Monday, March 12, 2007

MORE EXCITING NEWS FROM KEVIN NOUSE & BG MOTORSPORTS


Kevin Nouse and the BG Motorsports team left Lincoln Speedway last week very excited with their results. In their 410 Sprint debut, the team managed a solid 4th place finish against some of the top drivers in the country. This week, the excitement continues with the introduction of their newly redesigned website…. www.kevinnouse.com.

For several years, fans have enjoyed Kevin’s site because of the wealth of information and personal feel that Kevin provides with detailed updates. The new site, masterfully assembled by Jason Walls of WRT Web Designs, aspires to be even better. Fans will be able to look into Kevin’s past on the Photo pages or check out his future on the Schedule page. They can keep in touch with him via an e-mail link or sign the Guestbook and wait for his response. You will even be able to purchase all of your Kevin Nouse apparel soon on the new Gear page.

If you’ve never been to kevinnouse.com, check it out today, and bookmark it for your weekly return visits. The entire BG Motorsports team appreciates your support.

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY TAKES CENTER COURT


By Eric J. Westendorf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No, Lernerville Speedway was not invited to the NCAA Tournament. But Lernerville Speedway does have ties to the NCAA tournament again this year, as for the 2nd consecutive season, the State University of New York at Albany won the America East Conference tournament procuring an automatic bid into the "Big Dance." Davey Bauman, son of the late David Bauman and grandson of the late Earl Bauman (both former track promoters), is a junior guard for the Great Danes.

As Davey represents the speedway on the hard court this weekend, the Lernerville Speedway will take center court at the Clearview Mall. Clearview Mall is located on Rt. 8 north of Butler and once again welcomes Lernerville Speedway cars, drivers, and fans to a 3 day car show.

Lernerville Speedway is bringing some "Action" back to its annual Clearview Mall Car Show, on Thursday March 15 - Saturday March 17, with the return of the “Best in Show” award and a new "Fan Favorite" award. The annual car show acts as a springboard for the 2007 racing season and allows teams to publicly display, for the first time, the fruit of winter’s labor, as well as their new sponsors, paint schemes, and equipment. Lernerville recognizes that many local drivers and owners spend a lot of money and countless hours getting their cars ready for the mall show. In recognition, we will once again honor the “Best in Show” for the best car from any of Lernerville's Fab Four racing divisions. In addition, the “Fan Favorite” awards will be given for each class that runs weekly shows at the speedway.

The “Best in Show” winner will be selected by a random panel of track officials and media members. In addition to the “Best in Show” award, fans will be able to vote for their “Fan Favorite” car for each of the “Fab Four” divisions. Voting will take place at the mall until closing on Friday Night. The “Fan Favorite” awards will be given to the top 3 cars in each division with the most votes not selected as “Best in Show”. Winners will be announced Saturday at 7:00 p.m. The “Best in Show” winner will be awarded a plaque and decals to display on their car for the 2007 racing season. “Best in Show” and “Fan Favorite” winners will also be recognized on our website, in various print media, and by the track announcers during the 2007 racing season.

Also on tap during the car show weekend are autograph sessions with the 2006 Budweiser Point Fund Track Champions. 2006 Friedman's Supermarkets Late Models Champion Lynn Geisler will be signing autographs Friday evening from 7-8 p.m. 2006 Ferrante Motor Cars Modifieds Champion Kevin Bolland and 2006 Advance Auto Parts Pure Stocks Champion Butch Lambert will sign autographs Saturday evening 7-8 p.m. 2006 Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprints Track Champion Kevin Schaeffer plans on racing at Lincoln and Williams Grove this weekend, but may make an appearance depending on the weather. Driver appearances and autograph times are subject to change.

Also new to the Clearview Mall Car Show will be a sign up for the new “Fan of the Week” promotion. Fans will be able to sign up for the promotion during the car show and throughout the season. The winner from car show entries will be drawn @ 7 p.m and will be the “Fan of the Week” for opening night. Winners will receive a Lernerville T-Shirt or Hat, a meal voucher or free pizza, 2 tickets to a future "Fab Four" racing event, a tour of the press box, and a trip to victory lane for the first feature of the night. Everyone who signs up for “Fan of the Week” will be entered to win 2 tickets to the Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup XIV or 4 tickets to the final race of the season, the Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest on September 14th & 15th.

As in years' past, sign up sheets will be available for the National City Kid's Club for children 12 years old and under. For the first time this year, those signing up during the car show will receive a $5 discount off the $20 membership fee. The $15 membership fee will only be available during the car show at the Lernerville information table in the center court. Kid's Club members will receive an ID-card, a free t-shirt, "Fun & Games" book, free admission to all "Fab Four" racing events, opportunities to participate in crafts, get driver autographs, ride in he #1 Cochran Pace Truck, and tour the pits in a W.L. Roenigk bus, and are eligible for special prize giveaways.

Last but certainly not least, sign up sheets will be available to join the "Lernerville Pearl" team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Mother's Day Morning, May 13, 2007. The team is named in honor of Pearl Swartzlander, (wife of Dick, mother of Dan, and aunt of PR Director Eric Westendorf), who succumbed to breast cancer in 2001. Details about the walk and cost to register will be available at the mall during the car show. Those interested can also sign up online at www.KomenPittsburgh.org and join the "Lernerville Ruth" team, named in honor of Eric's maternal grandmother.

Unfortunately, Lernerville is no longer accpeting registrations for cars to appear at the car show, as we have filled the mall to capacity! Thanks to all the teams and drivers who have pledged to have their car on display at the mall during the car show. Again, the Lernerville Speedway Clearview Mall Car Show will begin Thursday March 15 and conclude Saturday Night March 17. Please make plans to join us and get a sneak preview of the 2007 racing season.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Fans "can" help others and save money at Sharon Speedway this season

New "Two for $2" program benefits Second Harvest Food Bank
HARTFORD, Ohio (March 7, 2007) - Sharon Speedway is providing an instant reward for fans who help feed hungry families in the Mahoning Valley this year through its new "Two for $2" program.
During each night of Fantastic Five points racing, fans who bring two non-perishable food items for Second Harvest Food Bank will receive $2 off the price of an adult general admission ticket. A representative will collect the food outside the gate from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. only. Everyone who donates two non-perishable food items will receive a $2 coupon to present at the ticket window, bringing the price of an adult general admission ticket to just $9. All non-perishable food items are accepted, but canned meats, canned vegetables, tuna fish and peanut butter are needed most.
"We wanted to do something to help the community and help our fans save some money, and the "Two for $2" program does both," said Dave Blaney, Sharon Speedway co-owner. "We hope our fans will help us stock the shelves of Second Harvest Food Bank and enjoy the savings from doing so."
The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley is the community's effort to relieve hunger through the acquisition, storage and distribution of food and to serve as a resource for education and advocacy. It provides food to 170 hunger relief organizations in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, including church pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, shelters for battered women and day care centers. The Food Bank distributes approximately 20,000 pounds of food each day and is providing food to more than 7,400 individuals each week.
The "Two for $2" program will begin on Saturday, April 21, opening night for Sharon's 2007 season. The track's Fantastic Five divisions - 410 Sprints, V8 Modifieds, Pure Stocks, E-Mods and Limited Sprints - will take the track for the first night of exciting points racing.
Tickets for Sharon Speedway's weekly events are available at the gate and are $11 for adults (16 and older), $5 for kids (12-15) and free for children 11 and under.

Mercer Raceway Park 2007 Season Preview



MERCER RACEWAY PARK READY FOR AN EXTRAVAGANT 2007 SEASON; JAMMED-PACKED 28-NIGHT SCHEDULE RELEASED WITH OPENING NIGHT SET FOR MARCH 31
By Mike Leone

March 8, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park has released the 2007 schedule of event as Saturday, March 31 has been set as the 56th anniversary season opener with ULMS Late Models, E-Mods, and the Tire Express open Stock Cars making up the “Chiller Thriller”. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with the first green flag of the new season set to wave at 7 p.m. Another season of heart-pounding racing excitement and quality family events make up the 28-night slate.
After a one-year hiatus, Luxaire Heating & Cooling will be returning to headline the Sprint Cars. American Racer/Lias Tires will be the Modified divisional sponsor for the second straight year. Tire Express returns for fourth straight year to sponsor the Stock Cars. Mercer Raceway Park is thrilled to welcome the Mod Lites, which will be sponsored by Big Daddy’s Speed Center, and the Mercer Mini Stocks, which are front-wheel-drive four-cylinder cars for amateur racers, to its weekly line-up. The Minis will be a throwback to the popular class in its heyday in the 70s and early 80s. The five-division weekly program will take to the track one week later on Saturday, April 7 with points starting.
“All in all it’s another exciting and action-packed schedule,” explained ninth-year owner Vicki Emig. “We’ve again added some new promotional, discount, and family-type events to this upcoming season. While many people questioned our motives and rationale, we’ve been very happy with how these events have turned out and are glad to be the industry leader in these types of promotions. We feel these types of events are important with the current state of the economy and racing in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. This year’s loaded line-up includes two ‘Pack the Track’ Fan Appreciation Nights, four $10 Family Nights, Free County Nights, a Welcome Ohio Night, free nights for veterans and scouts, plus the newly added ‘Dollar Dayz’, 4-H Night, Labor Union Night, and NRA Night. It’s no secret that many people today struggle to take their families to the races. We’re hoping these nights continue to allow more fans the opportunity to attend that may have been unable to otherwise.”
“We’ve changed up some of our special events once again to go along with our great five-division grassroots racing weekly program,” stated Emig. We’re again offering more increased purse events to the regional racers than any other speedway in western Pa and eastern Ohio. The best thing about all of our special race events is that they are all so affordable for our fans with either a $13 or $15 adult and $33 or $35 family admission.”
The Sprint Cars will take off their wings on two occasions this year, one on May 19 and the other on August 11. Both races will pay $1,500 to-win and there will be no increase in admission.
For the seventh straight year, Mercer Raceway Park will be the site of a world championship pulling event on Sunday, May 27 at 6:30 PM. The All-American “Spring Nationals” will include the Big Rig Semis, Smoker Tractors, Street Semis, and Street Diesel 4x4 Trucks with a rain date of Memorial Day at 5 PM.
The Hoffman Family will again come together along with Hoffman Door Co. to present the Jeff Hoffman Memorial for the third straight year on June 2. This year’s event will again be contested for the small-block mods in their first of four major events for the year. The winner of the 30-lap modified feature will earn $2,000. A rain date of the following Saturday has been established.
Just over a month later, the Modifieds will have another special event featuring the first of two appearances by New York’s T3 All-Star Series with $1,500 going to the winner of the Wednesday, July 4th special. Adding a huge bonus to this event is the inaugural FASTRAK Northeast Racing Series for the Late Models as they’ll be featured with a whopping $5,000 on the line to the winner of the “Yankee 40”. The Mod Lites will round out the show in a sanctioned event by the Star’s Championship Tour in the second of three appearances.
On July 7 a unique program titled “Stand On It” will be showcased and presented by new marketing partner Truck Rodz by Jones Performance in West Middlesex, PA. For the first time ever racing and drag racing will take place on the same night. Along with our five divisions, Full Pull Productions will present drag racing for Semi Trucks, 4x4 Diesel Trucks, 4x4 Gas Trucks, and an open competition class. There will be no increased admission for this event.
The seventh annual “Sprint Slug-Out” will feature the popular triple 15-lap feature format for the Sprint Cars plus a full show of increased purses on July 28. This event has been plagued by bad weather and was rained out completely last season.
The Bill Emig Memorial will again close out the month of August on the 25th with another $2,000 to-win feature for the Modifieds plus a full show with increased purses. This year’s event will be presented by M&M Insurance Group as the New Castle, PA-based company has stepped up their marketing efforts at the speedway in 2007.
The 19th annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” will is expected to again be the region’s biggest non-sanctioned sprint car event of the season with $3,000 on the line to the winner on September 8. A full show with increased monies will be on tap with points ending for the Sprints, Modifieds, and Stocks.
A second truck and tractor pulling event will fill the schedule on September 15, The USA-East Regional Finals will feature Semi Trucks, “Run What Ya Brung” Trucks, 4x4 Diesel Trucks, 4x4 Gas Trucks, Limited Pro Stock Tractors, and Super Farm Tractors in an invitation-only event. The rain date is Sunday the 16th at 2 p.m.
After a one-week break, the “Little Guy Nationals” will take center stage as the region’s richest support division only event will again feature two packed days of action. Friday, September 28 includes Stock Cars ($1,000 to-win), Micro Sprints ($750 to-win), and Mod Lites ($600). Then Saturday afternoon, September 29 the Stock Cars return for a big $2,000 to-win event. The T3 All-Star Series will return for the second appearance as the winner of the Modified feature will earn $2,000. The E-Mods will also pay $1,000 to-win.
A new event that is sure to catch some attention will happen on June 16. “Crazy 8s” Figure 8 Races will take place on the frontstretch as part of the night’s regular racing program. The first-ever event presented by Coca-Cola has been very successful at fairs throughout the region. Demolition Derbies will take place on June 9, July 21, and September 29 with the July 21 derby being for compact cars only. Kids bike races will be held on May 12, July 14, and August 11.
Due to last year’s overwhelming success, two “Pack the Track” and “Meet Your Heroes” Nights will be held. This will come on May 26 and the second on August 4 and will be presented by Froggy 95.1. Both will feature the following admission prices: $5 adults, $12 families, and $2 for kids 6-15. All of the cars from all divisions will be brought onto the speedway for autographs during intermission.
Four free county nights will be featured including Beaver (April 28), Crawford (May 19), Venango (June 9), and Butler (June 23). The Crawford and Butler County Nights will be presented by Armstrong, who will also present the return of the popular $10 Family Nights. On April 21, May 12, July 14, and August 11, mom, dad, and as many kids 15 and under can attend the races for just $10 (a minimum $15 savings!)
For the third straight year, Welcome Ohio Night will admit all residents of Ohio free on June 30 and we’re proud to welcome on new marketing partner Waffle House with their restaurants in Howland, Girard, Hubbard, and Austintown, Ohio. American Patriot Night will again admit all veterans and scouts in uniform free on June 23.
A new promotion will take place on May 5 and August 18 titled “Dollar Dayz,” which will also be presented by Coca-Cola. On these nights students of any age will be admitted for just $1. Also, for everyone hot dogs, fries, soda, and popcorn will be just $1.
Other discounted events for various entities are the following: $10 family night for 4-H members on July 7, $5 admission for card-carrying labor union members and $5 for their significant other on July 21, $5 admission for National Riffle Association (NRA) members and $5 for their significant other on August 25.
Some of the companies already committed to corporate nights this year include Dean Dairy, General Electric Diesel Engine Plant, Coca-Cola, Yellow Book USA, and Emerson Process Management is expected to return.
Attached is a text-only version of the 2007 schedule. Our color tri-fold brochure schedules will be available in mid-March, please contact the office if you’re interested in one.
Adult admission is $11, students 6-15 are $5, the family pass is $25, children five and under are free and pit passes are $25 for all non-specials and $30 for specials. Season general admission passes are available at a discounted price of $275 and season pit passes are $525. Season VIP rentals are still available and nightly rentals are $150. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Mercer Raceway Park
2007 Event Schedule





March 31 "Chiller Thriller" * ULMS Late Models ($2,000)/E-Mods/Open Stocks
April 7 Saturday Night Live! * Our 5-division opener with points starting * Sprints, Modifieds, Stocks, Mini Stocks, & the Stars' Championship Mod Lite Tour
April 14 Saturday Night Live! * (Our full 5-division show)
April 21 Saturday Night Live! * Bring the family for $10
April 28 Saturday Night Live! * Free admission for all Beaver County residents
May 5 Saturday Night Live! * “Dollar Dayz” * Presented by Coca-Cola * $1 for all students plus $1 hotdogs, fries, soda, & popcorn for everyone * Twin-State & PCTC Night
May 12 Saturday Night Live! * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10
May 19 Saturday Night Live! * Sprints go Wingless for $1,500 plus full show * Free general admission for all Crawford County residents presented by Armstrong
May 26 Saturday Night Live! * “Pack the Track I” – Fan Appreciation Night ($5 Adults, $12 Family Pass, $2 Students) * “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night * All cars and drivers from all divisions on the speedway during intermission * Presented by Froggy 95.1
(Sun) May 27 All-American “Spring Nationals” – World Championship Pulling Event * Big-Rig Semis/Smoker Series Tractors/Street Semis/Street Diesel 4-Wheel Drive Trucks * Note 6:30 PM start time * (Rain date Mon., May 28 at 5 PM)
June 2 “Jeff Hoffman Memorial” * Presented by Hoffman Door Co. * Featuring the Modifieds for $2,000 to-win! Plus Sprints/Stocks/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * (Rain date June 9)
June 9 Saturday Night Live! * Plus Demo Derby * Free general admission for all Venango County residents * General Electric Diesel Engine Plant Corp Night
June 16 Saturday Night Live! * Plus “Crazy 8s” Figure 8 Races * Presented by Coca-Cola * Bring the family for $10
June 23 Saturday Night Live! * American Patriot Night/Fireworks Spectacular! * Free general admission for veterans with I.D., scouts in uniform, & Butler County residents presented by Armstrong
June 30 Saturday Night Live! * Welcome Ohio Night – free general admission for all Ohio residents! * Presented by Waffle House
(Wed) July 4 “Saluting the Red, White, & Blue” * FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Series Yankee 40 ($5,000)/T3 All-Star Modified Series ($1,500)/ Stars’ Championship Mod Lite Tour * Note: 6 PM start time
July 7 “Stand On It” (Racing & Full Pull Productions Truck Drag Racing) * Presented by Truck Rodz by Jones Performance * Full 5-division racing plus Semi Truck, 4x4 Gas Truck, 4x4 Diesel Truck, and Open Class Drag Racing * 4-H Night - $10 family admission for all card-carrying 4-H members
July 14 Saturday Night Live! * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10 * Dean Dairy Corp. Night
July 21 Saturday Night Live! * Labor Union Night * $5 admission for all card-carrying union members and $5 for their significant other * Full show including the Ken Carbone Memorial for Stocks ($650) plus a Compact Car Demo Derby * Yellow Book USA Night
July 28 7th Annual “Sprint Slug-Out” * Triple 15s for Sprints! * Plus a full show
Aug. 4 Saturday Night Live! * “Pack the Track II” – Fan Appreciation Night ($5 Adults, $12 Family Pass, $2 Students) * “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night * All cars and drivers from all divisions on the speedway during intermission * Presented by Froggy 95.1
Aug. 11 Saturday Night Live! * Sprints go Wingless for $1,500 plus full show & Kids Bike Races * “Mascot Mania”- see mascots from local schools, teams, & businesses * Bring the family for $10
Aug. 18 Saturday Night Live! * “Dollar Dayz” * Presented by Coca-Cola * $1 for all students plus $1 hotdogs, fries, soda, & popcorn for everyone
Aug. 25 “Bill Emig Memorial” * Presented by M&M Insurance Group * Featuring Modifieds ($2,000) plus full show * National Riffle Association Night - $5 admission for all card-carrying NRA members and $5 for their significant other
Sept. 1 No racing
Sept. 8 19th Annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” * Presented by Armstrong * Featuring Sprint Cars in the region’s richest non-sanctioned event ($3,000) plus Modifieds/Open Stocks/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Points end for Sprints, Mods, & Stocks
Sept. 15 USA-East Regional Finals – Semi Trucks, “Run What Ya Brung” Trucks, 4x4 Diesel Trucks, 4x4 Gas Trucks, Limited Pro Stock Tractors, & Super Farm Tractors * Note: 6:30 PM start time * (Rain date Sun., Sept. 16 at 2 PM)
Sept. 22 No racing
8th Annual “Little Guy Nationals”
(Fri) Sept. 28 Open Stocks/Micro Sprints/Stars’ Championship Mod Lite Tour/Mini Stocks
Sept. 29 T3 All-Star Modified Series ($2,000)/Open Stocks ($2,000)/E-Mods * Demo Derby * Racing begins at 4 p.m. * (Rain date Sun., Sept. 30 at 4 p.m.) * (Entire event rain date Fri.-Sun., Oct. 5-7)

Pits open 3:30 PM Grandstand open 4:30 PM Hot Laps 6:15 PM Racing 7 PM
(unless otherwise noted)

Monday, March 05, 2007

Ohsweken Speedway

For Immediate Release – Ken Pelkie, Ohsweken SpeedwayPERFORMANCE WORLD CUSTOM CAR & TRUCK SHOW FIRST UP ON BUSY 2007OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY SCHEDULEMarch 9, 10 and 11, 2007 Ohsweken Speedway will make a return to the AnnualPerformance World Custom Car & Truck Show held at the International Centre,6900 Airport Road, Toronto, ON.Promoter, Glenn Styres will be on hand throughout the weekend to greet fansand answer questions regarding the most anticipated slate of events in thehistory of the speedway. Drop by the display and pick up your copy of theentire 2007 schedule of events along with information on the two largestSprint Car shows in Ontario. While at the display in Toronto, be sure toenter your name on a ballot where two special prizes will be given away to apair of lucky fans.“Arrow Express” has stepped in as a major sponsor and will play a key rolein presenting the Inaugural running of the “SIX NATIONS SHOWDOWN” featuringthe World of Outlaw Sprint Car series. The much anticipated event willinclude all of the stars and cars of the premier Sprint Car seriesheadquartered in the United States including Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski.The Wednesday, July 25th show will get underway with the usual 7:45 PM startand pay the winner a cool $10,000. Reserved seat tickets are slated to goon sale May 1st. Information on how to purchase advanced tickets will beposted on the Ohsweken Speedway website as soon as details are available.“Arrow Express” will also return to host the 3rd Annual “CANADIAN SPRINT CARNATIONALS” for the second time which will once again close out the season onSeptember 14 & 15th. Over 70 of the finest 360 Sprints representing theEmpire Super Sprints and ASCS Patriots from New York State, Southern OntarioSprints, National Racing Alliance “Sprint Bandits” from Ohio, and the ASCSSprints On Dirt based in Michigan will once again anchor the program.$7,000 awaits the winner this year of the 30 lap main with $600 going to the26th place finisher.The Southern Ontario Sprints will open the season on May 18th along with aregular program of DIRT Sportsman; Thunder Stocks; and Mini Stocks. Theyalso have return visits slated for June 8th, August 10th and September 7thwhen their Season Championship Invitational will be held. The “Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel” will host the Empire Super Sprints asthey share the headlines on June 22nd with the Sportsman portion of the“Lucas Oil Shootout”. The Sportsman will go 50 laps while the 358 Modifiedportion of the “Lucas Oil Shootout” will feature 35 laps of racing when theymake their appearance at the 3/8 mile clay oval on August 3rd.ASCS Patriots will take to the track July 6th while the ASCS Sprints On Dirtwill make their annual appearance on August 24th. A regular program of DirtSportsman, Thunder Stocks and Mini Stocks will be on hand every Friday nightto entertain the fans who will be greeted with reduced admission pricesthroughout the 2007 season.Be sure to keep up on all the latest news from Ohsweken Speedway by loggingon to the official website at HYPERLINK "http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com"www.ohswekenspeedway.com as the countdown continues toward the first greenflag of the season for “Friday Night Thunder” on May 18th.

LERNERVILLE'S AWARDS BANQUET



LERNERVILLE'S 39TH ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET A SUCCESS
By Eric J. Westendorf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Sarver, PA) The 39th Annual Lernerville Speedway Awards Banquet returned to the beautifully renovated Days Inn on Rt. 8 south of Butler Saturday Night, March 3. The evening began with an introduction to 2006 Co-General Managers Gary Risch Jr & Sr, Emcees Dow Carnahan and Ed Schaefer, and 2006 Track Champions Kevin Schaeffer (Sprints), Lynn Geiser (Late Models), Kevin Bolland (Modifieds), and Butch Lambert (Pure Stocks).

Before the buffett lines opened up, the following awards were given out for the 2006 season; Most Improved Driver - Carl Bowser (Sprints), Matt Lux (Late Models), Keith Swartzlander (Modifieds), Wayne Carbo (Pure Stocks); Hard Luck Award - Charlie Holbein; Sportsmanship Award - Steve Solari; Rookie of the Year - Danny Holtgraver; Bob Cochran Sponsorship Award - Advanced Auto Parts; Bill Steinbach Media Award - Lou Ruediger; Grover Clasper Award - Ginger Meloy, Jim Magill; Craig Fleming Lernerville Speedway Appreciation Award - Mary Lynn Nicholas. 2007 General Manager Gary Risch, Jr. also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Linda Fennell for her years of hard work and dedication to Lernerville Speedway.

After everyone enjoyed a lavish buffett, Vice President of DIRT MotorSports Public Relations Chris Dolack was on hand to recognize the faithful media members on hand. Chris credited the media members for helping Lernerville become the elite dirt facility it is today. Dolack stated, "The exposure Lernerville Speedway receives by local and regional print media is second to none in the entire country." In appreciation for their weekly racing section in the Valley News Dispatch, Chris awarded a DIRT MotorSports National Media Award to Tom Zuck and Lou Ruediger. The four page section profiles local drivers and tracks as well national racing series. It is created and distributed every Friday during the Lernerville Speedway season and is provided free of charge to everyone coming through the gates of the speedway. Lou Ruediger also created a multi-media presentation for the Valley News Dispatch website including pictures and audio clips of the 2006 season, and honoring the 2006 track champions.

Emcees Dow Carnahan and Ed Schaefer next took turns presenting the Top-10 and Track Champions from each of the Fab Four weekly racing divisions.

Sprint car drivers Gary Rankin, Arnie Kent, Carl Bowser, and Ed Lynch, Jr. were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Martha Dionise was on hand to accept on behalf of Brent Matus. Kevin Schaeffer graciously accepted his Track Championship trophy and a jacket from American Racer/Lias Tires. "Kool Kevin" thanked his family, sponsors, racing team, and the Lernerville Speedway for making his, "Dream come true of winning a Lernerville Track Championship."

Late Model drivers Tony Burke, Alex Ferree, Matt Lux, and Sam Stile were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Danny Holtgraver was on hand to accept on behalf of John Flinner and a crew member was on hand to accept on behalf of Gary Lyle. Alex Ferree comicly warned champion Lynn Geisler and the entire Late Model division that he "Was Coming" for them in the 2007 racing season. Lynn Geisler and Jack Crowell of longtime sponsor #1 Cochran Automotive were on hand to accept Lynn's 5th Lernerville Track Championship trophy and a jacket from American Racer/Lias Tires. Lynn thanked his "Senior Citizen pit crew" and #1 Cochran and credited their hard work and devotion to his sustained success.

Modified drivers Keith Swartzlander, Mark Flick, Dave Murdick, and Brian Swartzlander were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Jo Rankin was on hand to accept on behalf of her Grandfather Carl Murdick. Mark Flick expressed his appreciation to Steve Solari for giving them a car to finish the season with after a bad wreck that totaled the Baker Racing #2 Modified at the Super DIRT series race, and to the Bakers for believing in him enough to put another car under him for the 2007 season. Champion "Revin' Kevin" Bolland graciously accepted his Track Championship trophy and a jacket from Hoosier Racing Tires. Bolland also made a heart-felt thank you to his crew for stepping in to keep the 777 ready and on the track while his mom was sick last season, and dedicated the Championship to his mother Rosalie who lost her battle with Leukemia last fall.

Pure Stock Drivers Jake Ayers, Terry Young, Bob Lipinski, Jason Fosnaught, and Wayne Carbo were on hand to receive their plaques and point fund monies. Walt Wimer was on hand to accept on behalf of Greg Beach. Back-to-Back Champion Butch Lambert accepted his Track Championship trophy and a jacket from American Racer/Lias Tires. Lambert thanked his wife for her support and made a bittersweet dedication to his father-in-law Bob Kennedy, (who passed away last month), and to his daughter Madison who was born the night of last year's banquet.

Walt Wimer came back to the stage to present his 2006 Cavalcade Award to Ed Lynch Jr. The award was Lynch's 6th, tying the Great Johnny Beaber for the most all-time. Walt also announced the Western PA Rookie of the Year would be awarded to Crate Late Model driver Jason Rider, a regular at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.

Gary Risch, Jr. spoke next, giving thanks to all the drivers, teams, track officials and employees, and fans who make Lernerville the "Best Dirt Track in the Country!" Gary then announced the new features and changes for the 2007 season; An alternate Victory Lane behind the grandstands; new lights all around the track that will make Lernerville Speedway the best lit Dirt Track in the Country, and thus making it more prone to national television broadcasts; a new fence along the front straightaway; a change in insurance policy that will allow fans of all ages into the pits, allowing children to be part of the Friday Night pit crew; on-site beer sales (details of which will be forthcoming); a 2-day 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Show, the "Firecracker 100" will pay $30,000 to win, and be accompanied by an "Uncle Sam 30" non-qualifier's race which will pay $3000 to win; that the World of Outlaws" Don Martin Memorial "Silver Cup XV" will be televised on espn2; and that the April 17 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Race will be televised on SPEED.

Gary Risch, Sr. took the mic next and thanked Jeff Swartzlander for overseeing race operations of the 3G and 8G driven by Brian and Keith Swartzlander respectively while the Risches oversaw the nightly track operations. Risch, Sr. thanked everyone who had a hand in making the transition of the 2006 season possible and successful. Risch, Sr. also gave high praise to his son Gary Risch, Jr. for doing most of the leg work last season with day-to-day and Friday Night operations at the speedway. An emotional Risch, Sr. confidently praised his son and expressed his belief that Risch, Jr. would successfully continue the traditions and improve the overall environment at Lernerville Speedway going forward. Risch, Sr. will oversee concessions and beer sales during the 2007 season, but pledged to make himself available to answer any questions and help anyway he could to the drivers and crews.

The evening then became more informal with music, dancing, mingling, and the distribution of a plethora of door prizes. Up next for Lernerville Speedway is the Clearview Mall Car Show March 15, 16, 17 and Opening Night Friday March 30. Please visit our website www.lernerville.com or call the track office at (724) 353-1511 for more details or to register for the Clearview Mall Car Show.

TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY RELEASES 2007 SCHEDULE; TRACK OPENS APRIL 29TH


FRANKLIN, PA .. In preparation for the upcoming mall shows, Tri-CitySpeedway officials finalized the 2007 schedule this weekend with a total of 22events on the calendar, including special shows for the O'Reilly All StarCircuit of Champions Super Sprints and the World of Outlaws 360OTC Late ModelSeries. "We believe that we put together a schedule for 2007 that will offersomething for every race fan," said Tri-City Speedway Co-Promoter Mike Graham."We're looking forward to the start of the new season. It's hard to believe thatit's only a little more than two months away." The half-mile Venango County oval will open for racing action on Sunday April29th. The first five-star racing show will include the 4 Your Car ConnectionSuper Sprints, Schwab's Ford DIRT Modifieds, RPM Auto Sales/Shawgo Real Estate EMods, E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks and Klapec Auto BodyThundercars. Those same five divisions will be featured on most Sunday nights atTri-City. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. and racing starts at 6:00 p.m. eachnight. Adult grandstand admission will remain at $11 this season while pitadmission is steady at $22. "We continue to strive to offer the best entertainment value in our region,"said Graham's fellow promoter Roger Crick. "We have always kept families inmind, especially when we set our ticket prices for our special events." For the first time since 2002, the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of ChampionsSprints will return to Tri-City with "The Freedom Fifty" show on Tuesday July3rd. The All Stars will compete in a 30-lap main event while Sharon Speedway'sGreen Flag Sprints will be the featured under card in a 20-lap affair. Adultgrandstand admission will be $20 for the event. This will be the first midweekevent at Tri-City since 1997. "The All Stars worked very hard with Tri-City over the last few days tofinalize this event," said Graham. "Last season, the fans and race teams showedtheir support for a major sprint car show at Tri-City when the National SprintTour visited. As long as the fans and race teams continue to show the same levelof support, we will continue to schedule such events." The Oil Region Labor Day Classic Weekend will once again feature two nightsof competition for the World of Outlaws 360OTC Late Model Series on Saturday andSunday September 1st and 2nd. After a successful debut event in 2005, the Worldof Outlaws 360OTC Late Model Series will return with such stars as defendingchampion Tim McCreadie, Billy Moyer, Rick Eckert, Steve Francis, Shane Clantonand local favorite Chub Frank. Each night, the Late Model drivers and teams willrun qualifying events and a 50-lap feature for $10,000-to-win. In addition, theE Mods and Pro Stocks will run complete shows each night. The E Mods willcompete in the final Allegheny Toyota E Series races of 2007, with the Sundayshow to include the All Star 30. The Pro Stocks will prep for the 11th AnnualCSOnline Applefest 100 with the third and fourth legs of the William R. KarnsPlumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Detroit Iron Pro Stock Series. Adultgrandstand admission will be $30 each night with a special two-day ticket priced at $50. The Schwab's Ford Big Block Challenge Series will feature two special eventsfor the DIRT Modifieds. The initial race will be the 4th Annual Dick RankinMemorial on Sunday May 27th, which will feature an appearance by the BRPModified Tour 2007. The second event will be the 15th Annual Kodiak Memorial onSunday July 15th. There are big plans afoot for this event, which honors lateDIRT Modified car owner Bob "Kodiak" Graham. Those races will run in conjunctionwith additional Big Block Challenge Series events at Lernerville Speedway andpossibly another local track. A point fund will be offered for the series. AtTri-City, the adult grandstand admission for each of those events will remain at$11. For the fourth season in a row, the four-race Allegheny Toyota E Seriesreturns to Tri-City with events for the E Mods on June 3rd, July 1st, andSeptember 1st and 2nd (All Star 30). Adult grandstand admission at each of thoseshows will remain at $11, except for the September races, which will be part ofthe Oil Region Labor Day Classic Weekend. The Pro Stocks will continue with an expanded five-race William R. KarnsPlumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Detroit Iron Pro Stock Series for the sixthseason in a row. Those events will be held on May 20th, June 24th, and September1st, 2nd, and 16th. The final series race will be the 11th Annual CSOnlineApplefest 100. That show will also include the Apple Core 20 for the Thundercarsand the third Lowry Auto Wrecking Compact Car Demo Derby of the season. Inaddition, this season's Family Services Charity Race will use the Pro Stocks forthe first time. That event will be held on Father's Day June 17th. Adultgrandstand admission will remain at $11 for all of those events, except for theraces on September 1st and 2nd. For the second year in a row, the Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals willinvade Tri-City on Friday and Saturday September 7th and 8th. Hosted by HetrickRacing and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), the national event willagain draw hundreds of ATV racers to Tri-City for motocross-style racingcompetition. More information about race times and ticket prices for this eventwill be released later this season. Other season highlights include a Powder Puff Pro Stock and Thundercar event,three Lowry Auto Wrecking Compact Car Demo Derbies, children's bike races, twonights of spectator races, the Edward Jones Investments Fireworks Extravaganza,the Coors Brewing Bonus Bucks Night, and the Maurer's Trading Post Rifle Dash. Tri-City officials also elected to close the track twice this season on July29th and August 26th. This will allow the race teams and officials to get twoneeded breaks during the season. For more information and schedules, please contact the track office at (814)473-4038. Tri-City Speedway is owned and operated by Roger and Susie Crick and Mike andMargaret Graham. They have promoted Sunday night racing at the popular facilitysince they reopened it in 1996. The Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, ProStocks and Thundercars race each week at the Venango County half-mile dirt oval.Tri-City is located seven miles north of Franklin, Pa., off State Route 417.TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY 2007 SCHEDULEApr. 29 - Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, Pro Stocks, Thundercars (5-StarRacing)May 06 - 5-Star RacingMay 13 - 5-Star Racing/Powder Puff Pro Stocks and ThundercarsMay 20 - 5-Star Racing /William R. Karns Plumbing, Heating & Air ConditioningDetroit Iron Pro Stock SeriesMay 27 - 5-Star Racing/BRP Modified Tour 2007 4th Annual Dick Rankin Memorial(Schwab's Ford Big Block Challenge Series)/Rankin & Son Excavating NightJune 03 - 5-Star Racing/Allegheny Toyota E Series (E Mods)/Little League NightJune 10 - 5-Star Racing/Spectator Races/WDDH 97.5 "The Hound" NightJune 17 - 5-Star Racing/Family Service Ladies Pro Stock Charity Race/CranberryPennzoil 10-Minute Oil Change Night/Lowry Auto Wrecking Compact Car Demo DerbyJune 24 - 5-Star Racing/William R. Karns Plumbing, Heating & Air ConditioningDetroit Iron Pro Stock Series/Kids Night (Snyder of Berlin & Ray's RacingCollectibles Bike Races)July 01 - 5-Star Racing/Edward Jones Investment Fireworks Extravaganza/AlleghenyToyota E Series (E Mods)July 03 - "The Freedom Fifty": O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Sprintsand Green Flag SprintsJuly 08 - 5-Star Racing/Buyer's Fair & Pennzoil Night/Scout Night (FireworksRaindate)July 15 5-Star Racing/15th Annual Kodiak Memorial (Schwab's Ford Big BlockChallenge Series)/Atkinson Fire Safety NightJuly 22 - 5-Star Racing/Joy Employee Fund Night/Lowry Auto Wrecking Compact CarDemo DerbyJuly 29 - No Racing/Speedway ClosedAug 05 - 5-Star Racing/Coors Brewing Bonus Bucks NightAug 12 - 5-Star Racing/Maurer's Trading Post Rifle Dash/Armed Forces DayAug 19 - 5-Star Racing/Spectator Races/McDonald's Night/Pittsburgh Circle TrackClub and Twin State Auto Racing Club Night (Points End)Aug 26 - No Racing/Speedway ClosedSept. 1 and 2 - Oil Region Labor Day Classic Weekend: World of Outlaws 360OTCLate Model Series (Sat and Sun: 50 Laps; $10,000-to-win)/E Mods (Sat: AlleghenyToyota E Series 20 Laps; Sun: Allegheny Toyota E Series All Star 30)/Pro Stocks(Sat and Sun: William R. Karns Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Detroit IronPro Stock Series 20 Laps)/Sat: Racers for Tots/Sat: 3rd Annual Ghetto South -The Party (Ray's Racing and Engles Trucking)Sept. 7 and 8 - Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals 2007Sept 16 - 11th Annual CSOnline Applefest 100 (William R. Karns Plumbing, Heating& Air Conditioning Detroit Iron Pro Stock Series)/Thundercars Apple Core20/Lowry Auto Wrecking Compact Car Demo Derby (Racing at 4 p.m.)

Tri-City Speedway Mall Show Slated for March 8-11


FRANKLIN, PA .. For the 11th year in a row, the Cranberry Mall in Cranberry,Pa., will feature the cars and stars of local short track racing as Tri-CitySpeedway takes over the Route 322 Venango County shopping center for the weekendof March 8-11. Many of Tri-City's weekly competitors will have their new cars on display atthe Cranberry Mall Show. One of the highlights will be the new MACS Late Modelteam piloted by 2005 E Mod track champion Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa. Lux hascommitted to travel with MACS in 2007. To date, Andy McKisson of Strattanville, Pa., is the lone 4 Your CarConnection Super Sprint scheduled to attend. Other Super Sprints may be added asthe Cranberry Mall Show draws near. Among the Schwab's Ford DIRT Modifieds will be J.R. McGinley of FairmountCity, Pa., and Joe Crawford of Polk, Pa. Joining Lux in the Late Model ranks will be Darrell Bossard of Centerville,Pa. The new FASTRAK Late Models of Scott Myers of Reno, Pa., and 2005 Thundercartrack champion Chad Myers of Oil City, Pa., will also be there. The brothershave joined forces to challenge on the new Crate Late Model series, which willcompete weekly at Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio. In addition, the new Late Modeldriven by former DIRT Modified driver Nick Ritchey of Oil City, Pa., will debut.Ritchey has switched to macadam surfaces and will race at Lake Erie Speedway inErie, Pa. Among the RPM Auto Sales/Shawgo Real Estate E Mod in attendance will bethree-time and defending Pro Stock track champion Bobby Whitling of Seneca, Pa.Also on had will be 2006 title contender Shawn Shingledecker of Franklin, Pa.,Tim Engles of Franklin, Pa., Bruce Powell of Cochranton, Pa., and Chip Mahood ofTitusville, Pa. The E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks will be out in force, includingthe Bob Tarr-owned car, which will find 2006 Thundercar track champion JeffManners of Cherrytree, Pa., behind the wheel. Doug Iorio II of Kennerdell, Pa.,Tim Engles of Franklin, Pa., John Winters of Reno, Pa., Jeff Lockhart of Seneca,Pa., Matt Keith of Franklin, Pa., Dick Pascorell of Cranberry, Pa., Randy Wyantof Oil City, Pa., and Pro Stock rookies Bill Kluck Jr. of Oil City, Pa, and RickHenry of Oil City, Pa., will also be there. In addition, Danny Exley of RockyGrove, Pa., returns from military duty in Afghanistan with a new Pro Stock readyto run at Tri-City in 2007. Title favorites Josh Seippel of Franklin, Pa., and Bill Myers of Seneca, Pa.,will lead the Klapec Auto Body Thundercars into the aisles. The other Thundercardrivers and cars scheduled to appear include Kenny Alcorn of Franklin, Pa., CurtBish Jr. of Oil City, Pa., and Curt Bish Sr. of Dempseytown, Pa. Other short track division cars will include the Legends car piloted by DanWeaver of Oil City, Pa., at Lake Erie Speedway, Ohioan Kaleb Peterson's JuniorDragsters, and Go Karts driven by local stars Matt Bernard, Austin Brown, BarryWilson, and Jacob and Jessica Gomola. Tri-City will also debut a new pace vehicle, which is a 2007 Dodge Ram BigHorn Edition pickup truck courtesy of Baierl's Northpointe of Seneca, Pa. The cars will move into the Cranberry Mall on Wednesday March 8th after itcloses at 9:00 p.m., and they will remain in the mall through Sunday March 11that 6:00 p.m. The 2007 season commences at Tri-City Speedway on Sunday April 29th with afull slate of Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, Pro Stocks and Thundercars.Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and racing starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the track office at (814) 473-4038. Tri-City Speedway is owned and operated by Roger and Susie Crick and Mike andMargaret Graham. They have promoted Sunday night racing at the popular facilitysince they reopened it in 1996. The Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E Mods, ProStocks and Thundercars race each week at the Venango County half-mile dirt oval.Tri-City is located seven miles north of Franklin, Pa., off State Route 417.