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OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions add four inaugural dates to the 2010 Schedule
Camargo, IL (3-10-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director
The OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions has not visited the state of New York in over ten years, but the fans of the 410 racing series will not be waiting much longer as the series has inked a deal with Chapmans Can Am Motorsports Park, Fonda Speedway, and Utica-Rome Speedway which will bring the series back to the Empire State. For the 410 sprint car fans north of the boarder, the All Stars are taking their style of fast-paced sprint car racing to Canada for the first time in 2010 when they visit Autodrome-Grandby.
Autodrome-Grandby & Fonda Speedway in June
The stretch of inaugural events will begin in Canada in Quebec just southeast of Montreal. Autodrome-Grandby, which is a half-mile, long time mainstay for dirt racing in Quebec on Friday nights. The All Star Circuit of Champions will be visiting the track in the heart of French Canada on Monday, June 7th, which promises to be an exciting event for northern sprint car fans. Autodrome-Grandby is a wide half mile, with walls both inside and out.�The surface is usually easy on rubber and produces two solid grooves, either way down low or right up against the outside wall the track promises to produce exciting racing action.
The first stop in New York this season for the All Stars will be Fonda Speedway on Wednesday, June 9th. Fonda Speedway is a 1/2 mile dirt oval located at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Fonda, NY, which has been hosting races for a number of years. Fonda Speedway hosted its first race in 1927, so it has a much-storied history. The name Fonda Speedway was first used in 1953. The track has also operated as Thruway Speedway, Fonda-Fultonville Speedway and New Fonda Speedway over the years.
July in New York
The 2010 schedule for Chapman�s Can Am Motorsports Park is by far the biggest in the history of the Lafargeville, New York racetrack and on Monday, July 12, the All Stars will be a part of the schedule racing at the 4/10-mile track. This event is part of the SUNY Canton Summer Sizzler event in the month of July. Then the following evening on Tuesday, July 13, the series will be traveling to Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon, New York to race on the 1/2-mile banked oval. Each night the drivers of the All Star Circuit of Champions will be contending for $5,000 prizes.
Chapman�s Can Am Motorsports Park dates back to 1974 when it was built by an Evans Mills, NY real estate broker, Leslie W. Brown. The current owner is racer and local businessperson Tiger Chapman. Normally the track is known for its various modified classes and street stocks, but in July, the locals will be experiencing 410-sprint car racing at its best. The Utica-Rome Speedway is a racetrack with deep history. It began life in 1961, when it was built on some old farmland by Joe Lesik. Utica-Rome replaced the Vernon Speedway, an early stock car track which was converted into a horse racing facility. The track typically sees modified classes and street stock weekly, but when the All Stars invade the track the New York race fans will get to experience the thrilling action of the series.
In All Star racing history, the series has raced at three different tracks and held four different races in New York State. They include Albany-Saratoga Speedway (two races), Fulton Speedway, and Ransomville Speedway. The last race for the All Stars in the Empire State was held at Ransomville Speedway in May of 2000. Kelly Kinser went on to win that event.
For more information visit on Autodrome-Grandby, it can be found at www.autodrome-granby.com. To check out Fonda Speedway visit www.fondaspeedway.com. More information on Chapman's Can Am Motorsports Park�can be found at www.canammotorsports.com. In addition, for the latest information on Utica-Rome Speedway visit www.uticaromespeedway.com.
Do not miss a minute of the racing action with the All Star Circuit of Champions. To view the full 2010 O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions schedule and the latest news regarding the series visit www.allstarsprint.com.
Mark Smith wins Night One at East Bay Raceway Park
Camargo, IL (2-11-10) – By Kelly Brown –Public Relations Director – At the end of the night “The Tower City Tornado” Mark Smith was standing tall in Victory Lane. Tonight’s A-Main was chaotic as the event saw six Yellow Flags and two Red Flags unfurled during the 30-laps. At the end of the night though a veteran celebrated in Victory Lane while a newcomer to the All Star series picked up his best finish in a 410 Sprint Car.
The night would begin with Brandon Wimmer and Tim Shaffer on the front row, but tonight’s main event would quickly see the yellow as Wimmer wiggled on the start and Paul McMahan touched wheels with him, sending McMahan into the wall at the Start/Finish Line. There would be two more attempts to get tonight’s A-Main underway, but a single car spin by Spud Gustin and a second incident with Gustin and David Gravel would delay the start of the racing action.
When the Green Flag finally flew, Shaffer quickly sprinted out into the lead leaving Wimmer, Wayne Johnson, Mark Smith, and Dale Blaney to fend for track position. Within five laps the leader would encounter lapped traffic, but he was able to execute passes with perfection as Johnson and Wimmer fought for second. Wimmer favored the low side as Johnson worked up high. The two ran nose-to-tail for several laps before a little bobble in traffic would keep Wimmer ahead. Behind them Blaney was all over Smith for the fourth position.
On Lap 12, the next Caution Flag of the night would fly. This time it was for Zack Zimmer who spun. At the restart it would be Shaffer once again setting sail with Wimmer, Johnson, Smith and Terry McCarl in tow. Once again Johnson was all over Wimmer as the two dueled with an open racetrack in front of them. Behind them McCarl was working on Smith for fourth. Lap 16 would see the next Caution Flag fly when Wimmer, while running second, would run into the wall in Turn 2.
On the restart, McCarl was a man on the move as he picked up two spots to take over the third position. With just ten laps to go Johnson had reeled Shaffer in and was catching him in traffic. Johnson would try the inside line, but fall back as McCarl jumped at the opportunity to try to get around Johnson, but he held strong. At this point as the leaders were trying to pass Freddie Rahmer, as he slowed on the track. With no-where to go Shaffer would make contact with Rahmer, spinning the 51 car in Turn 4. Johnson would also get into the spinning action and was sent to the tail.
With just six laps to go Shaffer had the lead with McCarl, Smith, Blaney and rookie Cap Henry in the top-five. On the restart McCarl would go low trying to get around Shaffer in Turn1, but as the two running side-by-side, exited Turn 2 the two would make contact as McCarl attempted to execute a slide job on the 83 car. It ended both of their nights. At this point the Red Flag came out for a fuel stop.
On the restart, Smith would inherit the lead with Blaney, Henry, Greg Hodnett, and Lance Dewease running in the top-five. When the green was shown Dewease would get a jump sliding under Hodnett to pick up third. A lap later another Red Flag would fly as Blaney flipped in Turn 2 after making contact with the wall.
When racing action resumed the battle was for fourth as Hodnett and Stevie Smith battled for the position. Hodnett would get loose exiting Turn 2 allowing Stevie Smith to take the position, but Hodnett would battle back as he put a slide job on Smith in Turn 4 to retake the position. With the Checkered Flag waving in the cold Floridian night air, Mark Smith would pick up the victory with Henry, Dewease, Hodnett and Stevie Smith rounding out the top-five.
Smith would pick up his third career All Star win and would record his first All Star Winter Nationals Victory at East Bay Raceway Park. For Rookie-of-the-Year contender Cap Henry this would be not only his best All Star Circuit of Champions, but his best finish in a 410 Sprint Car.
Tomorrow night, Friday February 12, admission will be $25 and pit passes will be $32. On the final night of race action tickets can be purchased for $30 and the pit passes will be $35. The track is offering a three-day general admission race package, which will run $70. Top Three Quotes
Winner Mark Smith – “To win was going to be a lot easier without Dale (Blaney) behind me. When you have him behind you, you know it is going to be tough. I do not like win races this way, but we will take it. You can move around on the track a lot here. There is a top and a bottom and it is not that bad as long as everyone races smart and keeps their line. We did not have the best car, but we are standing here up front.”
Second Place Cap Henry – “AJ and I, this is less than fifth race together and this is just awesome. I really do not know what to say. It is my best run in a 410 and to do it with the All Stars running for Rookie-of-the-Year just makes it that much better. I wish we could have passed Mark, but I did not want to be greedy. I was really just trying to hold my position and I did not want to blow it trying to pass Mark. He was really quick the whole race and I guess that is experience. I was just trying to hold on to second, because it means a lot to us.”
Third Place Lance Dewease – “We were terrible, but tonight was survival of the fittest. We made the A, and a lot of guys didn’t. We had a good restart the last time, but I guarantee we will be faster tomorrow night. At the beginning when we had all the yellow flags it seemed like every time we got a good start the yellow came out. Then when we had our worst start it stayed green. Our car was not the best, but it will be better tomorrow night.”
Those who cannot attend the event can tune in on the internet. RACE CAST LIVE, an online live motorsports video website will be carrying the event online. RACE CAST LIVE uses a Pay-by-the-Hour system through the TodoCast platform and features HD. This isn’t a race with one camera; a play-by-play announcer will be piped in with high quality footage on multiple cameras. Check it out at www.racecastlive.com.
Official Hotel
Open to both fans and racers the Days Inn Tampa North will be offering a racer special that is $45.00 a night and a free hot breakfast will be included.
Days Inn Tampa North 701 East Fletcher Ave I-275 & Fletcher Ave Exit 52 Tampa, FL 33612 For Reservations Call (813) 977-1550 or (866) 895-6584 or EmailDaysinn05280@aol.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it *Racer Fan Special $45.00 (1-2 people)*
Either at the track or at home the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions allows fans to enjoy the racing action at East Bay Raceway Park. For up to date information as the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions take on two more nights of racing during the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals visit www.allstarsprint.com.
Kistler Engines Qualifying Car-Driver- Time
1. 2 Dale Blaney 12.008 2. 13 Paul McMahan 12.134 3. 51 Fred Rahmer 12.184 4. 39 Doug Esh 12.206 5. 30c Lance Dewease 12.209 6. 0s Wayne Johnson 12.211 7. 83 Tim Shaffer 12.222 8. 0 Brandon Wimmer 12.226 9. 24 Terry McCarl 12.247 10. 7m Mark Smith 12.293 11. 45 Rob Chaney 12.296 12. 04 Cap Henry 12.297 13. 3b Brad Greer 12.345 14. 22 Greg Hodnett 12.352 15. 1 Stevie Smith 12.413 16. 89g David Gravel 12.429 17. 97 Dean Jacobs 12.457 18. 12 Jared Ridge 12.532 19. 17 Daryn Pittman 12.536 20. 9x Gary Wright 12.541 21. 80 Spud Gustin 12.554 22. 6r Bill Rose 12.563 23. 94 Zach Zimmerly 12.581 24. w20 Greg Wilson 12.66 25. 4b Tom Busch 12.718 26. 1j Bronson Maeschen 12.728 27. 39w Alex Shanks 12.773 28. 11t T.J. Winegardner 12.779 29. 1x Kurt Gross 12.984 30. 6w Brad Wickham 13.071 31. 02 Gene Lasker 13.119 32. 66 Shane Wade 13.155 33. 6x Mark Cole 13.492 34. 23 Todd Rittenhouse, Jr. 13.846 35. 18l Shawn Lawler 14.706
Heat Finishes (Started)
MSD Ignition Heat 1 –10 Laps 1. 24 Terry McCarl (4) 2. 2 Dale Blaney (6) 3. 30c Lance Dewease (5) 4. 80 Spud Gustin (2) 5. 3b Brad Greer (3) 6. 1x Kurt Gross (8) 7. 4b Tom Bush (7) 8. 6x Mark Cole (9) 9. 97 Dean Jacobs (2)
Kears Speed Shop Heat 2 – 10 Laps 1. 6r Bill Rose (1) 2. 7m Mark Smith (4) 3. 0s Wayne Johnson (5) 4. 13 Paul McMahan (6) 5. 12 Jared Ridge (2) 6. 22 Greg Hodnett (3) 7. 6w Brad Wickham (8) 8. 1j Bronson Maeschen (7) 9. 23 Todd Rittenhouse Jr. (9)
All Pro Heads Heat 3 – 10 Laps 1. 17 Daryn Pittman (2) 2. 94 Zach Zimmerly (1) 3. 45 Rob Chaney (3) 4. 1 Stevie Smith (3) 5. 83 Tim Shaffer (5) 6. 51 Freddie Rahmer (6) 7. 39w Alex Shanks (7) 8. 02 Gene Lasker (8) 9. 18l Shawn Lawler (9)
Outerwears Performance Products Heat 4 – 10 Laps 1. 9x Gary Wright (2) 2. w20 Greg Wilson (1) 3. 04 Cap Henry (4) 4. 89g David Gravel (3) 5. 0 Brandon Wimmer (5) 6. 39 Doug Esh (6) 7. 11t TJ Winegardner (7) 8. 66 Shane Wade (8)
University of Northwestern Ohio B Main – 12 Laps 1. 51 Freddie Rahmer (1) 2. 22 Greg Hodnett (3) 3. 1j Bronson Maeschen (4) 4. 39 Doug Esh (2) 5. 4b Tom Bush (5) 6. 39w Alex Shanks (7) 7. 23 Todd Rittenhouse Jr. (8) 8. 1x Kurt Gross (9) 9. 6w Brad Wickham(6) - DNS 97 Dean Jacobs - DNS 11t TJ Winegardner - DNS 02 Gene Lasker - DNS 66 Shane Wade
O’Reilly Auto Parts A Main – 30 Laps 1. 7m Mark Smith 2. 04 Cap Henry 3. 30c Lance Dewease 4. 22 Greg Hodnett 5. 1 Stevie Smith 6. 39 Doug Esh 7. 45 Rob Chaney 8. w20 Greg Wilson 9. 17 Daryn Pittman 10. 51 Freddie Rahmer 11. 0s Wayne Johnson 12. 6r Bill Rose 13. 12 Jared Ridge 14. 89g David Gravel 15. 94 Zach Zimmerly 16. 1j Bronson Maeschen 17. 2 Dale Blaney 18. 83 Tim Shaffer 19. 24 Terry McCarl 20. 0 Brandon Wimmer 21. 80 Spud Gustin 22. 3b Brad Greer 23. 13 Paul McMahan 24. 9x Gary Wright
2010 edition of Winter Nationals Concludes this Weekend at East Bay
Camargo, IL (2-8-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director With three thrilling nights of racing action in the history books, it is time for the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions to move to East Bay Raceway Park to wrap up the 2010 version of the Winter Nationals. After a seven-year absence from the track, this weekend promises to be a grand return to the The Clay by the Bay
The last time the All Stars raced at East Bay was in 2003 when the All Stars ran three nights straight with victories going to: Danny Lasoski, Jeff Shepard, and Craig Dollansky. The All Stars have a long history with East Bay as the first time that the drivers of the All Star Series hit the track was in 1984 during the second running of Winter Nationals when Lee Osbourne, Joe Saldana, Bobby Davis Jr. and Sammy Swindell celebrated in Victory Lane. The 2010 edition promises to be better than ever featuring: The Steel City Outlaw, Tim Shaffer, Dale Blaney, Greg Wilson, and many more.
The All Stars will be making their landmark return to East Bay Raceway Park on Thursday, February 11th with $3,000 up for grabs, Friday, February 12th with $5,000 on the line, and on Saturday, February 13 with $7,000 being awarded to the winner. Do not forget that one lucky fan will win $1,000 each night just for attending.
Ticket Information
On Thursday, February 11th the tickets will run $20, with pit passes running $30. Then on Friday night admission will be $25 and pit passes will be $32. On the final night of race action tickets can be purchased for $30 and the pit passes will be $35. The track is offering a three-day general admission race package, which will run $70.
Race Cast Live
Those who cannot attend the event can tune in on the internet. RACE CAST LIVE, an online live motorsports video website will be carrying the event online. RACE CAST LIVE uses a Pay-by-the-Hour system through the TodoCast platform and features HD. This isn�t a race with one camera; a play-by-play announcer will be piped in with high quality footage on multiple cameras. Check it out at www.racecastlive.com.
Official Hotel Information
Open to both fans and racers the Days Inn Tampa North will be offering a racer special that is $45.00 a night and a free hot breakfast will be included.
Days Inn Tampa North 701 East Fletcher Ave I-275 & Fletcher Ave Exit 52 Tampa, FL 33612 For Reservations Call (813) 977-1550 or (866) 895-6584 or EmailDaysinn05280@aol.com *Racer Fan Special $45.00 (1-2 people)*
Either at the track or at home the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions allows fans to enjoy the racing action at East Bay Raceway Park. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
East Bay Payday: One lucky fan will take home $1,000
Camargo, IL (2-6-10) by Kelly Brown � Public Relations Director �When the action ends at East Bay Raceway Park each night, it will not be only the winner of the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions race going home a little richer. This year the races at East Bay will also feature another winner, and that will be one of the lucky fans sitting in the grandstands. Each night of racing action one fan will be chosen randomly to go home $1,000 richer just for attending the race.
Those who cannot attend the event can listen on the internet. RACE CAST, an online live motorsports video broadcaster will be carrying the event online. RACE CAST uses a Pay-by-the-Hour system through the TodoCast platform and features HD. This isn�t a race with one camera; a play-by-play announcer will be piped in with high quality footage on multiple cameras. All events have a 1 hour package for $4.95 and a 4 hour package for $11.95. Fans can watch all three nights for $19.95 and if bought in advance they can save 20% off the purchase price.
Ticket Information
On Thursday, February 11th the tickets will run $20, with pit passes running $30. Then on Friday night admission will be $25 and pit passes will be $32. On the final night of race action tickets can be purchased for $30 and the pit passes will be $35. The track is offering a three-day general admission race package, which will run $70.
Official Hotel Information
Open to both fans and racers the Days Inn Tampa North will be offering a racer special that is $45.00 a night and a free hot breakfast will be included.
Days Inn Tampa North 701 East Fletcher Ave I-275 & Fletcher Ave Exit 52 Tampa, FL 33612 For Reservations Call (813) 977-1550 or (866) 895-6584 or Email Daysinn05280@aol.com *Racer Fan Special $45.00 (1-2 people)*
Either at the track or at home the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions allows fans to enjoy the racing action at East Bay. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
Camargo, IL (2-5-10) by Kelly Brown � Public Relations Director �This season the All Star Circuit of Champions will visit a combination of tracks including some legendary ovals with historical significance and new venues that promise to bring fans thrilling race action.
After opening the season for the 27th year with Winter Nationals which features three tracks in the Sunshine State, the All Stars will be moving north for a two events at Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. The last time the All Stars raced there was in 1998 and Frankie Kerr was the victor. In April, the All Stars will have their traditional Spring Nationals at Attica Raceway Park, before embarking on a stint that will see the All Stars run throughout Pennsylvania including an inaugural event at Big Diamond Raceway in Minersville, Pennsylvania.
June will feature the 28th annual Ohio Speedweek which will consist of nine nights of thrilling racing action. Moving into the month of July the All Stars will include another fan favorite event: Thunder through the Plains. Then the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions will feature three nights that will cap the grueling stretch of races with some notable events, the Ironman 55 at I-55 Raceway and the Front Row Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway.
In September, the All Stars will race their way through Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana with the Hoosier Fall Classic at Lawrenceburg Speedway.
Don�t miss out on a minute of the racing action. To view the full 2010 O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions schedule and the latest news regarding the series visit www.allstarsprint.com.
All-Star Circuit of Champions schedule for 2010:
January
1/29 Ocala Speedway Ocala, FL $3,000
1/30 Ocala Speedway Ocala, FL $5,000
February
2/3 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville, FL $5,000
2/4 Volusia Speedway Park Barberville, FL $7,000
2/11 Eastbay Raceway Park Tampa, FL $3,000
2/12 Eastbay Raceway Park Tampa, FL $5,000
2/13 Eastbay Raceway Park Tampa, FL $7,000
March
3/19 Volunteer Speedway * Bulls Gap, TN $5,000
3/20 Volunteer Speedway * Bulls Gap, TN $8,000
April
4/9 Attica Raceway Park Attica, OH $3,000
4/10 Attica Raceway Park Attica, OH $5,000
4/30 Williams Grove Speedway Mechanicsburg, PA $5,000
May
5/1 Lincoln Speedway Abbottstown, PA $5,000
5/2 Big Diamond Raceway Minersville, PA $5,000
5/8 Port Royal Speedway Port Royal, PA $3,000
5/9 Port Royal Speedway Port Royal, PA $5,000
5/29 Fremont Speedway Fremont, OH $5,000
June
6/11 Williams Grove Speedway Mechanicsburg, PA $5,000
6/12 LincolnSpeedway Abbottstown, PA $5,000
Ohio Speedweek
6/18 Attica Raceway Park Attica, OH $5,000
6/19 KC Raceway Chillicothe, OH $5,000
6/20 Millstream Findlay, OH TBA
6/21 Wayne County Speedway Orrville, OH $5,000
6/22 Hilltop Speedway Millersburg, OH $5,000
6/23 Waynesfield Speedway Waynesfield, OH $5,000
6/24 Sharon Speedway Sharon, PA $5,000
6/25 Limaland Motorsports Park Lima, OH $5,000
6/26 Sat Fremont Speedway Fremont, OH $10,000
July
7/3 KC Raceway Chillicothe, OH $5,000
7/4 TBA IN $5,000
7/9 West Virgina Motor Speedway Mineral Wells, WV $3,000
7/10 West Virgina Motor Speedway Mineral Wells, WV $5,000
7/12 TBA NY $5,000
7/13 TBA NY $5,000
7/18 Tri-City Speedway Franklin, PA $5,000
Thunder through the Plains
7/29 Belleville High Banks Belleville, KS $5,000
7/30 Husets Speedway Brandon, SD $5,000
7/31 Husets Speedway Brandon, SD $5,000
August
8/1 Husets Speedway Brandon, SD $10,000
8/2 TBA
8/4 Red River Valley Speedway Fargo, ND $5,000
8/6 I-55 Raceway * Pevely, MO $8,000
8/7 I-55 Raceway * Pevely, MO $20,000
8/9 Southern Iowa Speedway Oskaloosa, IA $10,000
September
9/3 Lernerville Speedway Sarver, PA $5,000
9/4 Attica Raceway Park Attica, OH $5,000
9/5 TBA OH $5,000.00
9/17 Fremont Speedway Fremont, OH TBD
9/18 Fremont Speedway Fremont, OH $10,000
9/25 Lawrenceburg Speedway Lawrenceburg, IN $7,000
Saldana Sizzles at Volusia Speedway Park
Camargo, IL (2-4-10) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director Tonight Saldana won his first race of the season in a convincing fashion after running second on the previous night at Volusia.
Starting on the front row of tonights feature event was Craig Dollansky and Greg Hodnett. When the green banner waved over the A-main, Hodnett quickly took the lead. Drag racing down the back stretch on the first lap Saldana was able to move up to second, after beginning his night in the fifth position, while Dollansky settled into third. It only took until the second revolution of the track for Saldana to take the lead in Turn 4. Hodnett would fight back in the low line, while Saldana stayed high. For about three laps the two traded the lead in about every corner, but Saldana was able to establish himself in the lead.
While the top two were battling, Dollansky was being pursued by Donny Schatz as the two fought for third. Dollansky would get the edge, and Schatz would fall into the clutches of Steve Kinser. Kinser would get around Schatz for fourth momentarily. The two then ran wheel-to-wheel for a lap, but Schatz got the edge retaking the fourth position. Just as Saldana and Hodnett were running side-by-side in traffic, the first caution flag of the night came out on Lap 8. It was for Doug Esh who has slowed in Turn 1 with a flat tire.
On the restart, the track did not stay green for long. One lap was recorded before Hodnett who was running second at the time slowed with a flat left rear tire. When racing resumed, it would be Saldana, Dollansky, Kinser, Lasoski and Schatz lining up in the top-five. The Green Flag would fly again, but almost instantly the track went yellow as Schatz slowed with a flat right rear and a missing right front tire.
When the Green Flag flew, Saldana would favor the high side and stretch out his lead using his chosen high line. At the halfway point of tonight�s race the leader began to encounter traffic again. Dollansky began to close on the number 9 Budweiser car, but on Lap 17 the Yellow Flag would fly again as Esh came to a stop on the course. At this point there had been so many laps run under caution, the officials of the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions decided to unveil the Red Flag for a fuel stop.
On the restart both Lucas Wolfe and Sam Hafertepe Jr. were on the move as both got past Lasoski to pick up the fourth and fifth positions on the track. At the front Saldana was stretching his lead out again, but it was erased with another Yellow Flag with eight laps to go. Lance Dewease slowed on the track with a flat tire and was unable to make it to the pit area.
The next time the Green Flag was unveiled, Kinser would reel in Dollansky for second, but their battle had to be put on hold when the final caution of the night came out on Lap 26 when Jac Haudenschild had a flat tire. When the field restarted Saldana held on tight to the lead leaving Dollansky and Kinser to continue their skirmish. As Kinser ran low and Dollansky ran high, Wolfe caught the two and joined the battle.
With the Checkered Flag in the air, Saldana picked up his first win of the 2010 season and his seventh win overall at Volusia. Behind him it would be Dollansky holding on to second, while Kinser would cross the line in third, with Wolf and Hafertepe rounding out the top-five.
One of the hardest chargers of tonight was Tim Kaeding who started the race on the tail of the field after having a fuel leak prior to the Green Flag. He was able to climb all the way to ninth before the end of the race. Carrying the banner for the All Stars was Dale Blaney who turned in another remarkable race. After starting twenty-second he was able to pick up twelve spots to finish tenth.
Next up for the All Star Circuit of Champions is East Bay Raceway Park. On Thursday, February 11th the tickets will run $20, with pit passes running $30. Then on Friday night admission will be $25 and pit passes will be $32. On the final night of race action tickets can be purchased for $30 and the pit passes will be $35. The track is offering a three-day general admission race package, which will run $70.
Official Hotel Information
Open to both fans and racers the Days Inn Tampa North will be offering a racer special that is $45.00 a night and a free hot breakfast will be included.
Days Inn Tampa North 701 East Fletcher Ave I-275 & Fletcher Ave Exit 52 Tampa, FL 33612 For Reservations Call (813) 977-1550 or (866) 895-6584 or Email Daysinn05280@aol.com *Racer Fan Special $45.00 (1-2 people)*
Top Three Quotes
Winner Joey Saldana � �We had a really good car all night. We got the bottom working for us in the heat race, so once we got into the feature that is how we got the lead. It was like a light switch went on. That is also how Hodnett got a run on me, but I was probably being too cautious with the lapped cars. It was really easy to get your car in trouble the way the cushion was. My car was good, but I did not want to do anything stupid in our second race of the season. I usually go to Australia to race, but this year I stayed home with my family and got to spend Christmas with my son. It was pretty cool. I was worried once we got down here we would be behind, but so far my guys have done a flawless job and it feels like I have been racing all winter.�
Second Place Craig Dollansky � �We did not get a good start there. These Goodyear Tires are pretty good tires, and we decided to go for a harder one tonight. It seemed it took awhile to get going, but we had a really good race car especially with Greg and Joey in lapped traffic about ten laps in. I got into a lapped car and bent the left side of the front wing and the left sideboard fell off. At that point I knew it would be difficult to deal with, but the car was not real bad. We were able to hang with Joey, so congratulations to them. We just fell one spot short unfortunately.�
Third Place Steve Kinser � �The only chance I had was to get into lapped traffic. We could run the bottom decent enough, but not decent enough to keep up. I was a little tight at the top. Joey and Craig seemed to get through the rough stuff at the top. In the traffic I felt I could move around a little bit better. We had a good run we started ninth and finished third which speaks to the caliber of car we have here.�
Kistler Engines Qualifying Car-Driver- Time
1.���� 83jr Tim Kaeding 14.187 2.���� 9 Joey Saldana 14.200 3.���� 7 Craig Dollansky 14.205 4.���� 22 Greg Hodnett 14.313 5.���� 15 Donny Schatz 14.331 6.���� 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. 14.336 7.���� 1 Stevie Smith 14.353 8.���� 6 Danny Lasoski 14.356 9.���� 14 Jason Myers 14.363 10.�� 11k Kraig Kinser 14.376 11.�� 11 Steve Kinser 14.381 12.�� 5w Lucas Wolfe 14.396 13.�� 13 Paul McMahan 14.398 14.�� 49 Brad Sweet 14.429 15.�� 22e Brian Ellenberger 14.481 16.�� 1j Bronson Maeschen 14.505 17.�� 17 Daryn Pittman 14.511 18.�� 3c Cale Conley 14.519 19.�� 97 Dean Jacobs 14.524 20.�� w20 Greg Wilson 14.569 21.�� 24 Terry McCarl 14.576 22.�� r19 Jac Haudenschild 14.598 23.�� 7m Mark Smith 14.609 24.�� 91 Cody Darrah 14.634 25.�� 2 Dale Blaney 14.674 26.�� 30c Lance Dewease 14.706 27.�� 83 Tim Shaffer 14.741 28.�� 39 Doug Esh 14.770 29.�� 63 Chad Kemenah 14.793 30.�� 51 Freddie Rahmer 14.854 31.�� 11e Mike Erdley 14.991 32.�� 6f Bob Felmlee 15.048 33.�� 6r Bill Rose 15.075 34.�� 89g David Gravel 15.118 35.�� 12 Jared Ridge 15.150 36.�� 2b Ben Gregg 15.181 37.�� 0 Brandon Wimmer 15.302 38.�� 4 Cap Henry 15.402 39.�� 0s Glenn Styres 15.552 40.�� 6w Brad Wickham 16.803 41.�� 4b Tom Bush 17.029
Heat Finishes (Started) MSD Ignition Heat 1 �8 Laps 1. 24 Terry McCarl (1) 2. 15 Donny Schatz (5) 3. 13 Paul McMahan (3) 4. 2 Dale Blaney (7) 5. 83jr Tim Kaeding (6) 6. 14 Jason Myers (4) 7. 63 Chad Kemenah (8) 8. 17 Daryn Pittman (2) 9. 0 Brandon Wimmer (10) 10. 6r Bill Rose -��������� 4b Tom Bush (DNS)
Kears Speed Shop Heat 2 � 8 Laps 1. 9 Joey Saldana (6) 2. 3c Cale Conley (2) 3. r19 Jac Haudenschild (1) 4. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. (5) 5. 49 Brad Sweet (3) 6. 30c Lance Dewease (7) 7. 11k Kraig Kinser (4) 8. 51 Freddie Rahmer (8) 9. 89g David Gravel (9) 10. 04 Cap Henry (10)
All Pro Heads Heat 3 � 8 Laps 1. 7m Mark Smith (1) 2. 1 Stevie Smith (5) 3. 11 Steve Kinser (4) 4. 7 Craig Dollansky (6) 5. 97 Dean Jacobs (2) 6. 22e Brian Ellenberger (3) 7. 83 Tim Shaffer (7) 8. 11e Mike Erdley (8) 9. 12 Jared Ridge (9) 10. 0s Glenn Styres (10)
Outerwears Performance Products Heat 4 � 8 Laps 1. 5w Lucas Wolfe (4) 2. 22 Greg Hodnett (6) 3. w20 Greg Wilson (2) 4. 6 Danny Lasoski (5) 5. 39 Doug Esh (7) 6. 6f Bob Felmlee (8) 7. 91 Cody Darrah (1) 8. 1j Bronson Maeschen (3) 9. 2b Ben Gregg (9) 10. 6w Brad Wickham (10)
Rubbin� Repair Dash 1. 49 Brad Sweet 2. 13 Paul McMahan 3. 1 Stevie Smith 4. 97 Dean Jacobs 5. w20 Greg Wilson 6. 3c Cale Conley
University of Northwestern Ohio B Main � 12 Laps 1. 14 Jason Myers (1) 2. 22e Brian Ellenberger (3) 3. 30c Lance Dewease (7) 4. 11k Kraig Kinser (2) 5. 17 Daryn Pittman (5) 6. 83 Tim Shaffer (8) 7. 51 Freddie Rahmer (10) 8. 89g David Gravel (14) 9. 1j Bronson Maeschen (4) 10. 91 Cody Darrah (6) 11. 6r Bill Rose (13) 12. 6f Bob Felmlee (12) 13. 0s Glenn Styres (17) 14. 6w Brad Wickham (19) 15. 4b Tom Bush (20) 16. 0 Brandon Wimmer (15) 17. 11e Mike Erdley (11) 18. 04 Cap Henry (18) 19. 63 Chad Kemenah (9) 20. 12 Jared Ridge (21) 21. 2b Ben Gregg (16)
O�Reilly Auto Parts A Main � 30 Laps 1. 9 Joey Saldana (5) 2. 7 Craig Dollansky (1) 3. 11 Steve Kinser (9) 4. 5w Lucas Wolfe (10) 5. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3) 6. 1 Stevie Smith (7) 7. 6 Danny Lasoski (8) 8. 14 Jason Myers (11) 9. 83jr Tim Kaeding (4) 10. 2 Dale Blaney (22) 11. 13 Paul McMahan (13) 12. 49 Brad Sweet (14) 13. w20 Greg Wilson (18) 14. 11k Kraig Kinser (12) 15. 3c Cale Conley (16) 16. 24 Terry McCarl (19) 17. 22e Brian Ellenberger (15) 18. r19 Jac Haudenschild (20) 19. 30c Lance Dewease (23) 20. 7m Mark Smith (21) 21. 39 Doug Esh (24) 22. 22 Greg Hodnett (2) 23. 15 Donny Schatz (6) 24. 97 Dean Jacobs (17)
Dollansky Victorious at Volusia
Camargo, IL (2-3-10) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director Entering tonights event there were a lot of unknowns for Craig Dollansky. He was beginning the 2010 season with a new team, car, and even the Goodyear Tires on his car were new to him. Some drivers may be daunted by a scenario like this, but Dollansky adapted very quickly as he picked up the victory in OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions action at Volusia Speedway Park.
After setting quick time, Dollansky would begin the night on the pole position with Jason Sides to his right. On the drop of the Green Flag Dollansky would take the lead on Lap 1 coming out of the second turn. Behind him Joey Saldana was on the move as he picked up four positions, moving from his eighth place starting position to fourth in just one circuit of the track. When the dust settled after the first lap the top-five were Dollansky, Sides, Lucas Wolfe, Saldana and Donny Schatz.
Tonight the track was lightening quick, which made it difficult to pass . On Lap 5, Dollansky would first encounter traffic for the first time which gave Sides an opportunity to close in. The following lap Dollansky was having trouble getting around lapped traffic, which allowed Wolfe to catch the top-two and battle for the top spot. It also allowed Saldana to sneak up on the top-three and steal third from Wolfe.
At this point Saldana was all over Sides for the second position, while Dollansky stretched out his lead. At the half way point the top five were Dollansky, Sides, Saldana, Schatz, and Wolfe. Just one lap later the first caution flag of the race would fly for Doug Esh, who came to a stop in Turn 3.
On the restart, Steve Kinser was on the move as he moved his way into the top-five and began pursing his teammate. One of the best battles on the track was between Saldana and Schatz as they sized each other up. When the leaders started to encounter traffic again, Sides was closing in on Dollansky. On Lap 24, Sides caught Dollansky and got on the outside in Turn 1. The duo would run nose-to-tail down the back stretch. On the 26 circuit of the course Sides would beat Dollansky to the line and take the lead.
Two laps later disaster would strike for Sides as first sparks were reported over the radio, then his racecar slowed and came to a stop high in Turn 3 with rear end damage. On the drop of the green Dollansky set sail, while Saldana and Schatz battled, but just before Dollansky could take the checkered flag the Red Flag flew for Tim Kaeding who had flipped exiting Turn 2. This set up a second Green, White, Checkered situation. On this restart, Dollansky powered into the first turn leaving Saldana and Schatz to decide second. When the Checkered Flag flew it would be Dollansky picking up the win with Saldana, Schatz, Kinser, and Stevie Smith just eking his way into the top-five at the end.
Tonight Dollansky collected his sixth career All Star win and his first in All Star Winter Nationals action since 2001 when he won at Volusia. Overall it was the third time in his career that he celebrated a 410 sprint car win in Victory Lane at Volusia.
Next up is a second night of thrilling racing action at Volusia Speedway Park. Thursday, February 4th General Admission for the event is $29 with a Pit Pass running $40. Reserved seats can be purchased on race day for $2 more per seat. This year Volusia is extending a one of a kind chance to get close to the racing action to fans, as they will have unprecedented access throughout the racing program. Every ticket purchased is a FREE Fan Pit Pass. All fans have to do is show their grandstand ticket and sign in to at a table near the pit entrance, and they will be free to visit the pit area at any time during the course of the race night to see the best sprint car drivers in the world, their cars and their crews hard at work. For tickets and more information visit: www.DIRTcarNationals.com or call Volusia Speedway Park at 386-985-4402.
For up to date information as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions take on five more nights of racing during the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals visit www.allstarsprint.com. Top Three Quotes
Winner Craig Dollansky � �It was a great team effort with my brand new race team. It is always a team effort when you make it to Victory Lane. I could not be happier for everyone involved. This was our first night running on the Goodyear Tires. Some other teams have tested, but we did not, so we are pretty happy that we could win on our first night with them. It is a great win for everyone who stands behind this team. We have a great support system.�
Second Place Joey Saldana � �We had a great car and it was really great in lapped traffic. We could really move around. We had a good start, but with an open track like that it is hard to make up any ground especially on a guy like Craig. Put a guy like that up front it is hard to pass them unless lapped traffic comes into play. If we had been in lapped traffic, I think we would have been good enough to win. We have quality cars. I started eighth, so I will take a second and come back tomorrow.�
Third Place Donny Schatz � �The track was so fast on the restart is about the only time you had a chance to pass unless someone makes a mistake. Some nights you have to deal with that. We had a decent race car, but there were a lot of decent racecars out there tonight. I wish we could have stayed in traffic a little longer. That is where races are won and lost. We saw Jason Sides sneak by in it. We have five more nights of racing to go, so we will keep on plugging away.�
Kistler Engines Qualifying Car-Driver- Time 1. 7 Craig Dollansky 13.206 2. 7s Jason Sides 13.209 3. 17 Daryn Pittman 13.294 4. 6 Danny Lasoski 13.380 5. 63 Chad Kemenah 13.395 6. 15 Donny Schatz 13.430 7. 11 Steve Kinser 13.440 8. 1 Stevie Smith 13.446 9. r19 Lucas Wolfe 13.447 10. 30c Lance Dewease 13.448 11. 49 Brad Sweet 13.460 12. 3c Cale Conley 13.482 13. 6r Bill Rose 13.518 14. 9 Joey Saldana 13.531 15. 14 Jason Myers 13.539 16. 83 Tim Shaffer 13.544 17. 6f Bob Felmlee 13.548 18. 0 Brandon Wimmer 13.553 19. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. 13.554 20. 89g David Gravel 13.566 21. 0s Glenn Styres 13.576 22. 91 Cody Darrah 13.578 23. 24 Terry McCarl 13.579 24. 39 Doug Esh 13.582 25. 1j Bronson Maeschen 13.594 26. 7m Mark Smith 13.604 27. 22 Greg Hodnett 13.630 28. w20 Greg Wilson 13.679 29. 4 Cap Henry 13.682 30. 22e Brian Ellenberger 13.683 31. 51 Freddie Rahmer 13.685 32. 83jr Tim Kaeding 13.694 33. 2b Ben Gregg 13.701 34. 13 Paul McMahan 13.713 35. 11e Mike Erdley 13.877 36. 2 Dale Blaney 14.005 37. 6w Brad Wickham 14.291 38. 12 Jerrod Ridge 14.602 39. 97 Dean Jacobs 15.215 40. 11t TJ Winegardner 16.124 - 11k Kraig Kinser No Time
Heat Finishes (Started)
MSD Ignition Heat 1 �8 Laps 1. 0s Glenn Styres (1) 2. 7 Craig Dollansky (6) 3. 6f Bob Felmlee (2) 4. r19 Lucas Wolfe (4) 5. 2b Ben Gregg (9) 6. 11k Kraig Kinser (10) 7. 04 Cap Henry (8) 8. 1j Bronson Maeschen (7) 9. 63 Chad Kemenah (5) 10. 6r Bill Rose (3) - 6w Brad Wickham (DNS)
Kears Speed Shop Heat 2 � 8 Laps 1. 91 Cody Darrah (1) 2. 9 Joey Saldana (3) 3. 0 Brandon Wimmer (2) 4. 15 Donny Schatz (5) 5. 7s Jason Sides (6) 6. 30c Lance Dewease (4) 7. 13 Paul McMahan (9) 8. 22e Brian Ellenberger (8) 9. 7m Mark Smith (7) 10. 12 Jared Ridge (10)
All Pro Heads Heat 3 � 8 Laps 1. 24 Terry McCarl (1) 2. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. (2) 3. 11 Steve Kinser (5) 4. 51 Freddie Rahmer (8) 5. 14 Jason Myers (3) 6. 17 Daryn Pittman (6) 7. 22 Greg Hodnett (7) 8. 49 Brad Sweet (4) 9. 97 Dean Jacobs (10) 10. 11e Mike Erdley (9)
Outerwears Performance Products Heat 4 � 8 Laps 1. 39 Doug Esh (1) 2. 3c Cale Conley (4) 3. 1 Stevie Smith (5) 4. 83 Tim Shaffer (3) 5. 83jr Tim Kaeding (8) 6. 6 Danny Lasoski (6) 7. w20 Greg Wilson (7) 8. 11t TJ Winegardner (10) 9. 89g David Gravel (2) 10. 2 Dale Blaney (9)
University of Northwestern Ohio B Main � 12 Laps 1. 17 Daryn Pittman (1) 2. 6 Danny Lasoski (2) 3. 30c Lance Dewease (3) 4. 49 Brad Sweet (4) 5. 22 Greg Hodnett (8) 6. 1j Bronson Maeschen (6) 7. 7m Mark Smith (7) 8. w20 Greg Wilson (9) 9. 13 Paul McMahan (12) 10. 22e Brian Ellenberger (11) 11. 04 Cap Henry (10) 12. 6r Bill Rose (5) 13. 12 Jared Ridge (13) 14. 97 Dean Jacobs (14)
- DNS 63 Chad Kemenah - DNS 89g David Gravel - DNS11e Mike Erdley - DNS 11t TJ Winegardner - DNS 2 Dale Blaney
O�Reilly Auto Parts A Main � 30 Laps 1. 7 Craig Dollansky (1) 2. 9 Joey Saldana (8) 3. 15 Donny Schatz (3) 4. 11 Steve Kinser (6) 5. 1 Stevie Smith (5) 6. r19 Lucas Wolfe (4) 7. 17 Daryn Pittman (11) 8. 14 Jason Myers (9) 9. 30c Lance Dewease (13) 10. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. (17) 11. 24 Terry McCarl (20) 12. 3c Cale Conley (7) 13. 51 Freddie Rahmer (22) 14. 6 Danny Lasoski (12) 15. 83 Tim Shaffer (10) 16. 49 Brad Sweet (14) 17. 6f Bob Felmlee (15) 18. 2b Ben Gregg (24) 19. 83jr Tim Kaeding (23) 20. 7s Jason Sides (2) 21. 91 Cody Darrah (19) 22. 0s Glen Styres (18) 23. 39 Dough Esh (21) 24. 0 Brandon Wimmer (16)
Winter Nationals Focus Moves to Volusia Speedway Park
Camargo, IL (2-1-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director With only one night of racing, after the second night fell victim to rain last weekend, it is time for the drivers and teams of the All Star Circuit of Champions to pack up and head to the site that has hosted the most All Star Winter National Races: Volusia Speedway Park.
Not only has Volusia hosted the most races, but it also hosted the first Winter National race in 1983. In that event Kenny Jacobs would win his first of three All Star races there. On both the 3/8 mile and half-mile dirt and pavement ovals, that Volusia has transitioned to over the years.
On Wednesday February 3rd, there will be $5,000 on the line as the drivers hit the track, but if rain can stay away both days Thursday February 4th could be historic. Not only will $7,000 be on the line, but a lucky driver will get to be etched in the history books as the winner of the 200th All Star Circuit of Champions Winter Nationals Race.
Last year Donny Schatz was a man on a mission. On the first night it was a challenge for the North Dakota native as he spun to miss an incident early in the race and restarted the race at the tail end. It took until the half way point of the race for Schatz to work his way into the top ten and he stole the lead away from Stevie Smith with just a few laps to go for the win. The second night of racing action would see Schatz lead wire-to-wire to claim the second night of racing action. On the third night Smith would get revenge by claiming the victory. It was a thrilling event that saw Smith slide around Craig Dollansky in Turn 2 on the last lap.
Ticket Information
On both Wednesday February 3rd and Thursday February 4th General Admission for the event is $29 with a Pit Pass running $40. Reserved seats can be purchased on race day for $2 more per seat. This year Volusia is extending a one of a kind chance to get close to the racing action to fans, as they will have unprecedented access throughout the racing program. Every ticket purchased is a FREE Fan Pit Pass. All fans have to do is show their grandstand ticket and sign in to at a table near the pit entrance, and they will be free to visit the pit area at any time during the course of the race night to see the best sprint car drivers in the world, their cars and their crews hard at work. For tickets and more information visit: www.DIRTcarNationals.com or call Volusia Speedway Park at 386-985-4402.
Official Hotel
When the All Stars take on Volusia Speedway on February 3rd with $5,000 on the line and February 4th with $7,000 up for grabs, the Extended Stay Deluxe is the place to stay. To get the special racers rate all fans and racers a like need to do is use the company code STR.
Extended Stay Deluxe 255 Bill France Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 257-4311 *Use Company Code STR*
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
Danny Lasoski Collects Winter Nationals Win at Ocala Speedway
Camargo, IL (1-29-10) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director- It was the opening event for the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions Winter Nationals, so there was a bit of chill in the air but not enough to cool down the young guns and veteran drivers. On a night that looked as if the youth would out run experience, there was a cruel twist which sent a seasoned veteran to Victory Lane. The benefactor was Danny Lasoski who did not lead the most laps in the event, but he led the most important one that solidified his twenty-first OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions victory in Winter Nationals History.
On the front row of tonight�s feature event were young guns Brad Sweet and Cale Conley. When the Green Flag initially few it was not for long as Donny Schatz and Sam Hafertepe Jr. would make contact which would end the evening for the 15h and the15 would lose its front wing, but continue on at the back of the pack.
When the Green Flag waved in the crisp night air Conley would grab the lead and set sail with Sweet in his tire tracks. The two would run nose-to-tail until the first Yellow Flag flew over the event on Lap 8. It was for David Gravel who looped his 89g around and ended up in the infield.
After the short caution period, Conley and Sweet picked up where they left off. The duo was close and Sweet was working on Conley, he came close to executing the pass, but there would be another caution period to cool the action on the track. Gravel got low between Turn 1 and Turn 2, and then spun at the base of the track. Once the Green Banner flew, Conley and Sweet resumed their heated battle as seasoned veterans worked their way through traffic and began to catch the dueling duo.
With one lap to go the third through fifth consisted of Dale Blaney, Tim Shaffer, and Lasoski, all veterans in their own right with the two youngsters of Sweet and Conley in front of them. It looked as if the exuberance of youth would win out, but this is when everything took a turn. Going into turn three on the final lap Sweet made his move going high to get around Conley for the victory. Both tried to battle in the high groove and touched which sent both of their 410 racing machines tumbling and brought out the Red Flag.
The incident set up a Green-White-Checker finish for the veterans of the series to decide amongst them who would win. Lasoski inherited the lead and when the Green Flag flew, he defended his position. Once in the lead Lasoski did not look back to collect his first win at Ocala Speedway. Rounding out the top-five would be Shaffer, Blaney, Freddie Rahmer and Tim Kaeding.
The hard charger of the night was Doug Esh who picked up eleven spots on a track that was very hard to pass on. Also after starting at the tail of the field after losing his nose wing, Donny Schatz was able to battle back to finish in the top-ten.
For up to date information as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions take on six more nights of racing during the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals visit www.allstarsprint.com.
Kistler Engines Qualifying Car-Driver 1. 24 Terry McCarl 12.813 2. 15 Donny Schatz 12.863 3. 83jr Tim Kaeding 12.900 4. 13 Paul McMahan 12.904 5. 14 Jason Myers 12.925 6. 30c Lance Dewease 12.961 7. 2 Dale Blaney 12.970 8. 22 Greg Hodnett 12.989 9. 3c Cale Conley 13.006 10. 49 Brad Sweet 13.081 11. 6f Bob Felmlee 13.089 12. 6 Danny Lasoski 13.108 13. 83 Tim Shaffer 13.145 14. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. 13.153 15. 51 Freddie Rahmer 13.170 16. r19 Jac Haudenschild 13.173 17. 7m Mark Smith 13.174 18. 89g David Gravel 13.189 19. 91 Cody Darrah 13.247 20. 1 Stevie Smith 13.252 21. 17 Daryn Pittman 13.268 22. 63 Chad Kemenah 13.329 23. 04 Cap Henry 13.371 24. w20 Greg Wilson 13.379 25. 97 Dean Jacobs 13.396 26. 39 Doug Esh 13.478 27. 22e Brian Ellenberger 13.553 28. 6r Bill Rose 13.723 29. 0 Brandon Wimmer 13.842 30. 12 Jared Ridge 13.855
Heat Finishes (Started)
MSD Ignition Heat 1 �8 Laps 1. 17 Daryn Pittman (1) 2. 7m Mark Smith (2) 3. 83 Tim Shaffer (3) 4. 24 Terry McCarl (6) 5. 3c Cale Conley (4) 6. 14 Jason Myers (5) 7. 97 Dean Jacobs (7) 8. 0 Brandon Wimmer (8)
Kears Speed Shop Heat 2 � 8 Laps 1. 63 Chad Kemenah (1) 2. 89g David Gravel (2) 3. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3) 4. 39 Doug Esh (7) 5. 49 Brad Sweet (4) 6. 30c Lance Dewease (5) 7. 15 Donny Schatz (6) 8. 12 Jared Ridge (8)
All Pro Heads Heat 3 � 8 Laps 1. 91 Cody Darrah (2) 2. 6f Bob Felmlee (4) 3. 04 Cap Henry (1) 4. 51 Freddie Rahmer (3) 5. 2 Dale Blaney (5) 6. 83jr Tim Kaeding (6) 7. 22e Brian Ellenberger (7)
Outerwears Performance Products Heat 4 � 8 Laps 1. w20 Greg Wilson (1) 2. 1 Stevie Smith (2) 3. r19 Jac Haudenschild (3) 4. 6 Danny Lasoski (4) 5. 22 Greg Hodnett (5) 6. 13 Paul McMahan (6) 7. 6r Bill Rose (7)
University of Northwestern Ohio B Main � 12 Laps 1. 15 Donny Schatz (1) 2. 83jr Tim Kaeding (2) 3. 13 Paul McMahan (3) 4. 14 Jason Myers (4) 5. 30c Lance Dewease (5) 6. 22e Brian Ellenberger (7) 7. 0 Brandon Wimmer (9) 8. 97 Dean Jacobs (6) 9. 12 Jared Ridge (10) 10. Bill Rose (8)
O�Reilly Auto Parts A Main � 25 Laps 1. 6 Danny Lasoski (7) 2. 83 Tim Shaffer (8) 3. 2 Dale Blaney (4) 4. 51 Freddie Rahmer (10) 5. 83jr Tim Kaeding (12) 6. 6f Bob Felmlee (3) 7. r19 Jac Haudenschild (15) 8. 24 Terry McCarl (6) 9. 15 Donny Schatz (11) 10. 1 Stevie Smith (19) 11. 14 Jason Meyers (14) 12. 63 Chad Kemenah (21) 13. 39 Doug Esh (24) 14. w20 Greg Wilson (23) 15. 91 Cody Darrah (18) 16. 7m Mark Smith (16) 17. 17 Daryn Pittman (20) 18. 22 Greg Hodnett (5) 19. 04 Cap Henry (22) 20. 3c Cale Conley (2) 21. 49 Brad Sweet (1) 22. 13 Paul McMahan (13) 23. 89g David Gravel (17) 24. 15h Sam Hafertepe Jr. (9)
Seven Years Later: O Reilly All Stars Returning to East Bay Raceway Park
Camargo, IL (1-29-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director It is hard to believe it, but it has been seven years since the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions have raced at East Bay Raceway Park and has been a part of Winter Nationals. The fans of the series will not have to wait much longer as we are less than two weeks away from their historic return to the track by the Bay
The first time that the All Stars raced in East Bay was in 1984 during the second running of Winter Nationals when Lee Osbourne, Joe Saldana, Bobby Davis Jr. and Sammy Swindell celebrated in Victory lane. The last time the All Stars raced at East Bay was in 2003 when the All Stars ran three nights straight with victories going to: Danny Lasoski, Jeff Shepard, and Craig Dollansky.
The All Stars will be making their landmark return to East Bay on Thursday, February 11th with $3,000 up for grabs, Friday February 12th with $5,000 on the line, and on Saturday February 13 with $7,000 being awarded to the winner. Do not forget that one lucky fan will win $1,000 each night just for attending. �I am looking forward to the return of the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions to East Bay,� stated East Bay Promoter Dean Miracle during the All Star Banquet. �It has been seven years and the fans have been showing to us how excited they are to have the All Stars back since advance ticket sales are up. This has been very encouraging for everyone involved. It means a lot not only for the track, but for the area around it.�
Ticket Information
On Thursday, February 11th the tickets will run $20, with pit passes running $30. Then on Friday night admission will be $25 and pit passes will be $32. On the final night of race action tickets can be purchased for $30 and the pit passes will be $35. The track is offering a three-day general admission race package, which will run $70. Official Hotel Information
Open to both fans and racers the Days Inn Tampa North will be offering a racer special that is $45.00 a night and a free hot breakfast will be included.
Days Inn Tampa North 701 East Fletcher Ave I-275 & Fletcher Ave Exit 52 Tampa, FL 33612 For Reservations Call (813) 977-1550 or (866) 895-6584 or Email Daysinn05280@aol.com *Racer Fan Special $45.00 (1-2 people)*
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Celebrate 2009 Season
Camargo, IL (1-25-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months, and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character. T. Alan Armstrong.
This past weekend at the All Occasions Banquet Center in Waldo, Ohio, the stars were out in the middle of the day as the drivers, owners, sponsors, promoters, and special guests of the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions gathered to remember another thrilling season of racing action.
2009 All Star Champion Tim Shaffer was awarded a check for $50,000 for his accomplishments this season. He also took home a prize from All Pro Heads, which he won in a drawing during the banquet. In 2009, Shaffer collected eight wins at: Ocala Speedway, Lernerville Speedway, Elkins Speedway, Millstream Speedway, Fremont Speedway, Hartford Speedway, and Hilltop Speedway. Shaffer was also second in the point standings during the 2009 edition of Ohio Speedweek and won the finale of the grueling week at Fremont. Overall Shaffer accumulated 19 top-five finishes, which put him in the top-five in 50 percent of the races he ran with the All Stars. He also collected 29 top-ten finishes which placed him in the top-ten in approximately 80 percent of the All Star races he ran this year.
�The whole season was really fun for me,� stated Shaffer with a smile. �It had been a long time since I have had this much fun racing. My owners were wonderful and gave me great equipment which made me and the Call Holbrook team look fantastic. I cannot wait to get going again. These cars are really fun to drive with Brian (Kemenah) setting them up. This year communication was the key to our success and that is what makes this a great team to drive for.�
Also honored during the day was 2009 Rookie-of-the-Year Daron Clayton who won one of the closest rookie battles the All Star Circuit of Champions has seen, and also took home third in the point standings. Clayton clinched the title with an eighth place finish in the final race of the season at Terre Haute. Clayton may have had a slow start to 2009, but finished strong with two top-five finishes in the last five races of the season. His best finish of fourth came at Hilltop Speedway in September. In all Clayton would close the 2009 season with eight top-ten finishes.
�The first half of the year was tough, but once I got my head out of my butt, we looked at the points and said we have a chance to run in the top-three in points and win Rookie-of-the-Year,� said Clayton with a grin. �It was fun and the highlight of my career. I did go through a year in the school of hard knocks, but it all paid off for us in the end.� Also honored was Clayton�s crew chief Anthony Knighten, who took home Mechanic-of-the-Year honors.
�I don�t know how we did it,� commented Knighten. �I have to thank Daron and send an extra special thank you to my wife Deanna who has been really understanding this year with the hours it took to make this team successful. I have come a long way since I started driving street stocks in New Jersey. Over the years I have to say I learned the most about racing watching Billy Paunch race in Pennsylvania.�
Looking forward to 2010, it promises to be another thrilling season for the All Star Circuit of Champions. �Next weekend when we begin our season at Ocala Speedway, it will be a new day,� expressed Guy Webb, All Star Series President. This year the schedule will be bigger and better than last year with around 50 stand alone dates. In all this is going to be a great year for the All Stars.�
With the 2010 season under a week away, another exciting season is in the works. It will open next weekend with the 27th edition of Winter Nationals which will feature three unique Floridian tracks: Ocala Speedway, Volusia Raceway Park, and East Bay Raceway Park. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and more information about the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
Ready for 2010: O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Open at Ocala Speedway
Camargo, IL (1-25-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director Just a over twenty days ago we welcomed the New Year. It may not seem as if it was that long ago, but the hands of time are ticking and the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions wave the Green Flag on the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals at Ocala Speedway, which promises to be another unforgettable event.
The on track action will begin on Wednesday, January 27th, as the All Stars will have an opportunity to try out Goodyear tires as they get their footing on the track. A second practice session will be held Thursday, January 28th before the high-speed race action takes center stage.
When the All Stars take the spotlight for the 27th edition of Winter Nationals, the racing action will be fast and furious with $3,000 on the line on Friday night and $5,000 on Saturday. Since Ocala Speedway has only seen one repeat winner in Speedweek action, it promises to be an unforgettable event as every driver will try to match that feat.
Last year Greg Wilson and Tim Shaffer had a drag out battle to see who would walk away the champion that night. Late in the race, Shaffer was able to catch Wilson in traffic and was able to sneak past him with a daring move in Turn 4 for the victory. On the second night of racing action, Terry McCarl was a man on a mission. He began the night on the front row and cleared Danny Lasoski in the first turn. Once McCarl grabbed the lead, he never looked back and won the second night at Ocala Speedway. The race was for second through fifth which was constantly changing. Danny Lasoski would go on to take second with Stevie Smith, Lance Dewease, and Greg Hodnett rounding out the top-five.
Ticket Information
On both practice dates Wednesday, January 27th and Thursday January 28th the pit gates will open at 1:00 pm. The practice session will take the Green Flag at 4:00 pm and will conclude at 8:00 pm. Admission is $15.00 and children 12 and under are free.
On both Friday, January 29 and Saturday January 30 the pit gates open at 1:00 pm, while gates for fans will open at 5:00 pm, and racing action will begin at 8:00 pm. On Friday night adult tickets with run $20.00, while teen tickets (13-17) will run $10.00, and ages 12 and under are $5.00. Pit passes will be $35.00 for adults, $20.00 for those 12 and under, and those under 3 will be free. On Saturday night admission will be $25.00 for adults, while teen tickets (13-17) will run $10.00, and ages 12 and under are $5.00. Pit passes will be $35.00 for adults on both nights. There is a two day grandstand pass that they track is offering which will run $40.00.
Official Hotel Information
Travelodge of Ocala answers the question of where to stay for this thrilling opening event for the All Stars. They will be offering a special racers rate to those who ask for it.
Travelodge of Ocala 4040 West Silver Springs Boulevard Ocala, FL 34482 (352) 629-8850 *Ask for the racers rate*
For more information on the event or to get tickets visit www.ocalaspeedway.com or call 352-622-9400. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
OReilly All Stars Reveal Official Hotels of 2010 Winter Nationals
Camargo, IL (1-21-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director As the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions hits the road and travel to the Sunshine state for the 27th annual Florida Winter Nationals, the question of where to stay will come across the minds of racers and fans alike. This year the All Stars have made deals with hotels at each track along the way and they will be offering both teams and fans a special racers rates.
Ocala Speedway
As the All Stars invade Ocala Speedway for two practice nights on January 27th and 28th, and two thrilling nights of race action that will see the winner walk away with $3,000 on Friday night, January 29th and $5,000 on Saturday night January, 30th the Travelodge of Ocala answers the question of where to stay. They will be offering a special racers rate to those who ask for it.
Travelodge of Ocala 4040 West Silver Springs Boulevard Ocala, FL 34482 (352) 629-8850 *Ask for the racers rate*
Volusia Speedway
When the All Stars take on Volusia Speedway on February 3rd with $5,000 on the line and February 4th with $7,000 up for grabs, the Extended Stay Deluxe is the place to stay. To get the special racers rate all fans and racers a like need to do is use the company code STR.
Extended Stay Deluxe 255 Bill France Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 257-4311 *Use Company Code STR*
East Bay Raceway Park
Last up on the 2010 Florida Winter Nationals line-up is East Bay Raceway Park. The All Stars will be hitting the track there on Thursday, February 11th with $3,000 up for grabs, Friday February 12th with $5,000 on the line, and on Saturday February 13 with $7,000 being awarded to the winner. Do not forget that one lucky fan will win $1,000 each night just for attending.
Open to both fans and racers the Days Inn Tampa North will be offering a racer special which is $45.00 a night and a free hot breakfast will be included.
Days Inn Tampa North 701 East Fletcher Ave I-275 & Fletcher Ave Exit 52 Tampa, FL 33612 For Reservations Call (813) 977-1550 or (866) 895-6584 or Email Daysinn05280@aol.com *Racer Fan Special $45.00 (1-2 people)*
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
Winter Nationals Technical Bulletin
Camargo, IL (1-21-10) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director With the clock ticking down to the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, the OReilly All Stars have released muffler rules for the seven sizzling nights of racing.
At both Ocala Speedway and Volusia Speedway mufflers will not be required, but when the All Stars move to East Bay the rules will change. At East Bay Raceway Park a Schoenfeld 112535 muffler will be required for all competitors.
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
Two drivers throw their hats into the race for 2010 All Star Rookie-of-the-Year
Camargo, IL (12-21-09) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director The 2009 Rookie-of-the-Year battle for the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions was one of the closest in recent history with four rookies vying for the title. It took up until the last race of the season for Daron Clayton to clinch the title of being the top rookie of 2009. In 2010, look for these rookie competitors to contend not only with each other, but also with the veterans of the series each race.
Cap Henry
At nineteen years old Cap Henry is quickly making a name for himself in the 410 sprint car world. The young gun had 26 starts in 2009 and made 19 A-main events with an average finishing position of twelfth. He had six top ten finishes, including a sixth and ninth place finish with the All Star Circuit of Champions. Overall Henry managed to place in the top ten in points in his Rookie Year finishing sixth overall at Fremont Speedway, eighth overall at Attica Raceway Park, and eighth overall in the F.A.S.T. series (Fremont Attica Sprint Title). Henry collected 410 Rookie-of-the-Year Honors at Fremont Speedway, Attica Raceway Park and The F.A.S.T. series championship. In fact, Henry has clinched five Rookie-of-the-Year titles in just two years of dirt sprint car racing.
Jerrod Ridge
A young gun that will be shooting for the Rookie-of-the-Year title will be Jerrod Ridge of Snohomish, Washington. Ridge will be trading his 360 engine with the ASCS and moving to the 410 full time with the All Star Circuit of Champions. In both 2008 and 2009 Ridge has finished second in the ASCS Northwest Region point standings. The Washington native also collected two wins this season in ASCS action at Electric City Speedway and Southern Oregon Speedway. In 2008 Ridge made his first start at the 360 Knoxville Nationals and placed eighteenth out of 125 cars present.
Keep your computer bookmarked to www.allstarsprint.com for the most up to date information as the 2010 season begins to take shape as there will be more drivers announced, and the 2010 season schedule will be released in the near future.
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"The O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions"
Results & News
Camargo, IL (12-18-09) by Kelly Brown Public Relations Director With the holiday season in full swing and the New Year less than two weeks away, the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions have set the date for the celebration of the 2009 season. On Sunday, January 24th, 2010 the All Star Circuit of Champions will be honoring 2009 Champion Tim Shaffer, 2009 Rookie-of-the-Year Daron Clayton and the rest of the drivers who raced their way into the top-ten in the points standings at a Banquet to be held at All Occasions Catering and Banquet Center in Waldo, Ohio.
The doors will open at noon for the commemorative occasion, with dinner at 1:00 pm, and awards will follow. A full luncheon will be served to those who will be attending. Tickets for the event will run $30 per person. Those interested in joining the All Star Circuit of Champions for this elite event will need to download a reservation form on the All Star Circuit of Champions website and follow the directions on the form or call the All Star Circuit of Champions office at 217-832-2308. The deadline for ticket reservations is January 8, 2010.
For more information on the facility and directions to All Occasions Catering and Banquet Center visit www.clasealloccasions.com and for all the information you need on the 2010 All Star Circuit of Champions season visit www.allstarsprint.com.
OReilly Midwest All Stars to Remember 2009 with Banquet Celebration
Camargo, IL- (12-11-09)- Three-time OReilly Midwest All Star Series Champion Jerrod Hull will soon be receiving his big payday. The Midwest All Star Banquet will be held Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8 p.m. at Orlando Gardens, 8352 Watson Road, in St. Louis, Missouri. For directions and more information on the venue visit: www.orlandogardens.com. Tickets will be $35.00, which includes dinner and drinks, and are available by calling Midwest Series Director Scott Petit at 217-979-3190.
2009 was another break out season for the OReilly Midwest All Stars. In its third season of racing action the series the competition was fiercer that ever. The exhilarating schedule featured show-stopping races with ten different drivers celebrating at the end of the night in Victory Lane. At the beginning of the season, the point standings were up for grabs and the top spot changed several times, but towards the end of the season a familiar face emerged as Jerrod Hull celebrated his third title. The only two drivers to win multiple races were Jerrod Hull and Dale Blaney. It has been a very competitive season and the Midwest All Stars are looking forward to continuing the non-stop action in 2010.
For more information about the O'Reilly Midwest All Star Series go to www.midwestallstarseries.com.
2009 in Review Part 7: OReilly All Stars face the Ironman and Front Row Challenge
Camargo, IL (12-10-09) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director The number of shopping days until Christmas may be quickly dwindling, but the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions are taking you back to the end of August. After a thrilling roll through the plains states, the All Stars would remain out west for three events. The first two would feature a warm-up feature and an inaugural event which would feature 55 laps of racing action around I-55 Raceway that could only be won by an ironman. The third would feature a challenge unlike any other at Southern Iowa Speedway.
The night before the Ironman
On the first night of racing at I-55 Raceway Craig Dollansky held off countless charges to take the victory. Dollansky took the point from the pole position leading the race early on grabbing the lead in Turn 1. Jason Myers and Donny Schatz would follow right on his tail. When Dollansky first encountered traffic on Lap 6 he was able to easily hold on to the lead, but the second place battle heated up. Schatz and Meyers would fight tooth-and-nail over the next part of the race. Schatz would get an edge on Lap 12 and pick up the second position and began his march to the front. On Lap 15 Schatz would use lapped traffic to attempt to take the top spot, but Dollansky muscled back at the line to hold on to the lead. On the following lap Schatz would take the top spot as the two split a lapped car.
The first and only caution period of the event was on Lap 19. When the field restarted Schatz sprinted out to the lead, leaving Meyers and Dollansky to battle for second. With ten laps to go Jason Sides would join the battle as he got around Meyers for the third position. With six laps to go Schatz was in heavy traffic trying to defend his lead. These lapped cars allowed both Dollansky and Sides to close on him. On Lap 25 Dollansky would get a run going off of Turn 4, nearly taking the top spot away. On the following lap he took the lead in turns one and two from Schatz as Sides joined the fray and the trio ran side-by-side. With the White Flag unfurled the trip had one Lap to decide it. At the line it would be Dollansky getting the edge over Sides and Schatz, Myers and Daryn Pittman would round out the Top-five.
55-Laps Strong
Night two featured a race that was 55 laps around 55 Speedway, and it truly took an ironman and a little luck to make it to Victory Lane. At the drop of the Green Flag Jason Meyers jetted out to the lead going into the first two turns of the marathon event, but the race would not stay green for long as Lance Dewease slowed on track bringing out the Yellow Flag causing a complete restart of the event. This moved Craig Dollansky to the pole position and when the race resumed he got a jump going into Turn 1 taking the lead with his teammate Saldana who started fourth quickly sliding his way into the second position. The Kasey Kahne racing teammates had the field covered the whole event, with Dollansky leading early on, working his way through lapped traffic beginning on Lap 6. Joey Saldana would spend the first eighteen laps of the event in his tire tracks as they weaved their way through lapped traffic. On Lap 19 is when Saldana made his move. After Dollansky was held up by a lapped car, Saldana closed and used a textbook slide job coming off of turn four to take the lead. Saldana would never look back keeping an iron fist on the top spot for the final 27 laps of the race. Throughout the rest of the race Saldana would have to contend with lapped traffic allowing Dollansky to close on his teammate, but he would never be close enough to steal back the top spot. With the Checkered Flag looming after a grueling 55 Laps, Saldana would take the victory with Dollansky, Danny Lasoski, Donny Schatz and Jason Sides rounding out the top-5.
The Front Row Challenge
Southern Iowa Speedway features one of the most unique events on the All Star calendar: The Front Row Challenge. It was no surprise as the evening began, it was record setting as Lance Dewease set a new event record during qualifying with a lap of 15.231 around the 1/2-mile semi-banked clay oval. After the heat races were finished a brief downpour hit the track, drenching its surface and causing event officials to eliminate the �King of the Hill� match races. Swindell got the honor of starting from the pole position by virtue of a draw. The front row starters Swindell and Joey Saldana refused the �Front Row Challenge� citing the track conditions after the rain as to why they turned the challenge down. Once Swindell got the lead on the drop of the Green Flag, he never let it go leading all 25 laps of the night�s main event. Daryn Pittman�s racing machine came to a stop on the back stretch on lap six causing the first Yellow Flag of the night.
Wayne Johnson made a valiant effort in the opening laps making his way from fourteenth to the top-ten in just six laps, but when the caution flag flew on Lap 6 he also retired from the event. When the Green Flag flew Saldana got up beside Swindell for a brief moment on the restart, but Swindell held strong. In their tire tracks were Donny Schatz, Craig Dollansky, and Cale Conley. Just as the leaders first encountered lapped traffic on Lap 16 the Yellow Flag flew when Tyler Walker�s 24t went up in smoke and almost simultaneously Johnny Herrera came to a stop on the track. With nine laps left the field took the green one last time, but Swindell had established himself in the top spot so long, he was not letting it go. Dollansky slid under Schatz after the final restart to move his way into the top-three. At the Checkered Flag it was Swindell picking up the win with Saldana, Dollansky, Schatz, and Dewease rounding out the top-five.
With the month of August coming to a conclusion, there would only be one more exciting month of race action as the All Stars looked towards the Hoosier Fall Classic and other notable events during the month of September. Next up will be a triple header weekend that took the All Stars from Pennsylvania and across Ohio. Stay tuned as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action.
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions to start 2010 with seven sizzling nights of racing
Camargo, IL (12-1-09) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director During the off-season fans and racers alike start counting down to the day that they will be back at the track. Today the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions revealed the dates that everyone can start counting down to when they released the dates of their 27th Annual Florida Speedweek Winter Nationals. This year Winter Nationals will feature seven thrilling nights of racing at three notable tracks in the Sunshine State.
The 2010 edition of Winter Nationals will kick off at Ocala Speedway with two nights of racing action on Friday, January 29th, and Saturday, January 30th. Ocala hosted its first All Star race in fifteen years last year when both Tim Shaffer and Terry McCarl won a pair of breathtaking races. In the twelve events held at 3/8 of a mile bullring there has yet to be a repeat winner. Will one lucky driver be able to break the streak and make All Star History this season?
After two nights in Central Florida, the All Stars will first travel to the West Coast to the birth place of Speedweek. Volusia Speedway Park was the site of the first All Star Winter Nationals race in 1983 and it has been hosting All Star Speedweek events since Kenny Jacobs took the Checkered Flag twenty-seven years ago. Since then the track has been a staple of Speedweek hosting seventy-four races in twenty-six years of racing action. This All Star year history will be made at Volusia Speedway Park on Wednesday, February 3rd, and Thursday, February 4th.
After two nights on the East Coast of the Sunshine State, the All Stars will be traveling to the Gulf Coast to East Bay Raceway Park. Beginning on Thursday February 11th the All Stars will embark on three nights of exciting race action at the 1/3-mile clay banked oval. East Bay Raceway Park first showed up on the All Star�s Winter National schedule in 1984. Since then East Bay has hosted over 70 All Star races.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the events visit www.ocalaspeedway.com www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com or www.eastbayracewaypark.com. And for all the information you will need about the 2010 Winter Nationals and the 2010 All Star Circuit of Champions season visit www.allstarsprint.com.
General Admission Prices
January 29 (Friday) Ocala Speedway $20 January 30 (Saturday) Ocala Speedway $25 February 3 (Wednesday) Volusia Speedway Park $29 February 4 (Thursday) Volusia Speedway Park $29 February 11 (Thursday) East Bay Raceway Park $20 February 12 (Friday) East Bay Raceway Park $25 February 13 (Saturday) East Bay Raceway Park $30
* Note some tracks are offering multiple race passes and special prices for children. Visit www.ocalaspeedway.com www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com or www.eastbayracewaypark.com to check out the excitement of each track.
OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions team up with Kinsler Fuel Injection
Camargo, IL (11-24-09) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director Fuel is pumping engines, running hard loose and clean When it comes to racing, fuel injection is a necessity. Today the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions announced a partnership with Kinsler Fuel Injection for the 2010 season. Kinsler Fuel Injection has been part of the racing world for 40 years and has been involved with Sprint Cars for over 30 years. In their 40 years Kinsler Fuel Injection has acquired a vast experience in motor sports including: Sprint Cars, Midgets, TQs, Drags, Sports Racing Cars, Street Performance, Boats, Indy 500, Pulling Vehicles, Bonneville, Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, and more.
We are excited to give back to the racers and to be affiliated with All Star Championship Racing, expressed Greg Murchinson, General Manager of Kinsler Fuel Injection. Our partnership with the All Stars is a new avenue for us to reach out to the racers, in a direct way versus some of the print ads and other things we have done in the past. Kinsler is moving into the next generation of motorsports and is excited to be affiliated in all types and forms of motorsports, especially in the 410 sprint car world.
Not only has Kinsler Fuel Injection been involved with all types of motorsports, but they also provide a variety of services, If it has an engine in it, we have done it. Some of their specialties also include engineering, manufacturing, sales, service, calibration, testing, and modification, of mechanical and electric fuel injection systems and components for all types of racing and performance. As a company Kinsler is dedicated to moving forward as rapidly as the racecars that their fuel injectors are a part of.
This is an exciting new partnership for both the All Stars and Kinsler Fuel Injection, stated All Star Circuit of Champions President Guy Webb. Kinsler has a background in all types of motorsports and we look forward to having them and their vast background as a part of the All Star Circuit of Champions for 2010 and beyond.
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer and to find out more about Kinsler Fuel Injection products and services visit www.kinsler.com.
All Star Circuit of Champions Return to The track that action built in 2010
Camargo, IL (11-23-09) Today the All Star Circuit of Champions announced it will be visiting The track that action built, once again for the 2010 season. The All Star Circuit of Champions will visit Fremont Speedway four times during the 2010 racing season. The series will visit Fremont Speedway in May, June for Ohio Sprint Speedweek, and twice in September. The All Star Circuit of Champions is proud to have Fremont Speedway apart of its schedule for the upcoming season. Fremont has a lot of history with the All Stars, and we want that to continue, commented Guy Webb-President of the All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc.
Fremont Speedway has always been a staple on the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions schedule since the series visited the Fremont, Ohio. Last season seen with wall to wall racing action with Tim Shaffer visiting victory lane twice, and Danny Smith visiting victory lane on Kears Speed Shop night. Over the years Fremont Speedway has built the reputation and the ability to claim to be The Track that Action Built due to its high-speed configuration and wheel-to-wheel excitement and that will be no exception for 2010.
For more information on Fremont Speedway, visit www.fremontohspeedway.com. For latest information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
All Star Circuit of Champions 2010 Memberships Now Available!
Camargo, IL (11-19-09)- The 2010 O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc. memberships are now available. The deadline for Florida Winternationals is January 8, 2010.
Please go to www.allstarsprint.com to download the 2010 membership form. The annual membership is $425. The 2010 advantages are as follows: 1. Driver and Owner receive free entry to all races. 2. Two additional crew members receive $25.00 pit passes to select races. 3. Qualifies team for appearance/tow package, top ten in points, $150,000.00 annually. 4. Qualifies team for annual point fund and contingency package, $200,000.00 annually.
Remember if you are planning to run the six dates of the Florida Winternationals or seven dates of the Ohio Speedweek the 2010 membership is a money saving investment.
For more information about your 2010 membership go to www.allstarsprint.com or call the All Star Circuit of Champions office at 217-832-2308.
Note: Membership Forms are attached. Be sure to download the correct series form.
Midwest All Star 2010 Memberships Now Available!
Camargo, IL (11-19-09) The 2010 O�Reilly Midwest All Stars, Inc. memberships are now available. Please go to www.midwestallstarseries.com to download the 2010 membership form. The fee is $250.00 for driver and team. The 2010 advantages are as follows: 1. Qualifies team for appearance/tow package, top ten in points, $26,000.00 annually. 2. Qualifies team for annual point fund and contingency package, $20,000.00 annually.
For more information about your 2010 membership go to www.midwestallstarseries.com or call the O�Reilly All Midwest All Star Series office at 217-832-2308
Note: Membership Forms are attached. Be sure to download the correct series form.
2009 in Review Part 6: All Star Circuit of Champions roll through the West
Camargo, IL (11-17-09) By Kelly Brown With the Thanksgiving Holiday a little over a week away it is hard to believe that just four months ago the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions were getting ready to head West. Not only were they preparing for a series of racing events that would take them across the Great Plains, but they were also getting ready for five consecutive nights of electrifying racing action as it was time for Thunder through the Plains.
A Hurricane in the Plains?
First up was US 36 Raceway in Cameron, Missouri. When the racing action commenced it was Tim Shaffer and Brandon Wimmer starting from the front row. As the two barreled into Turn 1 Shaffer took the lead with Wimmer tucking in behind him. Shaffer set sail pulling out to a sizable lead. By Lap 19 Shaffer that put all but the top-six running cars a lap down, but that is when disaster struck. On Lap 20, Shaffer was attempting to put yet another car a lap down, but Shaffer tangled with the traffic. What appeared to be an innocent spin going into Turn 1, quickly took a turn for the worse as Shaffer would see his night end on his wing. As a result second place running Greg Wilson inherited the lead. When the Green Flag was unfurled Wilson retained the lead, but not for long. Randy Hannagan who had been battling him the whole night tried the top line and then the bottom trying to find a way around Wilson. It did not take long as on Lap 23 Hannagan blew past Wilson and into the top spot then drove as fast and furious as is nickname insinuates. At the drop of the Checkered Flag it was Hannagan picking up his first All Star Circuit of Champions win of the season and his seventh career All Star win. He was followed to the line by Wilson, Tony Bruce, Wimmer and the 9x of Gary Wright who was the hard charger of the night after starting the main event in the eighteenth position.
Bellville High Banks see plenty of Thunder
On a night that would see records fall on the famed high banks of Belleville, Kerry Madsen did not walk away from the night with his name on a speed record, but he would walk away with the big prize. When the initial Green Flag flew on the main event Randy Hannagan and Terry McCarl battled for the lead. Coming off of Turn 4 running the high line, McCarl would grab the lead for a split second before the first caution flag of the night came out for Shane Stewart, who came to a stop in Turn 3 with mechanical woes. This would set up a complete restart. This time McCarl would grab the lead again from pole sitter Hannagan. By Lap 2 Kerry Madsen had made his way from his sixth place starting spot to pass the 1x for the second position. On Lap 13, Madsen had his eye on the top spot. He sized up McCarl and dove under him going into Turn 1. McCarl would counter on the bottom side of the track leading down the back stretch, but Madsen would take another shot on the high side in Turn 3. This time �The Madman� would make the pass stick to lead on the 14th circuit of the oval. At the front Madsen had stretched out his lead in lapped traffic. With the laps in the event winding down Kaeding would run out of circuits on his quest to capture the second position. At the Checkered Flag it would be Madsen picking up the win with McCarl, Kaeding, Hannagan and Droud finishing in the top-5.
Night three is when the real �thunder� would catch up with the All Stars. The O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions were able to get half of the show in before the storms moved with drenching rains. The race was called as it was with heat and show up points along with prize money being awarded to the O�Reilly Circuit of Champions drivers and teams. This race was not made up.
Hot nights at Husets
Night four took the Green Flag at Husets and when racing action commenced Scott Winters got the jump over pole sitter Gary Wright and jetted out into the early lead. Wright, Tim Shaffer, and Tim Kaeding would fall in line. Winters got a jump on Wright and continued to pull out a sizable lead over the rest of the field. The battle at this point of the event was for the fourth position. Shaffer had it and Sam Hafertepe Jr. was on his bumper. Hafertepe would jump to his inside to pick up the four spot. With 12 laps to go the 9x of Wright would catch up to Winters to challenge for the lead, but Winters would hold on. Wright would size up Winters again, but just as it appeared Wright had the position a lapped car would get out of shape. Wright and Winters would get off the throttle to avoid the car that almost looped it around, but saved it. This would allow Winters to hold on to the lead and drive off to the win. At the finish line it was Winters picking up his first O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions victory with a commanding lead. Wright would go on to finish second with Hafertepe, Bruce and Shaffer rounding out the Top-5.
On the last night of the marathon event of Thunder through the Plains there was not only a storm of action going on at Husets Speedway, but there was also a storm approaching the track creating almost as much thunder and lightning in the sky as the drivers of the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions did on the track. When the Green Flag was unfurled it was outside pole sitter Terry McCarl who breezed past Tim Shaffer into the lead. In the early laps of the event there were several breaks in the racing action. McCarl led the field to the final green of the event with Shaffer in second and Hafertepe who had slid his way into the top-3. McCarl retained his lead and had the field covered until he started encountering lapped traffic which set up a finish that brought the crowd out of their seats. When the White Flag was unfurled Shaffer had closed on McCarl and as they passed the start finish line Shaffer pulled to the inside of McCarl to execute the pass. McCarl would block his first attempt. While those two battled it allowed Hafertepe to close on the two. On the last turn of the last lap Shaffer sized up McCarl and made his final bid for the win. As Shaffer pulled to McCarl�s inside Hafertepe threaded the needle going between the two. At the finish line it was McCarl picking up the win with Hafertepe barely beating Shaffer to the line. Tim Kaeding and Gary Bakker would round out the top-five.
After Thunder through the Plains the All Stars would remain out West for another historic event: the inaugural running of the Ironman 55. August would end with another heat filled race in Iowa. Who would emerge as the hottest driver at the end of the month of August? Stay tuned as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action.
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions drivers impressive at the World Finals
Camargo, IL (11-12-09) By Kelly Brown Even though the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions 2009 season is over, the drivers who finished in the top-ten in points with the series are out competing with the best in the 410 sprint car world and are letting their presence be known. Last weekend three drivers carrying the All Star Circuit of Champions banner competed at the World Finals at The Dirt Track at Lowes Motor Speedway and made the main event. Not only did one of them make the main event, but one came close to winning the final night in Charlotte.
After having a wheel break while running third on Friday night, three time All Star Circuit of Champions Champion Dale Blaney won the dash and finished second in the finale of the World Finals after leading the first 15 laps of the race in the Ti-22 Performance Machine. Blaney used a lap-21 restart to get alongside Saldana in turn one, but could not quite make the pass. On the final restart of the night he again dove under Saldana in turns one and two, but Saldana held the lead. Any time we come and run with the Outlaws we seem to run good and that makes us feel like we accomplished a little bit, Blaney said. We had a great car all weekend and tonight I felt like I made a mistake that cost me the race. We always look forward to running with the Outlaws and it had been a few years since we had been down here. Its a pretty cool place to come to.
2009 All Star Circuit of Champions driver Tim Shaffer was also in attendance this weekend and gave his competitors a run for their money. In the final night of the World Finals Shaffer started back in the field in the 21st position, but made a valiant run to the front during the A-Main. During the 30-lap feature Shaffer was able to make a fearless run through traffic to pick up the ninth position and the KSE Hard Charger Award for picking up the most positions during the feature. Also in attendance was 2009 Rookie-of-the-Year competitor Brandon Wimmer. Both nights the young Hoosier would turn in a consistent effort, transferring to the feature event both nights and picking up a top-20 finish.
For the most up to date information as the All Star Circuit of Champions look forward to the 2010 season, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
2009 in Review Part 5: OReilly All Stars Jump into July
Camargo, IL (11-11-09) By Kelly Brown With the calendar officially showing it is November, the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions is looking back at July. It is hard to believe that just four short months ago the drivers of the series were getting ready for a month that would end with a swing across the plains. But before the All Stars headed out west they had three races in three different states to contend and these races would not disappoint fans as two new winners were added to the All Star record books. It may be hard to believe but during the month that Americans celebrate their independence, both Jim Neir and Daryn Pittman would both go on to record their first career wins with the series.
Neir Win
At K-C Raceway in Ohio some of the younger drivers were trying to make a name for themselves with the All Stars. 2009 Rookie title hopeful Brandon Wimmer and 2008 O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Rookie-of-the-Year Ryan Myers started side-by-side at the drop of the Green Flag. Going into the first turn it was Wimmer who had the edge and Myers was content to follow him for the first circuit of the track. The feature was fast and furious as it would continue on wire-to-wire without a single caution period. Early on Jim Nier, former K-C Raceway promoter quickly worked his way to the front, by lap three he had slid under Myers to take second. On Lap 5 Wimmer held on to the lead over a closing Nier, while David Gravel and Rob Chaney rounded out the top five. This is when Dale Blaney began to make his presence known, slipping his way into the top 5. Up Front Nier had caught Wimmer and the duo was beginning to catch the tail end of the field. While making their way through lapped traffic Nier set up his pass perfectly. Using a lapped car to block Wimmer, Nier dove under Wimmer and took the leap on Lap 8.
While Nier began to build his lead the battle for second began to warm up. Myers, Wimmer, and Blaney staged quite a battle, but in the end it was Blaney who would dive under Wimmer and Myers who were side-by-side to take over the second position. Wimmer would battle back and get back past Blaney for a split second, but in the end it was Blaney who had the upper hand. With 20 laps down in the 30 lap event, Blaney was closing on Nier�s lead. Two lapped cars stood in the way between him and the track veteran. With just four laps to go Blaney would pick off the first of the cars that stood in his way, on the following lap he would clear the second setting giving him just three laps to catch and pass Nier. With the White Flag waving in the air Blaney had Nier in his sight and was closing quickly. Blaney would move to the outside line in the last two turns to attempt a last lap pass on Nier, but the promoter held on. At the line it was Nier taking the Checkered Flag first. He was followed by Blaney, with Wimmer, Tim Shaffer and Jimmy Stinson who started 15th, rounded out the top-five.
Tim Shaffer has Hart
When the Green Flag first flew over the main event at Hartford Motor Speedway, Chad Kemenah got the jump over the pole sitter, who lived up to his name, Gary Fast. The first Yellow Flag would slow the event after the first lap of the race was completed when Brandon Wimmer lost the motor on this 0, 410 sprint car. On the restart, it was Kemenah, Ryan Myers, and Shaffer leading the field to the green. Kemenah would retain the lead until Gary Fast spun on Lap 2 with apparent handling issues. In order to miss the spinning car both David Gravel and Daron Clayton spun. Kemenah would run away from the field on the restart, but his racing machine would have a right rear tire go up in smoke on Lap 6 and he would hand over the lead to Ryan Myers for a few laps, but once Shaffer took the top spot on Lap 8, he never looked back.
The third caution of the night came out on Lap 10 when the 27k of Ryan Kirkendall lost steering on his car and slowed on course. While the yellow flag was out two cars would go to the pits with tire issues, both the 4x of Toni Lutar and second place running Ryan Myers would be able to continue on at the end of the field. The fourth and final Yellow Flag of the night came out on Lap 12, when something went awry on the 23 of Ben Rutan. He would leave the track with parts flying, which would end his night. When the Green Flag flew again, it stayed out until the Checkered Flag flew. Shaffer would drive out to a comfortable advantage, so the battle was for second. The best fight on the track the whole night was in the closing laps between second place running Greg Wilson and Randy Hannagan. Hannagan worked on Wilson and was even able to pull up beside him a few times, but was not able to pass him. At the end of the 30 lap event, Tim Shaffer would take the Checkered Flag first, with the dueling duo of Wilson and Hannagan behind him. Rounding out the top -5 would be home state driver Dustin Daggett, who was a crowd favorite throughout the night and David Gravel.
The Tri-City Twister
At the drop of the Green Flag at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, PA pole sitter Cole Duncan took the lead initially with Pittman in his tire tracks. It would not take long for Pittman to start pursing the 22 car as he began sizing him up. On Lap 4 Pittman had Duncan in his clutches and slid around him to take the lead, just before the first caution flag of the night flew. On Lap 5 the yellow would come out for an incident involving Ed Lynch Jr. and Tim Shaffer. The two were battling side-by-side for position in the top-10 when the two touched wheels. This would send the two spinning, but both would rejoin the field at the tail. Almost simultaneously, Matthew Reed in the v92 sprint spun and came to a stop with a flat tire, but due to other problems with the car, he was unable to continue on. When the Green Flag flew again Pittman drove away from Duncan and left him in the clutches of Greg Wilson, who was able to get past him using the outside line. Just as Pittman was beginning to encounter lapped traffic the Red Flag came out on Lap 11. Coming out of the second turn the 92 of Daron Clayton made contact with the 6f of Bob Felmlee. The result sent Clayton airborne, but luckily the car landed on all four tires. This would end Clayton�s night, but Felmlee was able to continue on with minor damage.
Throughout the rest of the event Pittman was in command. He was able to endure a few charges by second place running Greg Wilson, but was able to work lapped traffic skillfully retaining the lead. In the closing laps Dale Blaney would make charge, trying to get past Wilson for second. It seemed every time Blaney would catch Wilson that Wilson would close the door. With the Checkered Flag in Pittman�s sights, he out muscled Wilson to the finish line with Wilson and Blaney in tow. Fourth place Danny Smith turned in quite a performance tonight, after starting fifteenth he was able to make his way to the front before the end of the race. Rounding out the top-5 tonight was pole sitter Duncan.
Now that the stage has been set, it is time for the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions to take on the west. With five races in just five days the 2009 edition of Thunder though the Plains was another event that will be engrained in the memories of All Star fans for the unforgettable fast paced racing action displayed across three states. Stay tuned as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action.
For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
OReilly Midwest All Stars up the stakes in 2009
Camargo, IL (11-11-09) By Kelly Brown 2009 was another break out season for the OReilly Midwest All Stars. In its third season of racing action the series the competition was fiercer that ever. The exhilarating schedule featured fifteen show stopping races with ten different drivers celebrating at the end of the night in Victory Lane. At the beginning of the season the point standings were up for grabs and the top spot changed several times, but towards the end of the season a familiar face emerged as Jerrod Hull celebrated his third title.
Like previous years, Hull did not begin the season on a strong note, but as time went on he got stronger and stronger with each race.
�Three championships in a row are hard to believe,� Hull said with a smile. �It just seems like yesterday we started the series and here we are three years down the road and everything is still going good.�
This year Hull began the season with a couple of issues, but the team held strong fighting through adversity. �We had some issues with some torsion bars and we struggled for more than a month,� Hull stated. �We replaced them and from there on we have been really good.�
Once Hull hit his stride in August at Tennessee National winning his first race of the season, he went on a rampage scoring three other first place finishes. Also included in his season was a runner-up finish at the North/South Showdown a co-sanctioned event with the IRA Spring Car Series. Of the drivers competing full time in both series Hull came in second at a track he had not raced on before that night.
�Winning two nights in a row in Tennessee was what started our roll this season,� Hull explained. �Two nights, back-to-back wins is always great for momentum. Ever since then we have had a really good year.�
AJ Bruns who ran second in the point standings also had a slow start to the 2009 season, but with six top-ten finishes Bruns was able to hold on to the runner-up spot.
�2009 started a little bumpy for us, but now we are doing good,� said Bruns with a sly smile. �At the beginning of the season we came out of the garage and had a few wrecks, but now it has been a long time since, knock on wood. We had motor problems early in the year, but we ironed that out. We have been running really good. It is too bad we are at the end of the season and I feel like I am at the strongest point I have been at all year.� Alex Shanks finished third in the point standings. He began his season with a seventh place run at Lawrenceburg and was consistent throughout the remaining races. His season best finish came at Tennessee National Speedway when he finished second. In the end Shanks would finish his season with six top-ten finishes.
Finishing fourth in the point standings was sophomore year driver and 2008 Rookie-of-the-Year Miranda Throckmorton. Throckmorton had three top-ten finishes with her top finish being a sixth place finish at Bloomington Speedway. �The second year I definitely learned a lot more than I did last year, when we ran the wing for the first time,� stated Throckmorton. �I had some good finishes and I wish we could come up with the budget to run the full All Star Circuit of Champions Series. I think I would learn so much more traveling around and seeing more tracks. It has been an enjoyable year for us.� Finishing out the top-five in the points standings was Kody Kinser who scored four top five finishes in 2009 with his top finish being a second place at Thunderhill Raceway. Kinser is another driver whose season began slow and finished with a flourish.
�We definitely got better at the end,� said Kinser. �We started out awful. Actually that is an understatement, but we really got good here at the end even though we do not have much to show for it. We have been real fast all season, but I wish we would have had something to show for it.� With ten different winners in fifteen races, the only two drivers to win multiple races were Jerrod Hull and Dale Blaney. It has been a very competitive season and the Midwest All Stars are looking forward to continuing the non-stop action in 2009. For the most up to date on the Midwest All Star Series visit www.midwestallstarseries.com.
2009 in Review Part 4: OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions Charge into Ohio Speedweek
Camargo, IL (10-28-09) By Kelly Brown Halloween may be just a few days away and children are getting their costumes ready for trick or treating, but the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions want to take you back to the end of June for the 27th annual Ohio Speedweek. With six races in just eight nights, it made for a grueling week of competition which saw several drivers lead the point standings. In a romp across Ohio that started at Eldora Speedway and ended at Fremont Speedway, Ohio Speedweek was a thrilling week of racing that will not be soon forgotten.
The Big E and Millstream
As the Green Flag flew at Eldora Speedway Stevie Smith got ahead of pole sitter Greg Wilson going into the second turn, and took off to an early lead. Lining up behind the duo was Butch Schroeder, Randy Hannagan, and Cale Conley. Wilson was able to get side-by-side with him in Turn 4, but Smith held on. While they were battling for the top spot, Hannagan was on the move picking up the third position. On Lap 5 McCarl made his first appearance in the top-five and started picking off spots, position by position. Smith opened up a large lead as he left Wilson and Hannagan to battle for second. The duo would fight back-and-forth, side-by-side for the second position. As Smith started encountering lapped traffic on the eleventh circuit of the course, Hannagan started to reel him in and McCarl picked off another position moving to third. . Smith and Hannagan would struggle side-by-side for the lead before Smith got the edge. McCarl would get the edge on Lap 19 taking second away from �The Hurricane.� On Lap 24 McCarl would take the lead shortly before another Yellow Flag flew. On the restart the top-five were McCarl, Smith, Wilson, Hannagan, and Rob Chaney. When racing action began again McCarl got the jump and left Smith and Wilson who were fighting for the second position in the dust. In the final laps it was a scuffle to see who would finish where in the top ten. Wilson would get around Smith to take second and Chaney would get around Hannagan to claim fourth. As the Checkered Flag loomed in the distance McCarl had almost a straight-away lead. Second across the line was Smith, followed by Wilson, Chaney and Hannagan.
At the start of the second night of racing at Millstream Speeway Rob Chaney and Brock Mayes started on the front row. Fast qualifier Rob Chaney bolted into the lead with third starting Shaffer sliding into second while Brock Mayes, Brandon Wimmer, Randy Hannagan and Paul McMahan staged a hot and heavy battle for the third position. Shaffer take the lead and never look back with a move in turns three and four establishing himself in the lead on Lap 5. The first of several cautions would fly on lap six and seven. Once the green flew again, Shaffer pulled away while Chaney had his hands full with Brock Mayes, Hannagan and a fast Greg Wilson. Another caution would fly on Lap 11 and 14. On the restart, Shaffer again pulled away while Chaney now had to contend with Hannagan while Wilson moved into fourth. The race would then go the remaining 12 laps under green with Shaffer setting a torrid pace. Meanwhile, the fans were treated to a great battle for second as Chaney and Hannagan ran side-by-side for next eight laps before Hannagan would take the runner-up spot on Lap 28. At the checkered Shaffer won by six car lengths over Hannagan, Chaney, Wilson and Stevie Smith.
Smith Sweep
At the beginning of the A-main at Hilltop Speedway, Tim Shaffer and Dean Jacobs shared the front row and once the Green Flag flew they stayed side-by-side throughout the first lap with Shaffer having a slight edge at the end of the first lap. Shaffer was showing the way and Stevie Smith was on the move in the early laps. First he closed in on the 59 of Jacobs and by the third lap he had stole the second position with a move on the high side. Smith then set his eye on the lead. He worked on Shaffer on the low side before moving to the high side. Shaffer moved low, but was nearly collected by a lapped car. When the duo was working traffic on Lap 12, Smith made his move. He continued to work the high side and it finally paid off. Once he got into the lead Smith pulled away from the field. While Smith was in the front skillfully working traffic, Brandon Martin came to life around Lap 15 and started his climb towards the front of the pack. At the front Shaffer was trying about every line he could to gain some ground on Smith, but the gap between the two was steadily growing. Smith was lapping cars that are normally contending for the win in All Star competition. On Lap 26, Smith avoided near disaster when he made contact with the wall while working in traffic, this allowed Shaffer to close again, but Smith held on to the lead. There was a fanatic moment on the track with Daron Clayton nearly got together with Steve Lines, but Smith dodged the two cars and everyone on track continued to battle. With a two lap shoot out remaining, Martin made his final move. The White Flag was waving high as he was still running third, but decided it was time to try once more for second. At the finish line it was Smith, with Martin edging out Jacobs in the final turn on the final lap of the race. Terry McCarl and Rob Chaney rounded out the top-five.
Stevie Smith, who recorded quick time at Waynesfield Raceway Park, started on the front row of the feature with Cole Duncan by his side. On the wave of the Green Flag Smith sprinted out to the lead, like a hunting dog pursing its prey. Behind him Brandon Martin slid past Cole Duncan for second, while Daryn Pittman and Jason Johnson brawled for the fifth position. On Lap 5 Smith started encountering lapped traffic and started picking them off car by car in the high line. Martin began to start mimicking Smith�s line hoping to catch up some ground. After a short Yellow Flag, Smith begun where he let off with Martin in his tire tracks trying every move he could to stick with the leader. At this point Pittman was at the move executing a slide job on Duncan to take over the third position. Pittman had a close call while working lapped traffic as he had a near collision with a lapped car, but in a skillful move he was able to save the 17 car without losing a position. On the restart there was a lapped car between Smith, and second place running Martin. Martin made quick work of the lapped machine, but not quick enough as Pittman was hot on his heels. While Smith pulled out to another sizable lead. At one point Martin looked to be reeling him in, but was not able to get close enough to pass Smith. In the last ten laps of the event Pittman could feel the race coming to the end and made his move between turns three and four. Pittman would put a slide job on Martin, but Martin fought back. As they sprinted down the front stretch towards Turn 1, Pittman got the edge taking over the second position. Rob Chaney was also on the move as he moved into the top-5 with eight laps to go. The night would end with a Green-White-Checkered showdown. On the final restart, Smith got the jump and did not look back. Smith would pass under the Checkered Flag first collecting his second win of Ohio Speedweek. He was followed to the line by: Pittman, Martin, Duncan, and Chaney.
Another Smith emerges and a familiar face returns to Victory Lane
When racing action got underway at Limaland Motorsports Park it was fast and furious as Danny Smith got the jump and led the first lap of the event. He would be followed to the line by Mayes, Rob Chaney and Tim Shaffer. A few laps later Shaffer made his move in Turn 3 snatching the third position. Chaney battled back, but Shaffer had his car working in the top groove, holding him off. By Lap 5 Mayes, took his turn in the top position briefly, but Smith quickly retook the lead. Mayes fell into the clutches of Shaffer as the top three traded positions back and forth. It seemed as if every time Mayes would catch Smith, Shaffer would close on the duo and join the battle. Shaffer appeared to be the best entering Turn 3 as he picked up the second position on Lap 11. Then a few laps later he would celebrate his 42nd birthday by taking the lead. While the top three were battling Dale Blaney was on the move from his seventh place starting position, moving into the top-five and closing in on the lead pack as he passed Greg Wilson for the position. When the field started encountering traffic on Lap 14, Danny Smith dove under Shaffer for the lead. Shaffer would get held up by a lapped car letting Mayes get by for second. Using a lapped car as a pick, Mayes took the lead away from Smith on Lap 16. This is when Blaney really made his presence known on the track as he dove under Shaffer and Smith to take the second position on Lap 17. Lap 18 will be one that goes down in infamy as Mayes, Smith, Shaffer and Blaney all led on the same lap. The top four could have been thrown under a blanket. Smith would out muscle his fellow competitors and establish himself in the lead on Lap 20 of the 40 Lap A main event. Blaney established himself in the second position, followed by Shaffer, Wilson, and Mayes. Once Smith was in the lead, he pulled away from the fray. In the latter part of the event Wilson came to life picking off Mayes for fourth. When he caught Shaffer the two battled side-by-side until Wilson bobbled slightly. In the mean time Shaffer caught Blaney for second and started working on him. As the two battled it allowed Wilson catch up to the leaders again. With five laps remaining Wilson made quick work of Shaffer diving under him in Turn 2 to take over the third position in the top line. Wilson then set his sights on second, catching Blaney using the high line. Wilson worked on Blaney each lap, but was unable to execute the pass. At the Checkered Flag it was Smith picking up the win, followed by Blaney, Wilson, Shaffer and Mayes.
Tim Shaffer, who won the B main to make his way into the main event at Fremont Speedway, put on a clinic on how to execute passes on the 1/3-mile semi-banked oval from the beginning of the event. Chad Blonde started from the pole of the feature with Brock Mayes by his side. As the Green Flag was unfurled Blonde had the edge rocketing towards Turn 1. Mayes, Duane Zablocki, and Craig Mintz would quickly fall in line. While Blonde was setting a fast and furious pace at the front of the pack, Shaffer was on the move picking up seven spots in just four laps. As the field began to encounter lapped traffic on Lap 9, Blonde began to fall into the clutches of Mayes and Mintz who were able to pull up on him. Mayes was right on Blonde�s tail allowing Mintz to join the fight. Mintz, who was the only driver who was hooked up on the high side made his move on Lap 13 to take the second position. Once he got into the second spot, he set his sights on the lead waging a battle with Blonde which would see the duo race side-by-side for four laps straight. While the cars up front were battling, Shaffer kept picking off cars and had moved up to four by the 14th circuit of the course. On Lap 18 Mayes a daring move diving between Blonde and Mintz to take the lead. It was short lived though as Mintz muscled his way back on the following lap. Mayes would take his turn up front, when he used a lapped car as a pick to drive around Mintz into the lead on Lap 27. Mayes would jet out to a slight lead as second was up for the taking and three cars wanted it. Mintz, Shaffer and Smith staged quite a battle as Smith drove under the 20x car. Mintz would fight back in the outside line trying to retake the spot. The same lapped traffic that had given Mayes the opportunity to take the lead became his enemy as Shaffer caught up to him. On Lap 36, Shaffer would make his move diving to the low side to take the lead. When the Green Flag flew for the final time Shaffer drove out to a sizable lead, with a clear track in his sight. At the line it was Shaffer taking the Checkered Flag first with Mayes, Smith, Blonde, and Brad Sweet rounding out the top-five.
A Champion is Crowned
When the dust settled at Fremont Speedway after six races in eight days, it was Stevie Smith who emerged as Ohio Speedweek Champion to take his first title. At the end Smith clinched the title with a third place finish at Fremont Speedway. During the week Smith proved to be one of the most consistent drivers, not placing out of the top ten once, in fact his worst finish came Friday night at Limaland Motorsports Park. Several times over the week Smith raced at few tracks for the first time, taking each one in stride. Smith began his quest for the Championship at Eldora Speedway with a second place finish. He lost a little momentum on the second night at Millstream Speedway finishing fifth. It was midweek when Smith hit his stride winning at both Hilltop Speedway and Waynesfield Motorsports Park, the latter he had not raced at previously. The only night he would place out of the top-five was at Limaland Motorsports Park where he finished ninth. Then to take the title, he finished third at Fremont Speedway. Smith added his name to those greats who have won Ohio Speedweek championships. In sprint car history Smith will be listed with greats such as: Jack Hewitt, Frankie Kerr, Sammy Swindell, Steve Kinser, Dave Blaney, Kenny Jacobs, and Bobby Allen.
As the O�Reilly Circuit of Champions zoomed into July it was another breath taking month which ended with the infamous Thunder through the Plains. First the All Stars had business to take care of though with races in three states before heading out west. Stay tuned as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
2009 in Review Part 3: OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions Jump into June
Camargo, IL (10-20-09) By Kelly Brown As the trees have turned to their autumn colors, the OReilly All Stars are ready to turn the clock back their time clock from October to June. This year leading up to historic Ohio Speedweek the All Stars spent most of the month of June in PA with a landmark visit to West Virginia to bring the All Stars to a new track for sprint car racing. June was a time in the season where Tim Shaffer built some momentum that eventually led him to the 2009 title.
Shaffer Sweep
The All Stars kicked off June with a visit to what turned out to be a lightening quick Lenerville Speedway. When the green was unfurled at Lernerville it was pole sitter Bob Felmlee in his 6f sprint who had the edge going into the first turn. By the time he slid into the second turn the car that started to his outside, the 83 of Tim Shaffer stole the lead. Shaffer pulled out to about a straight away lead, but as Shaffer got into traffic, Felmlee began to reel him in. With six laps in the books, Greg Hodnett had tracked down Felmlee and edged his way past to take the second position. At that point it was Shaffer and Hodnett battling tooth and nail for the lead. With the laps running down Greg Hodnett made a daring move past Shaffer to take the lead using lapped traffic to his advantage. As the duo darted in and out of traffic, it was a dog fight to see who would win the event. With three laps remaining Shaffer saw his final chance to take the victory at his home track. Shaffer deviated from the high line he had run all night, threading the needle in a bonsai move between two lapped cars to retake the lead. Hodnett tried to battle back, but it was too late. With the Checkered Flag unfurled it was Shaffer taking it first with Hodnett, Felmlee, Fred Rahmer, and Mark Smith rounding out the top-five.
Next up would be Elkins Speedway, which would be a new track for the All Stars and also a new event as it was named the Gene Tallman Classic paying homage to one of the greats in West Virginia racing history. With sophomore driver Ryan Myers starting from the pole for the first time in his career and Rookie-of-the-Year title contender Brandon Wimmer lined up in second, the young guns of the series started the night out front ready to fire when the Green Flag flew. On the start it was Wimmer who got the early jump, with Myers and Shaffer in his tire tracks.In the early laps Shaffer was on the move. He spent a few orbits of the course sizing Myers up before pulling underneath him to take the second position on Lap 9. At this time fellow Rookie-of-the-Year contender Daron Clayton decided to make a charge to the front diving under Myers on Lap 15, then went to work on the 83 car. Feeling the heat, Shaffer made a move on Wimmer stealing the lead for a split second. Wimmer battled back though retaking the lead, but it was Shaffer with a stiff upper hand establishing himself in the top spot with a move under the 0 car with ten laps to go. With the Checkered Flag flying in the air it would be Shaffer picking up his second All Star race win in 24 hours. He was followed by Wimmer, Justin Henderson, Doug Esh, Dale Blaney and Myers
Three PA Nights
The second weekend of June would bring the All Stars a triple header against the Posse in the heart of PA. Night one would take the All Stars to the heart of PA racing: Williams Grove Speedway. When the green banner flew over the main event, it was Brian Leppo and Darrah starting their night on the front row. On the start, Leppo was able to get a jump going into Turn 1 and established himself in the top spot with Darrah, Stevie Smith, and Todd Shaffer in tow. In the early laps of the event the young gun was sizing up Leppo, stalking him in every corner. He followed him with the patience of a jungle cat following its prey, getting ready to pounce. Darrah made his move on Lap 9 as he went low in Turn 2 and muscled his way down the back stretch leaving Leppo to defend the second position. With just 9 laps left in the event restart it was Darrah, Todd Shaffer, and All Star points leader Tim Shaffer guiding the field to the Green Flag. When the race resumed, Todd Shaffer was now the one pursing the young racer, but Darrah was able to hold him off. Throughout the latter stages of the races Darrah and Shaffer were locked together in a thrilling battle for the win. With the Checkered Flag looming in the distance, it was Darrah who picked up his first All Star win and his second career win at Williams Grove. He was followed to the finish line by Todd Shaffer, Greg Hodnett who got around Tim Shaffer for third with just a few laps to go and Alan Krimes.
The second round of racing action would take place at Lincoln Speedway for the All Stars. Cody Darrah picked up where he did the night before claiming the lead on lap one, but Dale Blaney battled back. Blaney and Montieth would fight tooth and nail swapping second and third the battle the first thirteen laps of the race. It seemed as if the duo were trying to outdo each other each lap. For three laps straight Blaney and Montieth ran side-by-side for the lead, before Montieth was able to get the edge. Montieth then set his sights on Darrah. Running in lapped traffic Montieth quickly closed the gap between himself and the leading 89 car. The duo dove in and out of lapped traffic trading positions for five laps before the Yellow Flag silenced their battle. On the final restart it was an all out drag race to the Checkered Flag as Montieth and Darrah swapped the lead several times a lap. At the end it was Montieth who put an end to the manic event as he claimed the win, after getting a good run coming off the fourth turn on the final lap. Darrah would cross the finish line in second with Siegel, Alan Krimes, and Tim Shaffer rounding out the top-five.
The third night of racing action would take the All Stars to Central PA Speedway for another round with the posse. Lining up for the feature event it was the 7 of Chad Layton and 0x of Andy McKisson on the front row of the event. When the Green Flag flew Layton would get the jump taking the lead going into Turn 1. McKisson would fall in line, with Mark Smith, Greg Hodnett and Tim Shaffer in his tracks. By Lap 5 Hodnett had made his way around McKission and began working on Layton. Over the following laps of the event, Layton and Hodnett would battle for the top position. Hodnett would try every move his could on Layton to no avail. It seemed as if Hodnett could get close to Layton, but sliding past him was more difficult that it looked. A Red Flag would come out with two laps to go for a fuel and air stop only, setting up a green-white-checker finish. When the Green Flag did fly it was a chaotic dash for positions, but Layton did not wavier, taking the Checkered Flag first. He was followed to the finish line by Daryn Pittman, Mark Smith, Tim Shaffer, and Fred Rahmer.
What would happen during historic Ohio Speedweek? How would the All Stars and Ohio�s best fare during the grueling six nights of racing in just eight days. Stay tuned as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
2009 in Review Part 2: OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions Spend May in Ohio and PA
Camargo, IL (10-14-09) By Kelly Brown As the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions reflects on another season in the record books it is time to look back at the month of May. For those who are well versed in racing the month of May reminds them of a certain race in Indiana, but the All Stars did not have time to worry about just one race as they had six races spanning two states to run. As the All Stars moved into PA to take on the Posse and on to Ohio to take on their best drivers, there was a host of familiar names in Victory Lane including one that recorded a landmark win in his career.
The start of May in PA
May would begin with Freddie Rahmer scoring his 500th career victory, which is unheard of in almost any type of racing. Rahmer�s night began with pole sitter Brian Leppo by his side. On the drop of the Green Flag Leppo jumped out into the early lead and would set the pace for the first 13 laps of the event. Rahmer would fall in line with three time All Star Champion Dale Blaney following in the fray. When the field took the Green Flag, Rahmer blocked a charge by Esh and set his sights on the lead. Rahmer stalked Leppo in the bottom groove, until Lap 14. At that point Leppo�s car was clearly tight on the bottom and Rahmer was able to get around him in the second turn. Rahmer did not drive away from the pack through once in the lead. He had to deal with lapped traffic and in the final laps he fought off advances by Leppo, Esh, and Alan Krimes, but Rahmer had number 500 in his grasps and did not let it go. At the finish line it would be Rahmer with Leppo, Esh, Krimes and Blaney rounding out the top-five.
The second race of the month would take the Green Flag at the famed Williams Grove Speedway. When the Green Flag flew on tonight�s match, Lance Dewease and Alan Krimes had a front-row seat, but not for long; going into the first turn Todd Shaffer grabbed the lead after starting in the fourth position.
Throughout the early laps of the race Dewease and Shaffer played a game of cat and mouse where Dewease would reel Shaffer in, but each and every time the wily veteran out ran Dewease. With five laps to go the top-five could have been thrown under a blanket as the positions changed in the final dash for the checkers. First Brian Montieth got past Layton to take over the fourth position while, Hodnett closed on Dewease and a skirmish ensued for the second position. With the Checkered Flag looming in the air Todd Shaffer captured his eighth All Star Circuit of Champions win. Dwease just edged out Hodnett for second, while Montieth and Layton rounded out the top-five.
The third and races of May would take the All Stars to Port Royal Speedway for the Bob Weikert Memorial. On the night before the main event at the drop of the Green Flag Mike Erdley and Todd Shaffer went side-by-side into the fist turn. By the end of the first lap Shaffer got an edge over Erdley and settled into the lead. In an event that went Green to Checkered Flag with non-stop action at every turn of the track you could have thrown a blanket over second to fourth for most of the event. As the event went on Erdley, Alan Cole and Stevie Smith traded second, third and fourth several times. Shaffer had a sizable lead over the battling trio until he encountered lapped traffic. It was an encounter that Shaffer had with the lapped car of Daron Clayton that allowed Smith to close in on the lead. Once the leader was in sight Smith settled into the high groove and began working on Shaffer. With the laps in the event winding down Smith and Shaffer traded the lead back and fourth several times. In the end, it was Smith who had the edge with the Checkered Flag looming in the distance, as he recorded his eighth All Star Circuit of Champions win. Behind Smith it was Shaffer, Erdley, Cole and Lance Dewease rounding out the top-five.
On the night of the Bob Weikert Memorial Stevie Smith seemed to be on a mission, although there was a All Star veteran that tried every move he could to keep Smith out of Victory Lane. Smith dashed into the first corner with Blaney in his tracks, but Smith was able to put some distance between his 1 and Blaney�s 2 car. It was d�j� vu on Lap 14 when the yellow banner was unfurled again as Cannon looped the 17 car around in Turn 2. Although this time Ryan Bunton got caught up in the incident and it ended both of their nights. When the race resumed Smith continued to hold on to the top spot until there was another pause in the racing action a few laps later. In Turn 4, the 88 of Todd Shaffer and 22 of Greg Hodnett made contact and the 15 of Adam Wilt spun to miss the tangled cars. This ended the night for Hodnett, but Shaffer and Wilt continued at the back of the field.In the closing laps of the event, Smith and Blaney continued their rivalry: PA Posse versus All Star. Blaney was able to close in on Smith several times, but at the end lapped traffic was a factor. With the Checkered Flag flying in the air it was Smith who passed under it first by several car lengths over Blaney.
Rounding out May in Ohio
On paper it may seem as if Danny Smith had an easy night after recording quick time and starting from the pole position at Fremont Speedway, but the truth is it was a hard fought win for the 410 sprint car veteran. For him it took all the experience he had to maneuver through the traffic and the challenges he encountered tonight. On the drop of the Green Flag Smith took control of the event with Dave Harrison and Jody Keegan in his tire tracks. Lee Jacobs would move into third on lap three, while Mayes stayed right on Smith's rear bumper . Smith and Jacobs would race side-by-side, making bold moves in traffic over the next portion of the race. Mayes would get to Smith's rear bumper by the 23rd lap as the two raced hard among the lapped machines. The final caution period of the night happened with 5 laps to goWhen the Green Flag was unfurled again it was Smith with Mayes, Tim Shaffer, and Lee Jacobs battling for position. At that point Jacobs changed his line and went to the top. This turned out to be an imperative move as he was able to make his way up to second before the Checkered Flag flew. It was Smith who would take it first with Jacobs, Mayes, Shaffer, and Dale Blaney rounding out the top-five.
At Eldora Speedway the All Stars went wire-to-wire without a single caution period. It was a night when lapped traffic almost decided the feature event. Starting on the front row when the Green Flag fell was the 7k of Rob Chaney and 83 of Tim Shaffer, as they zoomed into the first turn it was Chaney with the early advantage. Then by the second turn Shaffer edged ahead bringing Ed Lynch Jr. along with him into second. It took until shortly after half-way point of the event for Dale Blaney to make his presence known on track. The Ohio native began to make his move on Lap 18 getting around Shaffer with a slide job in Turn 4 and began to cut into Wilson�s lead. While dodging in and out of lapped cars Blaney and Wilson swapped the lead back and forth several times, before Blaney took the top spot on lap 23. Wilson fought back as they sliced in and out of lapped cars. The duo spent several laps side-by-side before Blaney edged ahead. It was short lived though as Blaney made slight contact with a lapped car, which let Wilson close again. Wilson was able to get around Blaney for a split second, but Blaney fought back. With the Checkered Flag looming in the distance Blaney got the edge and recorded his 69th career All Star victory. In a close second it was Wilson, who described the race as one of the best races he had ever been in. Rounding out the top five were: Shaffer, Randy Hannagan and Lynch.
What would happen during June to the All Stars leading up to historic Ohio Speedweek? How would they fare in June as they made a second trip to PA to take on the Posse? Who would win in the series inaugural event at Elkins Speedway in West Virginia? Stay tuned as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
2009 in Review Part 1: OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions Get off to a hot start in Florida
Camargo, IL (10-7-09) By Kelly Brown Public Relations Director With the 2009 season freshly etched into the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions record book it is time to start reflecting on a season that got a blazing start in the Sunshine State. For 2009 series champion Tim Shaffer the 26th edition of Florida Winter Nationals is where his title run began with a victory in Ocala Speedway. It was the first time in All Star Series history that the eventual champion won the first event of the season.
2009 Winter Nationals
After losing the first night of Winter Nationals to rain, the drivers of the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions were ready to blister the track at Ocala Speedway. Eventual winner Tim Shaffer had a consistent night and it seemed as if he was lurking from the drop of the Green Flag, waiting for his chance to sneak his way into the top position. He began the main event on the front row beside Greg Wilson and the two waged quite a battle throughout the evening. On the start Wilson, who started in the pole took the lead and retained the top position until the first caution came out for Danny Lasoski�s 33 car. Lasoski who was the fastest qualifier was quick, but his motor gave out just five laps into the event. Wilson would lead through a couple of restarts, but Shaffer was inching closer and closer to the bumper of Wilson. When Wilson got tight in Turn 4, Shaffer jumped at the opportunity slipping past Wilson into the lead. The duo spent the remaining laps of the race in a tight battle, but once Shaffer got ahead he did not look back.
On the second night of racing action at Ocala from the time the Green Flag fell on the main event, Terry McCarl was a man on a mission. After starting in the top spot, he got past Danny Lasoski in Turn 1 to take the lead and Lance Dewease slid his way into second. Behind McCarl the battle waged on as second, third and fourth position was hot property. Dewease, Danny Lasoski, and quick time setter Greg Hodnett put on quite a show trading positions what seemed almost every lap. The final five laps of the event were chaotic as second through fifth was constantly changing. When the Checkered Flag flew and the dust settled McCarl claimed the victory. Behind him it was a drag race, but Danny Lasoski took second with Smith, Dewease, and Hodnett rounding out the top-five.
The third night of Winter Nationals would see the All Stars make their move to Volusia Speedway. The night would begin as a pair of Yellow Flag flew. The second one was most notable as Steve Kinser and his son Kraig Kinser touched wheels going into Turn 2. Trying to avoid the incident Donny Schatz attempted to take evasive action, but instead made contact with the 3c of Craig Conley. The incident caused Conley to roll end-over-end, and left Schatz at a halt at the exit of Turn 2. After a stop in the work area, Schatz joined the field at the tail end. Some may have thought Schatz�s night was over, but he showed he knows how to overcome adversity. Around the midpoint of the race Schatz began to make his presence known as he moved his way back into the top-ten. Lap-after-lap he began to pick off another position one-by-one, until he got around Cody Darrah to make it into the top-five. Schatz was clearly the fastest car on the track and he kept ascending in the running order moving up to fourth, third, and finally around Swindell to take the runner-up spot. Schatz quickly closed in on leader Stevie Smith, and they ran nose-to-tail for a few laps with Schatz sizing up Smith each lap finding the best way to get around him to take the top spot. With three laps to go Schatz made his move and zoomed around Smith. Smith hung on and tried to battle back, but in the end Schatz proved to be too strong, taking the Checkered Flag.
On night two at Volusia Speedway Schatz was gunning for two wins in a row. On the drop of the Green Flag, Schatz was a man on a mission taking the lead going into the first turn with Joey Saldana on his heels. Behind them a battle for third waged on as Jason Sides, Greg Wilson and Tim Kaeding got three wide at one point for the position. There were a few times where lapped traffic brought Saldana�s 9 car close to the bumper of Schatz�s 15, but Saldana could not get by. This allowed Sides to close on Saldana, but he held Sides� advances off. The race ended with a green-white-checker finish. When the field saw the Green Flag unfurled for the final time, Schatz once again beat Saldana into the first turn and took off never looking back. When the checkers fell it was Schatz who took them first, followed by: Saldana, Sides, Pittman and Kinser.
On the last night of Winter Nationals Schatz was going for three in a row, but it was not to be. Starting from the pole position, Stevie Smith grabbed the lead going into turn one when the Green Flag was unfurled. In close pursuit were Craig Dollansky and Kraig Kinser. On the final restart with only nine laps to go, Smith and Dollansky stuck to their favored lines. The result was a side-by-side scuffle that saw Dollansky retake the lead on Lap 22. Behind the leaders Meyers was closely following Saldana, but time was running out. When the White Flag soared over the field, Smith knew it was his last chance for victory. In Turn 2 he made his move and slid under Dollansky to recapture the lead. With the Checkered Flag fluttering in the air, Smith was the first to cross the finish line; he was followed by: Dollansky, Saldana, Meyers and Steve Kinser.
Attica in April
April showers would plague the first night of racing at Attica Raceway Park, but night two would be one of the most exciting nights of racing action in 2009. On the drop of the green flag pole winner Rob Chaney and Tim Shaffer went into to Turn 1 side-by-side. By the time the duo had reached the back stretch Shaffer had nosed his way into the lead, with Greg Wilson moving into second. The yellow banner would fly for the first time after the opening lap was scored when Craig Conley tangled with Craig Mintz in Turn 4. On the restart Shaffer retained the lead with Wilson, Chaney, Chad Kemenah, and Kasey Kahne in close pursuit. On lap 16 Dale Blaney made his presence known as he made his first appearance in the top-five. As Shaffer encountered lapped traffic the lead the �Steel City Outlaw� had built quickly dwindled. Behind him Blaney was quickly moving up in the running order, taking the fourth position by the time the 20th lap was in the books. It only took Blaney five more laps to take third away from Kemenah. Blaney would take second a few laps later when he put a slide job on Greg Wilson in the second turn. At that point Blaney settled into Shaffer�s tire tracks sizing him up in each turn. With the white flag waving coming out of Turn 4, Blaney finally muscled his way past Shaffer to take the lead. Blaney would capture the win with Shaffer, Wilson, Kemenah and Lee Jacobs rounding out the top-five.
What would happen during May to the All Stars? How would they fare in May against the famous PA Posse? Stay tuned as the O�Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions look back on another fast and furious season of racing action. For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.
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