Monday, November 24, 2008

Chiappelli Motorsports announce New driver for 2009

Chiappelli Motorsports—Tom & Fran Chiappelli are proud to announce the signing of Niki Young as the new driver of their #98 410 Sprinter. Niki, from East Berlin, PA, has been a Central PA regular for the past 10 years. He drove his family owned #17N before piloting the Denny Neiderer owned #10N for the past six years. Niki, a consistent competitor, also turns out to be a skilled negotiator as he convinced Tom & Fran to campaign their #98 regularly at Williams Grove and Lincoln Speedways in 2009.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to drive for Tom & Fran,” said Niki. “The crew and I are eager to get to work preparing the cars. The sponsors are enthused and have come on board quickly to move this deal forward.”
Sponsorship will continue to come from Golden Flavor Sesame Sticks, as well as, Wing’s Unlimited; Kline’s Services; Klunk’s Storage & Rental; Ironstone Lawn & Garden; Zar 1 Yard Service; M&M Farms; Windy Acre Farms; and Carma Industrial Coatings.

Product sponsors will include Precise Racing Products; Hoosier Tire and Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic; Hank’s Performance; Pro Shocks; Hampshire Racing Engines; and Frankland Rears.

“After meeting with Niki, I knew he was the perfect fit for our team”, said Fran. “We look forward to returning to Central PA competition.”
The Chiappelli team won the Sharon Speedway Points Championship in 2008 and the Clinton County Speedway Championship in 2003.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc. is proud to announce Chris Nunn as the new Voice of the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions


The OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc. is proud to announce Chris Nunn as the new Voice of the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions.

Chris brings a unique style and a team attitude that will continue the professional tradition of our previous announcers. Look for the 2009 announcing staff to spend more time entertaining the fans as well as and providing a professional voice that will enhance our series.

Chriss broadcasting career began in 2001 at the Paragon Speedway in Paragon, IN, then moved to Brownstown Speedway in 2002, and worked there until 2008. Chris has also worked at the famed Terre Haute Action Track in Terre Haute Indiana. Additionally, Chris has graduated to working with the Indy Racing League specifically the 2008 event at the Chicagoland Speedway.

Additional information about the OReilly All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc. can be found at http://www.allstarsprint.com

Monday, November 17, 2008

Racer and Team Sponsorship ContestRacers Can Improve Their Odds For Securing Sponsorships

Racers Can Improve Their Odds For Securing Sponsorships

Boston, Massachusetts, November 17, 2008 — Yabutz.com, a search
engine for the motorsports racing industry, officially launched its
Sweet Mother! Sponsorship contest for drivers or teams regardless of
series or vehicle raced. Three winners will receive either a Dale
Carnegie Speakers course, consulting from a top International
motorsports marketing firm or a high-profile website design,
including a highly stylized logo and web hosting for a year.

"Yabutz was built for racers and teams, we wanted to provide
something they would directly benefit from now and in the future,"
stated Andrew Kaplan, Yabutz' outside marketing. "What better then
awards that can improve a racer or teams odds for securing
sponsorship. Here's an opportunity for a racer to enhance their
entire sponsor package or media communication skills - all in one
mother of a contest."

The contest is open to all professional and amateur racers and teams
regardless of the series or vehicle raced – two wheels or four. To
enter the Sweet Mother! contest visit http://yabutz.com/happeningz
. Winners will be selected February 15, 2009 following the 51st
running of the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway.

About Yabutz

Yabutz provides professional and amateur motorsports drivers, teams
and parts-procurement staff within the racing industry a search
engine for racing parts, equipment, tools and education. Yabutz is
dedicated exclusively to worldwide motorsports racing, its
competitors and suppliers regardless of the series or vehicle raced
— two wheels or four.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Reed, Brubaker, Deisenroth, Ward crowned Attica champs


ATTICA — Attica Raceway Park rewarded the top 10 drivers in each of the four racing divisions for their efforts during the 2008 season at an awards banquet Saturday, Nov. 8.
Crowned the 410 sprint champion for the fourth straight year was Monclova’s Byron Reed. Reed has won five of the last six championships at “Ohio’s Finest Racing” speedplant.
Reed was the only 410 sprint driver to compete in all 13 A-mains in 2008. He notched 10 top 10 finishes and six top five runs. He scored a win on July 4, the 22nd of his career at Attica, to move into second on the all-time win list for 410 sprints. Reed also recorded three runner-up finishes and a third. His average A-main finishing position was 6th.
The 305 sprint champion was Start Brubaker of Helena, Ohio. The 2008 Fremont Speedway champion competed in all 12 A-mains in 2008 and finished in the top 10 in all but one, an 11th place run early in the season. Brubaker recorded nine top five finishes. He scored four wins - June 20 and three in a row, July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 16. His average A-main finishing position was an incredible fourth.
Curtis Deisenroth, Oak Harbor, Ohio, was crowned the champion of the Service Drive Solutions UMP Attica Late Models. Deisenroth competed in 14 of the 15 A-mains, missing only the last feature of the season. He recorded 11 top 10 runs, including eight top five runs. He scored his first career win on July 18 and added a pair of second place runs and a third. Deisenroth’s average A-main finishing position was 6th.
The 2008 dirt truck Attica champion was Cory Ward, Sandusky, Ohio. Ward, who finished second in the 2007 points standings, had a dominating season. While competing in 12 of the 13 A-mains - missing only the season finale - his worse finish was a sixth. Even more remarkable - he won half of the features he competed in. His six victories came on April 18, May 23, June 6, June 20, July 25, and Aug. 23. He also recorded a pair of runner-up finishes and a third. Ward’s average A-main finishing position was an incredible second.
The rest of the top 10 in points for the 410 sprints:
2nd - Mike Linder, Fremont, Ohio. The 1996, 1997, 1998 Attica 305 sprint champion competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains in 2008, missing only the World of Outlaws feature and the April 25 feature when his motor went south after winning his heat. Linder recorded eight top 10 finishes and scored wins on April 18 and on season championship night, Aug. 23. His average A-main finishing position was 9th.
3rd - Chris Andrews, Sandusky, Ohio. The 2007 national rookie of the year and 2006 Attica 305 sprint co-champion competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2008, missing only the opening night All Star race. Andrews recorded seven top 10 runs with a season best fifth place finish. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.
4th - David Harrison, Burgoon, Ohio. Harrison competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the opening night All Star feature and May 16 feature. He recorded eight top 10 runs and five top five finishes. He recorded back-to-back wins on July 25 and Aug. 1. Harrison’s average A-main finishing position was 8th.
5th - Mike Dussel, Burgoon, Ohio. The 2008 410 Rookie of the Year at Attica competed in 10 of the 13 A-mains in 2008. He recorded six top 10 runs and scored a season-best third place finish. Dussel’s average feature finishing position was 9th.
6th - Mark Keegan, Fremont, Ohio. The 12-time Attica track champion competed in nine of the 13 A-mains in 2008. He recorded two top 10 finishes with a season best fourth. His average A-main finishing position was 13th.
7th - Mike Hogan, Cardington, Ohio. Hogan competed in eight of the 13 A-mains in 2008. He recorded six top 10 finishes with a season best 7th. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.
8th - Bruce Robenalt, Tiffin, Ohio. Robenalt competed in nine of the 13 A-mains in 2008. His average A-main finishing position was 17th.
9th - Phil Gressman, Helena, Ohio. Gressman - the 1994 and 1995 305 track champion - competed in eight of the 13 A-mains in 2008. He scored 3 top 10 runs with a season best pair of fourth place finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 11th.
10th - Caleb Griffith, Castalia, Ohio. Griffith - the 2003 Attica 305 sprint champion - competed in 7 of the 13 A-mains in 2008. He recorded three top 10 runs with a season best fourth place finish. His average A-main finishing position was 12th.
The rest of the top 10 in points for the 305 sprints:
2nd - Bobby Clark, Fremont, Ohio. Clark competed in all 12 A-mains in 2008, recording nine top 10 finishes. He had four feature wins, including a string of three in a row - April 25, May 23, and June 6 - and on July 4. Throw out an 18th and a 20th place finish and he finished no worse than 7th in the other nine races. His average A-main finishing position was eighth.
3rd - Coty Runion, Tiffin, Ohio. Runion, the 2006 305 sprint rookie of the year, competed in 11 of the 12 A-mains in 2008, missing only the Aug. 16 feature. He scored 10 top 10 finishes...in fact the only time he finished out of the top 10 was a 12th place finish in the middle of the season. Runion’s best finish was a third on route to an average A-main finishing position of 7th.
4th - Dustin Keegan, Fremont, Ohio. Keegan competed in all 12 A-mains in 2008, recording 7 top 10 finishes. He recorded a season-best fifth place finish in the last race of the year on route to an average A-main finishing position of 10th.
5th - Duane Zablocki, Tiffin, Ohio. Zablocki competed in nine of the 12 A-mains in 2008, with seven of those ending in top 10 runs. He recorded a pair of season-best second place finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 8th.
6th - Dustin Dinan, Fremont, Ohio. Dinan competed in 11 of the 12 A-mains in 2008, missing only the July 18 feature. He recorded five top five finishes including season-best pair of third place runs. His average A-main finishing position was 11th.
7th - D.J. Foos, Fremont, Ohio. The 2008 Attica 305 sprint rookie of the year competed in nine of the 12 A-mains. He caught fire at the end of the year, finishing no worse than fourth the last five feature events. He recorded six top 10 finishes including his first career feature wins on July 18 and Aug. 23. His average A-main finishing position was 8th.
8th - Nate Dussel, Bradner, Ohio. Dussel competed in nine of the 12 A-mains. He recorded five top 10 runs including a season best runner-up finish on Aug. 16. His average A-main finishing position was 9th.
9th - Todd Heuerman, Leipsic, Ohio. Heuerman competed in 10 of the 12 A-mains, missing only the June 20 and the July 11 features. He recorded seven top five runs including a season-best pair of runner-up finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 7th.
10th - Brad Keckler, Fremont, Ohio. Keckler competed in 8 of the 12 A-mains in 2008. He recorded a season best 9th place finish on route to an average feature finishing position of 13th.
The rest of the top 10 in points for the Service Drive Solutions UMP Attica Late Models:
2nd - Ryan Missler, Bellevue, Ohio. The 2005 Attica rookie of the year made it a very close championship race, falling just 12 points shy. However, he improved a position on his third place point finishes in 2006 and 2007. Missler competed in 14 of the 15 A-mains, missing only the American Late Model Series feature. He recorded nine top 10 runs including eight top five finishes. He led the division with three victories in 2008 - April 5, June 6 and Aug. 30. He also recorded a second and a pair of third place finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 6th.
3rd - Ken Hahn, Gibsonburg, Ohio. The 2007 Attica champion competed in 13 of the 15 A-mains, missing only the American Late Model Series feature and the final race of the season. Hahn recorded an amazing 12 top 10 finishes including four top five runs. His season-best was three runner-up finishes. Hahn’s average A-main finishing position was 6th.
4th - Steve Sabo, Fremont, Ohio. Sabo competed in 12 of the 15 A-mains, finishing in the top 10 in all but one. In the last six features of the season he finished no worse than eighth. His best finish of the year was second on the last night of the season. Sabo’s average A-main finishing position was 7th.
5th - Ernie Haynes, Risingsun, Ohio. Haynes competed in 14 of the 15 A-mains, missing only the Aug. 16 race. He recorded seven top 10 runs including four top fives. He opened the year hot with a pair of third place finishes and his first career win on April 25. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.
6th - Michael Stiltner, Green Springs, Ohio. Stiltner competed in all 15 A-mains in 2008. He recorded seven top 10 runs including a season-best third place run. His average A-main finishing position was 12th.
7th - Noah Wagner, Fremont, Ohio. The 2008 Attica late model rookie of the year competed in 11 of the 15 A-mains in 2008. He recorded four top 10 runs including a season-best pair of eighth place finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 12th.
8th - Chuck Roelle, Fostoria, Ohio. Roelle competed in 12 of the 15 A-mains in 2008. He recorded two top 10 runs including a season-best 9th. His average A-main finishing position was 14th.
9th - Mike Marteney, Bellevue, Ohio. The 2001 Attica champion competed in 12 of the 15 A-mains in 2008. He recorded four top 10 runs including a season best runner-up finish. His average A-main finishing position was 11th.
10th - Craig Corfman, Bucyrus, Ohio. The 2006 Attica late model rookie of the year competed in 9 of the 15 A-mains in 2008. He recorded a pair of season-best 10th place finishes on route to an average feature finishing position of 14th.
The rest of the top 10 in points for the dirt trucks were:
2nd - Brian Arnold, Tiffin, Ohio. Arnold competed in all 13 A-mains in 2008 and finished no worse than fifth with the exception of one 11th place finish. Arnold recorded three wins in 2008 - July 4, Aug. 16 and Aug. 30. He also scored three runner-up finishes and a pair of thirds. His average A-main finishing position was a remarkable third.
3rd - Art Ball, Tiffin, Ohio. The 1996 and 1997 Attica street stock champion and 2006 and 2007 dirt truck champion competed in all 13 A-mains in 2008. Of those 13 feature events, he recorded an amazing 10 top five finishes. Ball scored his eighth career dirt truck victory on July 18. He also recorded three runner-up finishes on route to an average A-main finishing position of fifth.
4th - Steve Endicott, Risingsun, Ohio. Endicott competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2008, missing only the season finale. Throw out a 16th place finish due to a crash, and he never finished lower than 9th. He recorded eight top five runs including a win on April 25, two second place runs and four third place finishes. Endicott’s average A-main finishing position was 5th.
5th - Bob Dible, Fostoria, Ohio. Dible competed in all 13 A-mains in 2008, recording 10 top ten finishes. He scored six top five runs including a season-best four third place finishes. Dible’s average A-main finishing position was 7th.
6th - Alex Wiechman, Oak Harbor, Ohio. Wiechman competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the July 4 and season ending races. He scored eight top 10 runs including a pair of wins on July 11 and Aug. 1. His average A-main finishing position was 8th.
7th - Dave Gibbs, Republic, Ohio. Gibbs competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains, missing on the season finale. He scored eight top 10 finishes including a season best fifth. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.
8th - Dave Severs, Fremont, Ohio. Severs competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the July 4 feature. He recorded a season-best 10th place finish on route to an average A-main finishing position of 12th.
9th - Dan Hennig, Castalia, Ohio. The 2008 Attica rookie of the year competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the two season opening races. Hennig recorded nine top 10 finishes including six top five runs. He recorded a season best second along with a third place finish. His average A-main finishing position was 6th.
10th - Paul Brown Jr., Clyde, Ohio. Brown competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the two season opening races. He recorded five top 10 runs including a season-best fourth in the season finale. Brown’s average A-main finishing position was 11th.

Speedway Motors 2008 Racing Gift Catalog

Give yourself a winning edge on holiday shopping this season with the 2008 Speedway Motors Racing Holiday Gift Catalog!

Speedway Motors’ all-new 264-page catalog boasts an expanded 33-page gift section with hundreds of great gift items for that special racer on your list – or for yourself! This is in addition to thousands of must-have specialty racing components ranging from the smallest fasteners and fittings to engine parts, frames, chassis, bodies and safety gear.

As an added holiday bonus, Speedway Motors is offering free shipping on all orders of $399.95 or more placed by January 11, 2009. That makes this the perfect time to stock up on the parts you need to get your race car ready for next season.

The 2008 Speedway Motors Race Holiday Gift Catalog begins arriving in mailboxes November 10. Order your free copy today by calling 1.800.979.0122 or visiting www.speedwaymotors.com. Speedway Motors is America’s Oldest Speed Shop® and has made racing safe, fun and affordable since 1952.

O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Videos


Recapture all the thrills and spills of the 2008 O’Reilly All Star Circuit of
Champions season with High Vista Video. Official videographer of the O’Reilly All
Star Circuit of Champions, Jeff Converse, has available many DVD’s to choose, from
the North Florida Speedway in February to the Hoosier Fall Classic and the crowning
of Dale Blaney’s 3rd Championship, he got it all.

Each DVD includes audio commentary from the live broadcasts and are professionally
recorded and produced. Many guest appearances were made throughout the season
captured forever on DVD for your viewing pleasure. Special appearances in 2008
included Tyler Walker, Sammy Swindell, and NASCAR Star Kasey Kahne.

The collection includes all of the special events in 2008 for the O’Reilly All Star
Circuit of Champions. The Thunder Through the Plains, Ohio Speedweek, All Stars vs.
PA Posse, the Attica Ambush and the Hoosier Fall Classic. Visit
www.highvistavideo.com for ordering information as well as free downloadable clips
from some of your favorite events.

**F.A.S.T. Fest This Saturday**


On Saturday November 15th we will kick off the first ever F.A.S.T.
Fest charity event at the Fremont Eagles located at 2750 W. State
Street in Fremont, Ohio. Three bands will be playing throughout the
evening (Mourning Wood, Mr. Bone, and AC/DC tribute band Down Under
Thunder). The doors open at 7 pm with the first band taking the stage
at 8 pm. Bring a canned good or unopened toy for $2 off the $10
admission. If you don't bring a food or toy donation, we will take $2
of your $10 admission and give it to Racers Racing For a Cure to help
in the fight against cancer. All food and toy items will be donated
to the Checkered Flag Christmas charity which will benefit some
families in the area going through hard times around the holidays.
Remaining funds (minus expenses) will be deposited into the F.A.S.T.
point fund for 2009.

Local TV weatherman Norm Van Ness will be the master of ceremonies
for the evening. Norm was instrumental in helping pull this event
together and the F.A.S.T. crew would like to applaud his efforts. The
event will benefit three good causes and we hope to see everyone
there.

**Sponsor Hunt Continues**

With the recent downturn in our economy, many companies are
tightening their budgets going into 2009. However, we are still
actively pursuing several sponsors and hope to be able to announce
our projected point fund early in 2009. If you know of any companies
interested in advertising exposure through F.A.S.T., please point
them in our direction. We'll do the rest. Our goal for 2009 is to
establish this as a legitimate point series and build on that as we
head toward 2010. We have a point fund goal in mind, but we
understand the economy has affected many small businesses over the
past few months. I am still confident that we will put together a
total that will be close to that goal. We have just recently filed
for Incorporation with the State of Ohio and when that process is
complete we will begin collecting payments for the 2009 season.

**2009 F.A.S.T. Points Race Schedule**

We are waiting for Attica Raceway Park and Fremont Speedway to
solidify their 2009 racing schedules so that we can meet with them to
determine when the F.A.S.T. points events will take place. Preliminary
discussions have approximately 10 weekends where there will be back to
back F.A.S.T. points races at the two tracks. The idea is to try to
put together a weekend package for the racers traveling from out of
town. Running Friday and Saturday night with the short drive between
the two tracks will benefit those wishing to tow in and spend the
night. We are also working on a discount package at an area
hotel/restaurant for those out-of-towners. Attracting quality drivers
from points just outside of the Northern Ohio region will hinge on
making it financially feasible for these teams to travel to this
area.

** F.A.S.T. on the Buckeye Speed Zone**

On Monday November 3rd, Bryan "Swamp" Autullo was a guest on the
Buckeye Speed Zone radio show with hosts DC Bash and Brian Liskai to
talk about the point series and about the upcoming benefit concert.
You can listen to the interview by logging onto www.fastondirt.com
and clicking the player in the upper left corner of the web site. You
can also find a flier for the concert there along with other
information and updates.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

We would like to thank our sponsors who have already committed to
supporting F.A.S.T. for 2009.

- KS Sales & Service and Cub Cadet

- www.myherocards.com

- Racing Fans Direct

- Black Swamp Media Group

- www.hoseheads.com

There are many more coming soon when Fast On Dirt, Inc. has been
established with the State of Ohio.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

EARLY ENTRIES COMING IN FOR GAMBLER'S CLASS IN ATLANTIC CITY

ATLANTIC, CITY, NJ November 6, 2008… Mike Tidaback has submitted his entry
to defend his Gambler’s Classic Indoor Auto Race title at Atlantic City’s
Boardwalk Hall.
The seventh annual event is scheduled to take place on January 16-17, 2009,
on the concrete floor, which was held in front of a near sold- out crowd last
January.
Tidaback of Little Falls, N.J., left Atlantic City last year with more than
$6,000 in his pocket after leading the final half of the 40- lap main event.
“This is a big race for us, because you run against the best in the
Northeast,” Tidaback said. “It’s like our Super Bowl.”
Tidaback, who defeated two-time winner Joey Payne of Fairlawn, N.J., became
the first American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association (ATQMRA) Series
regular to win the prestigious race.
Entry forms were sent to all race teams that entered the 2008 event. Entries
are limited to the first 100 TQ Midgets/600 cc Micro Sprints, 40 Slingshots
and 60 Senior Champ Karts.
Scott Campbell of Doylestown, Pa., is the first TQ driver to file an entry.
Former Atlantic City Slingshot winner Jesse Hartman of Flemington, 
N.J., was the first driver to enter that class. Hartman competes in the Micro
 Sprint division during the outdoor season.
Rich Tobias Jr. of Hershey, Pa., is the defending Slingshot winner.
Tobias donated his AC race winnings to the National Fragile X Research
Foundation.
Tamie Smith of Binghamton, N.Y., was the first Senior Champ Kart entry.
Smith has been a qualifying event winner in Atlantic City in recent years, but
she is still searching for her first AC feature victory. Chris Daley of
Pleasant Valley, N.Y., came from 21st to win the division race last January.
“Last year’s races left the fans wanting more and we’ve received
a lot of interest from drivers who want to either return or make the
first-ever appearance in Atlantic City,” said event organizer Danny
Sammons.
For the first time in event history, time trials will be held on January 15
for all divisions. While the grandstand will not be open to the public, fans
with tickets for Friday and/or Saturday (Jan. 16-17) can obtain a restricted
Thursday-only pit pass, which will allow them access to catch all of the
pole-night activities.
Tickets for the Gambler’s Classic are on sale now by calling the Area Auto
Racing News office at: 609-888-3618 (please have a MasterCard/Visa/American
Express card ready).
Also, tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling:
1-800-736-1420 or online at: _www.ticketmaster.com_
(http://www.ticketmaster.com) .
For further information on the Gambler’s Classic, contact Danny 
Sammons by phone at: 609-888-3618 or via e-mail: _danny@aarn.com_
(mailto:danny@aarn.com) .
Gambler’s Classic information is available online at: _www.aarn.com_
(http://www.aarn.com) .
The Gambler’s Classic is run in conjunction with the huge Motorsports 2009
Race Car & Trade Show taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on
January 16-17. Close to 300,000 square feet of show space will be dedicated to
everything motorsports. Information on autograph sessions, show activities,
tickets and discount lodging can be found at _www.aarn.com_
(http://www.aarn.com)

EARLY ENTRIES COMING IN FOR GAMBLER'S CLASS IN ATLANTIC CITY

ATLANTIC, CITY, NJ November 6, 2008… Mike Tidaback has submitted his entry
to defend his Gambler’s Classic Indoor Auto Race title at Atlantic City’s
Boardwalk Hall.
The seventh annual event is scheduled to take place on January 16-17, 2009,
on the concrete floor, which was held in front of a near sold- out crowd last
January.
Tidaback of Little Falls, N.J., left Atlantic City last year with more than
$6,000 in his pocket after leading the final half of the 40- lap main event.
“This is a big race for us, because you run against the best in the
Northeast,” Tidaback said. “It’s like our Super Bowl.”
Tidaback, who defeated two-time winner Joey Payne of Fairlawn, N.J., became
the first American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association (ATQMRA) Series
regular to win the prestigious race.
Entry forms were sent to all race teams that entered the 2008 event. Entries
are limited to the first 100 TQ Midgets/600 cc Micro Sprints, 40 Slingshots
and 60 Senior Champ Karts.
Scott Campbell of Doylestown, Pa., is the first TQ driver to file an entry.
Former Atlantic City Slingshot winner Jesse Hartman of Flemington, 
N.J., was the first driver to enter that class. Hartman competes in the Micro
 Sprint division during the outdoor season.
Rich Tobias Jr. of Hershey, Pa., is the defending Slingshot winner.
Tobias donated his AC race winnings to the National Fragile X Research
Foundation.
Tamie Smith of Binghamton, N.Y., was the first Senior Champ Kart entry.
Smith has been a qualifying event winner in Atlantic City in recent years, but
she is still searching for her first AC feature victory. Chris Daley of
Pleasant Valley, N.Y., came from 21st to win the division race last January.
“Last year’s races left the fans wanting more and we’ve received
a lot of interest from drivers who want to either return or make the
first-ever appearance in Atlantic City,” said event organizer Danny
Sammons.
For the first time in event history, time trials will be held on January 15
for all divisions. While the grandstand will not be open to the public, fans
with tickets for Friday and/or Saturday (Jan. 16-17) can obtain a restricted
Thursday-only pit pass, which will allow them access to catch all of the
pole-night activities.
Tickets for the Gambler’s Classic are on sale now by calling the Area Auto
Racing News office at: 609-888-3618 (please have a MasterCard/Visa/American
Express card ready).
Also, tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling:
1-800-736-1420 or online at: _www.ticketmaster.com_
(http://www.ticketmaster.com) .
For further information on the Gambler’s Classic, contact Danny 
Sammons by phone at: 609-888-3618 or via e-mail: _danny@aarn.com_
(mailto:danny@aarn.com) .
Gambler’s Classic information is available online at: _www.aarn.com_
(http://www.aarn.com) .
The Gambler’s Classic is run in conjunction with the huge Motorsports 2009
Race Car & Trade Show taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on
January 16-17. Close to 300,000 square feet of show space will be dedicated to
everything motorsports. Information on autograph sessions, show activities,
tickets and discount lodging can be found at _www.aarn.com_
(http://www.aarn.com)

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Leach Brothers Motorsports #30 Closes a Chapter

Dick & Leslie Leach, along with Tom Leach, have enjoyed a very successful
and fulfilling career as owners in the local racing landscape. In 1994, Tom
wanted to try running a 358 sprint and talked Dick into giving him a hand.
They had no prior experience with sprint cars, but learned quickly. For 7
years they fielded a 358 sprint car team with 5 different drivers; Tom
Leach, Cris Eash, Darren Eash, Steve Siegel and the late Terry Leininger
piloted and won in the #30. The Leach Brothers Motorsports 358 team scored
25 A Main victories at Silver Springs Speedway, Lincoln, Williams Grove, and
the KARS National Open at Port Royal Speedway. Leach Brothers Motorsports
moved into the 410 ranks at the beginning of the 2001 season with Darren
Eash at the wheel and in August of that year tagged Doug Esh as their
driver. Making Doug part of the team, and bringing Dennis Kohler on board
in conjunction with a fantastic crew has brought the kind of success any car
owner would dream about. The Leaches have watched Doug grow into one of the
top contenders every week and struggle to describe their pride in his
accomplishments and the value of the relationship that they have with Doug,
his wife Kelly and their children. The same core group of guys; Chris
Barnes, Ryan Grady, Barry Jacobs, Jay Picking and Jim Smart have worked
endless hours in the shop and at the track for 7 years, with Chris and Ryan
being part of the team for 12 and 11 years respectively. Dick & Leslie find
it hard to express their gratitude and pride in this group for their
tireless efforts to put a winning contender on the track every week.
Together with Doug at the wheel and Dennis tuning on the car, they have
amassed 40 A Main wins at Williams Grove, Lincoln, Selinsgrove, Port Royal
and Susquehanna Speedway. Among their victories, are the 2006 Lincoln
Speedway Track Championship, the Diamond Series at Williams Grove, the
Williams Grove National Open, Kenny Weld Memorial, Jan Oppermann Memorial,
the Tuscarora 50, Mitch Smith Memorial, and the Hank Gentzler
Memorial/Manufactures Night. This past season they finally made the trip to
the Knoxville Nationals, and came away with a checkered flag in the C
Scramble and Rookie of the Year honors, a goal Doug had set for his first
trip there. The families of the crew have been greatly supportive also in
understanding their time away from home during the week and the weekends.
Special appreciation needs to go to Michelle and Ethan, Jodi and MacKenzie,
Dee, Jade and Teresa. Barry II and Amber have also given wonderful support
from running stop watches to selling team merchandise. Another important
component has been the support of Doug's family. There is always part of
the Esh family in the stands or in the pits. Their support of Doug and in
turn Team #30 has never wavered. Doug's brother, JD, came to the team with
Doug and was instrumental in lending his organizational skills and helping
to institute a maintenance program that solidified the backbone of the
team's achievements. JD is always available to lend a hand whenever or
wherever need and to mentor Doug. No team can have this kind of success
without great sponsors, and they have had many, and some that have been with
the team since the very beginning. Special thanks to Macri Concrete,
Kessler Meats, C. W. Fritz Company, BAPS Auto Paints, Bud's Spring &
Suspension, Benkowitsch & Sons Custom Counter Specialists, Ed Ross-State
Farm Insurance, Smitty's Fire Protection, Frankie's 4x4 Trucks, Jim & Teresa
Smart of I Lend Mortgage & Tara's Bridal and Special Occasion Shop, Kinard
Trucking, JB Custom Counters, The Butcher, Blooms By Vickery, Pancho's
Racing Products and Hamilton Motorsports. Leach Brothers Motorsports also
appreciates all of the Track Promoters, Safety Workers, and Officials at all
the tracks they've run; but especially those at Williams Grove and Lincoln,
their "home" tracks. Dick and Leslie now enjoy many great friendships that
have grown from racing and are looking forward to continuing them for many
years.



Leach Brothers Motorsports also sincerely thanks Duane and Debbie Lawler and
Pancho's Racing Products for their partnership this past season.
Unfortunately, our decision to back off ownership responsibilities didn't
work with the plans and goals of Pancho's. Dick & Leslie wish Duane & Deb
all the best and look forward to continuing their friendship into the
future.