Can-Am Set To Introduce DIRTcar Pro Late Models In 2009

Can-Am Motorsports Park Signs Up DIRTcar Pro Late Model Class In Time For ‘09

Weedsport, NY – February 28, 2009 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director

Full-fender racing is back at Can-Am Motorsports Park in 2009, with track officials laying the groundwork to be bigger and better than ever before at the LaFargeville, New York facility.

Utilizing the same nationally recognized chassis like Rocket, MasterSbilt, Rayburn, Bernheisel and GRT that are among the most popular on the market today, introduction of the DIRTcar Pro Late Model class, equipped with the GM Circle Track Package 602 engine, will make it more affordable for teams to compete on a regular basis at Can-Am during the upcoming season.

DIRTcar Racing expanded into the growing world of crate engine Late Model competition last year with this division designed as an economical way for drivers to enter Late Model racing. Pro Late Models feature an affordable, durable crate engine option and other rules implemented to keep costs in check.

“Crate power has proven to be a winner in the effort to promote cost-cutting means of racing and we’re hoping this division will follow suit,” remarked Can-Am General Manager Chip Burdick. “Some of our full-fender regulars have already shown a lot of interest so we feel confident the cars will come if they know there’s a place for them to race.”

Pro Late Models will join Can-Am’s regular show headlined by the DIRTcar Big-Block/358-Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds and DIRTcar Street Stocks. An open practice for all track divisions is scheduled on April 11 with the ’09 lid-lifter a weekend affair running April 17-18. The Pro LMs debut for competition on April 24, with Friday the regular night for weekly racing at Can-Am this season.

Benefits to fielding a DIRTcar Pro Late Model team include a standardized set of rules that is followed by all competitors nationwide with the chance to share in thousands of dollars that is posted annually to national, regional, state and local champions across all divisions. A number of major series point races under the DIRTcar banner offer additional opportunities to compete for even more money and prestige. All members are also part of DIRTcar Racing's expanded participant accident program, enabling drivers to receive up to $50,000 in additional medical insurance benefits that are available only with a valid DIRTcar Racing membership.

Launched just last year under the UMP DIRTcar banner, the GM 602 Pro LM division boasted a posted points fund of $33,440 that included $23,540 for the national points standings and $9,900 for the six State payoffs.

UMP DIRTcar Pro Late Model rules are available by logging into www.dirtcar.com, clicking ‘Rules’ at the top, then selecting ‘Pro Late Models’ from the division choices listed below. Rules can also be viewed by scrolling down Can-Am’s homepage www.canammotorsports.com, clicking ‘Can Am Web Board’ on the right, selecting Latest Updates & News (Can-Am & Thunder Alley), then choosing 2009 Crate Late Model Rules – Can Am from the list. A direct online link to that page is http://canamracing.proboards89.com/index.cgi?board=news&action=display&thread=225.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Can-Am GM Chip Burdick at 315/778-3407. Can-Am Motorsports Park is located off of NYS Route 411 and can be reached from the east or west by traveling the NYS Thruway to I-81 (Exit 36). Take I-81 North or South to Rt. 411 (Exit 49), then head west four miles.

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of April 19, 2008, the Company operated 3,291 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire and VP Racing Fuels. Promotional partners include Rite Aid Corporation, Dig Safely New York and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the contingency sponsors are Bars Leaks, Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Ferris Industries, Holley HP Carburetors, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, Rislone Oil Stabilizer and Wrisco Industries.

Half-Million Dollar 'Month of Money' For World of Outlaws Late Model Series Begins March 13-14 At Alabama's Deep South Speedway

PHOTO BY JAMES MACDONALD
Half-Million Dollar ‘Month of Money’ For World of Outlaws Late Model Series Begins March 13-14 At Alabama’s Deep South Speedway

Drivers Ready To Chase $109,000 In First-Place Cash At Four Tracks Over Four Consecutive Weekends

CONCORD, NC – Feb. 27, 2009 – Five races. Four tracks. Four-hundred feature laps. Four consecutive weekends. A total of $109,000 in first-place cash. Over a half-million dollars in purse awards.

Welcome to the ‘Month of Money’ for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

The unprecedented early-season stretch of major events kicks off on March 13-14 at Deep South Speedway in Loxley, Ala., an emerging four-tenths-mile oval along the Gulf Coast that will make a WoO LMS doubleheader the biggest show of its five-year existence. Two complete programs will be presented – a 40-lap A-Main paying $7,000 to win on Fri., March 13, and a 60-lap finale with $12,000 earmarked for the victor on Sat., March 14.

Three more weekends featuring two-day, extra-distance WoO LMS spectaculars will follow the tour’s first-ever visit to Deep South Speedway. The inaugural $20,000-to-win ‘Lone Star 100’ is set for March 20-21 at Battleground Speedway in Highlands, Texas, followed by the fourth annual Circle K Colossal 100 ($50,000 to win) on March 27-28 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and the second annual ‘Illini 100’ ($20,000 to win) on April 3-4 at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway.

“The World of Outlaws Late Model Series has never before had so much money on the line over four consecutive weekends in the spring,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “Thanks to the track promoters of Deep South Speedway, Battleground Speedway, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Farmer City Raceway, we’ve been able to put together a huge month of racing that really gets the attention of the race teams and fans.

“A ‘Month of Money’ is just a great way to get the teams rolling full-speed ahead into a record-breaking 2009 schedule of events for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.”

The stars of the WoO LMS certainly realize the significance of the next four weekends on the tour’s slate.

“If you can win two or three of these big shows coming up, you can put yourself money-ahead for the whole year,” said 2007 WoO LMS champion Steve Francis, who enters the ‘Month of Money’ leading the points standings coming off a victory in the tour’s second event of ’09, on Feb. 14 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. “It sure would be nice if we can put ourselves in that situation.”

Francis, 41, of Ashland, Ky., experienced a huge early-season win one year ago, capturing the 50-grand Circle K Colossal 100 prize. But that was his first WoO LMS victory with new car owner Dale Beitler and he didn’t win again on the tour until late July, so heading into this season’s rich stretch of action with a triumph already under his belt has him confident about his chances of quickly pumping up his bank account.

“I know we have a fast car that’s capable of winning any of these big races if everything goes our way,” said Francis, who will make his first career starts at both Deep South and Battleground. “But there’s going to be a lot of guys who come to these races with plenty of confidence and ready to go. I know Josh (Richards) has to have all the confidence in the world after winning at Volusia (the WoO LMS season opener on Feb. 12) and a bunch of other races in Florida. (Darrell) Lanigan (the defending WoO LMS champion) is comfortable and confident with his new car after running well at Volusia.

“We won the last race so we get to be the ‘winner’ for four weeks until we get to Alabama, but we’ll forget about that win when we get back on the track. We just take everything one race at a time.”

The WoO LMS will make a first-ever appearance at both Deep South and Battleground, which is reopening this season after being shuttered since early 2006. The Circle K Colossal 100 will be one of four WoO LMS events at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the third consecutive year, and Farmer City will host the nation’s premier tour for the fourth season in a row.

For more information on the WoO LMS ‘Month of Money’ events:

* Deep South Speedway: www.deepsouthspeedway.com or call 251-964-6953.

* Battleground Speedway: www.battlegroundspeedway.net or call 832-421-RACE.

* The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway: www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS.

* Farmer City Raceway: www.farmercityraceway.net or call 309-928-9110.

Additional info on the WoO LMS is available by logging on to www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

$20,000 DIRTcar All-Star 100 Showcases 2009 Advance Series Schedule For Big-Blocks!

PHOTO BY JAMES MACDONALD
Historic DIRTcar All-Star 100 Anchors Solid 2009 Advance Series Schedule

Weedsport, NY – February 27, 2009 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director

Finding a unique niche among a trio of mega-buck Modified shows spread across the Northeast Region, the first-ever DIRTcar All-Star 100 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway headlines a solid schedule of point races currently comprising the 2009 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series.

Culminating with the crowning of an overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Champion for the 34th consecutive year, the ’09 Advance Series ventures as far south as Maryland with customary trips to Canada continuing to attract international acclaim.

“Its been a work in process but when fans come to Weedsport on July 26 they’ll be part of the biggest event in the history of short-track racing for Big-Block Modifieds,” beamed Cory Reed, DIRTcar Racing Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning, after putting his stamp on a purse of well over $60,000 that will be handed out in Cayuga County’s greatest spectacle in 55 years of racing. “With $20,000 to win and $1,000 to start, it’s already a can’t miss event from start to finish. We’ve never staged anything like this before, maybe won’t ever again, so you just gotta be here to believe it like everybody else.”

In just one more month the ‘North-South Shootout 100’ at Hagerstown Speedway on March 28 officially throws into high gear the Advance Auto Parts Series points chase. And before the curtain drops in October, the best in the business will contend for a $20,000 top prize during DIRTcar All-Star Weekend at Cayuga County, as well as set their sights on the rejuvenated $17,500-to-win Mr. DIRT Track, USA Championship at Lebanon Valley Speedway on August 27, and pool together all their talents for one shot at the $50,000 payday that awaits first-place in the 38th Rite Aid 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds on October 11.

“Its been very rewarding this off-season with tracks working closer together to secure dates in the best interest of both fans and drivers,” added Reed, indicating that discussions remain ongoing as additional series dates are pending at this time. “The schedule offers a number of back-to-back events that reach a great mix of markets and serve to further showcase the Big-Block Modifieds in our region.”

“We got off to a great start a couple weeks back in Florida and we’re excited to carry the momentum back here in the north. There’s a solid core of tracks in New York and the return of title events to Big Diamond and Lernerville will be a big treat for fans in Pennsylvania. And on tap for a second straight summer is our four-race swing through Canada, once again making Ontario and Quebec great destination points for travelers.”

Advance Auto Parts Series activity kicked off in February with open-wheel teams traveling south for the 38th Alltel DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park. Veteran New Yorker Pat Ward (2 wins) was crowned Big-Block points champion while New Jersey star Brett Hearn and Delaware driver Jamie Mills shared victory lane in the annual Sunshine State shootout.

‘Spring Fever 75’ hits Big Diamond Raceway (April 26) a month after Hagerstown while June is filled by a unique dirt/asphalt doubleheader at Lebanon Valley (June 6) and Airborne Speedway (June 7), with 100 show-up points awarded to every driver attempting to qualify for the ‘Battle of Plattsburgh.’ The 100-lap ‘Big Show’ promoted by

Brett Hearn at Orange County Fair Speedway closes out the month on June 17 while Ransomville (July 3) and Fulton (July 4) speedways combine to kick off the busy month of July with an Independence Day celebration to remember.

The ‘Great Canadian Tour’ returns the second week in July, featuring four successive nights of racing for the mighty Mod Squad at Brockville, autodromes Granby and Drummond, and Cornwall in the Akwesasne-Mohawk Casino 100. The mid-season comes to a head when Jack Deery’s DIRTcar NE charter member Cayuga County puts $20K on the line for 100 laps around the storied 3/8-miler under the lights.

A return to Merrittville Speedway (Aug. 3) in the Niagara Frontier for the ‘Trevor Wilkins Memorial’ leads off August followed by overnight stops in the states at Brewerton (Aug. 7) and Canandaigua (Aug. 8) speedways during Watkins Glen Cup Weekend. Stand alone shows in New York’s Thousand Island Region for Can-Am Motorsport Park’s (Aug. 21) ‘Battle at the Border’ blockbuster and the Capital District crowd-pleaser boasting $17.5K on top at The Valley help send kids off to school in style.

The Labor Day holiday includes a traditional twin-bill at Cayuga County (Sept. 6) and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park (Sept. 7), while September showcases the ‘Autumn-Motive Fest 75’ at Lernerville Speedway and ‘World Series Weekend 100’ at Rolling Wheels. In October during Super DIRT Week, the famed Syracuse Mile hosts the crown jewel Advance Series Rite Aid 200 --- the richest race of its kind found anywhere in the United States today.

For additional information, contact Series Director Cory Reed in the DIRTcar Northeast Office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours or log into the homepage at www.superdirtcarseries.com anytime to find out more about the ‘09 Advance Series.

2009 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule

NP=Non-Point event; SP=Show-Up Point event.

*All events subject to change.

DAY-DATE TRACK LOCATION/WINNER

Wed-Feb 11 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Pat Ward

Thr-Feb 12 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Pat Ward

Fri-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jamie Mills

Sat-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn

Sat-Mar 28 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown,MD

Sun-Apr 26 Big Diamond Raceway Minersville,PA

Sun-May 24 -TBA-

Sat-Jun 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY

Sun-Jun 7 Airborne Speedway-SP Plattsburgh,NY

Wed-Jun 17 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY

Fri-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville,NY

Sat-Jul 4 Fulton Speedway Fulton,NY

Thr-Jul 9 Brockville Ont Speedway Brockville,ONT

Fri-Jul 10 Autodrome Granby Granby,QUE

Sat-Jul 11 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville,QUE

Sun-Jul 12 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT

Sun-Jul 26 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY ($20,000-to-win)

Mon-Aug 3 Merrittville Speedway Thorold,ONT

Fri-Aug 7 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY

Sat-Aug 8 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY

Fri-Aug 21 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY

Thr-Aug 27 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY ($17,500-to-win)

Sun-Sep 6 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY

Mon-Sep 7 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY

Fri-Sep 11 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA

Sat-Sep 19 -TBA-

Sat-Sep 26 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY

Sun-Oct 11 New York State Fairgrnds Syracuse,NY ($50,000-to-win)

Sun-Oct 18 -TBA-

Sun-Oct 25 -TBA-

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of April 19, 2008, the Company operated 3,291 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire and VP Racing Fuels. Promotional partners include Rite Aid Corporation, Dig Safely New York and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the contingency sponsors are Bars Leaks, Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Ferris Industries, Holley HP Carburetors, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, Rislone Oil Stabilizer and Wrisco Industries.

World of Outlaws Wrap-up: The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

World of Outlaws Wrap-up: The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Las Vegas, NV— February 27, 2009—

Looking to stay on top: Donny Schatz used his third World of Outlaws win of 2009 on Thursday night at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to extend his lead in the championship standings as he chases his fourth consecutive title. He began the night by turning the fastest lap in qualifying to earn five bonus points. Dating back to the end of last season, Schatz has won five of the last seven A-Feature events for the World of Outlaws. In his last 16 starts in the United States and Australia he has 11 victories. He’ll have a couple of weeks before having a chance to add to this total, as the March 7 event at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville has been postponed due to rain.

“I love the challenges,” said Schatz. “That is what I am here for. I love being at the races, but this time of the year the weather can be bad and we don’t want to go to some place and get rained out. It is what it is and we’ll go back home and enjoy our time there. When we get back racing, it’s going to be full bore.”

On the right track: Sammy Swindell, the three-time World of Outlaws champion, picked up his best finish of the young season coming home second on Thursday night in the World of Outlaws return to Las Vegas. The 2006 inductee into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame paced the field for eight laps after passing Craig Dollansky in lapped traffic. Swindell also was third quickest in time trials to earn three bonus points and is up to fourth in the championship standings, just 11 markers behind longtime rival Steve Kinser who is third.

“The car is pretty close,” said Swindell after Thursday night’s race. “We came back from Florida and looked at some things and made some changes. Everything is coming around. We’re still trying to build this team. It’s been a lot of work, but I think when we run we’ll be competitive. We just have to get the breaks and when we get those, we should get the wins.”

Continuing to gel: Craig Dollansky picked up his best finish of the early part of the 2009 World of Outlaws season with a third-place performance at Las Vegas. It also marked his first Top-Five finish with the series since joining Kasey Kahne Racing in the off-season, as a teammate to Joey Saldana. Dollansky led a number of laps early in the race on Thursday after winning the Crane Cams Dash to earn the pole position for the 30-lap contest.

“We’re making some gains here with this Kasey Kahne team and everyone is working hard,” noted Dollansky. “These two race teams are great race teams. There are some things here that we work with that are different (from other teams). We are trying to make both of these teams strong every night and we are starting to get a good feel with things. We’ll just try to stay on top of that as best as we can. I feel like we are gaining momentum.”

Running up front: Jason Sides continued his strong start to the 2009 campaign with a fourth-place run at Las Vegas. He has three Top-Five finishes in four starts this year with the World of Outlaws and moved up to second in the championship standings behind Donny Schatz. Sides was second fastest in qualifying on Thursday night to earn four bonus points. Sides had veteran driver Terry Gray helping turn the wrenches again this week.

“Anytime we come away with a Top-Five is great,” said Sides. “We are still starting off the season and anytime we can run well, that helps the whole team. This is one of those cars that we tested for Steve (Kinser) last year and it seems to be working. We have Terry Gray with us helping us out again. If we can keep that momentum going, we should be in good shape.”

A new look : Joey Saldana recently debuted a redesigned web site that can be accessed via http://www.joeysaldana.com. The site contains, new, results, photos and much more. A new feature to the revamped site is “Shannon’s Space,” a blog written by Saldana’s wife Shannon. T-shirts, hats and other Saldana merchandise can be purchased online via the web site.

Time is running out in Alltel DIRTcar All-Star voting: Voting continues for two more days for the 2009 Alltel DIRTcar All-Star. Each driver that won an A-Feature event during the 38th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH earlier this month is eligible. The top vote getter on February 28 will receive $10,000, and the top vote getter in each of the four divisions that competed in the event will receive $1,000. World of Outlaws drivers that are eligible include Joey Saldana and Donny Schatz. Also eligible in the sprint car category is Stevie Smith. Fans can vote via text message or online.

To cast a vote online visit www.AlltelAllStar.com.

Up next: The Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California on March 13-14, which will mark the first time since 1992 that the World of Outlaws have sanctioned the Mini Gold Cup. Former winners of the event in World of Outlaws competition include: 1989 World of Outlaws champion Bobby Davis, Jr., Jac Haudenschild, Brent Kaeding, 20-time series champion Steve Kinser and Jimmy Sills

2009 World of Outlaws Championship Standings through February 26

Position

Driver

Pts.

Difference

Earnings

Wins

Top-5

Top-10

1.

Donny Schatz


597





$32,100


3


3


4

2.


Jason Sides


560


-37


$14,850


0


3


3

3.


Steve Kinser


555


-42


$9,200


0


1


4

4.


Sammy Swindell


544


-53


$10,950


0


2


3

5.


Daryn Pittman


543


-54


$8,550


0


1


3

6


Kraig Kinser


538


-59


$8,600


0


1


3

7.


Joey Saldana


528


-69


$13,800


1


1


1

8.


Jason Meyers


519


-78


$7,200


0


0


3

9.


Craig Dollansky


517


-80


$7,250


0


1


2

10.


Terry McCarl


515


-82


$7,200


0


0


3

11.


Jac Haudenschild


505


-92


$6,625


0


1


2

12.


Kerry Madsen


504


-93


$6,000


0


0


1

13.


Chad Kemenah


490


-107


$5,850


0


1


1

14.


Danny Lasoski


478


-119


$5,200


0


1


1

15.


Tim Kaeding


423


-174


$3,5,00


0


0


0

16.


Stevie Smith


412


-185


$9,000


0


2


2

17.


Greg Hodnett


400


-197


$6,800


0


2


2

18.


Sam Hafertepe Jr.


399


-198


$1,925


0


0


0

19.


Lucas Wolfe


376


-221


$2,180


0


0


0

20.


Cody Darrah


365


-232


$4,000


0


0


1



2009 STAT ATTACK

There has been four World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-Feature events in 2009.



A-Feature winners (2 Different Drivers) Driver, Hometown – Wins

1- Donny Schatz, Fargo, North Dakota- 3

2- Joey Saldana, Brownsburg, Indiana- 1



Lap leaders, including A-features and preliminary features Car, driver, hometown - Total laps led (6 Different Drivers)

1- Donny Schatz, Fargo, North Dakota- 65 laps

2- Jason Sides, Bartlett, Tennessee- 19 laps

3- Cody Darrah, Red Lion, Pennsylvania- 15 laps

4- Sammy Swindell, Germantown, Tennessee- 8 laps

5- Craig Dollansky, Elk River, Minnesota- 7 laps

Joey Saldana- Brownsburg, Indiana- 7- laps



Time trial leaders (3 Different Drivers) Rank - Driver, Hometown - Quick times

1- Donny Schatz, Fargo, North Dakota- 2

2- Daryn Pittman, Owasso, Oklahoma- 1

Sammy Swindell, Germantown, Tennessee- 1



Crane Cams Dash Winners (4 Different Winners) Rank - Driver, Hometown - Dash Wins

1- Cale Conley, Vienna, West Virginia- 1

Craig Dollansky, Elk River, Minnesota- 1

Joey Saldana, Brownsburg, Indiana- 1

Donny Schatz, Fargo, North Dakota- 1



Pole Positions (4 Different Drivers) Rank - Driver, Hometown – Poles

1- Cale Conley, Vienna, West Virginia- 1

Craig Dollansky, Elk River, Minnesota- 1

Joey Saldana, Brownsburg, Indiana- 1

Donny Schatz, Fargo, North Dakota- 1



B-main Winners (4 Different Winners) Rank - Driver, Hometown - B-Main Wins

1- Cody Darrah, Red Lion, Pennsylvania- 1

Jac Haudenschild, Wooster, Ohio- 1

Jason Meyers, Clovis, California- 1

Daryn Pittman, Owasso. Oklahoma- 1



KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Award

1- Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW- 2

2- Danny Lasoski, Dover, Missouri- 1

Jason Meyers, Clovis, California- 1



Penske Power Position

1- Craig Dollansky, Elk River, Minnesota- 1

Jac Haudenschild, Wooster, Ohio-1

Greg Hodnett, Memphis, Tennessee- 1

Chad Kemenah, Findlay, Ohio- 1



SuperClean Start Award

1- Jason Sides, Bartlett, Tennessee- 2

2- Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW- 1

Jason Meyers, Clovis, California- 1



Crane Cams Engine Builder Challenge

Shaver Specialties 18

Don Ott 15 -3

Kistler 12 -6

Speedway Engines 10 -8





Chassis Builder Challenge

J&J 19

Maxim 17 -2

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY TO HOST SPRING REGISTRATION and INFORMATION MEETING MARCH 28 FOR ALL DIVISIONS

Photo by James MacDonald
For Immediate Release – Ken Pelkie, OHSWEKEN Speedway

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY TO HOST SPRING REGISTRATION and INFORMATION MEETING MARCH 28 FOR ALL DIVISIONS

Ohsweken Speedway will be holding an information and registration meeting to interested parties on Saturday afternoon, March 28th.
The session will be conducted in Brantford, Ontario at the Best Western – Brant Park Inn & Conference Centre located at 19 Holiday Drive just off HWY 403 at the Wayne Gretzsky Parkway exit beginning at 1:00 PM.

Rules packages for all divisions will be available along with printed schedules. Questions and clarification of any rules will be handled by appropriate officials including Glen Hils and Doug Leonard. Pit memberships and Receivers will be available to purchase. To view the official rules and procedures online you can visit the Ohsweken Speedway website. All drivers, crew members and officials are urged to attend.

Glenn Styres and Ken Pelkie will be on hand to conduct the session. In the mean time, any and all questions regarding the 2008 racing programs should be addressed to Ken at our toll free number 1-888-720-RACE (7223) or by email to HYPERLINK "mailto:pelkiekj@ebtech.net" pelkiekj@ebtech.net .

Ohsweken Speedway will also be a presence at two area venues during the month of March. First up will be the annual Performance World Custom Car and Truck Show. Located in the International Centre at 6900 Airport Road in Toronto, The show runs Friday & Saturday, March 13/14 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday, March 15 from 10:00 Am to 6:00 PM. The Cars of Glenn Styres, Keith Dempster, Mikey Kruchka, James (Peewee) Evans, Rob Disher, and Jim Dale Jr along with others will be on display to wet your racing appetite. We invite you to stop by the Ohsweken Speedway display and enter a draw for a chance to win a pair of Reserved Tickets to either of the two World of Outlaw Sprint Car races or the World of Outlaw Late Model event to be held at the speedway in 2009. Season schedules will be available along with flyers on the six major race dates at the speedway this season. Drivers and staff will be on hand all weekend to answer any questions.

Then on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 27/28/29 Ohsweken Speedway will be on hand in London, Ontario at the Western Fair Progress building at 900 King Street for the London Auto Expo.

And a reminder that Reserved Seat Tickets for the June 18th World of Outlaw Late Model, July 27th/28th World of Outlaw Sprint, and September 18th/19th Canadian Sprint Car Nationals continue to be offered daily by phone at 1-888-720-7223. Plenty of good quality seats remain for all five dates.

Be sure to log on to the official website of Ohsweken Speedway at HYPERLINK "http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com" www.ohswekenspeedway.com for all the latest information as momentum is starting to build while we count down to the test and tune session on Friday night, May 8th.

Viva Las Schatz: Three-Time Defending Champion Wins World of Outlaws Return to Las Vegas

Viva Las Schatz: Three-Time Defending Champion Wins World of Outlaws Return to Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV— February 26, 2009—For Donny Schatz, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has always been a special place. He won the final World of Outlaws race of the millennium at the half-mile in 1999 and also was victorious in the series last visit to the track in 2006 when he capped his first series title with a victory. The three-time and defending series champion continued to add to his impressive resume at the track on Thursday night, picking up the win in the World of Outlaws return to Las Vegas before a packed grandstand.

Schatz lined up third in the Armor All J&J and fell back to fourth early in the race before getting around Jason Sides and Craig Dollansky to move into second. He then used heavy lapped traffic to his advantage to pass three-time series champion Sammy Swindell on the low side of turns one and two on the 16th lap. He would endure three cautions over the final 15 laps, including one on the white flag lap which set up a green-white-checker finish. By way of World of Outlaws rules, two consecutive green flag laps have to run to finish a race. Schatz used a strong restart each time to distance himself from Swindell.



The win for Schatz was his third of the season in World of Outlaws action. He now has 91 career A-Feature victories, which is fifth best all-time. He also extended his lead in the series championship standings to 37 over Jason Sides who moved back into the second spot.



“It was great,” said Schatz after celebrating his win with his Tony Stewart Racing team. “We set fast time and got a win. We won the race in traffic. I had a good race car, but so did the guys in second, third and fourth. I’m glad we had those long runs. We were able to get to those guys in traffic and get by them.”



Schatz is the only driver that has competed in all 45 events that the World of Outlaws have contested at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway dating back to 1996. He now has six wins and 26 Top-10 finishes at the state-of-the-art half-mile in the desert.



“I think tonight the fans saw that we want to be here and they want to be here to watch us,” said the North Dakota native. “That’s good to see. It’s good to see our sponsors here as well. They did a great charity deal with Tony (Stewart) during the day and were able to come out here tonight and we got them a win. We are feeling very good now.”



Craig Dollansky started on the pole of the 30-lap event and led the first seven laps on Thursday night, before Swindell dove to the low side of turns one and two to take the top spot on the eighth lap. A caution two laps later gave Swindell some clear track to work with as he looked to add to his strong record at Las Vegas. He wound up second in the Tom Rolfe Trucking Maxim.



“I made a mistake,” shared the native of Germantown, Tennessee. “I caught a car in the wrong place in (turns) three and four. I didn’t get a good run off four and I didn’t think I was close enough to slide across and then he got out of the gas so I was stuck in the middle. Being in the wrong place and then my lack of not being out here was part of that. I have to be more aggressive in traffic. They said I had 10-15 car lengths before I got to those guys. I’ll just have to be a little more aggressive with lapped cars.”



Dollansky paced the field early in the race and then did everything he could to track Swindell down in the late going as the pair battled for the second spot. He tried a slide job on a late restart and nearly snagged the runner-up spot. The native of Elk River, Minnesota came home third in the DirecTV Maxim for Kasey Kahne Racing.



“It’s definitely not what we were hoping for,” said Dollansky. “I felt good the first few laps. After about 10 laps I developed a serious vibration. I’m not really sure what was going on there, it felt like maybe a motor was going down on us. Fortunately we made it to the end. Near the end, we knocked the radiator cap off and really couldn’t see those last few laps.



Late in the race on Thursday, a number of drivers suffered flat right rear tires, including 20-time series champion Steve Kinser and Jac Haudenschild. Tire wear was definitely on Schatz’s mind as the laps wound down.



“It always is, when you see the guys that were having trouble,” he shared. “I poked a hole in the tire in the heat race and we plugged it and poke another one. Sometimes you have to be more lucky that good. Tonight was one of those nights where we came home with air in all four tires and picked up a victory.”



Swindell also erred on the side of caution late in the race as he looked to conserve his right rear tire en route to bringing home a season-best second place effort, which helped vault him into the fourth spot in the World of Outlaws championship standings.



“That was part of my problem on the starts and that would let Donny (Schatz) get away,” he explained. “On the starts I would get a lot of tire shake and that would make the car real tight and kind of loose at the same time. I had to move the wing all the way ahead just to help make up for some of that and help the car turn. It seemed liked after the third or fourth lap though, I was just as fast if not faster.”



Jason Sides continued his strong start to the 2009 season finishing fourth in the Wetherington Tractor Service Maxim. Danny Lasoski picked up his first Top-Five of the season aboard the Casey’s General Store Maxim.



Kerry Madsen was sixth in the TK Concrete KPC. Terry McCarl was seventh in the Big Game Treestands Maxim. Steve Kinser worked his way back up to eighth in the Quaker State Maxim, after losing a tire with just six laps remaining. Daryn Pittman was ninth driving the No. 83JR machine for Dennis Roth’s team. Kraig Kinser rounded out the Top-10 in the Bass Pro Shops Maxim.



The World of Outlaws return to action with the Mini Gold Cup on March 13-14 at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California.



THE DIRT TRACK AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY NOTES



• FAST QUALIFIER: Donny Schatz paced the 27 cars that took time with an AMB i.t. timed lap around the semi-banked half-mile oval at 14.148 seconds at 127.226 mph. For his qualifying effort, Schatz earned five bonus points. The next four fastest qualifiers also earned bonus points, including: Jason Sides (4), Sammy Swindell (3), Randy Hannagan (2), and Jason Meyers (1).



• QUALIFYING WINNERS: Joey Saldana, Kerry Madsen and Craig Dollansky won heat races… Craig Dollansky won the Crane Cams Dash… Jac Haudenschild won the B-Main.

• FEATURE WINNERS: There has been four World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-Feature event held in 2009. The winners include: Donny Schatz (Volusia Speedway Park-twice and The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway) and Joey Saldana (Volusia Speedway Park).



• HALF-MILE WINNERS: The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a semi-banked half-mile oval. The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series has raced four times this season on a track that size. The winners include: Donny Schatz (Volusia Speedway Park-twice and The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway) and Joey Saldana (Volusia Speedway Park).



World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Las Vegas, NV; February 26, 2009



Qualifying

1) 15-Donny Schatz 14.148

2) 7S-Jason Sides 14.199

3) 10-Sammy Swindell 14.242

4) 1X-Randy Hannagan 14.254

5) 14-Jason Meyers 14.383

6) 24-Terry McCarl 14.384

7) 83-Tim Kaeding 14.458

8) 6-Danny Lasoski 14.461

9) 8K-Chad Kemenah 14.487

10) 9-Joey Saldana 14.506

11) 55-Kerry Madsen 14.516

12) 19-Craig Dollansky 14.521

13) 20-Kraig Kinser 14.548

14) 11-Steve Kinser 14.616

15) 83JR-Daryn Pittman 14.705

16) 5W-Lucas Wolfe 14.711

17) 24T-Tyler Walker 14.728

18) 13-Jesse Hockett 14.728

19) R19-Jac Haudenschild 14.756

20) 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr. 14.762

21) 45X-Johnny Herrera 14.781

22) 33-Bobby McMahan 14.803

23) 4X-Toni Lutar 14.868

24) 22B-Ben Gregg 14.953

25) 9K-Brent Kronfuss 15.071

26) 22-Brian Ellenberger 15.436

27) 83M-Mike Stallings 15.568



Heat 1 (8 Laps, top 6 finishers transferred to A-feature)

1) 9-Joey Saldana

2) 83-Tim Kaeding

3) 1X-Randy Hannagan

4) 15-Donny Schatz

5) 20-Kraig Kinser

6) 33-Bobby McMahan

7) R19-Jac Haudenschild

8) 5W-Lucas Wolfe

9) 9K-Brent Kronfuss



Heat 2 (8 Laps, top 6 finishers transferred to A-feature)

1) 55-Kerry Madsen

2) 14-Jason Meyers

3) 7S-Jason Sides

4) 6-Danny Lasoski

5) 24T-Tyler Walker

6) 11-Steve Kinser

7) 4X-Toni Lutar

8) 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr.

9) 22-Brian Ellenberger



Heat 3 (8 Laps, top 6 finishers transferred to A-feature)

1) 19-Craig Dollansky

2) 8K-Chad Kemenah

3) 10-Sammy Swindell

4) 24-Terry McCarl

5) 83JR-Daryn Pittman

6) 13-Jesse Hockett

7) 45X-Johnny Herrera

8) 22B-Ben Gregg

9) 83M-Mike Stallings



Crane Cams Dash (6 laps, finishing order determined first 10 starting positions of A-feature)

1) 19-Craig Dollansky

2) 10-Sammy Swindell

3) 15-Donny Schatz

4) 7S-Jason Sides

5) 55-Kerry Madsen

6) 8K-Chad Kemenah

7) 9-Joey Saldana

8) 83-Tim Kaeding

9) 1X-Randy Hannagan

10) 14-Jason Meyers



B-main (10 laps, top 6 finishers transferred to A-feature)

1) R19-Jac Haudenschild

2) 5W-Lucas Wolfe

3) 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr.

4) 22B-Ben Gregg

5) 45X-Johnny Herrera

6) 4X-Toni Lutar

7) 9K-Brent Kronfuss

8) 22-Brian Ellenberger [$180]

9) 83M-Mike Stallings [$175]



A-main (30 laps) - Starting Position [#]

1) 15-Donny Schatz[3] [$10,000]

2) 10-Sammy Swindell[2] [$5,500]

3) 19-Craig Dollansky[1] [$3,200]

4) 7S-Jason Sides[4] [$2,800]

5) 6-Danny Lasoski[11] [$2,500]

6) 55-Kerry Madsen[5] [$2,300]

7) 24-Terry McCarl[10] [$2,200]

8) 11-Steve Kinser[13] [$2,100]

9) 83JR-Daryn Pittman[14] [$2,050]

10) 20-Kraig Kinser[12] [$2,000]

11) 9-Joey Saldana[7] [$1500]

12) R19-Jac Haudenschild[18] [$1,200]

13) 83-Tim Kaeding[8] [$1,100]

14) 5W-Lucas Wolfe[15] [$1,050]

15) 14-Jason Meyers[24] [$1,000]

16) 1X-Randy Hannagan[9] [$900]

17) 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr.[19] [$800]

18) 22B-Ben Gregg[21] [$800]

19) 9K-Brent Kronfuss[25] [$800]

20) 33-Bobby McMahan[20] [$800]

21) 8K-Chad Kemenah[6] [$800]

22) 24T-Tyler Walker[16] [$800]

23) 13-Jesse Hockett[17] [$800]

24) 4X-Toni Lutar[23] [$800]

25)DNS 45X-Johnny Herrera[22] [$200]



Notes- Jason Meyers had to use a back-up car for the A-Feature after an accident in the dash and thus was required to start 24th World of Outlaws rules. Brent Kronfuss started the A-Feature as the alternate after Johnny Herrera scratched prior to the cars pushing off.



Lap Leaders: Craig Dollansky 1-7; Sammy Swindell 8-15, Donny Schatz 16-30

Penske Power Position Award: Craig Dollansky

SuperClean Start of the Night Award: Jason Meyers

KSE Hard Charger Award: Jason Meyers

Rolling the dice: Saldana chases first win in Las Vegas

Rolling the dice: Saldana chases first win in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV— February 25, 2009—Joey Saldana doesn’t get to race in front of his car owner Kasey Kahne very often, but when he does get the opportunity, it is something that he greatly enjoys. Though the NASCAR star is competing on most of the same days as Saldana, he is able to keep up with all of the action from the World of Outlaws online via DIRTvision.com. For the second consecutive event to open the 2009 season, Kahne will be in the pits as Saldana takes to the track on Thursday, February 26 for the series return to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“It’s neat going there just like at Volusia (Speedway Park in Florida), because you have your NASCAR Cup fans and you also have Kasey (Kahne) and Tony (Stewart) getting to see their cars race and they don’t get to do that very often,” shared Saldana. “For us to run Vegas is huge especially to have Kasey be a part of it.”

Saldana has 22 Top-10 finishes in his career at Las Vegas, including in each of the four events in 2006, the last year that the series visited the half-mile. The second generation driver has finished second at the track three times in his career as he looks to pick up his first win there.

Saldana and the entire Kasey Kahne Racing team look to build on the solid foundation they established earlier this month during the season opening events, after an off-season switch to Maxim chassis. Also new this season, Saldana has been reunited with crew chief Willie Kahne, Kasey’s cousin, who served as his crew chief in 2006, his first year with the team. In addition Saldana has a teammate in veteran Craig Dollansky who part of a two-car effort for Kasey Kahne Racing in 2009.

“The team did a great job working over the winter and made the transition easy on me,” Saldana noted. “I had runs Maxim’s in the past, about four or five years ago and they always seem to build great race cars. Steve Kinser is a testament to that. He has won a lot of races and championships with Maxim. I think our transition has been pretty smooth.”

After competing for six consecutive nights on the half-mile at Volusia Speedway Park, Saldana and his team had a couple of weeks off to prepare for the World of Outlaws return to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. While the tracks are both half-mile they have many different characteristics, but Saldana is quick to point out one thing that is essential to running well on big, fast, high speed tracks.

“You have to have a motor that runs very good,” noted the driver of the Budweiser Maxim. “It’s good that we had a couple of weekends off to go back to our engine shop and go through out notes. Hopefully we’ll go there with our motors running strong.”

Saldana won on the second night of the 38th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH earlier this month at Volusia Speedway Park to pick up his first win of the new season. Last year he won his first race on June 20 at Dodge City Raceway Park in Kansas, which was the 21st race of the season. He enters competition this week with 40 career World of Outlaws A-Feature wins, which has him just six wins out of the Top-10 on the series all-time win list.

“I think it does take some pressure off,” admitted Saldana of winning right out of the box in Florida. “You can now worry about racing and out here, it’s so tough to win races. There is so much pressure to win races especially for your sponsors. It’s tough to be out here financially so it’s huge for us to have Budweiser on our car and have Kasey Kahne as the owner being pretty high profile. To get that first win out of the way, hopefully will make the rest of the year a little smoother.”

With four current and former series champions among the 17 drivers starting the year full-time with the series, 2009 shapes up to be one of the most competitive seasons in the 31 year history of the World of Outlaws. Saldana, the 1996 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year, looks forward to the competition and knows that he and his team have to be on their game every night to be in contention.

“Anytime you want to participate with the World of Outlaws you had better have a good car and do a great job as a driver, because it’s tough,” he explained. “The first few nights (in Florida) were a testament to that. Jason Sides was the guy to beat and he didn’t win a race last year. I won last year and Donny (Schatz) had won, but he had two second place finishes and he was the guy to beat in Florida. It’s tough to win races and the competition through the entire field is amazing.”

After winning at Volusia earlier in the month, Saldana points out that it will take the same consistency to run up front at Las Vegas. Earning a spot in the Crane Cams Dash is also very important, as Saldana was able to put a disappointing qualifying run behind him back on February 7 and charged from sixth to finish second in his heat race to earn a spot in the dash.

“We qualified 24th the night we won and most teams would have thought they were done after qualifying there,” he said. “We ended up putting ourselves in a position to win and we capitalized on being in a spot to win. You have to put yourself in a good position and if we do that at Vegas, then we should have a good run.”

On Thursday, February 26 at The Dirt Track @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway, tickets will be $29. For tickets for the World of Outlaws return to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, February 26 visit http://www.lvms.com or call 1-800-644-4444.

The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), Quaker State (Official Motor Oil), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser), VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, KSE Race Products, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, S&S Volvo; Engine Builder's Challenge participants Don Ott Racing Engines, Kistler Engines, Shaver Specialties and Speedway Engines; and Chassis Builder’s Challenge participants J&J Auto Racing, Maxim Racing and XXX Race Company.

Inaugural 'Charlotte 30' Gives Circle K Colossal 100 Non-Qualifiers A Shot At Sweet Consolation Prize

Inaugural ‘Charlotte 30’ Gives Circle K Colossal 100 Non-Qualifiers A Shot At Sweet Consolation Prize

Early-Entry Deadline Approaching For March 27-28 Spectacular At The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC – Feb. 24, 2009 – Only 36 drivers from a star-studded field will earn coveted starting spots in the fourth annual Circle K Colossal 100 on March 27-28 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

But thanks to the introduction of the ‘Charlotte 30’ to the two-day World of Outlaws Late Model Series spectacular, 28 other entrants will have an opportunity to chase a sweet consolation prize.

Fourteen non-qualifiers from each of two scheduled B-Mains on Sat., March 28, will line up in the ‘Charlotte 30’ prior to the headlining $50,000-to-win Circle K Colossal 100. A total purse of $12,830 has been posted for the added 30-lap attraction, including a cool $2,000 earmarked for the winner and $250 for the 28th-place finisher.

“With the large number of cars expected sure to make the qualifying races very tough, a lot of very talented drivers will fall short of the starting field for the Circle K Colossal 100,” said Seamus Curley, the short-track manager at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “We figured that those competitors would like a chance to go back on the track, hammer it out for a few more laps and earn some extra money, so we’ve created the first-ever ‘Charlotte 30’ for them.

“Plus, the ‘Charlotte 30’ will add a little more flavor to the weekend. The fans will see even more racing before the big finale.”

The Circle K Colossal 100 becomes the third major extra-distance WoO LMS event to boast a lucrative Non-Qualifiers’ race, joining the $20,000-to-win Illini 100 at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway (second annual event scheduled for April 3-4) and the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa. (third annual weekend scheduled for June 26-27).

“The Non-Qualifiers’ Race at the Illini 100 and the ‘Uncle Sam 30’ at the Firecracker 100 have been big hits,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “The extra races provide an incentive to the race teams who might be on the fence about entering – and with the quality of the fields for these events, it’s like the fans get to see another feature for their ticket price.”

Even drivers who fall short of the ‘Charlotte 30’ won’t leave empty-handed, with $200 payoffs reserved for racers who do not transfer from the C-Mains (which will be run either on Friday or Saturday night, depending on car count) to the B-Mains. The non-qualifier money is part of the $250,000 in cash and contingency awards that have been posted by Lowe’s Motor Speedway officials for the prestigious weekend.

“We’ve really put it all out there for the competitors,” said Curley. “Hopefully the magnitude of the event we’re putting on will resonate with the drivers and fans and we’ll continue to see the Circle K Colossal 100 build in significance this year.”

Time is running out for dirt Late Model teams to take advantage of the event’s early-entry deadline. Entries post-marked by March 7 are $150 and include a pit pass for the driver, while late entries after that date and at the pit gate on race day will cost $250 without a driver pit pass included.

Top names in dirt Late Model racing are already entered, including the first two winners of the 2009 WoO LMS season – defending Circle K Colossal 100 champ Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and 20-year-old star Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va.; reigning WoO LMS titlist Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.; two-time Colossal 100 victor and 2004 WoO LMS champion Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn.; former WoO LMS champ Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark.; and NASCAR veteran Kenny Schrader of Fenton, Mo.

Two exciting days of activities are in store for attendees of the Circle K Colossal 100, beginning with group time trials and heat races on Fri., March 27. The top-three finishers in each heat will secure a spot in Saturday night’s 100-lap finale and a draw will determine the starting lineup.

The Saturday-night (March 28) program begins with the Circle K Driver Autograph Party, which allows fans to meet every driver in the field underneath the grandstand from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The first 1,000 ticketed fans that come to the autograph session will receive a free Circle K Colossal 100 commemorative poster.

Saturday night’s on-track action includes last-chance events, the ‘Charlotte 30’ and the huge Circle K Colossal 100.

If purchased in advance, reserved tickets for both Friday and Saturday nights are just $39 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Two-day pit passes are $60 in advance.

Tickets and pit passes for the March 27-28 Circle K Colossal 100 can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.

All event information, including printable entry forms, the current entry list and the weekend time schedule, can be found by logging on to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/schedules/the_dirt_track/circle_k_colossal_100/.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Mansfield Replaces Nashville on 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series Schedule

Mansfield Replaces Nashville on 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series Schedule
TOLEDO, OH (2-20-09)-Mansfield Motorsports Park in Ohio will play host to an ARCA RE/MAX Series race on June 20, replacing an event previously scheduled for that date at the Music City Motorplex in Nashville, Tennessee.

The change in venue was approved by ARCA officials after promoter Joe Mattioli III reached an agreement with Mansfield Motorsports Park owner Mike Dzurilla to run the event at Mansfield.

"We've worked with Joe and the Mattioli family for decades, and this request falls under our guidelines for realigning an event date," said ARCA President Ron Drager. "Mansfield is a quality facility and we know how Ohio race fans have supported events like the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Toledo Speedway and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Mansfield in the past. We look forward to June 20."

Mansfield Motorsports Park opened in 2002, and hosted NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, ASA, USAR Pro Cup, ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series and numerous other events. MMP hosted eight racing weekends last season, but track management announced in December 2008 that economic conditions would cause the track to cease operations. The agreement between Mattioli and Dzurilla assures that there will be racing at Mansfield in 2009.

"Mansfield is a first class facility and Mike Dzurilla has an outstanding staff there," said Mattioli. "They have a great track record of producing spectacular events and I am thrilled to be working with them. It is the perfect track to showcase the exceptional competition of the ARCA RE/MAX Series."

The Mattioli family is well known for their ownership and management of Pocono Raceway. Pocono has hosted 47 ARCA RE/MAX Series events since the first in 1969. Joe Mattioli III promoted ARCA RE/MAX Series races at South Boston Speedway in Virginia and was the promoter at Music City Motorplex in Nashville from 2003 through 2008.

"I am honored to be working with Joe and his staff," said Dzurilla. "They bring to Mansfield a proven track record of professionalism that we have been striving towards for the past five years. In my opinion, we have the best and most loyal fans in the world, and I am ecstatic to be able to bring them a top quality racing event such as the ARCA RE/MAX Series."

The ARCA RE/MAX Series opened its 57th season of competition February 7 at Daytona Int'l Speedway with James Buescher winning, and will next see action April 5 at Salem Speedway in Indiana.

CONTACTS
ARCA PR: Jackie Franzil/Don Radebaugh (734) 847-6726
Joe Mattioli (570) 646-0898
Mike Dzurilla (419) 524-0183

Countdown to the World of Outlaws Return to Las Vegas: 5 Days

Countdown to the World of Outlaws Return to Las Vegas: 5 Days

Concord, NC— February 21, 2009—The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, February 26. The series has competed at the half-mile in 11 different seasons dating back to 1996. For 11 consecutive days the events from each of those years will be highlighted in chronological order, continuing today with the series five races at the half-mile in 2002.

Johnny Herrera picked up his first win in Las Vegas taking the top spot in the preliminary feature to open the Silver State Shootout on February 28. Herrera was running third when leader Craig Dollansky and runner-up Danny Lasoski collided with each other. Sammy Swindell, the three-time series champion, finished second, with 20-time series champion Steve Kinser fourth, Jac Haudenschild fifth and Joey Saldana sixth. Other current World of Outlaws drivers that competed in the event included: Jason Meyers and Donny Schatz.

The second preliminary night saw Mark Kinser lead all 25 laps to pick up the win over Swindell and Steve Kinser. Jason Meyers was fifth, with Danny Lasoski sixth and Joey Saldana eighth. Also in action were Schatz, Haudenschild and Dollansky.

Steve Kinser picked up the $20,000 top prize in the finale of the three-day event, taking the lead from Sammy Swindell on the fifth lap and holding off a late charge by Joey Saldana. Lasoski was fifth, with Schatz seventh Meyers eighth and Swindell 10th. Also in action were Dollansky and Haudenschild.

Mark Kinser continued his mastery of The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to close out the 2002 campaign, leading all 25 laps to pick up the win in the opening night preliminary feature. Steve Kinser was second, with Craig Dollansky third, Sammy Swindell fifth, Danny Lasoski sixth, Jac Haudenschild seventh, Jason Meyers eighth, Joey Saldana ninth and Donny Schatz was 11th. The night began with Randy Hannagan setting a new track record in qualifying, turning a lap of 13.915 seconds.

Steve Kinser capped off his 17th World of Outlaws championship in fine fashion, leading all 25 laps of the 2002 season finale at Las Vegas. Dollansky was fourth, with Swindell fifth, Schatz sixth and Saldana seventh. Also in action were Lasoski, Meyers and Haudenschild.

For tickets for the World of Outlaws return to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, February 26 visit http://www.lvms.com or call 1-800-644-4444.

Alltel All-Star To Collect $10,000 At End Of The Week!

PHOTO BY JAMES MACDONALD
Weedsport, NY – February 21, 2009 - By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director

They arrived from three different states yet Brett Hearn, Pat Ward and Jamie Mills reached common ground in Florida as soon as they each pulled into victory lane at Volusia Speedway Park during the 38th running of the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH, February 11-14.

The trio of Advance Auto Parts Series Big-Block Modified winners share another more significant element and that is the chance to win $10,000 when votes are tallied in the second Alltel DIRTcar All-Star contest in just one more week!

For one of these drivers to collect this lucrative cash prize as the consummate Alltel DIRTcar All-Star, fans need to vote for their favorite by logging into www.AlltelAllStar.com. Just a short time remains as the top prize will go to the driver who receives the most votes in an on-line poll that runs through 11:59 p.m. on February 28. Only one vote can be cast per day.

“I’m broke all winter long and that money would sure come in handy as we’ve got a lot of bills to pay. I enjoy coming down here and putting on a show for the fans, giving 110% every time out,” said Ward about why fans should choose him as the Alltel All-Star. Remarked Mills, “I think some should go to charity. It’s like free money, it’s like hitting the lottery so make sure it goes to good use.” Hearn added, “The vote could really be for me and my whole crew, they deserve it as much as I do. We didn’t give up, easily could’ve after the first three nights but stuck with it and finally got what we came here for.”

Eventual Florida Tour points champion Ward from Genoa, New York captured the opening two Big-Block feature races at Volusia followed by Milford, Delaware driver Mills while Sussex, New Jersey speedster Hearn claimed the 50-lap finale in dominating fashion. Now is the time to show your support of these top wheelmen from the Northeast and enter a vote today!

Of the 14 drivers that won main events during the recently concluded Alltel DIRTcar Nationals at VSP in Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, All Star Circuit of Champions, UMP DIRTcar Racing Late Model and Open Wheel Modified competition, UMP Mod racer Randy Hall from Olean, New York currently leads the poll with 28% of the national vote. Ward (7%), Hearn (1%), and Mills (1%) need your vote to help carry the Big-Blocks back to the forefront.

The winner of the $10,000 Alltel DIRTcar All-Star prize will be announced at the completion of voting and honored with a special ceremony at a date to be determined. In addition, the driver with the most votes in each of the other three divisions (aside from the overall winner from Big-Block, Sprint, Late Model or UMP Modified) will take home $1,000 while voting daily at www.AlltelAllStar.com for one of the DIRTcar Big-Block Modified winners will also enter fans in a contest to win a $500 gift card from Alltel Wireless.

Each driver has been assigned his own letter ---Ward (I), Mills (L), Hearn (N)--- which can be found on the top of their image and votes can be sent by texting that letter to 247253 (Example, Text A to 247253). To vote on-line, just click the image of your favorite driver and complete the required fields.

For more information about the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series, please visit www.superdirtcarseries.com. Be sure to check out www.dirtcar.com to learn more about the entire DIRTcar Northeast circuit.

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of April 19, 2008, the Company operated 3,291 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire and VP Racing Fuels. Promotional partners include Rite Aid Corporation, Dig Safely New York and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the contingency sponsors are Bars Leaks, Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Ferris Industries, Holley HP Carburetors, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, Rislone Oil Stabilizer and Wrisco Industries.

Richards & Francis Hope To Win Alltel DIRTcar All-Star Cash For McCreadie

PHOTO BY JAMES MACDONALD

Richards & Francis Hope To Win Alltel DIRTcar All-Star Cash For McCreadie

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Stars Seek Contest Victory To Help Recovering Driver

CONCORD, NC – Feb. 20, 2009 – Two World of Outlaws Late Model Series standouts are eligible for the $10,000 prize that goes to the winner of the Alltel DIRTcar All-Star contest.

But neither Josh Richards nor Steve Francis is thinking about buying new toys for themselves if they’re fortunate enough to collect that cool, hard cash when text-message and on-line (www.alltelallstar.com) voting ends at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28.

Both drivers just want an Alltel DIRTcar All-Star victory so they can help out a racing buddy in need: 2006 WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., who is sidelined until at least April with a back injury.

After Richards and Francis earned berths in the lucrative contest by winning last week’s season-opening WoO LMS events during the 38th annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., they were asked why fans should cast votes for them. Both made it clear that they intend to transfer money to a support fund that has been set up for McCreadie, who faces mounting medical bills – with little insurance to pay them – after suffering a fractured T3 vertebra in a crash on Jan. 14 during the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla.

Yes, the stars of the WoO LMS make sure they take care of their own.

Richards, 20, of Shinnston, W.Va., was the first dirt Late Model driver to pledge Alltel DIRTcar All-Star money toward McCreadie’s treatment after he captured the WoO LMS lidlifter on Feb. 12 for the third consecutive year. The young sensation known as ‘Kid Rocket’ is close with the 34-year-old McCreadie, who preceded Richards as the WoO LMS Rookie of the Year (McCreadie in 2004, Richards in 2005) and has offered Richards much guidance on and off the track.

“If I win this thing, I’ll give the money to McCreadie,” said Richards, who backed up his Volusia WoO LMS score with a $10,000 UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned Super Late Model triumph the following evening. “He’s helped me a lot and he definitely keeps the racing exciting. I’d like to see him out here racing with us right now.”

Francis, 41, of Ashland, Ky., seconded Richards’s assertion when he claimed the WoO LMS 50-lapper on Feb. 14 that ended the 2009 Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH. Not only have Francis, the 2007 WoO LMS champion, and McCreadie been friendly rivals since 2004, last year McCreadie drove Francis’s car in two major events early in the season.

“If we can win it, we’ll give part of it to Timmy to help pay for some of his medical bills,” Francis said of the Alltel DIRTcar All-Star contest. “I think I heard Austin Dillon (the teenage grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress and a two-time UMP DIRTcar Modified winner during the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH) say that the other night, too. Timmy is a stand-up guy and that’s the best thing I can think to do with (the money).”

McCreadie attended the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH, spectating from the hauler of his Sweeteners Plus Racing teammate Vic Coffey. He was almost speechless after hearing his friends Richards, Francis and Dillon think of him first when asked about winning a possible $10,000 prize.

“I really do appreciate what everybody’s done,” said McCreadie, who must wear a wraparound back brace until doctors give him a clean bill of health. “I know everybody means well and I thank them for thinking of me.”

Richards and Francis are currently trailing in the Alltel DIRTcar All-Star voting, which includes the 14 drivers who won features in four divisions (dirt Late Models, 410 Sprint Cars, DIRTcar big-block Modifieds and UMP DIRTcar Modifieds) during the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH. But there’s still plenty of time for them to come back with help from dirt Late Model fans, who can vote once a day through Feb. 28.

And even if a driver from another division tops the voting to pocket the $10,000, the highest vote-getters in the three non-winning classes will pocket $1,000 apiece.

To vote, fans can text-message 247253 plus their favorite driver’s letter code or visit www.alltelallstar.com and click on their favorite driver’s photo. One voting fan will win a $500 Alltel gift card.

The final list of Alltel DIRTcar All-Star candidates and their text message letter cods are Dirt Late Models – Richards (k), Francis (m), Darren Miller (g), Earl Pearson Jr. (h) and Dan Schlieper (j); 410 Sprint Cars – Donny Schatz (b), Stevie Smith (d) and Joey Saldana (f); big-block Modifieds – Pat Ward (i), Jamie Mills (L) and Brett Hearn (n); and UMP DIRTcar Modifieds – Jared Landers (a), Austin Dillon (c) and Randy Hall (e).

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

DIRTcar Northeast Pro Stocks Prepare For Competitve Season Ahead!

2009 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Fan-Tastic In 15th Season

Weedsport, NY – February 20, 2009 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director

425 laps in 10 races at 10 different tracks. At stake is the coveted title of overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Champion for the 2009 season and on the line are a couple thousand dollars along with bragging rights for another year.

Its all that simple, at least on paper. Yet when reality sets in on DIRTcar Northeast’s premier full-fender traveling tour for the 15th straight year, the upcoming championship trail will be one of the most hotly contested and nothing will come nearly as easy.

“I’m glad, I’d like to see 30 cars taking the (feature) green every time out,” remarked three-time defending Mr. DIRTcar Champion Pete Stefanski from Wheatfield, New York, referring to the level of excitement and interest being generated around area shops. “That really means something, more competition is better for everybody today.”

Second-year DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Competition Director Brian Mulligan promises there will be more than enough contenders making rounds at every tour stop, enough to give Stefanski a run for his money like never before.

“The biggest thing this winter is the number of phone calls I’ve been getting, it wasn’t a time to sit back and wonder what to do next,” said Mulligan, who has already lined up a halfway leader award at each series show and created a special season-ending drawing that will reward a handful of drivers from those attending 100% of the events. “Our regulars know where we’ve been and the new teams like where we’re going. Put them together and they all want to take this class to another level.”

Mulligan indicated that 14 of the Top-15 point-getters from a year ago have intentions of following the Mr. DIRTcar Series this season. His list of new notables is highlighted by New York’s Capital District runners Dean Charbonneau, Buddy Hencke and Rob Yetman, along with defending Super DIRT Week Champion Sean Corr and Richard Bertrand from Acton Vale, Quebec, who dares to chase rookie accolades at age 52.

“Last year when some considered the class down and out, we still averaged a full-field (25 cars) not even figuring in the 52 that signed up at Syracuse,” Mulligan added. “I’m confident we’ll be around 30 this year, and that’s probably being a little conservative. “Canandaigua and Genesee are working together and I know some guys are knocking the dust off their cars after a couple years locked in the garage. With Drummond going with the full DIRTcar rulebook, the racers up north will have to get off the fence now and I know a few that have already leaned our way.”

Along with the newcomers, an all-star cast of tour stars ready to shine includes recent series record-setter Stefanski, ’09 runner-up Don Carlson and top challengers from a year ago Joey Ladouceur (4th) and P.J. Peters (5th); with Stefanski, Ladouceur and Peters converting over to crate engines for use during the upcoming season. Looking to provide just as stiff competition will be past Syracuse Super DIRT Week winner Louie Jackson, Stefanski’s teammate Allen Peters, and the past three top rookies Bruno Cyr (2008), Jocelyn Roy (2007) and Dion Oakes (2006).

The 2009 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Series is scheduled to open the fourth weekend in April at Can-Am Motorsports Park. A big Independence Day show at Genesee Speedway puts an end to a two-month break, while Mohawk International Raceway runs in July and Autodrome Drummond (Que.) and Cornwall (Ont.) Motor Speedway stage a regular season-ending doubleheader to close out August.

Autodrome Edelweiss hosts the first high-paying event with its 100-lapper set for September 11, while Lebanon Valley Speedway ends a three-year layoff the following night. Back-to-back Saturday shows at DIRTcar NE charter members Canandaigua Speedway (Sept. 19) and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park (Sept. 26) bring the first month of autumn to an end before Super DIRT Week XXXVIII brings the curtain down with the big $2,000-to-win finale.

For additional information, please contact Pro Stock Series Director Brian Mulligan (613/938-6751) or Cory Reed, DIRTcar Racing Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning, at the Weedsport office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours. In the meantime, log into the homepage at www.dirtcar.com to find out more about the entire circuit.

2009 Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Championship Series Schedule

*All events subject to change.

DAY-DATE LAPS TRACK LOCATION

Fri-Apr 24 30 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY

Sat-Jul 4 40 Genesee Speedway Batavia,NY

Fri-Jul 17 40 Mohawk Int’l Raceway Akwesasne,NY

Sat-Aug 22 50 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville,QUE

Sun-Aug 23 50 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT

Fri-Sep 11 100 Autodrome Edelweiss Hull,QUE

Sat-Sep 12 30 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY

Sat-Sep 19 30 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY

Sat-Sep 26 30 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY

Sun-Oct 11 25 New York State Fairgrds Syracuse,NY

Sun-Oct 18 -TBA-

Sun-Oct 25 -TBA-

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of April 19, 2008, the Company operated 3,291 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com.

The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional partners include AMB i.t., Rite Aid Corporation and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the contingency sponsors are Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Integra Shocks, MSD Ignitions, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks and Wrisco Industries.

DIRTcar Download: Marching Into the Madness

DIRTcar Download: Marching Into the Madness

CONCORD, NC – Feb. 20, 2009 -

DIRTcar Download is your source for everything in DIRTcar Racing. Throughout the season, you’ll find weekly news, notes and track and driver spotlights from across DIRTcar Racing’s regions.

Track Spotlight: Southern New Mexico Speedway Melts March With DIRTcar Modified Action

UMP DIRTcar Modified action already kicked off this month in warm Florida, and now it’s time for the division to get rolling for 2009 in the DIRTcar Western Region.

The DIRTcar Winter Meltdown on March 5-8 at Southern New Mexico Speedway in Las Cruces, N.M., gives drivers and fans alike the chance to scream into the racing season with great DIRTcar Modified racing action.

The Winter Meltdown event will feature the long-running Chub Daniels Memorial race, which for the first time will be nationally sanctioned under the DIRTcar Racing banner.

“We want to make it one of the biggest races in the western United States,” said Brian Hulbert of Southern New Mexico Speedway. “We want the fans to be able to see these really big-name, high-profile drivers come to their area and compete on this scale in a community that is as small as ours is.”

Bringing the biggest names to the 5/16th-mile Southern New Mexico track is a tribute to whom the event bares name. A prominent car owner in the area for over 25 years, Chub Daniels served the Southwest’s racing community by attracting the biggest names in the sport to the area.

“Chub brought the best drivers you can imagine into this area,” said Hulbert. “If Chub showed up with a driver, you already knew who was going to win. You were basically running for second.”

The third annual edition of the Chub Daniels Memorial will boast over $65,000 in purse money for DIRTcar Modified competitors. The event offers a hefty $10,000 winner’s prize, with $1,250 just to start the A-Main.

The vision of building a premier event at Southern New Mexico Speedway was one the late Daniels shared with Southern New Mexico Speedway owner Royal Jones.

“Royal and Chub always had a very close relationship; they were always very good friends,” said Hulbert. “Royal actually bought his first car from Chub in 1985.”

The event showcasing the DIRTcar West open-wheel Modifieds will also allow drivers to earn points towards UMP DIRTcar regional and national points titles

Families planning on attending the Winter Meltdown can take advantage of already low ticket prices and $3 off general admission for kids ages 11-15. Special prices also apply for senior citizens and military personnel with I.D. Kids 10 and under are free during the event.

For more information regarding the Winter Meltdown, visit Southern New Mexico Speedway on the web at www.snmspeedway.com.

Driver Spotlight: Chris Raabe – Big Things On Deck After 2008 DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Title



Most racers would view a season in which they capture a track championship to be a successful year. Often times it’s a measure of success that a driver can use in determining how his year was

If you happen to be 2008 Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman champion Chris Raabe, however, the standards might be a little higher after an ’08 season in which he claimed not one, but three different track championships.

Raabe captured 22 wins during his 2008 campaign, but that’s not the young star’s most memorable snapshot of the season.

“For 2008 our biggest highlight would have been winning the overall Mr. DIRTcar title seeing as we ran one less race as everyone else,” commented Raabe. “We were able to turn a lot of second- or third-place finishes into wins for our team. “

What’s more impressive is that those 22 wins throughout his year came in only 45 starts – a winning percentage of nearly 50 percent for the races Raabe competed in. The racing world saw Carl Edwards win nine NASCAR races in 2008 (the most by any driver), which resulted in a win percentage of 25%. Raabe’s win percentage of 49.5% almost doubled Edwards’s and is better than nearly half of the 30 Major League Baseball teams in 2008.

Even more remarkable yet is the fact that Raabe’s success came in the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified division, which due to the success of the GM Crate Engine program has become one of the toughest classes in North America to win in.

“I think it has really leveled the playing field,” Raabe said of the crate engine program. “You have guys running up front and contending for wins each night. I think the program has been phenomenal for the class and certainly skyrocketed the competition. It makes it that much more tough to win.”

After becoming the youngest driver ever to win the Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman title, Raabe is looking forward to a great 2009 season.

“I think we’re going to be able to carry over some momentum in terms of how we run this year,” commented Raabe.

The teenage Canadian standout has seen no shortage of opportunities come his way for 2009 as a result of his success in past years.

“I’ve got a ride in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with Peter Gibbons Motorsports,” said Raabe. “I think last year, just running the full DIRTcar circuit and being as successful as we were, brought along that opportunity.”

With goals intact for the 2009 season, Raabe is sure to be a contender wherever he finds himself competing.

“I think we can’t lower ourselves from last year – just go out and do the same as 2008,” remarked Raabe. “I just want to try and repeat everything we accomplished last year.”

More information on Chris Raabe can be found at www.chrisraabe.com.

DIRTcar NorthEast: Big Blocks Return Home

The 2009 Alltel DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH staged at Volusia Speedway Park is now firmly entrenched in the record book with overall Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Florida Tour champion Pat Ward joining Brett Hearn and Jamie Mills in the winner’s circle during the four-night meet.

And while four more Big-Block Modified features were run at the popular Barberville half-miler, the 38th edition of the annual winter bash in Barberville, Florida also made its mark in two other categories: fuel and engine.

Fuel For Thought: Just as teams from the Northeast were setting to depart for the Sunshine State, the World Racing Group announced that VP Racing Fuels had signed a multi-year agreement to be the Official Racing Fuel of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series. The recent agreement stipulated that the only fuels allowed in the Big-Block Modified and 358-Modified divisions at sanctioned events will be VP110 and C12, and VP responded as it was highly visible throughout the week as the only fuel supplier at Volusia.

Ironically, Brett Hearn and Jamie Mills copped the final two feature events – New Jersey speedster Hearn was formerly a staunch supporter of VP Racing Fuels while associated with the no. 6 Freightliner Trucks of Newburgh team, while Mills is currently a recognized distributor of VP Fuels to fellow racers in his homestate of Delaware.

With the timing of the VP Racing Fuels program, teams were allowed to burn off their own supplies of competing brand fuels during the week and VP reps stationed trackside even afforded them the opportunity to trade gallon-for-gallon up to a drum of their own fuel for the required VP blend.

Engine Economics: DIRTcar Modified racers Jimmy Johnson and Brett Hearn shared seat time with World Racing Group officials Brian Carter and Gary Risch Jr., with each logging laps behind the wheel of Risch’s Teo-Pro Car that was the first to carry an experimental General Motors Performance Parts Engine. Jeffrey Shaw, Powertrain & Performance Parts Specialist for GM’s Northeast Region, and DIRTcar NE Director of Technical Operations Bob Dini worked together throughout the week monitoring nightly test runs made with the 572/720R powerplant – an engine originally developed for drag-racing applications and built to provide a comfortable 720 horsepower.

Farewell: With the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH over, teams packed up and headed home to get ready for the start of DIRTcar Northeast's 34th season at their hometrack. The first major event of the points season is the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Series opener scheduled at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway on Sat., March 28.

In the meantime, Big-Block enthusiasts are encouraged to cast votes daily for Brett Hearn, Jamie Mills and Pat Ward at www.alltelallstar.com or via text message at 247253 plus driver code letter, as the driver generating the most Alltel All-Star votes will win $10,000. In addition, one voting fan will win a $500 Alltel gift card. The contest ends this month as all votes must be cast by 11:59 p.m. on February 28.

UMP DIRTcar:

Tracks Kick Up Dirt: Midwestern tracks are starting to kick up the dirt once again with major events on the horizon for fans and drivers alike.

Upcoming special events include the second edition of Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway’s March Madness on March 6-7, which boasts a $7,500 payday for Saturday’s Late Model winner on top of a $5,000 Friday night prize. Modifieds are also included in the bill, with $2,000-to-win action both nights.

In addition, Clarksville (Tenn.) Speedway’s fifth annual Tuckasee Toilet Bowl Classic – the first major event in 2009 for the Volunteer State track – will run March 13-14. Last year’s event saw Martinsville, Ind., driver Don O’neal take home the UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model win alongside Tim Hancock of Mt. Olive, Ill., in the Modified competition and Tennessee native Duane Hodges in the Crate Late Model divison.

I-55 Raceway’s Ken Schrader DIRTcar Modified Challenge will round out the month on March 28 as UMP Modified competitors take to the high-banked, one-third-mile oval in Pevely, Mo., for a $2,500-to-win special event.

UMP Drivers in Alltel Allstar Contest: UMP DIRTcar competitors from the Midwest were showcased during the 12-day Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH earlier this month – and some of those same drivers are still waging war in the Alltel DIRTcar All-Star Fan Vote competition.

Batesville, Ark.’s Jared Landers, who dominated UMP DIRTcar Modified action taking five of the eight nights of competition at Volusia Speedway Park, currently sits second in his division and second overall in the Alltel DIRTcar All-Star standings, which will reward the overall top vote-getter with a $10,000 prize and the other divisional voting leaders with $1,000 checks.

UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals competitor Darren Miller of Milledgeville, Ill., who won a UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model feature at Volusia, is currently fifth overall in the Alltel DIRTcar All-Star voting but leads the Late Model portion of the contest in which he can still win a $1,000 check from Alltel Wireless.

Fans can vote by visiting www.alltelallstar.com or by texting their favoritedriver’s code to 247253. Fans who register and vote are also eligible for a $500 gift certificate from Alltel Wireless. Voting continues on the web and via text until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28.

DIRTcarMembers.com: World Racing Group, home of DIRTcar Racing, launched its online membership site in 2009. DIRTcarmembers.com allows officials and competitors alike to purchase membership online while providing members access to points, rules and special event registration, among other pertinent information. Visit DIRTcarmembers.com today and sign up for your membership.

DIRTcar Western Region:

Shannon Competes at DIRTcar Nationals: Merced, Calif., driver Chris Shannon made one of the longest hauls in his racing career earlier this month.

The 2008 DIRTcar Western Allstars Late Model Series champion made the long trek east to compete in the 38th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park. He took advantage of six nights of Late Model action to get tuned up for 2009, which might make his West Coast competitors a little leery. Shannon gained valuable time in the seat against the sport’s best competition, which most drivers agree only makes one better and allows time to learn the car.

Shannon returned home after racing in order to prepare more equipment for his 2009 defense of the DIRTcar Western Allstars crown. He’s expected to battle it out with the most prolific drivers on the West Coast for the title on the growing tour.

Look for the 2009 DIRTcar Western Allstars Late Model Series schedule to be released in the coming days.

DIRTcar Nortwest I-5 Late Model Tour Schedule: Racers and fans in the Northwest found another reason to look forward to the 2009 racing season recently when DIRTcar Racing officials eleased the inaugural schedule for the DIRTcar Northwest I-5 Late Model Tour.

“Our goal is to work with the great racers and tracks in Oregon and Washington to build the DIRTcar Northwest I-5 Late Model Tour into a premier regional series that showcases the talented drivers and excellent racing facilities in the Northwest,” said Chris Morgan of DIRTcar West.

For all the latest DIRTcar Racing news and information, visit DIRTcar.com. If you’re a member or would like to become a member, visit DIRTcarMembers.com.

Countdown to the World of Outlaws Return to Las Vegas: 7 Days

Countdown to the World of Outlaws Return to Las Vegas: 7 Days

Concord, NC— February 19, 2009—The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, February 26. The series has competed at the half-mile in 11 different seasons dating back to 1996. For 11 consecutive days the events from each of those years will be highlighted in chronological order, continuing today with the series four races at the half-mile in 2000.

Steve Kinser picked up his first win at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the opener of a three-night event on March 2, 2000. He took the lead from Stevie Smith with just two laps remaining to pick up the preliminary feature triumph. Jac Haudenschild was third, with Danny Lasoski fourth and Sammy Swindell fifth. Other current World of Outlaws drivers that competed in the race included Donny Schatz, Craig Dollansky, Joey Saldana, Jason Meyers and Tim Kaeding.

Steve Kinser picked up his second consecutive win in Las Vegas the following night over Swindell on the second preliminary night, which locked the Top-Four finishes into the Dash on the final night. Lasoski was fourth, with Haudenschild sixth and Schatz ninth. Also in action were Dollansky, Saldana, Meyers and Kaeding.

Jac Haudenschild saved the best for last leading just a few hundred feet on the last lap of the finale at Las Vegas on March 4 to edge Stevie Smith for the $20,000 top prize. Swindell was third, with Saldana coming home fourth. Also in action were Dollansky, Lasoski, Schatz, Kinser, Meyers and Kaeding.

The World of Outlaws again wrapped up the season in 2000 at Las Vegas with Sammy Swindell leading the entire distance to pick up the win on the second night after the opener fell to rain. Craig Dollansky was fourth with Jac Haudenschild sixth and Donny Schatz 10th. Also in action were Steve Kinser, Joey Saldana and Kasey Kahne, who now owns the cars driven by Saldana and Dollansky on the World of Outlaws trail. The finale fell to rain as well, turning the preliminary feature into an A-Feature.

For tickets for the World of Outlaws return to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, February 26 visit http://www.lvms.com or call 1-800-644-4444.

The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), Quaker State (Official Motor Oil), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser), VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, KSE Race Products, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, S&S Volvo; Engine Builder's Challenge participants Don Ott Racing Engines, Kistler Engines, Shaver Specialties and Speedway Engines; and Chassis Builder’s Challenge participants J&J Auto Racing, Maxim Racing and XXX Race Company.