Michael, Kathy Palladino and
Team 99 collected the Championship Trophy, Championship Rings, the Bill Bauer Perpetual
Championship Cup and picture plaques and jackets provided by American Racer.
The crowning of the URC Champion is always the spotlight celebration of the night, but at
this awards banquet, there was excitement and high points all night long. At the outset of
the banquet, there was exciting news of the plans for 2006 as the newly formed United
Racing Company moves forward to enhance the nation's oldest (58 years) traveling sprint
car series. A solid schedule for 2006 is close to final and will include several increased
payoff special events. Another highlight for 2006 will find the champion earning a $10,000
slice of the point fund. The good news continues as each URC 25 lap feature event will pay
a hefty $2,000 to the winner.
A big part of tonight's excitement also included awarding the $10,000 BAR's Leaks Team
Sponsorship Award. There was a lot of excitement about this sponsorship program that saw
as many as seventeen race teams prepare proposals for the program. Jimmy Martin of Felton,
DE was awarded the 2006 sponsorship with the presentation being made by Bob Mermuys,
President of BAR's Leaks from Holly, Michigan.
There were numerous special awards presented during the night that were accompanied by a
dual screen video clip, a favorite part of the ceremony that is greatly enjoyed by those
who attend the banquet.
Special Awards and award winners include:
Season Long Hard Charger Award- - - Curt Michael
Sheraton Hotel Heat Race Chase Award- - - Dave Ely/Kevin Welsh - - both drivers won five
heat race events in 2005 and each driver will earn a bonus of $250.
BAR's Leaks Comeback of the Year Owner & Driver- - - Driver Ed Aikin for advancing 17
spots from the prior year. Owner Gene Franckowiak for advancing 13 spots.
Valley Forge INC. Pennsylvania State Sprint Series Champion- - Driver Curt Michael, Owner
Kathy Palladino
Fred's Trailer Repair NJ State Sprint Series Champion- - Driver Trevor Lewis, Owner Bill
Turpin
Taylor & Messick Delaware State Sprint Series Champion- - Driver/Owner Kramer
Williamson
BAR's Leaks/Advance Trailer Decal $500 Drawing- - -Scott Pursell
Best Appearing Car & Crew- - Team 19 & 19A Johnny Zimmerman & Team
Crew Member of the Year Award- -Larry Good, Team 99
Bill Bauer Dedication Award- -Jimmy Martin
LikeWise Construction $1,000 Award- - Jimmy Martin
Jim Shaw Memorial Award- -Car Owner Bill Gallagher
Harry Johnson Founders Award- - Bob Mermuys of BAR's Leaks
Delores Bauer Women of the Year Award- - Kim Weller of Team 63
Nipper Snyder Mechanic of the Year Award- - Steve Suchy of Team 99
Joe Fiore Determination Award- - Scott Pursell
Willwood Tough Brake Award- - Scott Pursell
Most Improved Driver of the Year- - Ed Aikin Team 19A
Hank Gentzler Rookie of the Year Award- - Mark Bitner/Trenton, NJ who received $600 in
cash from Hank's Performance and a $300 Certificate from J&H Welding.
BAR's Leaks/Advance Driver Uniform Patch $500 Cash Award- - Chris Coyle
Manufacturer's Drawing for $2,000 in Contingencies- - Scott Pursell
The future remains bright for URC as the 2006 season quickly approaches. A strong schedule
supported by a healthy car count awaits opening day in mid-April. Along with paying $2,000
to win, the $10,000 BAR's Leaks sponsorship program, the $10,000 champions award and some
special events with increased payoffs, the United Racing Company is predicting another
successful season.
URC Top 15 Drivers in Points - - Curt Michael; Dave Ely, Trevor Lewis, Ed Aikin, Kramer
Williamson, Jason Clauss, Kevin Welsh, Brian Seidel, Bill Brian Jr., Chris Coyle, Dave
McGough, Mark Bitner, Tim Hogue, Jon Eldreth, Josh Weller.
URC Top 15 Owners in Points - - Kathy Palladino, Gene Franckowiak, Bill
Turpin/Fred Kennedy, Johnny Zimmerman, Kramer Williamson, Sharon Clauss, Pete Welsh, Mike
Bostic, Elmer Stoltzfus, Lou Eckrich, Bill Gallagher, Mark Bitner, Hogue Enterprises, Ken
Eldreth, Rick Weller.
The 2005 URC Year Book is now on sale. Purchase your book which includes color and black
& white photos, stories and statistics for just $10, postage included. Please mail
your check made payable to URC, 2109 South Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901. Be sure to
include your return address and we'll mail your URC Year Book immediately.
URC will be an active participant at the VP Racing Fuels Motorsports Show, January 13-15 at the Fort Washington, PA Convention Center. URC will also display at the Reading Racing Reunion & Car Show in Reading, PA in late February. For additional information, including license applications, please visit us at www.urcsprints.com.
Dave Ely to Make First Ever Chili Bowl Visit with New F5
Midget
For immediate release;
Contact: Dave Ely (717) 397-5347
Curt Shuttleworth (315) 952-0506
GENEVA, N.Y. – It will be a new and exciting venture for West Lawn, Pa’s Dave
Ely. Piloting a new F5 midget owned by Curt Shuttleworth, the sprint car veteran will make
his first ever visit to the ever popular Chili Bowl Nationals which is celebrating
it’s 20th running on Jan. 11-14.
The annual extravaganza held at the Tulsa Expo Center in Oklahoma attracts the top names
not only in midget racing but racing of all kinds. Out of the record 255 entries to date,
drivers such as NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart, former World of Outlaw champions
Steve Kinser, Danny Lasoski and Sammy Swindell, many-time USAC champ J.J. Yeley as well as
Dave Darland, Kasey Kahne, defending champion Tracy Hinds, Chad Kemenah and Kraig Kinser
just to name a few.
Ely, the 2003 United Racing Club champion, will be a teammate with Oklahoma City’s
Wayne Johnson who will also pilot an F5 midget built by Wayne Simmons out of Knoxville,
Iowa. Ely has been behind a wheel of an F5 sprinter for over two years now and is looking
forward to his first endeavor in a midget which has Gaerte power under the hood.
“I always wanted to try a midget and what better way than to do it at the best
event.” exclaimed the sales manager from Diversified Machine Inc. “I’ve
been to the Chili Bowl twice to watch and it’s the best four days of racing you will
find anywhere. Thanks to Curt (Shuttleworth) I will have the chance to race in it.”
While winning the event might be too high of a goal, the likeable sprint car driver does
hope to make the A-Main finale on Saturday. “With over 250 cars, you definitely have
your work cut out for you.” Ely noted. “But, we hope to get some good laps in so
Wayne (Johnson) and I can help out our car builder with set ups and notes so he can get
some midget sales in the future.”
After the Chili Bowl challenge, Ely hopes to enter in some selected ARDC sanctioned midget
events during the summer in his native Pennsylvania when his schedule permits. “I
hope to run some back home, it will be neat to go to a track and just have some fun.
Midgets are fast and quick which I like.” Said the driver who also has wins in a 410
sprinter on his resume’.
Sponsorship for Dave Ely’s midget effort comes from Shuttleworth Asphalt Sealing,
Shuttleworth Auto Sales, FourWide Motorsports, Ely Fabricating, BR Motorsports, DMI,
Gaerte Engines and F5 Chassis.
For more information on one of the nation’s wildest dirt track events, please log on
to www.chilibowl.com and on Dave Ely you can take a
look at www.daveely.com.
ORDER YOUR URC YEARBOOK NOW
Orders are now being accepted for the 2005 URC YearBook. This popular publication is
loaded with photos, stories and statistics covering the 2005 URC Sprint Series season.
You can purchase your URC YearBook for $10. Please make your payment payable to URC and
mail to 2109 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901. Be sure to include your return mailing
address. We'll make every effort to get the book to you before Christmas.
Order now to be sure that you receive your URC YearBook in time for the holiday's.
Three-Time Empire Super Sprint Champion Gordy Button to
Return to the Tour for 2006
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – In a major announcement, three-time Empire Super Sprint (ESS) title
holder Gordy Button will attack the tour fulltime for the first time in nearly 15 years.
The Kirkville, N.Y. sprint star still ranks fourth on the all-time win list at 29 and will
make his return in hopes of adding to that total.
The 2006 ESS tour, which will be brought to you by nativepoker.com, has already added the
likes of Jessica Zemken and Steve Poirier to the list of some of the best 360 sprint car
drivers in the Northeast. Button is the latest to join in on the fun and he can’t
wait for the new season to begin.
“This is the most excited I’ve been in many years!” Button, 45, said
happily. “I’ve come back to sprint cars a few times and had some success but
now, this is the way I want to do it. I can concentrate on the full tour with good
equipment.” While his ride and sponsorships announcements will be released after the
first of the year, Button will instantly make waves in the ESS family.
“Sprints has always been my first love and watching ESS grow so much over the years
just gets you pumped to be a part of them again.” said the 1983,84 & ’86
champion. “But, I know I got my work cut out for me. I’ve been looking and
studying and ESS has some of the best drivers around. You got Lance Yonge, Dan
Kaszubinski, Doug Emery and just a bunch more. It’s going to be a challenge but I
think we can give it a good shot, I have to give it my best, I’ve been watching them
pass me on the win list!”
The 23rd anniversary tour will kick off in May and will be the most lucrative and exciting
in history. Already more dates have been booked than 2005 with full point visits set at
Utica-Rome, Can-Am, Autodrome’s Granby and Drummond, Cornwall, Frogtown, Brockville,
Edelweiss, Ohsweken, Fulton, Rolling Wheels and Brewerton with more to be announced
shortly.
It is showcasing “America’s Race Cars” and they will be brought to you by
nativepoker.com. Yonge, Kaszubinski, VanDusen, Cook, Bergeron, Sharp Jr., the Norrie
Bros., Karklin Jr. along with the first year crop of Poirier, Zemken, Wickham and now add
in a three-time champion…2006 will be excitement guaranteed!!
SEIDEL LANDS GEI RIDE FOR 2006, CURT MICHAEL RANKED THIRD IN
HALL OF FAME POLL
Brian Seidel of Allentown, PA will be the driver of the Bill Gallagher owned GEI
Enterprises 5G when the URC Sprint Car season opens in April. Seidel, the 2000 URC
Champion and winner of nineteen career victories plans to be a serious contender in the
chase for the URC season long championship. Just one of many competitors that Seidel will
have to battle if he plans on winning the title is Curt Michael of Ocean View, DE.
Michael, was just recently voted the third ranked 360 Sprint Car Driver of the year by the
National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. And to add to that, Curt also drives the Kathy Palladino
BK Leasing #99, a nominee for the 360 Sprint Car Team of the Year.
Seidel is a long time favorite in the URC wars and he'll carry the following list of
sponsors to include Valley Forge INC, Montgomery Brothers Auto Body, K+N Engineering,
Sanders Engineering, B+B Oval Track Products, Outlaw Brakes and Pro-Shocks. All under the
leadership of Car Owner Bill Gallagher and Team Manager Todd Rittenhouse, the powerful 5G
is serious about being a title contender.
Brian Seidel and Curt Michael will still have to deal with the talents of Dave Ely, Kevin
Welsh, Bill Brian Jr, Ed Aikin, Scott Pursell and Kramer Williamson just to name a few
With this level of competition, URC will continue their growth beyond being the oldest
traveling sprint car organization in the county to being the best traveling sprint car
show. New and exciting plans will be announced in the first quarter of the new year, with
URC drivers and owners getting a peak of what's in store at the Annual URC Awards Banquet
on Saturday night, December 17 at the Hotel Sheraton in Dover, DE.
For more information, visit www.urcsprints.com.
Dan Kaszubinski Teams Up With Fratto Motorsports for Empire Super Sprint Title Assault in 2006
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On of the biggest names in the world of the Empire Super Sprints
(ESS) is making a little change for the 2006 racing season which will be brought to you by
nativepoker.com. Syracuse, N.Y.’s Dan Kaszubinski will drive for Carmen Fratto and
Fratto Motorsports as a teammate to Nick Fratto, the 2003 ESS rookie of the year, hoping
for his first ever title with the 360 organization.
Since his start with ESS a decade ago, Kaszubinski has wheeled sprint car equipment owned
by himself and his family. While never really high funded, success has followed the
exciting driver amassing 28 career feature wins along the way which ties him for fifth on
the all-time win list. Joining forces with the Fratto family will give him added equipment
that he has been lacking the previous years.
“I just have to thank Carmen, Nick, everyone with the Fratto team. They saved my butt
last year by giving me a car to end the season with. I was done plain and simple, I bent
up my two cars and nothing left, but the Fratto’s just told me to use their car and
run it hard.” said Kaszubinski “I was going to cut back some next year to get
some home projects done but with this coming along I’m exciting to be back for a full
season with ESS. They way we all got along at the end of last year, I think this season is
going to be fun and maybe, just maybe we can get Lance.”
Three Maxims and power supplied by Jimmy D’s Speed and Machine will be in the stable.
The truck will be provided by Kaszubinski while the Fratto’s will bring in the
trailer. The cars will be housed with Kaszubinski as he and crew chief Todd Weigand will
oversee the equipment during the week.
“I’m looking forward to 2006 as well. Actually I can’t wait for the winter
to end so we car go racing.” noted Nick, the 16 year old driver from Geneva, N.Y.
“With Dan and Todd working on the cars it will help my father a bunch and allow me to
get a job as well to help out. Also, everyone knows that Dan can really drive these
sprinters so I hope I can learn some of his traits.”
Sponsorship will be from Geneva Curbing and Concrete, JDS Dirt and Ohsweken Speedway.
Product sponsors are being gathered to help stock back up parts. The cars will be painted
red and fans can get the first look at the team in March as they will be making an
appearance at the annual Car Quest Motorsports Expo in Syracuse.
Lance Yonge is coming off back to back ESS titles. Dan Kaszubinski has been his main rival
not only in points but feature wins. With the help from Fratto Motorsports, the Syracuse
star is putting on the boxing gloves and getting ready for a good ole’ 12 round
championship fight.
Along with ESS stars such as Jeff VanDusen, second in points for 2005, Jeff Cook, Alain
Bergeron and many others, the 2006 www.nativepoker.com
tour will continue with the tradition of excitement guaranteed!
MIKE HAGGENBOTTOM RETURNS TO URC. . .
KATHY PALLADINO TEAM 99 NOMINATED FOR 360 SPRINT TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD
Popular Levittown, PA sprint car driver Mike Haggenbottom will be returning to the weekly
battles on the URC Advance Auto Parts Sprint Series tour in 2006. Haggenbottom, the 2001
URC Driver Champion will complete on the entire URC schedule, joining forces with long
time car owner Lou Eckrich of Wilmington, DE. Some other big news includes a recent
announcement that the Kathy Palladino #99 Team is one of three teams nominated for the
2005 360 Sprint Car Team of the Year Award. Each year, this award is presented on behalf
of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa.
Along with being a former champion, Haggenbottom owns eight career wins under the URC
banner. In the coming season, the Haggenbottom/Eckrich Team will compete in a Maxim
Chassis on VRP shocks with a CP Racing Engine as the power plant. Other sponsors that will
be displayed on the familiar #54 include WDB Landscaping, Richboro Lawn and Garden,
Johnson Chiropractic, Atlantic Speed Center and FatSams.net.
Before the drop of the checker flag, the Kathy Palladino #99 Team is chasing down one more
victory. Each year, the popular National Sprint Car Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding
performers in various categories of our sport. Kathy along with her husband Pat, driver
Curt Michael and the entire 99 Team are awaiting the announcement of who will be, the 360
Sprint Car Team of the Year.
The Palladino 99 Team rallied to three URC victories this season and won the title with
class and style. The track and pit performance of this team is unmatched by anyone. The
car and team always appears neat and clean and the performance of the track will range
from a threat to win any feature to consistency at the completion of every feature event.
Final ballots by a panel from the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame will determine the 360
Sprint Car Team of the year, expected to be announced by the end of the week. The
Palladino Team 99 is certainly a front runner for this award.
The URC Awards Banquet is set for Saturday night, December 17 at the Hotel Sheraton-
-Dover, DE. A point fund to exceed $40,000 will be distributed with Champion Driver Curt
Michael and Champion Owner Kathy Palladino collecting the top honors.
For more information on URC, please visit our website at: www.urcsprints.com.
BULL & MILLER RACING TEAM CELEBRATE TITLES AT ARDC
AWARDS BANQUET
Hazleton, PA - Ray Bull, Bloomsburg, PA, was crowned as the Driver’s Champion for the
sixth consecutive year at the American Racing Drivers Club Awards Banquet last Saturday
night. The Miller Racing Team and owner Mike Miller collected its first Car Owner’s
Championship due to an outstanding season by driver Steve Buckwalter.
Bull had to come from behind in order to win the 2005 Driver’s
title. He and Buckwalter waged a torrid battle for the championship throughout the
just-completed season. Due to unforeseen mechanical problems, Bull had to jump into
teammates’ cars a few times during the summer to earn valuable points. On Saturday,
at Lobitz Catering Hall in Hazleton, PA, Bull talked about those tough times, and how much
he values his team.
“This one is special because of how hard this team worked this
year,” noted the winner of 44 ARDC main events. “The problems we had made us
stronger and I can’t thank my team enough for all their hard work. And Dave Shirk, my
teammate, giving up his ride so I could gain some points…I just can’t say enough
about all the guys on this Mega Motorsports team.”
After receiving the championship hardware for his first Car
Owner’s title with ARDC, Mike Miller gave all the credit to the driver who made it
possible, along with his crew chief. “This is nice, but it should really go to Steve
(Buckwalter) and Ed (Heffline). They had the car prepared so well for every race, and it
was fast and hooked up each time out. This title is due to their efforts.”
Those efforts earned Heffline the Ken Hickey Mechanic of the Year
Award. He was responsible for the weekly maintenance of the Victory Motorcycle no. 5, and
Buckwalter also charged him with installing the proper set-up on the car.
“Ed knows how I want the car to handle; how I want the car to
feel,” stated Buckwalter, who led the series with eight victories in 2005. “We
are definitely on the same page as far as set-ups…I trust him completely.”
Andy Martin was named the Schaefer/Peters Memorial Rookie of the Year.
The Gordonville Flash notched his first career ARDC triumph at Little Valley, NY, in
September. Martin also had ten more finishes inside the top-five, and a total of 18
top-ten finishes out of 22 feature races run by ARDC in 2005.
The Galen Halteman Memorial President’s Award was given to Eric
“Butch” Zipp for his dedication to the club and sportsmanship. Zipp, who owns
the number 99 driven by his brother Scott, is always willing to lend a helping hand to
anyone in the pit area. He also served as the engine tech person in ’05.
Ted Schmid began his racing career in 1948, and for the past 17 years
he’s been competing with ARDC. For his support and loyalty to the club, Schmid was
awarded the Lifetime Membership/ ARDC Hall of Fame plaque last Saturday. An overwhelmed
Schmid, from Lititz, PA, accepted the award, then admitted that he is “more pumped up
than ever to go racing.”
Susquehanna Speedway Park, the home track of the ARDC Midgets for 2006,
was recognized for its outstanding contribution to the club. Promoter Todd Fisher accepted
the plaque, noting that he “wants to help the club grow as much as the club can help
Susquehanna grow.”
Nick Fornoro, Sr. was named as the recipient of this year’s Bill
Schindler Founder’s Award. Unfortunately, the patriarch of the popular racing family
was unable to attend the banquet. Mel Mowbray spoke on Fornoro’s behalf and accepted
the award.
The Checkered Flag Fan Club and its representative, Tommy Cochrane,
presented ARDC Media Information Director/Announcer Barry Angstadt with a Service Award,
while Jolene Ulrich, the club’s “Cone Girl”, received a special gift.
Ulrich, who completed her first season as an ARDC official, was given a small cone with a
string attached to it. Her duties during the racing season included the handling of the
restart cone, and this small replica will allow her to “practice” over the
winter.
Plaques of appreciation were presented to all of the ARDC officials,
and every car owner who fielded a midget in 2005 was recognized with a plaque bearing a
photograph of his/her car. All of the tracks who hosted ARDC events in 2005 will also be
receiving a plaque to show the club’s appreciation for their hospitality and support
of midget racing.
The club’s new Board of Governors was also introduced to the crowd
at the banquet. Leading the organization in 2006 will be President Ron Lauer, Vice
President Lou Zrinski, Secretary Kathy Kurtz, and Treasurer Fred Schell. The Driver’s
Representative and Booking Agent will be Mike Miller, while Dyke Becker will serve as the
Owner’s Representative. Keith Mory will fill the Trustee’s position on the
Board, and Jeff Martin will be the Board Member at Large. Lauer, Kurtz, Schell, Miller,
and Mory all served in the same capacities in 2005.
Many of the ARDC teams are preparing to compete at the 20th Annual
Chili Bowl, to be held in Tulsa, OK on January 11 through the 14th. The club will also
take part in Motorsports 2006 in Fort Washington, PA, and at the EMPA Convention in
Trevose, PA at the end of January. Several teams also plan to display their midgets at
various car shows during the winter months.
As of now, the first ARDC sanctioned race in 2006 is scheduled for
Friday, April 14 at Susquehanna Speedway Park.
Geneva Curbing to Provide the “Bridesmaid Bonus”
at Each Empire Super Sprint A-Main
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – For the second consecutive year, Carmen Fratto and the Geneva
Curbing and Concrete Company will be a big part of the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) with a
sponsorship program that will award cash to one driver at each full point show. With the
added bonus, ESS’ richest A-Main payoff ever just got a little bit larger for the
2006 tour that will be brought to you by nativepoker.com.
A change from the 2005 tour will find Geneva Curbing providing the “Bridesmaid
Bonus” for the new season which will see each second place finisher get $50 cash on
top of the $1000 minimum payoff. Last season Geneva Curbing was the sponsor of the nightly
A-Main winner’s bonus but with the addition of the Ohsweken Speedway and the Canadian
Sprint Car Nationals, Fratto was more than happy to move his program to a different
direction.
“With Glenn Styres coming aboard and giving $100 to each winner, I was very willing
to change our sponsorship. It all means more money to drivers in ESS and with an added
$100 on top and an added $50 for second that will make for a nice payoff.” said
Fratto who owns the sprint car driven by his son and 2003 ESS rookie of the year Nick
Fratto. Fratto’s Geneva Curbing will also be involved with Dan Kaszubinski for the
upcoming year with plans announced shortly.
The 24th season for ESS will reach a record level in money offered with some of the very
best 360 drivers reaping the benefits. Already some 30 dates have been inked for the 2006
nativepoker.com tour with more in the works. Many new race teams have also indicated
running the ESS tour for 2006 which will help make the cold winter months go by just a
little bit quicker.
For more information, fans and race teams alike can log on to www.empiresupersprints.com
for the latest up to date announcements. Geneva Curbing…welcome back in helping the
Empire Super Sprints continuing with the tradition of excitement guaranteed!
Newly Formed United Racing Company Delivers Big Bonus. . . .
. .
URC COMPETITORS EYE $10,000 BAR'S LEAKS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM FOR 2006
Competitors on the URC (United Racing Company) Sprint Series have a spark of excitement
with a recent announcement that BAR's Leaks will offer a $10,000 sponsorship to one of
their race teams for the 2006 season. URC teams are busy developing their sponsorship
program to include statistics, photographs and a driver profile. More then a dozen URC
race teams have already submitted their proposal to BAR's Leaks for review.
This creative sponsorship program is the first big news to come out of the newly formed
United Racing Company, the governing body for the 2006 URC Sprint Car Series. The United
Racing Company will continue the rich history of the URC sprint cars as they race into
their fifty-ninth season as the Nation's oldest traveling sprint car series.
BAR's Leaks is asking race teams to provide them with their current sponsors, years of
racing experience, racing plans for 2006 and the reason why their team would like the
BAR's Leaks $10,000 sponsorship. Along with receiving the $10,000 in cash, the selected
URC race team will also have their photo included in the 2007 BAR's Leaks Calendar with
circulation to reach approximately 100,000 copies.
Some of the requirements made on behalf of BAR's Leaks is the mandatory participation on
the URC Sprint Tour for 2006, display of the race car at selected car shows such as
Motorsports and participation in the Knoxville 360 Nationals. The race team must paint
their car in the color scheme of BAR's Leaks and display the appropriate car and trailer
decals. In addition, BAR's Leaks will also provide the race team with Hero Cards, uniforms
and shirts. Of course, the selected URC Team must represent BAR's Leaks in a professional
and courteous manner at all times during the 2006 racing season.
BAR's Leaks will review all the race team proposals and narrow the field down to a
selected few. At the URC Awards Banquet set for Saturday night, December 17 at the Hotel
Sheraton in Dover, DE, a special drawing will take place with BAR's Leaks announcing the
winner of the $10,000 sponsorship program for 2006.
The URC Sprint Series is again looking strong in 2006 with race dates already confirmed at
Delaware International, Bridgeport, New Egypt, Middletown, Grandview, Williams Grove,
Lincoln and the Fonda Speedway. Other dates are still pending and a firm schedule is
expected to be announced at the URC Awards Banquet.
URC Champion Driver Curt Michael and Owner Champion Kathy Palladino will be in the
spotlight most of night during the URC Awards Banquet, collecting the largest share of the
$40,000 point fund.
The United Racing Company plans to make several other announcements at the URC Awards
Banquet that will have a positive impact on the 2006 racing series. There is more good
news to come, but for right now, almost every URC race team is chasing the $10,000
sponsorship offering by BAR's Leaks.
The Checkered Flag Falls on the 2005 Season for the Empire
Super Sprints with the Annual Awards Banquet: Over $46,000 Handed Out
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. – It was a packed banquet room Saturday night, Nov. 12th at the
Double Tree Club Hotel in Liverpool, N.Y. as the very best from the Empire Super Sprints
(ESS) shared in a prize pot that was worth over $46,000 in cash and prizes. With
representatives from new tour sponsor nativepoker.com on hand to bring in the 2006 season,
it was a classic affair to bring down the 23rd season for the sprint car organization.
For the second consecutive season, Penn Yan, N.Y.’s Lance Yonge was honored as the
tour champion. His six win season proved strong as he bested Jeff VanDusen and Dan
Kaszubinski for the well earned championship. Not only did Yonge claim the overall title,
but he took home the Spectro Oils Canadian Invasion title as well (also for the second
year in a row) making his total on the night $6,300.
While Yonge was indeed the honored driver of the night, many other special awards were
given out that kept the big throng cheering during the entire ceremony. The Jereco
Competition Engines rookie of the year was won by West Suffield, Ct.’s Doug Norrie.
Not only did the first year driver take his first career ESS victory but finished a very
solid seventh in points making it one of the most successful first seasons in history. The
popular driver took home $500 cash from Jereco.
The ESS most improved driver was welcomed warmly by the crowd as Don Sharp Jr. earned the
yearly award. While he did go winless in 2005, many near misses of the victory lane and
being in contention at every event was more than enough to give the New Hampshire faithful
the recognition.
The Brodix Cylinder Heads hard luck award and $500 cash went to Jeff Cook. Even though the
Antwerp, N.Y. star did finish fourth in the final points, his sharp #10 sprinter was in
the wrong place at the right time on many occasions showing this award went to the right
driver. In just a bit of irony, Cook was on hand nursing an injury suffered just a few
weeks ago.
The Walt’s Hobby Dash Series crowned a new champion as another New Englander claimed
an award with Manchester, Vt.’s Luke Eriksen winning the point title and collecting
$700 cash for his efforts. Jeff Cook ($400), Bob Podolak and Dan Kaszubinski ($100 each)
also received cash.
The Gater News Lap Leader award was won by Alain Bergeron and he took home $300 in cash
for leading the most A-Main laps in 2005. He beat out Kaszubinski and Cook for the title.
The annual John Zentner Memorial Award given to a person or group that has shown
tremendous dedication to the Empire Super Sprints went to the Norrie family. In their
first full year on the tour Doug and Matt Norrie along with their parents traveled to all
full point shows from their Connecticut home. Their efforts were greatly appreciated by
all in the banquet room.
The third annual Mal Lane Award of Excellence was also well received as it went to the
tour champion Lance Yonge. Running his self-owned operation to another championship while
being a true ambassador of ESS made him a good choice.
In keeping with the Yonge team, Chris Hammond was named the Leaf Racewear mechanic of the
year. Chris was Lance’s right hand man at most of the events and was picked by his
peers to receive the special award.
Many special giveaways from several sponsors made the night even more special. Randy Years
won the set of heads from Brodix, Matt Norrie won the Simpson helmet and set of racing
shoes from Area Auto Racing News, John Karklin Jr. won a free top and front wing from Four
Wide Motorsports and Wings Unlimited, A set of torsion bars from M&W Aluminum Products
went to Kyle Moffit while Alain Bergeron won a free axle from M&W. Nick Fratto took
home 500 free autograph cards from ESS’ photographer Guy Fortier, headers from
Schoenfeld were won by Moffit, Bergeron and Bobby Podolak. Special certificates from Leaf
Racewear was taken by Don Sharp Jr. and Matt Norrie. Jeff Cook won headers from Zemco
Headers while Dan Kaszubinski and Luke Eriksen winning awards from Weld Motorsports. A
free front wing from LA Sharp Services was won by Bubby Kerrick.
Special recognition went to the point fund contributors which included Hoosier Racing
Tire, Car Mate Trailers, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Lane’s Yamaha and Geneva Curbing.
Also adding to the banquet totals were: Design 500, HRP, KSE Racing Products, Sander
Engineering, Total Seal, Racing Optics, DMI, B&B Oval Track Products, Hank’s
Performance Products, The Valvoline Cup, Frankland Racing Supply, Behrent’s
Performance Warehouse, Butler Built Seats, Kreitz Oval Track Products, DSR Fuel Systems,
Winters Performance Products, Ultra-Shield Race Products, J&J Auto Racing, Rod End
Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Joe Hunt Magnetos, Impact Racing, ATL Fuel Cells, Bect
Chemicals, Hazlitt Vineyards, MRE Productions, Brake Man and The Ugly Duckling Saloon.
Also recognition to other tour sponsors such as FX Caprara Car Companies, JCK Timber, The
Race Depot and Penske Shocks was given in making for a very successful year.
In the annual rules meeting held prior to the banquet, several changes were made for 2006.
Hoosier Racing Tire will be the official left and right rear tire for ESS for the next
three years. An age limit for competitors with ESS has been established at 15 years of
age. The engines must have ASCS heads only for the year 2008 and the one-way radio system
has been switched to the Raceceivers which has been used very successfully by the World of
Outlaws and DIRT Motorsports.
It was a great capper to a very successful season for the Empire Super Sprints. From a
well deserved standing ovation for Bubby Kerrick who lost his father just two weeks ago,
to welcoming Tony Laughing, Don Thompson and Randy Connors from nativepoker.com to handing
out over $46,000 to 20 great sprint car chauffeurs. The 24th season for ESS is just around
the corner and more exciting news will be coming in the next few weeks. For more
information, feel free to log on to www.empiresupersprints.com.
The 2006 Empire Super Sprint Banquet Totals:
1. Lance Yonge $6,300
2. Jeff VanDusen 4,350
3. Dan Kaszubinski 3,675
4. Jeff Cook 3,515
5. Alain Bergeron 3,015
6. Don Sharp Jr. 2,890
7. Doug Norrie 2,640
8. John Karklin Jr. 3,340
9. Bubby Kerrick 1,990
10. Nick Fratto 2,065
11. Kyle Moffit 2,115
12. Bobby Podolak 1,360
13. Matt Norrie 2,190
14. Luke Eriksen 1,850
15. Doug Emery 685
16. Billy White 645
17. R.C. Faigle 615
18. Russ Bennett 555
19. Randy Years 1,935
20. Ray Preston 420
Total - $46,150
Empire Super Sprints to Appear at the National Parts Peddler
Auction and Trade Show this Weekend
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – It has been over 15 years since the winged warriors of the Empire
Super Sprints (ESS) have made a visit to Corky Stockham’s National Parts Peddler
Auction and Trade Show but now fans of the very successful sprint car organization will
get there chance as ESS is back to the Center of Progress building on the New York State
Fairgrounds.
Stockham is a big fan of sprint cars in the Northeast and ESS is proud to bring their
colors to his show which is held this weekend, Nov. 18-20. In the ESS booth will be the
sprint car of 2006 rookie of the year hopeful and female sensation Jessica Zemken. The 19
year old budding star is getting ready for her first year on the full ESS tour which will
be brought to you by nativepoker.com piloting the Tom Patterson owned entry.
Many ESS representatives will be on hand all weekend signing up race teams at the special
“before the new year” reduced rates. The 2006 tour is looking to be one of the
biggest in ESS history with more races already booked than last year and with the help of
nativepoker.com it will be the most lucrative ever.
Not only has Corky Stockham invited ESS to be a part of his tremendous show, the National
Parts Peddler logo will be on the tour as well as he will be an associate sponsor when the
first green flag drops. ESS is getting ready for it’s 23rd Anniversary Tour and
Stockham was one of the original tour sponsors. With his help, ESS has grown to be a major
force in sprint car racing today.
It’s the National Parts Peddler Auction and Trade Show and the world of the Empire
Super Sprints is making a visit. The N.Y. State Fairgrounds is the site and this weekend
is the date…It will be excitement guaranteed!
Seitz Repeats Efforts and Grabs 2005 NEMA Championship
NJ Native, Ben Seitz, once again pushed his racing abilities to the max
and locked in his second straight NEMA (NorthEastern Midget Association)
championship. Seitz, a product of the Hillisborough school system with
his parents still residing in Skillman, put many years in locally between
go karts and legend cars before making the big jump into the midgets.
Ben Seitz had a banner year in 2004 & 2005 with NEMA wheeling a 900 lb
winged car powered via a hand built 162 cubic inch fuel injected engine
producing above 350 + HP. These are the same cars that NASCAR brass, like
Tony Stewart, prefer to drive and, in fact, does any chance he gets. Why?
Because these cars, pound for pound, are some of the fastest and toughest
cars to wheel around any race track, from the ¼ mile bullrings to the big
mile tracks.
In 2004 Ben grabbed 4 wins and 7 hard charger awards in just 12 races.
Along with those fine stats came a well deserved NEMA Championship and a
place in the NEMA history books. And making it even more special, Ben
had not won a NEMA event prior to his stellar 2004 season as his first
two seasons were plagued with heartbreaks and motor problems. The 2005
Season ended with 5 win's, 4 - 2nd's, 3-4th's, 1-5th', with 2 dnf's
(14th, & 15th)..That's 13 top 5's out of 15 races. Most would've killed
for a single win and a few top 5's due to the grueling competition the
series carries.
The 2005 season, unlike 2004, saw Seitz fight for the championship down to
the final lap of the final race. Motor woes plagued the team at several
points throughout the year but with the backing of his car owner, Pete
Valeri, and major sponsors Cape Cod Aggregates and Valeri Construction,
the team pushed on. Seitz went into that final race with just a two point
lead over crafty veteran and well known driver Joey Payne, another NJ
resident. But in the end it was Seitz edging Payne for both the victory
that day and for the championship! All in all, a hard fought but well
earned battle that even further solidified the now Monument Beach, MA
resident's name in both the NEMA record book and in the world of
motorsports in general.
With the 2005 season down, Seitz will now turn his focus to 2006 to see
what comes up. Currently Seitz is looking for a ride for the big TQ race
in January in Atlantic City, NJ. As anyone that has followed Seitz career
knows, the more strange and tough a track is, and the indoor AC track
surely is, the tougher Seitz is! Any interested parties may contact
Jeff@ThrowinItDown.com for more information on his accomplishments and for
contact information.
As for what's up next for the young Ben Seitz, only time will tell.
Seitz would love to get seat time in an asphalt modified and a
ride in a supermodified but nothing has been solidified for the coming
season. Seitz did very successfully test a supermodified out in OH and
was set to run a race with the ISMA sanctioning body but a rainout shut
those plans down. In his first time out he was running lap times
consistent with those in the top 10! But then again, why would one expect
anything different from a young man that has won in everything he's ever
driven?
In closing, keep your eyes on Seitz, he just may end up on the TV one day
next to the likes of Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon. He's go the talent.
He's got the attitude. And Most important of all, he's got the look in
his eye that lets everyone know that he's not quite ready to stop with his
most recent conquer. To keep up with Ben and what's going on stop by
www.BenSeitzRacing.com.
Over $45,000 Awaits the Best From the Empire Super Sprints
This Saturday
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As the final checkered flag gets ready to wave this Saturday night,
over $45,000 in cash and prizes will be handed out to the top twenty drivers from the 2005
tour of the Empire Super Sprints (ESS). The Double Tree Club Hotel will be the site as the
23rd season for one of the nation’s largest 360 organizations comes to a close.
For the second year in a row, Lance Yonge will be seated at the head table as he
celebrates another ESS championship. Yonge will receive his well deserved accolades from
the big crowd that will be on hand not only for his second overall title but winning his
second Spectro Oils Canadian Invasion title as well.
While the Penn Yan, N.Y. star will be featured, many other special awards will be given
out during the night. Manchester, Vt.’s Luke Eriksen has a successful sophomore as he
collected the Walt’s Hobby Dash Series Championship. Alain Bergeron led the most
A-Main laps during the 2005 season and thus will take home a cash award from Gater Racing
News.
Other highlights will be the Jereco Competition Engines rookie of the year, the Brodix
Cylinder Heads hard luck award, the Empire Super Sprints most improved driver as well as
the Leaf Racewear mechanic of the year award. The annual John Zentner Memorial Award and
the Mal Lane Award of Excellence will also a featured attraction of the night.
Many of ESS’ associate sponsors have added to the pot with many special awards and
giveaways which helped in making the 22nd annual event another chapter to remember.
Cocktail party starts at 6PM with dinner being served at 6:30. The awards ceremony will
get the green flag at 8PM with the curtain being brought down on a very successful season
at 1AM.
A reminder to all teams that the annual rules meeting will also be held at the same place
with registration beginning at 8AM and the meeting going off at 9AM sharp.
The Double Tree Club Hotel in Liverpool, N.Y. is the site, the annual Empire Super Sprints
awards banquet is the event. A great way to honor some of the very best sprint drivers in
the Northeast and Canada and as always….it will be excitement guaranteed!!
ARDC's "TEST DRIVE A MIDGET" DAY IS A HUGE SUCCESS
Oley, PA - On Sunday, October 30, the American Racing Drivers Club sponsored their
first-ever "Test Drive a Midget Day" at Susquehanna Speedway Park. This
endeavor, believed to be the first of its kind among dirt track sanctioning bodies,
offered drivers from other forms of motorsports the chance to get their feet wet behind
the wheel of a high-powered, wingless midget.
In order to be selected for this invitation-only event, racers had to fill out an
application that was available on the ARDC web site. Those applications, along with a fee
to cover the cost of insurance, track and car rental, and an ambulance, were then mailed
or faxed to the club's selection committee, who made the final, difficult decision as to
which wheel-twisters would have the opportunity to take the "test drives".
More than 60 applications were received, making the selection process even more difficult.
The committee pared the well-qualified applicants down to 20, then extended the
invitations by telephone.
A beautiful day greeted the successful applicants, and each one went through a training
period before buckling into a midget. The training consisted of general safety guidelines,
procedures for the test drive, and a familiarization session with the racecar.
The 20 test drivers came from a wide variety of racing backgrounds: there were several
micro sprint chauffeurs, some dirt Modified jockeys, a couple of Three Quarter Midget
racers, at least one Legend Car pilot, and a Super Sportsman driver who all got plenty of
seat time in a fire-breathing midget at Susquehanna. For safety reasons, only one car was
permitted to be on the track at a time, but each of the 20 racers managed to get out on
the track at least twice.
With only one exception (an apparently over-zealous individual went for a wild, tumbling
adventure in turn one - fortunately, the driver was unhurt but the midget was destroyed),
the drivers quickly adapted to the fast, twitching style of wingless midget racing and
handled themselves very well on the clay of SSP. Upon exiting the cars, all of the drivers
expressed feelings of surprise and enjoyment...surprise at the speed of the cars, which
relayed into their enjoyment of the ride.
One long-time Modified driver remarked, "I get tired of fixing body panels all the
time, and I can see where the midgets are a lot of fun to drive, and probably not as
expensive to purchase and maintain. They are really racy."
Several of the micro sprint chauffeurs on hand expressed serious interest in buying a
midget. "The cost of micro sprint racing is getting out of hand," noted one
competitor. "This (midget racing) looks to be relatively the same, cost-wise, and it
really is the next step if you're looking to move up."
Many long-time ARDC officials and car owners, who helped to organize and run the test
session, were extremely pleased with the events of the day. Even Doug Starrett, whose car
was "junked" in that lone, unfortunate incident, was impressed by the club's
foresight in presenting this event. "This is the best thing that ARDC has ever
done," summed up the veteran car owner while standing over his wrecked racecar.
"If... no, make that 'when' we do this again, my car will definitely be here."
In addition to Starrett and Bryan Kobylarz, who drives and maintains Doug's no. 49, other
ARDC teams who either volunteered their cars or provided assistance in running the
session, included: Ed and Tom Stimely, Lou Zrinski (who provided two cars), the Miller
Racing Team (they had three cars available for the test drive), Martin Racing, Donnie
Trent, Mark Lawshe, Steve Buckwalter, and Scott Zipp, along with his brother and crew
chief, Butch. Club President Ron Lauer, along with officials Krissy Lauer and Jolene
Ulrich also lent their assistance in making the day a resounding success.
Those who took the test drives included: Tim Tomson; Joe Trone, Jr.; Sean Stolz; Justin
Stewart; Bruce Buckwalter, Jr.; Brett Conkling; John Deatrich; Doug Iannareli; Ryan
Kissinger; Paul Kline; Jamie Kostic; Mike Pychinka; Ricky Rutt; Bill Rose; Matt Horst;
Matt Sowers; Cody Shaffer; Jarrett Sanders; Dan Kerr; and Barry Racan.
ARDC officers and officials also want to express their gratitude to Todd and Rhonda Fisher
of SSP for providing the facility for the inaugural Test Drive event.
Although there are no definite dates in place at this time, the club does plan on hosting
another "Test Drive A Midget Day" in the future. Details will be announced when
they are available.
MEMBERSHIP VOTES OVERWHELMINGLY. . .
URC WILL TRANSITION FROM A CLUB TO A CORPORATION
In the fifty-eight year history of the United Racing Club, the vote
taken on Sunday afternoon, November 6 could very well be the most important vote ever cast
by the membership of our Nation's oldest traveling sprint car series. Since the beginning,
which dates back to 1948, the initials of URC represented the United Racing Club, an
organization founded by Harry Johnson to represent the weekly Saturday night sprint car
racer. Effective Monday, November 7, URC will now stand for the United Racing Company, a
limited liability company based in Delaware. URC, as it will continue to be known, will be
operated by Managing Members John and Cheryl Zimmerman and Bob and Donna Miller.
The most comforting statement of the day came from URC President John Zimmerman,
confirming that the long and successful history of URC will not only be remembered, but it
will grow for years to come.
For several years, there has been interest within URC of going in this direction and there
were many reasons sited. First, the competitive nature of this business requires the
ability to have flexibility in the rapid changing environment of decision-making,
something that is often slowed down in a club environment. Another motivation for this
change is opening new doors with potential sponsors who would much rather negotiate with a
registered corporation then a club.
Perception is another compelling reason for this change. While URC has enjoyed a long
existence, being a club has branded the name of URC as something other then a full
fledge-serious entity in the world of sprint car racing. With a point fund in excess of
$40,000, the best negotiated tire deal for sprint cars in the country and a minimum
earnings of $200 just to start a feature event, clearly puts URC in the game and they
could very well be the leader of 360 sprint car racing today. Transponders for scoring and
in car radios are mandatory, showing URC's commitment to providing the promoters and
spectators an efficiently run show.
Looking ahead to 2006, there is a fairly well defined road map of where URC is heading.
"From the view point of the fans, promoters, drivers and owners, expect to see the
same well run (no delay) racing program", commented Bob Miller. "What we have
going with URC is the continuation of "work in progress" so there is no need for
us to re-create the wheel". Miller added, "We're where we are today because of
the efforts of John, Cher and I. . . . It's just time to take URC to the next level of
professionalism with a touch of corporate image.
Surprising, the membership vote for this change was overwhelming 21 to 1. The current
Board of Directors is made-up of car owners who really have enough to do, fielding a
competitive car for the grinding URC Advance Auto Parts Sprint Series. When it comes to
mid-week preparation, their car needs the attention, not operating the day-to-day tasks of
URC, and the same can be said for their sponsorship efforts. Race teams today have to work
hard to secure their own sponsors and they can't be expected to go out and land sponsors
for URC. That work must lie in the hands of URC's Managing Members. The same can be said
for dealing with track promoters, publicity and promotions, cars shows and the media.
It was communicated that drastic changes will not occur. For example, the American Racer
tire agreement will continue, URC's point fund for next year is expected to exceed the
2005 payout and the schedule is already well into the planning stages with a similar
series as we saw this year.
URC is in good hands. John and Cher Zimmerman has been committed to the success of URC for
many years, with John working in the capacity of URC President as Cher handled the
secretary-treasurer position. On race night, both John and Cher are actively working to
deliver the highest quality show for the fans and Promoters and they listen closely to the
comments always offered by the competitors each night at the completion of the race.
Also in the partnership as URC Managing Members are Bob and Donna Miller. Bob has been
working with URC since 1986 when he joined URC in the position of Publicity. Bob secured
URC's first ever series title sponsorship, that being Kendall Motor Oil. Outside of URC,
the Miller's also co-promote the successful Thunder on the Hill Racing Series and are
involved in several other short track racing activities.
The working relationship between the Zimmerman's and the Miller's is not only unique, but
also successful, as the two teams seem to compliment the total effort. An effort that has
seen great benefits for URC. Both Zimmerman and Miller are not sprint car drivers or
sprint car owners, and that in itself is unique with URC. Throughout the long and rich
history of URC, the President and senior ranking officers have been competing car owners
and drivers, which on occasions has created conflict within the ranks.
"I feel we can be more objective in the business decisions of URC as well as the race
night managing of officials and race calls". Zimmerman continued to say, "Our
competitors are important to us, but so are the track operators who are faced with new
challenges each year, we need to work in the best interest of both parties". John
added, "That's where Bob helps out so much since he can see what we're doing through
the eyes of a Promoter.
There is no need to be sad, this is not the end of URC as we know it, but the rejuvenation
of a traveling sprint car series that is fifty-eight years rich in history. From the days
of leather helmets, no roll cages and drivers racing in t-shirts, to the prestigious URC
Banquet that will distribute a whopping $40,000 point fund in short track racing's most
dignified awards dinner; it's time to celebrate the continuation of growth within URC.
The URC Awards Banquet is set for Saturday night, December 17 at the Hotel Sheraton in
Dover, DE. Along with the distribution of the point fund monies and special awards, expect
major announcements of renewed sponsorships, new and exciting sponsorship offers, special
events and new purse incentives. Catch sprint car racing's New Deal, URC in 2006.
For additional information, visit the URC web site at: www.urcsprints.com.
Questions of Interest:
Q. How will URC operate through this transition period?
A. There will be no noticeable change. Business will go on as usual with the Banquet,
planning for
Motorsports, Scheduling of events and participation at EMPA.
Q. What happens to URC, a non-profit organization?
A. The United Racing Club will cease operations on December 31, 2005. The United Racing
Company LLC
will begin operation on or before November 7, 2005.
Q. What will happen to the money in the United Racing Club account?
A. All monies generated and going into the United Racing Club will be 100% paid out at the
2005 Banquet.
The United Racing Club Board of Directors will oversee the finances and payment of the
point fund.
Q. Will the URC engine rules change in 2006 and how will car specifications be decided?
A. No engine rule changes are planned for 2006. URC's Managing Members will create a Tech
Committee to
assist in the decision making of on-going car specifications and changes.
Q. Is there a bigger plan in mind for you to sell URC?
A. The competitive nature of URC's Managing Members will not allow them selling URC. In
fact, operating
under the current "club" environment, could make URC more vulnerable for a take
over by someone or a
group that would not have the best interests of URC in mind.
Q. Will there still me a URC membership?
A. Yes, and the price will remain the same. The membership fees over the years have been
used to offset
administrative costs such as phone calls, stationary, mailings, web site operations, etc.
Q. Will sanction fees be increased to the track Promoters?
A. No sanction fees will go unchanged for the fifth year in a row.
Q. What is the protest policy for URC competitors?
A. The protest policy will remain the same as prior years.
Q. Will the nightly payoff to the drivers decrease in any positions?
A. No, the purse will not decrease, and be aware that additional bonus money may be added.
Leaf Racewear Backs the Annual Mechanic of the Year Award
for the Empire Super Sprints
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – One of the long-time sponsors for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) has
added to their support by becoming the title sponsor for the annual Mechanic of the Year
Award. Hailing from London, Ontario, Leaf Racewear is one of the industries largest
manufacturers of racing safety wear and we are proud that they will back the annual award
which will be given out on Saturday, Nov. 12th.
Leaf has been aboard the ESS sponsorship family for over four years with nightly bonuses
as well as special awards during the annual awards banquet. The Mechanic of the Year Award
is a special moment of the night as the winner is voted on by his or her peers. This
year’s winner will not only carry the ESS colors proudly but also the Leaf logo as
recognition for a job well done.
The 22nd annual gala is just a little over a week away which will be held at the Double
Tree Club Hotel in Liverpool, N.Y. More than 20 different drivers will be bringing home
cash and awards for what could very well be the most successful season in the 23 year
history of the ESS.
For more information on all the Leaf Racewear Products please log on to www.leafracewear.com and for the very latest news
on the Empire Super Sprints which will be brought to you by www.nativepoker.com for 2006 feel free to log on to www.empiresupersprints.com.
Past Winners of the Leaf Racewear Mechanic of the Year Award.
1995 - Keith Lane (Craig Lane #5).
1996 - Kelli Bragman (Mark Bragman #3).
1997 - Rob Dietrick (Mike Lauterborn #41).
1998 - Chris Preston (Ray Preston #22).
1999 - Paul Dow (Steve and Kris Dow #70 & #80).
2000 - Ron Buckner (Mike Stelter #36).
2001 - Tim Canastra (John Karklin Jr. #69K).
2002 - Rob Beattie (Mike Woodring #19 and Erin Crocker #16).
2003 - Don Sharp Sr. (Don Sharp Jr. #28NH).
2004 - Todd Weigand (Dan Kaszubinski #20).
NEXT EVENT: ARDC Awards Banquet on Saturday,
November 26 at Lobitz Catering Hall in Hazleton, PA.
MILLER NOTCHES THIRD WIN IN ARDC FINALE AT SSP
Newberrytown, PA - Mike Miller blasted from his fourth starting position to grab the lead
on the opening lap, then led the rest of the way to win the ARDC Midget feature in last
Saturday night’s Candy Bowl at Susquehanna Speedway Park.
After his third win of the season, the Birdsboro, PA resident explained his strategy.
“It’s always good to get to the front early,” Miller pointed out. “And
it’s easiest to make a big move on the start, or on a restart. When they dropped the
green, the holes opened up, and I was able to get the lead, which is what I wanted to do
as quickly as I could.”
Miller wasn’t the only car on the move in the early stages of the 20-lapper. As he
went to the front, Ed Stimely, Andy Martin, and Steve Buckwalter moved to the top of the
race track, and came charging toward the head of the pack. Stimely rocketed from 8th on
the starting grid to second on the first lap, while Martin (from 11th) and Buckwalter
(from 13th) gassed their midgets to third and fourth, respectively.
Stimely and Martin traded the runner-up spot on the second and third revolutions as Miller
opened up some daylight over his pursuers. Martin, the rookie from Gordonville, PA, then
stalked the TQ Fiberglass/ Yetter Racing no. 6 of Stimely for five trips around the
super-fast oval before sliding back into second place.
Martin steadily closed the gap between himself and the leader, and appeared ready to take
command as they approached lapped traffic with 14 circuits in the books.
Slower cars were running three abreast just in front of the leaders, and Miller ducked to
the low side in an attempt to pass them going into turn one. Martin wanted to go high, but
one of the slower cars drifted up, forcing the Gordonville Flash to change his line.
“When that car came up the track, I shot to the bottom,” explained Martin.
“I went into one so fast and caught Mike so quickly, that it was either hit him and
possibly take us both out, or spin myself out. I didn’t want to hit him,
so…”
Martin’s spin put Stimely back into the runner-up slot, and the 1997 ARDC Champion
tried to dive inside the leader on the restart. Miller rebuffed that challenge, but
Stimely gave it another shot on a restart with two to go. Miller, steering his Victory
Motorcycle/ All Seasons Motorsports no. 7, kept his foot in the throttle and remained in
front, finally taking the checkered flag ahead of Stimely and Steve Buckwalter.
Hank Rogers, Jr. and Ray Bull completed the top five when it was over.
Miller and Bull captured a pair of heat races for the ARDC competitors.
NOTES FROM THE CANDY BOWL AT SSP:
By taking the green flag in his heat race, Ray Bull clinched the 2005 ARDC Driver’s
Point Championship. This is the sixth consecutive title for the Raging Bull from
Bloomsburg, PA.
“It’s special because of all the hard work we had to do this year,” noted
Bull. “My Mega Motorsports crew worked so hard because of the mechanical problems we
had during the season. And my teammate, Dave Shirk, gave up his ride to me when we had
some of those problems. This team just makes this championship very special.”
Buckwalter’s series-leading eight wins, along with his second-place effort in
driver’s points gave Miller Racing its first car owner’s title in ARDC
competition.
And it was a very big night for the wheel-twister of car no. 5, too. Buckwalter hopped out
of the midget after his third-place run, and ran to a passenger vehicle where his
girlfriend, Mindi Buch, was waiting. They hustled over to Linda’s Speedway, where the
Royersford Rocket had qualified a 270cc micro sprint on Friday evening. Buckwalter made it
to the Jonestown, PA quarter-mile in time to start the Micro Sprint National Open, where
he finished second.
Invader Brad Loyet, from Sunset Hills, Missouri, raced with ARDC on Saturday. The 17
year-old USAC driver, who is currently leading the National Midget Rookie of the Year
point standings, was impressive in his first outing on the Susquehanna clay. Starting near
the back of the 21-car field, the teenager passed Buckwalter for third with five laps to
go. As he dueled with Stimely for the runner-up position on lap 19, Loyet either hooked a
rut or something broke on his no. 05, resulting in hard contact with the wall in turn one.
The winner of an RMMRA event in Erie, Colorado and a big Ford Focus Midget event in
Duquoin, Illinois, this year, was unhurt in the crash. The same could not be said of his
Beast/Gaerte midget, however.
The night’s first scary-looking crash occurred on the opening lap, just as the field
was taking the initial green flag. Three-time winner in 2005, Donnie Trent, flipped wildly
coming off turn four. Steve Lenig and Kathy Kurtz were also involved. Trent, the
throttle-jockey from Honeybrook, PA, had no idea what caused his high-flyer.
“I went to the top for the start, and I was rolling into the gas. I remember looking
down the homestretch, and it was all clear. I thought I was going to have a great start,
and then all of a sudden a car; I have no idea who it was; came from the left and got into
me. And then I was flipping, and it seemed like forever until I landed.”
Lenig, who started on the inside of row eight, said that “a whole bunch of cars came
down when they saw Donnie flip, and they forced me into the inside guardrail. I was on the
brakes hard, but I couldn’t stay off the rail. It bent the front axle and some other
stuff, but the car’s not too bad, overall. Just enough damage to knock me out of the
race.”
Bull was involved in a lap three incident with Eric Heydenreich and Dave Shirk. Michele
Miller also made a pit stop under caution, but all four drivers were able to restart and
end the season with top-ten efforts. Michele planted her nose on Bull’s rear bumper,
following him through the field. Bull ended the night in fifth spot, with Michele sixth.
Heydenreich, a Rookie of the Year contender, wound up seventh, and Shirk rebounded to take
the checkered in the eighth position.
Great runs were turned in by Bill Case, Jr. and rookie Jeff Schell, with Case finishing
ninth and Schell authoring a tenth-place effort.
Micro sprint racer P.J. Gargiulo took his first ride in a midget at SSP on Saturday.
Piloting the Miller Racing Beast no. 00, Gargiulo got faster as his comfort level
increased. He stayed out of trouble, running a smart, steady race, and finished 12th. It
was reported that Gargiulo and his family are negotiating with Miller to purchase the car.
With the racing season now complete, the American Racing Drivers Club will immediately
turn its attention to off-season events. A general membership meeting will follow a Board
of Governor’s meeting on Sunday, November 13th, at Lobitz Catering Hall in Hazleton,
PA. The general membership meeting begins at 1 p.m.
The annual ARDC Awards Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, November 26, with cocktails at 5
p.m. and dinner at 6:00. The banquet will also be held at Lobitz Catering Hall.
RESULTS:
WINGLESS ARDC MIDGET FEATURE (20 laps): 1.Mike Miller 2.Ed Stimely, Jr. 3.Steve Buckwalter
4.Hank Rogers, Jr. 5.Ray Bull 6.Michele Miller 7.Eric Heydenreich 8.Dave Shirk 9.Bill
Case, Jr. 10.Jeff Schell 11.Andy Martin 12.P.J. Gargiulo 13.Lew Blair 14.Bobby Goerner
15.Scott Zipp 16.Chris Zrinski 17.Brad Loyet 18.Billy Pauch, Jr. 19.Donnie Trent 20.Steve
Lenig 21.Kathy Kurtz DNS: Carey Becker.
Ohsweken Speedway and the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals to
sponsor the A-Main Winner’s Bonus for the Empire Super Sprints
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Just days after the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) signed on the tour
sponsor for 2006, another big sponsorship program was put together with Glenn Styres and
his Ohsweken Speedway which will host the second annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals.
For the upcoming racing season Ohsweken Speedway and the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals
will sponsor the A-Main winner’s bonus which will be in effect at all full point
shows on the ESS Tour 2006 brought to you by nativepoker.com. Each A-Main will now pay a
minimum of $1600 to win thanks to the new program backed by Styres.
Styres, who lives off turn two at his track in Ohsweken, Ont. is a successful businessman,
a track owner, sprint car driver and also just a special sprint car fan. He travels all
over the Northeastern US and Canada with his sprint car as well as backs many sprint car
series, cars and now lived his dream by putting together one of the biggest 360 events
ever.
The second running of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals will be held Sept. 15 & 16
with the main event paying at least $6,000 to win. Just a little over one month ago,
sprint car great Kenny Jacobs piloted Mike Woodring’s JEI chassis #19 to victory in
the first ever event. ESS has already committed its involvement and is proud to be a part
of sprint car history once again.
Plans are already underway for a full slate of events for 2006 and the nativepoker.com
tour, the ESS visit to Ohsweken will be on Friday night June 23rd. With the recent
sponsorship signings this will be the most lucrative tour in the 23 year history.
With the addition of the Ohsweken Speedway and the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, all
teams at each ESS event will be vying for the highest paying winner’s purse ever. For
more information you can log on to www.ohswekenspeedway.com
or www.empiresupersprints.com.
In what he become tradition and will continue for 2006, The Empire Super Sprints bringing
you excitement guaranteed!
OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO ARDC'S "TEST DRIVE A
MIDGET"
Oley, PA - Fifteen lucky applicants will get the opportunity to test their skills and whet
their appetite in an ARDC Midget this Sunday, October 30, at Susquehanna Speedway Park in
Newberrytown, PA.
More than 60 applications were received by the Booking Agent for the American Racing
Drivers Club, Mike Miller. "It's really been overwhelming," noted Miller.
"We didn't expect this many applications, but we are certainly pleased at the great
response. My only regret is that we have to limit the number of drivers to 15."
Miller went on to explain the reason for the limitation, "For reasons of safety, we
can only permit one car to be on the track at a time. And we only have use of the track
for around four hours, so we had to narrow down the selections to fit the time
limit."
Asked how he made the difficult decision on who to select from all those applications,
Miller stated, "In some cases, we picked drivers who are currently negotiating to buy
midgets from club members. By offering this "test drive" session, we are
obviously trying to get racers from other divisions seriously interested in the midgets.
So, naturally, we picked those who have shown a serious interest by their previous
discussions to purchase a car for next season."
"We received many applications from people who are obviously quite qualified to drive
any racecar, let alone a midget. So that made our decision really tough...but we were
forced to narrow it down to 15."
"We do want those who were not selected to know this: the club is going to try and
have another "test drive" day, and the applicants who were not selected for this
Sunday will have first crack at the next session."
The ARDC Midgets wrap up their 66th season at Susquehanna Speedway Park, the club's home
track for 2006, on Saturday evening. Wingless heats and a feature are on tap at Susky,
with the multi-division show starting at 4 p.m. At least ten of the midget team owners
have indicated that they will stick around and provide cars for Sunday's test session.
Nativepoker.com Signs on to Sponsor the Empire Super Sprint
Tour for 2006
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – In a major sponsorship announcement, nativepoker.com has signed on
to be the title sponsor for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) and their 2006 tour. Continuing
with their incredible support of dirt track racing in the Northeast and Canada,
nativepoker.com has now added the world of winged sprint cars to their resume’.
Nativepoker.com was conceived from the values and input of world class players who love
the game and who helped in directing the most enjoyable online poker playing experience.
Accordingly they provide the best run software and fairest playing field possible, one in
which ability and good demeanor are respected and skilled play rewarded. To help the
newest on-line poker website grow in the very near future, World Series of Poker star Al
Krux has a key role in helping his good friends become successful.
While still in it’s infant stages, nativepoker.com has made a very big splash in a
very short time highlighted by a big involvement at the 34th running of Super DIRT Week.
Not only were they a backer for DIRT Motorsports Northeast but also being the main
sponsors on the cars driven by Alan Johnson, Dale Planck, Brian McDonald and Tim Fuller as
well as lending a helping hand to Carey Terrance, Todd Milton, Matt Sheppard and Gary
Tomkins.
Now the nativepoker.com logo will be seen at all ESS events and also displayed on all
sprint cars that attend ESS shows for the upcoming season. Fans will also get an up close
and personal look at what nativepoker.com has to offer as they will be on hand at many ESS
events with a display. The stars and cars of ESS will be rewarded in return with one of
the largest point funds ever offered for the 360 sprint car organization that is ready to
showcase it’s 23rd Anniversary Tour.
Many representatives will make their first appearance with the ESS family on Saturday,
November 12th at the annual awards banquet which will be held in Liverpool, N.Y. From
there on, many special announcements will be coming from both parties during the
off-season.
For more information on this exciting partnership, fans and race teams alike can log on to
www.empiresupersprints.com. To become a part of fastest growing on-line poker site and
join in on the fun, please log on to www.nativepoker.com .
The Empire Super Sprints and nativepoker.com, it just gets better and the 2006 season will
continue the tradition of being excitement guaranteed!!
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR URC AWARDS BANQUET SATURDAY, DECEMBER
17
The 58th Annual United Racing Club Awards Banquet is set for Saturday night, December 17
at the Hotel Sheraton in Dover, DE. Champion driver Curt Michael and Champion Owner Kathy
Palladino will steal the show as they collect the largest share of the $40,000 point fund
and collect the prestigious URC Championship rings. Tickets for this gala affair are now
available by contacting Pat Miller at 609-835-2278. The price of the tickets are $55 if
purchased on or before Sunday, November 6. After that date, tickets will be $75. Cocktails
will be available at 6 PM with a buffet dinner to be served at 6:30 PM.
Following dinner, URC Officers will present special awards and distribute the point fund
money. Exciting plans for the 2006 season will be announced as well. Music for dancing
will follow the awards and a cash bar will be available.
The championship winning sprint car owned by Kathy Palladino and driven by Curt Michael of
Ocean View, DE, is expected to be on display in the Sheraton Lobby.
Be sure to purchase your tickets early and benefit from the discount. Banquet tickets will
also be available for purchase at the URC General Membership Meeting, set for Sunday,
November 6 at the Holiday Inn Select, Bridgeport, NJ. The Meeting will begin at 1 PM.
For more information on the General Membership Meeting or the 58th Annual Awards Banquet,
please visit our website at www.urcsprints.com.
URC FALL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP SET FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Drivers and Owners who compete with the United Racing Club are strongly urged to attend
the URC Fall General Membership Meeting set for Sunday, November 6 at the Holiday Inn
Select in Bridgeport, NJ (exit 10 off I-295). The meeting will begin promptly at 1 PM.
The agenda for the meeting will include a recap of the 2005 season and the voting on
proposals that will shape the future of URC in 2006 and going forward.
The URC Banquet is set for Saturday night ,December 17 at the Hotel Sheraton, Dover, DE.
Tickets for the URC Banquet will be available at the General Membership Meeting.
For additional information on the General Membership Meeting or to purchase URC Banquet
tickets, please call the URC Office, 302-422-1508, or email us at: urcsecretary@aol.com. Please visit our website: www.urcsprints.com.
The Empire Super Sprints Will Honor Its Champions on
November 12th
For immediate release;
By Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Empire Super Sprints (ESS) are coming off their 23rd consecutive
season of showcasing the very best of “America’s Race Cars” and the Tour
2005 was one of the most successful in history for the 360 sprint car organization. On
Saturday night, November 12th many stars of ESS will be at the Double Tree Club Hotel in
Liverpool, N.Y. to receive their laurels.
Collecting his second title in a row and being seated at the head table will be Penn Yan,
N.Y.’s Lance Yonge. Not only did he hold off Jeff VanDusen and Dan Kaszubinski for
the overall title, but he claimed his second consecutive Spectro Oils Canadian Invasion
title as well. Yonge will be taking home the lions share of all banquet awards which could
very well top the $10,000 mark.
Also being honored on the evening will be the Walt’s Hobby Dash Series champion Luke
Eriksen as well as the Gater News Lap Leader Award Winner Alain Bergeron. Not to mention
other special awards that won’t be known to the banquet guests until that evening
such as the Jereco Competition Engines Rookie of the Year, The Foar Score Fan Club Most
Improved Driver, the Brodix Cylinder Heads Hard Luck Winner, the John Zentner Memorial
Award winner, the Mal Lane Award of Excellence and the ESS Mechanic of the Year award.
Many other awards and prizes will greet the throng on hand as cocktails start at 6:00 PM
with dinner served at 6:30. The awards ceremony will begin at 8 with music and dancing
after to the wee hours of the morning. Drivers, crews, friends and fans that would like to
attend can obtain tickets by either contacting Deseree’ Kaszubinski at (315) 484-7290
or e-mail at DezK@empiresupersprints.com.
For hotel reservations you can contact the Double Tree at 315-457-4000 which is a mere
five minutes north of Syracuse.
Race teams are also reminded that the annual rules meeting will be held in the morning at
the same location. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM with the meeting to start promptly
at 9.
It’s the 22nd Anniversary Tour for the Empire Super Sprints and the final checkered
flag is set to wave on November 12th. We hope you can be a part of the fun and what has
become tradition…it will be excitement guaranteed!!
BILL BRIAN JR DELIVERS BIG URC WIN SATURDAY NIGHT IN THUNDER
FINALE AT GRANDVIEW
Bill Brian Jr. of Ephrata, PA likes the Grandview Speedway. In fact, he was a former
Thunder on the Hill Sprint Series Champion. Saturday night, in URC's season finale, Bill
Brian Jr, driving the Elmer and Rose Stoltzfus sprint car, scored his first URC win of the
season and his eleventh career victory under the URC banner. URC was part of the Grandview
THUNDER features only program at Grandview Speedway.
In the twenty-five lap URC Advance Auto Parts Sprint Series feature, rookie driver Mark
Bitner set the early pace followed by Bill Brian Jr and Dave McGough. At the halfway point
of the race, Bitner had a big lead and the battle was taking place for the top five spots
between Brian, McGough, Kramer Williamson and Dave Ely.
At this point, the race was still non-stop and Bitner was now approaching lapped traffic.
Dave Ely passed Williamson and moved into fourth and one lap later, he was racing in
third. At the front of the pack, Brian was chasing down Bitner as third place runner Dave
Ely was closing the gap between himself and Brian.
The top five was definitely coming together for an all out battle to the checker, then the
first yellow flag was displayed on lap nineteen when Ed Aikin hit the third turn wall.
On the restart, Bill Brian Jr. made a powerful move to pass Bitner for the lead. Ely now
caught Bitner and the two drivers swapped the runner-up spot at least three times, before
Ely took second for good on lap twenty-three.
With just two laps remaining, Ely now went to work on Brian for the lead. After two
challenges for the lead, the yellow flag was displayed on lap twenty-four when Will
Urkuski stopped in turn three.
It was now a one lap shootout to the checker flag. On the restart, Bill Brian Jr covered
the low groove as Dave Ely looked for an outside line. Entering turn three, Brian and Ely
were within a car length. As the leaders exited turn four and with the checker flag
waiving, Bill Brian Jr had a strong run off of turn four to earn the win. Ely finished
second with Dave McGough third, Mark Bitner fourth and Kramer Williamson fifth.
Also on the program was the Valley Forge Inc/Fred's Trailer Center URC Non-Winners Race.
Each year, this event is presented to offer all URC non-winners an opportunity to visit
victory lane. Brooke Bowman of Chestertown, MD led the entire twelve lap distance to score
his first ever URC victory, beating out Mark Bitner, Josh Weller, Johnny Zimmerman, Will
Urkuski and Jamie Bodo.
This concludes the URC 2005 racing season. The next event is the annual URC Awards Banquet
to take place on Saturday, December 17 at the Sheraton-Dover, DE.
FEATURE FINISH: Bill Brian Jr., Dave Ely, Dave McGough, Mark Bitner, Kramer Williamson,
Curt Michael, Trevor Lewis, Jason Clauss, Chris Coyle, Josh Weller, Tim Hogue, Gary
Gollub, Scott Pursell, Pete Green, Dave Betts, Johnny Zimmerman, Will Urkuski, Ed Aikin,
Kyle Purks, Brooke Bowman, DNS--Kevin Welsh.
NEXT EVENT: Saturday, October 29 at 4 p.m.
The Candy Bowl at Susquehanna Speedway Park. Wingless heats and a feature. Final point
race of 2005.
ARDC INVITES YOU TO CAST YOUR VOTE
Oley, PA - The American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) invites fans, racers, and crew members
to cast your vote regarding at which track(s) you'd like to see the mighty midgets in
2006! This interactive online poll has been available all season long, and many votes have
been cast. With the current racing season winding down, the time to vote is also coming to
an end. The poll will close as of midnight, October 31st.
You can find the poll on the ARDC web site's homepage, at www.ardcmidgets.com. Simply
click on the link for the poll, and you will be directed to the ballot. Fill in the name
of the track at which you would like to see the midgets next year. You can also select a
preference in the "wing vs. non-wing" debate. When you submit your vote, it is
automatically sent to Barry Angstadt, ARDC's Media Information Director/Announcer.
"The information we gather will be used during discussions with the various track
promoters," stated Angstadt. "We will have some hard data to show them regarding
the fans' choice of tracks where they want to see the midgets perform. And, as we continue
to persuade race organizers to schedule wingless midget events, the information from the
poll looks like it will play right into our hands."
At this point, with 208 votes already tallied, the wingless preference far outweighs the
preference for winged midget racing. A total of 124 votes have been cast for wingless
events, compared to 46 votes for winged competition. Thirty-eight voters said they have no
preference in the matter.
Angstadt also disclosed that the Grandview Speedway, in Bechtelsville, PA, is leading the
contest over a multitude of other tracks. Grandview has accumulated 49 votes, while the
second highest number of tallies, 25, goes to Lincoln Speedway. The Silver Spring Speedway
is currently in third place with 21 votes.
Susquehanna Speedway Park, at track at which the ARDC Midgets are scheduled to close out
their 2005 season on October 29, sits fourth with 12 votes. Susquehanna promoter Todd
Fisher has already announced that the wingless midgets will return to the Newberrytown, PA
oval on April 14, 2006.
New Egypt, NJ, and Path Valley are tied for fifth spot with nine votes, each. The Big
Diamond Raceway picked up seven votes, as did the Mahoning Valley Speedway. At present,
ARDC officials have indicated that they are not interested in running any asphalt shows.
Should an overwhelming number of voters state their preference for seeing the midgets on
blacktop, however...
Close behind in the voting were speedways such as Whip City, MA, Lernerville, PA,
Selinsgrove, PA, Accord, NY, Bridgeport, NJ, Wall Township Raceway, NJ, Orange County Fair
Speedway, NY, Williams Grove, PA, Linda's Speedway, PA, Trailway, PA, and Clinton County,
PA. A total of 56 race tracks have received votes so far.
"We probably haven't publicized this poll as heavily as we should have," related
Angstadt. "But, now that the voting is in its final month, we want to spread the word
and get as many votes registered as possible. It's time to begin serious discussions about
next year's schedule, and we want to show race organizers that there are lots of midget
fans out there, and we also want to show them where the fans want to see the midgets run
in 2006."
RAIN STOPS 360 SPRINT CHALLENGE AT ROLLING WHEELS SATURDAY
by Dean Reynolds
Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com
The 10th Annual 360 Sprint Challenge set for the Rolling Wheels Raceway on Saturday night
was cancelled due to rain. This event staged the sprint cars of URC, PSG and ESS in a
season end shoot-out that offered $3,000 to the winner of the 25 lap main event.
Sixty-five sprint cars were expected to take part in the program. Due to the lateness of
the season, the show will not be re-scheduled.
RAIN STOPS 360 SPRINT CHALLENGE AT ROLLING WHEELS SATURDAY
The 10th Annual 360 Sprint Challenge set for the Rolling Wheels Raceway on Saturday night
was cancelled due to rain. This event staged the sprint cars of URC, PSG and ESS in a
season end shoot-out that offered $3,000 to the winner of the 25 lap main event.
Sixty-five sprint cars were expected to take part in the program. Due to the lateness of
the season, the show will not be re-scheduled.
For the URC sprints, they will be in action next Saturday night, October 15 at the
Grandview Speedway. URC will be part of this features only event with their main event
being sponsored by Erb & Henry of New Berlinville, PA. URC will compete in a 25 lap
feature along with the Fred's Trailer Parts/Valley Forge Inc URC Non-Winners feature. This
12 lap feature is open to any driver that has competed with URC this season and has never
won a URC main event.
Grandview Speedway will open their grandstand gates at 3:30 PM with the pit gate opening
at 2:30 PM. The first of five features will take the green flag at 6 PM. For more
information on this event, please visit: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com.
Erb & Henry URC Sprint Feature Line-up
15 Mark Bitner
5g Dave McGough
00 Bill Brian Jr
54 Chris Coyle
2w Kevin Welsh
6 Brian Seidel
73 Kramer Williamson
08 Jason Clauss
3 Dave Ely
19a Ed Aikin
56 Trevor Lewis
99 Curt Michael
39 Tim Hogue
63 Josh Weller
1 Scott Pursell
36 Gary Gollub
64k Kyle Purks
11Pete Green 2bBrooke Bowman 22 Dave Betts
Fred's Trailer Center/Valley Forge INC
URC NON-Winners 12 laps
(Eligible Drivers Include)
(line-up determined by draw on race night)
15 Mark Bitner 50 Joe Zuczek 2b Brooke Bowman
63 Josh Weller
22 Dave Betts
14 Will Urkuski
21 Scott McClaren
19 Johnny Zimmerman
40 Mike Kostic
76x Jamie Bodo
Sprint Challenge At Rolling Wheels Set for Saturday, October
8
ELBRIDGE, N.Y.- The 10th Annual Sprint Challenge is slated for Saturday, Oct. 8 at Rolling
Wheels Raceway in Elbridge, N.Y. The big dollar event will once again pay $3,000 to the
winner of the 25-lap feature and a hefty $250 just to take the green flag.
The Sprint Challenge at the Wheels is a major event that is part of the running of Super
DIRT Week XXXIV and offers a lucrative payoff in 2005. Last place pockets $250 while all
non-qualifiers will earn a minimum of $100. A field of more than fifty sprint cars is once
again expected for this event, attracting only the best 360 sprint cars in the Northeast.
This event will lure drivers from URC, ESS and the PSG sprint car sanctioning bodies.
The list of past winners of the Sprint Challenge at the 'Fast Track' includes Kramer
Williamson, who won this show in 1996, 1997 and again in 1999. Dan Kaszubinski rallied
home the winner in 1998 and Becca Anderson took the win in 2000. Rick Wilson was the
winner in 2001, Kyle Drum in '02, URC's Pete Green in '03 and Trevor Lewis topped a record
field of 58 cars to take the win before a solid crowd in the 2004 running of this event.
Feeding off the momentum of winning the Bully Hill Nationals one month ago, Upper Black
Eddy, Pa. pilot Lewis blitzed a talented field of 360 sprinters to win the Challenge
Series event last October at Rolling Wheels. The driver of the Bill Turpin/Fred Kennedy
owned #56 entry started in ninth, took the lead on lap eight and went on to win by half a
track over fellow URC runners Jon Eldreth and Dave Ely.
The posted purse structure offers a great payoff from top to bottom and all around,
including all non-qualifiers.
All pre-entered drivers (URC/ESS/PSG) will participate in an "open" draw for the
heat races. Based on the number of heats, the top qualifying cars will re-draw for the top
twelve starting position in the feature event.
Payoff: $3,000, $1,600, $1,100, $800, $700, $600, $500, $475, $450, $400, $375, $350,
$325, $315, $290, $285, $280, $275, $270, $265, $260, $250, $250, $250. $100 to
non-qualifiers that have pre-entered. If driver is not pre-entered: $2,500 to win, and no
non-qualifiers money.
USAC ANNOUNCES FORD FOCUS MID-ATLANTIC REGION WILL BEGIN
COMPETITION IN 2006
By Dick Jordan
Indianapolis, IN - October 3 - Officials of the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series have
authorized the formation of the newest Ford Focus Series Region, The USAC Ford Focus
Mid-Atlantic Region, will begin United States Auto Club sanctioned competition in the 2006
racing season. The Mid-Atlantic Region will organize Ford Focus events in Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, joining series already in place in California, the
Midwest, North Carolina/Virginia, Oklahoma and the Northeast.
"The USAC Ford Focus Midget Series remains the fastest growing open wheel series in
the country," said Eric Bunn, USAC's National Coordinator, Ford Focus Series.
"The Ford Focus Mid-Atlantic Region is the latest indicator that our concept of
affordable and competitive midget car racing is correct, and will be a welcome addition to
the Ford Focus family," Bunn continued.
The USAC Ford Focus Series competes with a sealed spec Ford Zetec 2.0 supplied by SCREAM
in San Miguel, CA. The exclusive engine supplier for the Ford Focus Series, SCREAM adds
mechanical fuel injection, a starter, clutch and appropriate pumps to the Ford Zetec
engine. Internally, the engine races as it is produced on Ford's production lines.
Rollie Helmling, USAC President, said, "What better area for our next growth than
this region. There is a strong tradition of open wheel racing in this area and bring the
USAC Ford Focus Midget Series here is a natural. Not only are we excited and optimistic,
so are many track, fans driver and owners."
Scheduling for the 2006 racing season is currently underway for the USAC Ford Focus
Mid-Atlantic Series.
Bill Tinsman has been named the Mid-Atlantic Regional Series coordinator. For more
information regarding the USAC Ford Focus Mid-Atlantic, contact Bill Tinsman at
908-310-1089 or posse@ptd.net. Information is also
available by contacting Eric Bunn at the USAC National Office, 317-247-5151 or ebunn@usacracing.com.
Copyright © 1998-2006 by South Jersey Dirt Racing/ToddJ All Rights Reserved. Born on date April 21, 1998