Champions of all kinds honored at Lernerville’s Annual Awards Banquet

Sarver, PA (March 5, 2008)
The checkered flag finally flew on the 2007 season Saturday March 1 with the Lernerville Annual Awards Banquet at the Days Inn in Butler. As always, the stars of the show were the 2007 Track Champions; Kevin Schaeffer (Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprint Cars), Alex Ferree (Friedman’s Freshmarkets Late Models), Brian Swartzlander (Ferrante Motor Cars Modifieds), and Mike Pegher Jr. (Advance Auto Parts Pure Stocks).


While at the head table and in the spotlight, the 2007 Track Champions were just the tip of the iceberg. Dozens of drivers, employees, media members and sponsors were honored and recognized for the 2007 accomplishments.

Other drivers receiving awards on Saturday include; Shawn Thorn (Most Improved Pure Stocks), Shawn Shingledecker (Most Improved Modifeds), Greg Satterlee (Most Improved Late Models), Dan Kuriger (Most Improved Sprints), Tom Winkle (Hard Luck Award), Steve Feder (Rookie of the Year), Bob Lipinski (Stover’s Net Connections Hard Charger Award), Rod George (Milestone in Racing Award). The following drivers were recognized with a checkered flag for earning their first Lernerville feature win during the 2007 season; Jake Ayers (Pure Stocks), Shawn Shingledecker (Modifieds), Dutch Davies (Late Models), Robbie Blair (Late Models), Greg Satterlee (Late Models), and Shawn Thorn (Pure Stocks).

The 2007 Sportsmanship Award was given to Chris Schneider of SS Chassis for his unselfish support of the Advance Auto Parts Pure Stock Division. Chris has put his own driving career on hold to focus his attention on helping other drivers with Chassis setup.

The 2007 Craig Fleming Lernerville Appreciation Award was given to Dan Bauman of the Track Prep/Maintenance crew. The 2007 Bob Cochran Sponsorship Award was given to First Commonwealth Bank for their ongoing support of the speedway, especially the First Commonwealth Bank Clash for the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (this year’s Clash is scheduled for Tuesday May 13). The 2007 Bill Steinbach Media Award was given to Jason Shank of Dirt Track Digest, MACS Late Models Series and JNJ Motorsports. The 2007 Grover Clasper Award was given to Morris Steinheiser, longtime pit gate operator. Finally, Frank and Keith Koval were given with the Golden Award for their support of and dedication to the speedway and its drivers and fans.

The following drivers received awards from other clubs and organizations Saturday Night; Matt Lux and Del Rougeux Jr. both received the ARCH Sportsmanship Award, and it was announced that Ed Lynch Jr. previously received the Twin State Sportsmanship Award. Walt Wimer was on hand to give out his 2007 Cavalcade Awards to the following Lernerville weekly competitors; Rod George (winner of 21 Sprint Car features, five of which came at the Lernerville Speedway) and Brian Swartzlander (who became only the third driver to win the award more than twice, joining Lou Blaney and Blackie Watt).

Walt also announced his 2007 Cavalcade Rookie of the Year Award winner Chris Haines, a Pure Stock driver whom competes weekly at Mercer Raceway Park and Tri-City Speedway. Haines finished in the top 10 in points at both tracks and won his first career feature at Mercer on August 11. Haines’ crowning achievement was a fifth place finish in the “Little Guy Nationals” at Mercer Raceway Park. Haines defeated Limited Sprint Car driver Brandon Spithaler by a narrow margin. Honorable mention was given to Mike Anderson, Jr., Steve Beatty & Bill Jones Jr. In all, 20 drivers were nominated for the 40th annual award, with 14 receiving votes from the panel of some 90 media members and track officials.

Josh Wells, Director of Operations for World Racing Group, was on hand to represent the corporation that owns Lernerville Speedway. Josh had high praise for everyone from General Manager Gary Risch Jr. and track employees, to car owners, drivers, sponsors, crews, as well as their family and friends. He also gave special praise and thanks to the throng of local media members in attendance and reiterated what everyone around here knows to be the truth, “No other track in the country has the media exposure and coverage that Lernerville Speedway does!” Wells continued by stating that “A large part of the success of the Lernerville Speedway is the result of the devoted media members.”

Josh then handed the mic over to track announcers Dow Carnahan and Ed Schaefer whom honored the Top Ten drivers in Budweiser Point Standings for each division.

Ed Schaefer started by honoring the Advance Auto Parts Pure Stock division. On hand to accept their check and plaque were Terry Young (10th), Wayne Carbo (9th), Bob Lipinski (6th), Butch Lambert (4th) and Jason Fosnaught (2nd). Butch announced that he was focusing on the E-Mod more this year, but that they would be making some Pure Stock shows at Lernerville throughout the season. Butch’s feature winning #27 is still on sale and they hope to move into a Crate Late Model once the stocker is sold! Jason Fosnaught announced that his aim for 2008 is to finish the deal and be at the Head Table at next year’s banquet as the Advance Auto Parts UMP Street Stock Champion. Every driver thanked John Motosiki and Kenny Kunes of Advance Auto Parts for their continued support of the division and for their devotion to Autumn-Motive Fest and Pure Stock Pandemonium!

2007 Advance Auto Parts Pure Stock Champion Mike Pegher Jr. was not able to attend to the banquet. His grandmother accepted the award on his behalf. She informed the crowd that Mike was not able to be in attendance because his other grandmother is in ill health. She did relay a message on Mike’s behalf, “Mike wanted to thank the fans. He said they’re the most important part of everything!” Mike will not be defending his title in the newly renamed Advance Auto Parts UMP Street Stock division. Instead he is moving up in to the Crate Late Model division, but will run select UMP Street Stock shows at Lernerville during the season. Expect to see Mike in his Crate Late Model at Lernerville, as the UMP Pro (Crate) Late Models are the support series on select World of Outlaws series events.

Dow Carnahan took the mic to honor the Top Ten drivers in the Ferrante Motor Cars Modified division. On hand to accept their check and plaque were Jeremiah Shingledecker (9th), Mike Turner (8th), J.R. McGinley (4th) and Dave Murdick (3rd). Dave also accepted the 10th place award on behalf of his father Carl Murdick who is vacationing in Florida. Dave announced that his father will be back racing in 2008 for the 42nd consecutive season, still the only driver to race every season that Lernerville Speedway has been in existence! Jeremiah Shingledecker, on stage an impressive three times, announced that he intended to compete full time in the Modified division, but was also in the process of moving into the Late Model division. The chassis has been purchased, but an engine has yet to be acquired, but the intent is to be ready by mid-season.

Brian Swartzlander accepted his fifth Track Championship in the Ferrante Motor Cars Modified division and was also recognized for capturing the Mod Challenge title which is contested between the Lernerville and Tri-City Speedways. Brian stated, “It’s really an honor to stand up here as a champion” and gave a special thanks to Anthony Ferrante and Ferrante Motor Cars on behalf of the Modified division. He went on to thank his crew and sponsors, saying of his crew, “We win most of our races in the garage, not on the track!” Brian also gave special thanks to his family and most importantly his wife for allowing him to pursue his passion.

The Friedman’s Freshmarkets Late Models, (newly renamed the Friedman’s Freshmarkets UMP Super Late Models), were honored next. On hand to accept their check and plaque were Chuck Sarver (10th), Matt Lux (7th), Lynn Geisler (4th), Jared Miley (3rd) and a representative of Gary Lyle (2nd). Gary Lyle was in Las Vegas for the weekend of NASCAR events. Matt Lux was also honored as MACS Late Model Series Rookie of the Year. Lynn Geisler, as always, spoke highly about the track, his longtime sponsor and friend Jack Crowell of #1 Cochran, and the entire field of drivers in the highly competitive Late Model division. While on the mic, Lynn announced his involvement in Mike Pegher’s move into the Crate Late Model division. He also expressed the extreme pride Ed Ferree must feel for Track Champion Alex Ferree’s 2007 accomplishment and how extremely proud he was of his own son Travis Geisler, engineer on the Daytona 500 winning #12 of Ryan Newman. Lastly, Lynn challenged Alex Ferree to have a date at the Head Table if he repeats as Track Champion!

2007 Track Champion Alex Ferree accepted his award with great pride, but admitted he wasn’t much of a public speaker. He did admit that he had prepared a speech, but that it was confiscated, presumably by his father, who threatened to “Kill Him” if he read it! Instead, Alex gave a lot of credit to his crew, admitting “If you saw me in the pits, I was walking around. They were all working on the car!” He then, in the footsteps of Lynn Geisler, praised the level of competition and sportsmanship in the Late Model division. Ferree stated, “Rubbin’ is Racin’, but there was a lot of respect on the track last year.” Unlike last season, Alex made no bold predictions, which he stated was “another stipulation” of his speech confiscation!

The final division to be honored was the Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprint Cars. On hand to accept their check and plaque were Charlie Holben (7th), Dan Shetler (6th), Scott Priester (5th), Carl Bowser (4th), Ed Lynch Jr. (3rd) and Rod George (2nd). Charlie Holben was announced as the new driver of Martha Dionise’s famed purple #15. Charlie is excited to be piloting the Dionise #15 at Lernerville and praised his longtime sponsor Glassmere Fuels for joining the 15 team along with him. He will continue to drive his own #42 at Mercer Raceway Park and perhaps Sportsman’s Speedway. Carl Bowser announced and thanked his father for stepping back from racing in 2008 so Carl can continue to race, as the team is currently in possession of just one motor. Ed Lynch Jr. announced that he would be driving a similar schedule as years past; with perhaps a bit more travelling. He also stressed that he plans to “put a few more notches in my belt!”

The final champion to be crowned was the only champion to have repeated in 2007, Kevin Schaeffer in the Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprint Cars. Kevin thanked his entire family and crew that were on hand, including his sons Elliott (21 months old) and Aiden (one month old). Kevin gave special thanks to his parents and sponsors who continue to allow him to actively pursue his childhood dream of racing. He did announce however, that he planned on running just Lernerville on a weekly basis because, “This sport’s getting pretty expensive as everyone knows!”

All 2007 Track Champions were awarded beautiful four foot tall trophies by 3K Enterprises as well as Jackets from their tire providers. Alex Ferree, Brian Swartzlander and Mike Pegher all received Hoosier Racing Jackets, while Kevin Schaeffer received an American Racer Jacket.


Lernerville Speedway General Manager Gary Risch Jr. wrapped up the official portion of the banquet by thanking everyone in attendance and everyone involved in making the 2007 season at Lernerville Speedway one of the most successful in the 40 year history. Risch stated that “The Lernerville Speedway is so successful because it’s a big family.” And that “The employees are second to none, but there’s two people that keep my deal together” referring to Linda Fennell and Chad Alchier. Linda handles a lot of the day-to-day operations and administrative duties, while Chad does all the track prep, maintenance and behind the scenes work that makes each show go off like a well-oiled machine!

Gary also formally announced the induction of UMP sanctioning of the newly renamed Super Late Models and Street Stocks, but stressed that “the rules are our rules and the tires are our tires” and that the UMP sanctioning would bring more regional and national exposure to the area drivers. He also announced the return of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series on Friday September 12 as part of the Advance Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest. Gary also thanked and announced the continued relationship with national and regional touring series such as the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, MACS Late Model Series and the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series. Headlining these events is the 2nd Annual Firecracker 100, (for which Gary announced that GottaRace.com has come on board as presenting sponsor), and the Cleveland Brothers CAT Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup XVII. Both events will pay $40,000 to win in 2008, making the Silver Cup the richest single-day event purse in the country.

He went on to thank every media member personally, reiterating what Josh Wells stated earlier, that without the media’s coverage of the racing action, Lernerville would not be the successful venture that it is today. To that end, Gary announced the creation of the “D.J. Johnson Media Center” above the pit concession stand. The newly created Media Center will provide our deserved media members with a professional, quiet place to work and share their expertise. Its proximity to the pits will also increase access to feature winners and marquee drivers.

Reflecting on 2007, Gary referred to it as a “phenomenal season” with the crowning achievement being the Inaugural Firecracker 100. The challenge for 2008 he says is “How do you make this year even better?” Another successful venture for Lernerville Speedway in 2007 was the Inaugural Stars of NASCAR Night featuring Tony Stewart and Kenny Schrader. He stated that the driver lineup is “in the works” and teased, “Just a little hint, Lynn Geisler, Ryan Newman, it might happen!” referring to the earlier conversation about Lynn’s connection to Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman.

Despite all the glitz and glamour of the World of Outlaws and NASCAR-laden shows, Gary emphasized that the weekly Fab Four racing program continues to be the “main focus” and “#1 Deal” of the Lernerville Speedway. He closed by stating, “I love this job. I love being with every one of these great people in the room every Friday night” and a quote from office assistant Helen Bauman, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success”

The banquet then took a more informal tone with Gary’s declaration to “OPEN THE BAR” and the distribution of door prizes. The bevy of door prizes was provided by Budweiser, Pepsi, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, Lias Tire, Advance Auto Parts, Don Gamble/Speedway Productions, DJ Johnson/Racewear, Catalyst Connection, National Guard, Shadetree Speedway, C&B Video, Schaeffer Motorsports, and a variety of other sponsors and friends of the speedway.

MERCER RACEWAY PARK READY FOR AN EXTRAVAGANT 2008 SEASON

MERCER RACEWAY PARK READY FOR AN EXTRAVAGANT 2008 SEASON; JAMMED-PACKED 28-NIGHT SCHEDULE RELEASED WITH OPENING NIGHT SET FOR MARCH 29
By Mike Leone

March 4, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park has released the 2008 schedule of event as Saturday, March 29 has been set as the 57th anniversary season opener with Steel-Block Late Models, United E-Mod Series, open Stock Cars, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks 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.
“I’m more excited about this season than I have been in quite some time,” expressed owner Vicki Emig. “The FASTRAK Late Models are going to be a great addition to our weekly program and we’ve received nothing but praise from both the racers and fans looking forward to the return of the Late Models at Mercer for the first time since 1974. Fans are going to see a great show with the ability to see Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Late Models weekly. Our Mod Lite division is strong and we expect a lot of newcomers to the growing Mini Stock class as it continues to serve its purpose of getting youngsters into racing affordably. From the beginning I have focused on making Mercer Raceway Park a great grassroots Saturday night speedway focusing on our local racers and at the same time making The Park an affordable option for family entertainment. That vision still remains as I embark on my 10th season.”
Luxaire Heating & Cooling returns for the seventh time in the past eight seasons to headline the Sprint Cars. Tire Express has moved their sponsorship to the Modified division. Mercer Raceway Park is thrilled to have McElwain Motors back as a huge marketing partner for the upcoming season and as part of their package includes the divisional sponsorship of the Late Models. The Mod Lites and Mini Stocks will return for the second straight year as a weekly division and will again be sponsored by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and M&D Paving respectively. The five-division weekly program will take to the track one week later on Saturday, April 5 with points starting providing the opener is completed.
“We’ve changed up some of our special race events once again to go along with our great five-division grassroots racing weekly program,” stated Emig. “We have five new special events coming this year as there’s just about something for everyone. The best thing about all of our special race events is that they are all so affordable for our fans with no events more than a $15 adult or $35 family admission.”
For the eighth straight year, Mercer Raceway Park will be the site of a world championship pulling event, but this year will take place on a Saturday as May 24 at 6:30 PM is the date and time and will be presented by Semi Service Express. 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 Sunday at 5 PM and will be the kickoff of “American Thunder Weekend”.
Then on Monday, the “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” presented by Auto Service Express will be held featuring the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series along with Sprint Cars, the $1,000 to-win Ken Carbone Memorial for open Stock Cars, plus the STAR’s Mod Lites.
Another new event will be the “Small Car National Open” on Friday, July 4 presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance. The STAR’s Mod Lites will be back and will be joined by the first ever appearance by the INEX Legends Cars in a National Touring event. The Micro Sprints will make their first of two appearances. At the end of the night, the “KABOOM 150” Enduro will be held paying $1,000 to-win. A rain date of Saturday & Sunday has been set.
This year’s Bill Emig Memorial on July 26 will be part of the Open Wheel Shootout presented by FireDEX of Butler. The Modifieds will be racing in one of their biggest events of the season and will be joined by three classes of Sprint Cars for the first time ever- the 410s, the PA 305 Series, and the Limited Sprints.
One of the most requested events has been a BRP Big-Block Modified Tour event and that will happen on August 16. Look for some bonus monies and incentives for the 358s to compete. A special autograph session will be held plus driver introductions. The FASTRAK Late Models will also be highlighted that night.
A second truck and tractor pulling event will fill the schedule on September 6. 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 at 2 p.m.
The 20th annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” returns on September 13. A strong field of Sprints is expected with no other tracks in the region running that night and making the night even more special will be the second appearance by the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series. The E-Mods will return for their final appearance and be joined by increased purse events for the Mod Lites and Mini Stocks in the final night of points.
After a one-week hiatus, the “Little Guy Nationals” will take center stage as the region’s richest support division-only event and will again feature two packed days of action presented by American Racer/Lias Tire on September 26 & 27. Friday night includes open Stock Cars for $1,000 to-win plus Micro Sprint, Mod Lites, and Mini Stocks. Then Saturday afternoon the Stock Cars return for a big $2,000 to-win event. The T3 All-Star Series’ only appearance of the season will see the winner of the Modified feature earn $2,000. The STAR’s Mod Lites will pay $1,000 to-win.
The season will be extended one week this year, as Mercer will be the Northeast site of Night 1 of the $250,000 FASTRAK Grand Nationals. The FASTRAK Late Models will be racing for $2,000 to-win and will be joined by the only appearance of the season by the Super Late Models in an ULMS-sanctioned $2,000 to-win event. This inaugural event is being presented by McElwain Motors.
“We’ve found a nice niche with our promotions,” explained Emig. “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. 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.”
Four free county nights will again be featured including Beaver (May 3 presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics), Crawford (May 17 presented by the Oncology Wellness Institute of Meadville Medical Center), Venango (May 31 presented by Allegheny Toyota Scion), and Butler (June 28 presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit). The Crawford and Butler County Nights will be promoted by Armstrong, who will also promote the return of the popular $10 Family Nights that are presented by Auto Service Express. On April 19, May 10, July 12, and August 9, mom, dad, and as many kids 15 and under can attend the races for just $10 (a minimum $15 savings!) Also on August 9, Auto Sales & Service Express will give a car away part of the “Big Give” promotion.
“Pack the Track” Fan Appreciation Night will be held on June 7 as admission prices will be slashed to $5 adults, $12 families, and $2 for kids 6-15 and will be presented by Coca-Cola. The night will also include “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night. All of the cars from all divisions will be brought onto the speedway for autographs during intermission, which will be presented by Elect Duke Whiting for PA State Rep. – 17th Dist (paid for by candidate). A second “Meet Your Heroes” night will be held on August 2.
New marketing partner Renegade Classics Outlet Store will present “Thunder at the Park” on June 14 where all bikers and their riders will be admitted for just $5 each.
A new promotion this year is the “Hey Neighbor…C’mon Over!” nights promoted by Froggy 95. On June 21, all New Castle, Pa. residents will be admitted free and on August 2 all Shenango Valley residents will be admitted free. Also on June 21, all cancer survivors will be admitted free as part of the American Cancer Society’s “Racing for a Cure”
American Patriot Night will again admit all veterans and scouts in uniform free on June 28 and will be presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza.
For the fourth straight year, Welcome Ohio Night will admit all residents of Ohio free on July 19, which will be presented by new marketing partner Sports Obsession at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio.
Another new promotion will be the Automotive Service Industry Night on August 23 presented by longtime marketing partner Hovis Auto & Truck Supply. All those employed in the automotive/truck field and their significant other will be admitted for $5 each or $15 for families.
Kids bike races will be held on May 10, July 12, and August 9 presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles & Eat ‘n Park restaurant. For the second straight year, Kargo Quality Cars will provide the speedway with the use of a pace truck.
Some of the companies already committed to corporate nights this year include Dean Dairy, Yellow Book USA, UPMC Horizon, AutoMart.com, Anderson Bros. Tool, US Foods, Trinity Living Center of Grove City, Emerson Process Management, and George L. Wilson & Co.
Attached is a text-only version of the 2008 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 VIP rentals are still available and nightly rentals are $150. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Mercer Raceway Park
2008 Event Schedule





March 29 “Chiller Thriller” * Steel-Block Late Models ($2,000)/Open Stocks ($1,000)/United E-Mod Series/Mini Stocks * Rain date April 5
April 5 Saturday Night Live! OR Rain Date for March 29 * Our five-division opener of Sprints/Modifieds/FASTRAK Late Models/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Points start
April 12 Saturday Night Live! * (Our full 5-division show)
April 19 Saturday Night Live! * Bring the family for $10
April 26 Saturday Night Live!
May 3 Saturday Night Live! * Free admission for all Beaver County residents presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics
May 10 Saturday Night Live! * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10 * Twin-State & PCTC Club Night
May 17 Saturday Night Live! * Free general admission for all Crawford County residents presented by Oncology Wellness Institute of Meadville Medical Center & Armstrong * AutoMart.com Corp. Night
“American Thunder Weekend” * Presented by Semi Service Express & Auto Service Express
May 24 All-American “Spring Nationals” – World Championship Pulling Event * Big-Rig Semis/Smoker Series Tractors presented by Watson’s Inc./Street Semis/Street Diesel 4-Wheel Drive Trucks * Note 6:30 PM start time * (Rain date Sun., May 25 at 5 PM)
Mon, May 26 “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” * FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series ($1,200)/Sprint Cars ($1,500)/Ken Carbone Memorial Open Stocks ($1,000)/ STAR’s International Mod Lite Series/Mini Stocks * Free general admission for all active servicemen in uniform * Ray Baselj Benefit & BBQ Dinner * Note: 6 PM starting time
May 31 Saturday Night Live! * Free general admission for all Venango County residents presented by Allegheny Toyota Scion
June 7 Saturday Night Live! * “Pack the Track” – Fan Appreciation Night ($5 Adults, $12 Family Pass, $2 Students) * Presented by Coca-Cola * “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night * All cars and drivers from all divisions on the speedway during intermission * Emerson Process Management Corp. Night
June 14 Saturday Night Live! * “Thunder at the Park” Bike Night - $5 admission for bikers & $5 for their rider * Presented by Renegade Classics Outlet Store * Bring the family for $10 * Yellow Book USA Corp. Night
June 21 Saturday Night Live! * “Racing for a Cure” – American Cancer Society Benefit Night * Cancer survivors admitted free * “Hey Neighbor…C’mon Over!” - Free general admission for all New Castle, PA residents presented by Froggy 95 * UPMC Horizon Corp Night - $5 adult admission with ID & $5 for their significant other
June 28 Saturday Night Live! * American Patriot Night/Fireworks Spectacular! * Presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza * Free general admission for veterans with I.D., scouts in uniform, & Butler County residents presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit & Armstrong
Fri, July 4 “Small Car National Open” * Presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance * STAR’s International Mod Lite Series/INEX Legends National Tour/Micro Sprints/Mini Stocks plus the KABOOM 150 Enduro ($1,000) * Note: 6 PM starting time * Rain date July 5 & 6
July 12 Saturday Night Live! * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10 * Dean Dairy Corp. Night
July 19 Saturday Night Live! * Welcome Ohio Night – free general admission for all Ohio residents! * Presented by Sports Obsession, Eastwood Mall
July 26 “Bill Emig Memorial”/Open Wheel Shootout * Presented by FireDEX of Butler * Modifieds ($1,500)/410 Sprint Cars ($1,500)/PA 305 Sprint Series/Limited Sprints/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Anderson Bros. Tool Corp. Night
Aug. 2 Saturday Night Live! * “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night * All cars and drivers from all divisions on the speedway during intermission * “Hey Neighbor…C’mon Over!” - Free general admission for all Shenango Valley residents (Sharon, Hermitage, West Middlesex, Sharpsville, Farrell, Wheatland) presented by Froggy 95 * Trinity Living Center of Grove City Corp. Night
Aug. 9 Saturday Night Live! * “Big Give” Car Giveaway presented by Auto Sales & Service Express * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10 * US Foods Corp Night
Aug. 16 “The Return” * Big-Block Modifieds in a BRP Tour event plus FASTRAK Late Models/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Big-Block Modified Autograph Night
Aug. 23 Saturday Night Live! * Automotive Service Industry Night * Presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Inc. * $5 for those employed in the automotive/truck field, $5 for their significant other, or $15 for families * Rain date Sept. 13
Aug 30 No racing
Sept. 6 USA-East Regional Finals Truck & Tractor Pulling Event– 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. 7 at 2 PM)
Sept. 13 20th Annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” * Sprint Cars ($2,000)/FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series ($1,200)/E-Mods/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Points end * George L. Wilson & Co. Corp. Night
Sept. 20 No racing
9th Annual “Little Guy Nationals” * Presented by American Racer/Lias Tire
Fri., Sept. 26 Open Stocks ($1,000)/Micro Sprints/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks
Sept. 27 T3 All-Star Modified Series ($2,000)/Open Stocks ($2,000)/STAR’s International Mod Lite Series ($1,000) * Demo Derby * Racing begins at 4 p.m. * (Rain date Sun., Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.) * (Entire event rain date Fri.-Sun., Oct. 17-19)
Oct. 4 “First Night” – FASTRAK $250,000 Grand Nationals Night 1 of 3 * Presented by McElwain Motors * FASTRAK Late Models ($2,000)/ULMS Super Late Models ($2,000)/Mini Stocks * (Rain date Sun., Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.)
Jan. 3, 2009 “Crashing Through the Snow” * Featuring the “Jack Frost 150” Enduro ($1,000) & the “Snowball” Demo Derby * Note: 1 PM starting time * Rain date Jan 4 or Jan 17

Practice Nights: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 17. Rain dates are the following day.

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

Bill Emig Memorial/Open Wheel Shootout Mercer pre-release‏

BILL EMIG MEMORIAL FOR MODS NOW PART OF NEW OPEN WHEEL SHOOTOUT JULY 26 AT MERCER; 3 DIVISIONS OF SPRINTS PART OF NEW EVENT
By Mike Leone

February 17, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park is putting the finishing touches on an exciting 2008 schedule of events which should be released at the end of the month. One of the special events that will take place this year is the “Open Wheel Shootout,” which will be held in junction with the annual Bill Emig Memorial on Saturday, July 26.
The Bill Emig Memorial remembers the late Bill Emig, father of 10th year track owner Vicki Emig. Over the years the events has annually been one of the biggest events of the season for the division at each track it has run at and has featured Six-Cylinder Modifieds, Big-Block Modifieds, and 358 Modifieds. This year, the event will again be one of the major events of the season for the Tire Express Modifieds.
Also staring in the event will be three different divisions of Sprint Cars- 410s, 305s, and the Limiteds. If completed, it will be the first time three different divisions of full-size Sprint Cars race on the same night in the region.
Leading the way will be the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars in a 25-lap pill draw event. A strong field of cars is expected with no other regional tracks racing Sprints this night.
Making their first ever appearance will be the PA 305 Sprint Series. The Series began competition in 1998 and this year will be their 10th anniversary season. The Series holds most of their events at Path Valley and Hesston Speedways along with special events at Williams Grove, Lincoln, Port Royal, and Hill Valley Speedways. The highly-competitive class uses Racesaver 305 sealed spec engines. There are currently 46 member racers. The Series was scheduled to make their first ever appearance in 2004 at Mercer , but that event was rained out. For more information on this series, check out their website at www.pa305sprints.com.
The Limited Sprint class will round out the sprint car portion of the event. The Limiteds compete primarily at Sharon Speedway under the direction of long-time racer Guy Griffin, who is anxious to compete once again at Mercer. Griffin was the 1997 Big-Block Modified Champion and also has four wins each in both the Big-Block and Six-Cylinder Modified divisions at Mercer. Several new drivers will be competing in the class for the upcoming season. The Limiteds feature a 327 c.i. 450 hp sealed Chevy engine with spec shocks, spec top wing, spec headers and spec Goodyear right rear tire. The open wheel Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites will also be part of the event along with the M&D Paving Mini Stocks.
“We’re always trying to come up with something different for the fans,” stated Emig. “I always look forward to my dad’s memorial event each year as it holds special meaning for my family. This year we decided to do an Open Wheel Shootout and figured this would be the perfect night to do it. Fans will have a real treat with one of the biggest Modified events on the season along with three different classes of Sprint Cars for the first time ever!”
Mercer Raceway Park opened the season on January 5 with the successful “Crashing Through the Snow” and will resume action on Saturday, March 29 with the “Chiller Thriller” featuring Steel-Block Late Models for $2,000 to-win, Open Stock Cars for $1,000 to-win, the new United E-Mod Series for $750 to-win, and the Mini Stocks for $150 to-win.
Mercer Raceway Park is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly late March through September. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at http://www.mercerracewaypark.com/ for the latest.

KARL BAKER RACING

Car owner / driver, Karl Baker is pleased to announce that KB Racing will be undertaking a more aggressive schedule, than in history. Karl will be racing just a few races here in Central Pennsylvania, and the majority of his races in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. The team’s plans are to take the sturdy tow out west to compete, at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, and Sportsman’s Speedway in Knox, Pennsylvania as their regular weekly weekend night of racing.

KB Racing would like to express thanks to long-time marketing support from Red Wing Shoes, R.S Delp & Sons Contractors, Mose’s Gulf Service, Harcourt Chiropractic, Nello Tire, and Lincolnway bowling, among new support from Axle Fuel, Axle Eyewear, and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Graphics. Currently the crew is preparing for the most aggressive year ever, by assembling 3 Avenger Chassis’s, with the power provided from McKinley Automotive.

KB Racing is currently seeking more marketing support for 2008 to help aid the offset for the entertaining and exciting racing that will be provided from KB Racing, by calling 717 891-6699. Karl is pleased to announce new merchandise for 2008. Look forward to seeing a new paint scheme on the original KB Racing 51, for some time in 2008.

CHILI BOWL RESULTS

A Main (50 Laps) 1. #71G Damion Gardner, Pittsboro, IN; 2. #9X Dave Darland, Walton, IN; 3. #1ST Shane Cottle, Kokomo, IN; 4. #67 Bryan Clauson, Noblesville, IN; 5. #05S Jon Stanbrough, Avon, IN; 6. #39 Kevin Swindell, Germantown, TN; 7. #99 Brady Bacon, Broken Arrow, OK; 8. #20 Tony Stewart, Columbus, IN; 9. #21 Tracy Hines, Newcastle, IN; 10. #12JR Nathan High, Goodyear, AZ; 11. #20J Levi Jones, Olney, IL; 12. #29L Jesse Hockett, Warsaw, MO; 13. #71 Cole Whitt, Alpine, CA; 14. #73 Josh Ford, Oxnard, CA; 15. #33 Davey Ray, Loves Park, IL; 16. #7F Aaron Fiscus, Sun Prairie, WI; 17. #71K Jason Leffler, Long Beach, CA; 18. #11 Jerry Coons Jr., Tucson, AZ; 19. #11W Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA; 20. #12W Billy Wease, Noblesville, IN; 21. #49JR Bobby Michnowicz, Torrance, CA; 22. #91 Kasey Kahne, Enumclaw, WA; 23. #71X Brad Kuhn, Avon, IN; 24. #67A Gary “Bubba” Altig, Mechanicsburg, IL

Lernerville New Year’s Notes

By Eric J. Westendorf
Sarver, PA (January 1, 2008) 2008 is finally here and the Lernerville Speedway would like to extend a Happy New Year to all of our employees, drivers, crews, families, car owners, fans, sponsors and media members. Like you, we are very anxious for the 2008 season to start.

As mentioned in previous releases, we will begin the 2008 season with the 2007 Lernerville Awards Banquet on March 1 at the Days Inn in Butler, PA. Two weeks after the banquet, we will get our first peak at the new cars and paint/decal/wrap schemes on our local drivers’ cars for the 2008 season at the Lernerville Car Show at the Clearview Mall in Butler on Thursday-Saturday March 13-15.

Then two weeks after the car show, the green flag drops on what promises to be another amazing year as the Lernerville Speedway celebrates its 40th Anniversary Season. Opening Night is scheduled for March 28 for Fab Four Racing featuring the Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprints, Friedman’s Freshmarkets Late Models, Ferrante Motor Cars Modifieds and the Advance Auto Parts Pure Stocks.

The first round of Lernerville Trivia on our website has come to a close. The correct answer to the question, “What driver has won the most Sprint Car races in Lernerville History?” is of course, Ed Lynch Jr. The new trivia question will be posted on the website by this afternoon.

The winner of the first round and the recipient of four free Fab Four Racing tickets is Michelle Cross of Grove City, PA.

We’d like to thank everyone who entered and encourage you to log back on to http://www.lernerville.com/ to give round two a try. The second trivia question is a little more challenging, but the answer can be found on the website!

While you are on the website, make sure to check out the Online Ticketing for the Firecracker 100, Silver Cup XVII, Showdown in Sarvertown, Commonwealth Clash and the Labor Day Weekend All Star Sprints/MACS Late Models show.

Again, we’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you at the Action Track!

“Holiday Wishes & Happenings from RFD “

It is with heartfelt feelings for each an every racing fan out there ,that I personally wish everyone a Merry Christmas & very prosperous New Year from Bob Altman @ Racing Fans Direct .

An with the new year comes more excitement from RFD with our 50th lap sponsorship involvement at the upcoming Dodge Chili Bowl which is certainly always one of the greatest new year spectacles . Our return involvement at Bob Miller’s upcoming 2008 Thunder On The Hill racing series , our return weekly as a heat sponsor at one of most exciting tracks in the country , Selinsgrove Speedway ,Airtran & Northwest airline discounts to major racing events such as Eldora Speedway ‘s Kings Royal in July , Knoxville Nationals in August , & the World Finals @ Lowe’s October 30,31 , November 1st . These are just some of our highlights for season 2008 along with our convenient tours to always bring to you the compliment to any racing trip or vacation . I hope you’ll continue to follow our direction and contact us at either racingfansdirect@bigplanet.com or at 443-974-7027 for the fans like you who deserve more .

Lernerville News and Notes

By Eric J. Westendorf
December 21, 2007 (Sarver, PA) With the release of its new website and announcement of online ticketing for the Firecracker 100 and Cleveland Brothers CAT Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup XVII, Lernerville Speedway has started to set its sights on 2008. The online ticketing is available 24/7 and all five major events of the 2008 Lernerville Season are on sale now. Firecracker and Silver Cup tickets make perfect stocking stuffers for the race fan on your shopping list!

But before the 2008 season can begin, we will first take time to look back and recognize the achievements and accomplishments of 2007 with the Lernerville Awards Banquet. This year’s banquet is scheduled for Saturday March 1, 2008 at the Days Inn in Butler, PA. Ticket information will be released after the first of the year.

The Action Track will then kickoff the 2008 season with the Annual Lernerville Car Show at the Clearview Mall in Butler, PA on Thursday-Saturday March 13-15. More details will be released after the holidays, but mark your calendars now!

If you’ve logged onto the new website, still located at http://www.lernerville.com/, you may have noticed that the “Showdown in Sarvertown” on April 15 and the “Commonwealth Clash” on May 13 will both be supported by the UMP DIRTcar Pro Late Model Series. The Pro Late Model Series replaces the UMP DIRTcar Modifieds as support series for these events.

According to the UMP Racing website, “Designed to provide racers an economical pathway to UMP DIRTcar Racing’s marquee Super Late Model and open-wheel Modified divisions, the Pro Late Models will combine the increasingly popular crate-engine concept with UMP DIRTcar Racing’s trademark uniform technical rules and other cost-cutting measures.” Furthermore, “The centerpiece of the Pro Late Model class will be the GM 602 and 604 crate engines.”

Speaking of the crate engines, if you have not seen or heard about the updated rules for Advance Auto Parts Pure Stocks for 2008, they have been posted on our website http://www.lernerville.com/. You can also pick up a hard copy of the rules at the Lernerville Speedway office during normal business hours. The major change in the pure stock division is the inclusion of a GM crate engine option.

To help encourage the use of crate engines, there will be bonuses to the Pure Stock payout for those competitors using a crate engine. If the winner the Advance Auto Parts Pure Stock feature is driving a crate powered car, there will be a $100 bonus added to the winner’s purse. Furthermore, any car finishing in the top ten of during Fab Four racing will receive a $25 bonus to their weekly payout.

Don’t forget to log onto www.lernerville.com or stop at the speedway office to purchase Firecracker 100, Silver Cup, Showdown, Clash and even PIC5 & PIC10 Fab Four ticket packages for that hard to buy for race fan on your shopping list!

The Lernerville Speedway would like to wish everyone a special Holiday Season and a very Merry Christmas!

2008 PLANS & NOTES FROM RFD

With 2007 just about complete we ‘re now making plans to finalize our additional 2008 tour packages , sponsoring heat races, advertising at tracks , scheduling autograph sessions , offering discounts on airlines , car rentals , tickets to major races , offering hotel rooms @ discount prices , and planning fan giveaways . This is just some of our 2008 agenda to benefit the only people who matter, YOU!! Who support racing & make it all possible.

My personal thanks go out to Bob Miller of URC who once again showed why he is one of the top promoter’s in arranging an excellent banquet for all who attended last week in Lancaster , Pa . It is events like this that should make all members of United Racing Company proud that they race with them .

Area tracks are about ready to release there final 2008 schedules ,so plans can be made to see your favorite races even though they pretty much reflect previous years . While these will be out soon so will RFD’S once the tracks are published to let you know where we will be SO YOU CAN , WIN ,SAVE & PLAN THAT ELUSIVE RACING VACATION .

At Racing Fans Direct we do our best to provide essential items that will help in your own coordinating to see the race of your dream besides our tours . I hope when attending the races you’ll consider RFD services and do stop by to see me or e-mail me at racingfansdirect@bigplanet.com or even call me @ 443-974-7027 for what we do is strictly to benefit YOU .

Jessica Zemken to Help Carry ASCS Patriot Banner into Lucas Oil Chili Bowl

Rich Vleck, Rochester, NY (December 13, 2007)- The Northeast has a storied history at the Midwest’s Chili Bowl, a tradition that Jessica Zemken hopes to continue next month in Tulsa.
Zemken, fresh off a season where she became the first female competitor to win an ASCS sanctioned event, is set to embark on her second run at the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, January’s largest race. She heads into the Tulsa Expo Center next month driving for a potent machine capable of winning at the end of the night.

The Sparkers, NY 21-year-old will pilot Jesse Denome’s red No. 6 Spike Chassis, a ride that has seen Victory Lane a number of times with names such as Cory Krusemen and Damion Gardner behind the wheel. With such a successful background, “JZ” knows there are no excuses.
“I am honored to get the opportunity to drive for such a well established team with such great equipment,” said Zemken. “I feel very confident in my team and my ability.”

With Steve Watt of Maxwell Industries acting as Crew Chief, the ARP Fastners, Kaeding Performance, Advance Racing Shocks and Hoosier Racing Tires supported entry is expected to contend in a field that already has 300 entries. The entry list is comprised of competitors that not only come from every corner of the motorsports world, but are among the best at what they do.
“Yeah, the competition is pretty stout out in Tulsa, they are the best in the country and for myself to be considered a good racer I must be able to compete and be competitive with the best,” said Zemken when asked about her competition. “I know that because of the number of entries a lot of the week in Tulsa will be about luck. Being paired with this team, I feel there is no reason that we can't be a top contender in the 2008 Chili Bowl.”

In the 2007 Chili Bowl, Zemken was battling up near the front on her qualifying night when an on-track altercation resulted in a major crash. With the competition so intense, it all but ended the chance of the third year sprint car competitor to accomplish her goals. This time around, the focus has only intensified.

“After going out to the Chili Bowl in 2007 I feel like I have a better idea of what it’s all about,” added the college student. “I know the competition I am up against and I feel as though I will be more prepared all around this year.”

Zemken is among three drivers familiar to the ASCS Patriot Region that were part of the first batch of entries that was released earlier this month. Coleman Gulick of Binghamton, NY and Glenn Styres of Ohsweken, Ontario are also making their second voyage out to the hometown of the American Sprint Car Series in pursuit of the Golden Driller Trophy.

For more information, please visit www.JessicaZemken.com, www.ChiliBowl.com, or www.ASCSracing.com

Craig Dollansky on board with Larry Woodward Racing for 2008 WoO Season

World of Outlaws series driver Craig Dollansky has chosen Woodward ride for 2008. Dollansky and car owner Larry Woodward have agreed to team up to run the World of Outlaws Tour next season. “This deal came together rather quickly,” Dollansky noted, “I’m looking forward to getting to know and working with Larry, and Lori. They are great people and have a true love for racing. Together I believe we can do what’s necessary to make this a winning combination.”

Larry Woodward has raced, owned cars and promoted racing for many years, and 2008 will mark his 50th season in the motor sports business. One of his most notable victories as an owner came in 2003, taking the “Mopar Million” from Eldora Speedway with Jac Haudenschild behind the wheel. The Maxim, Charlie Garrett powered race car will sport the famed Woodward ‘deuce’ and will base out of Dollansky’s Minnesota shop. Mike Woodring will head up team operations with help from fellow New Yorker, Rob Beattie and returning Karavan crew member Lester Groves.

While Dollansky is competing in New Zealand and Australia, the crew will be busy preparing equipment. Their 2008 season will begin during the month of February in the sunshine state.

LUCAS WOLFE TURNS OUTLAW

Thursday, November 15, 2007

BY JERRY REIGLE of The Patriot-News

Lucas Wolfe is handing in his Pennsylvania Posse membership card for one with the World of Outlaws.

Wolfe, 21, said Wednesday his plans for next season will include a full tour with the professional sprint car series.

"There is a lot of truth that you can stay in this area and make a career driving sprint cars," the Mechanicsburg driver said. "This opportunity came up to travel with the World of Outlaws, and I don't know if I'll get another opportunity like it again."
Thus, Wolfe is hitting the road.

Car owners Jim and Laura Allebach will field the car and Wolfe's father, Randy, a former driver and multiple track champion, is the crew chief. The key to the decision was the addition of Rick Kaylor and Jesse and Lorraine Keen.

Kaylor and the Keens joined the team as major suppliers of transportation, engines, frames and marketing support.

"We pretty much got everyone together, and we talked about things," Wolfe said. "Once the year ended, everyone involved decided they wanted to do this."
The World of Outlaws season starts in early February at Volusia Speedway Park near Daytona Beach, Fla. The series is scheduled to visit Williams Grove Speedway in May, with return visits in July and September.

Traveling and racing professionally are nothing new for Wolfe. He attended more than 100 races this year, although 90 percent of those were at midstate tracks.

Wolfe won 10 features this year, including several high-dollar shows, the Kasey Kahne Foundation 360 Sprint Car race at Williams Grove and the Old Spice Summer Sizzler at Eldora Speedway. He became the youngest driver to win the Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speed Week title when he clinched it in early July at Selinsgrove Speedway. He was 20 at the time.
"This will put us on a different stage for other people to take notice," Wolfe said. "It is a top-level deal, and it is good for the experience and notoriety."

In 2006, Wolfe drove on the National Sprint Tour for three months. The series, which was designed to compete with the World of Outlaws, folded after the 2006 campaign.
The Outlaws have the biggest names in sprint car racing. Steve Kinser returned last season, as did Danny Lasoski and a few others to join series regulars like Donny Schatz, Craig Dollansky and Joey Saldana.

Several NASCAR drivers, including Kahne and Tony Stewart, field World of Outlaws cars. Stewart owns cars that will be driven by Schatz and Kraig Kinser. Kahne owns one piloted by Joey Saldana and is expected to add a second car for the 2009 season.

The Allebach family has supported Wolfe since he moved into the 600 cc micro sprint class in 2001. Wolfe won 90 quarter midget races in eight years prior to racing micro sprints. He won 14 micro sprint races and made the move to sprint cars in 2003.
He's won 17 races since and has become a local favorite.

Jesse Keen and his brother, Bill, owned a sprint car that Randy Wolfe drove from 1982 through 1988.

LAST RACE PARTY

Danny Smith to Compete Full-Time with World of Outlaws in 2008

Concord, NC—November 4, 2007--By: Tony Veneziano, World of Outlaws PR Director
Danny Smith announced during a gathering on Saturday at the National Speed Sport News offices in Concord, North Carolina, that he will compete full-time with the World of Outlaws in 2008. It will mark the first time in over 20 years that he will contest the entire World of Outlaws schedule.

Smith, one of the original "Outlaws" finished eighth in points in the series inaugural season of 1978. He won his first A-Feature event with the World of Outlaws in 1980. One of the biggest wins of his career was the 1985 Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California. He has eight career A-Feature wins with the World of Outlaws.
Smith will drive for Jeff Schrader from Beaver, Ohio, with Cale Powers turning the wrenches. The team will utilize Maxim race cars.

"I'm pretty excited for it," said Smith. "It's been a number of years since we have done the full tour. I have been on the road my entire life, so that is nothing new. I'm looking forward to running the full Outlaws schedule."

Smith began racing in 1974 at the age of 16 in Central Indiana. He was the co-winner of the famed Little 500 at Anderson Speedway in Indiana in 1978. In 1980, he drove the famed Kenny Rogers Gambler car with the World of Outlaws, finishing eighth in points. In his career, he has finished in the Top-10 in World of Outlaws championship standings six times, with a career-best finish of sixth in 1981.

Smith will visit a number of tracks next season that he has not competed at for many years, in addition to many of the tracks in the Midwest where he cut his teeth racing.
"There is really no home track advantage anymore," he noted. "Guys have been racing all across the country for so many years and can adapt to the track. Some of the tracks when we get there that I haven't been to for a while, I will probably remember where the restrooms and concession stands are, but that's about it. There are probably four, five or six tracks that I have not been to, and I look forward to going to those as well."

For Schrader, this will be his first foray into ownership of a winged 410-sprint car. The team will also have longtime racer and West Virginia native K.C. Spurlock helping out, by providing the truck and trailer for the team to use.

"I'm excited," said Schrader. "It took me 51 years to get this dream to come true and now it has. That is what we are going to call it, 'The Dream Tour.' Danny said that it has always been his dream to get back in with the Outlaws as well. We will have a dream come true in 2008."
Smith was one of the first American-born drivers to compete in Australia during the off-season, and is a six-time winner of the Warnabool Classic, one of the most prestigious races in Australia. He has a loyal legion of fans "Down Under" and also from coast-to-coast in the United States.
"I am one of the original Outlaws, so with it being their 30th anniversary that will be pretty cool," he noted. "We have some special paints schemes for the Knoxville Nationals and it will bring back some good memories. It should be a good fun year."

In his career, Smith has over 300 feature wins in winged and non-winged sprint cars. He was the 1976 track champion at Champaign Speedway in Illinois and the 1977 track champion at Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana. He was the 2003 Great Lakes Outlaw Sprint Series (GLOSS) champion. He has won races with numerous sanctioning bodies across the country, including: the NCRA (National Championship Racing Association, IRA (Interstate Racing Association), and USAC (the United States Automobile Club).

Schrader, who grew up in the Midwest always was a fan of Smith, and saw him compete on numerous tracks, but never met him until this year at sprint car racing's biggest event, the Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway in Iowa.
"He is an awesome driver," said Schrader. "I remember watching him clear back when he was in the Kenny Rogers Gambler car. Danny has always impressed me. I had never known him personally until a friend of mine introduced us and we just kind of clicked at Knoxville. He is a good person to be with, and he has a lot of experience and that helps a lot as well."
This past season, Smith won the owner's title with the All Star Circuit of Champions while finishing second in points. He finished in the Top-Five in points with the All Stars in each of the past four seasons, including three runner-up finishes over that course of time.

"This year was a really good year," said the veteran driver. "We got my personal life on track and everything ironed out. We were focused on what we were doing and won a couple of All Star (Circuit of Champions) races and 10 open competition shows. It was a good year to get things going and that is some good momentum heading into the season with the Outlaws and you need that racing with them."

With the level of competition at an all-time high with the World of Outlaws in 2007, Smith expects it to be just as tough next season. He looks to take it one race at a time and use his experience at a number of tracks that the World of Outlaws visit to establish a good foundation for the 2008 season, which currently has 92 events on the schedule.

"The goal never changes, no matter what series you are in, and that is to win every night," Smith said. "You can't win them all, and that is pretty obvious. We want to have a good consistent season and if we are not up there winning races, we want to be in the Top-Five and Top-10. We hope to get up there in the points as far as we can and put on a good show."

The 2008 World of Outlaws season opens with the 37th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park from February 8-10.

R19 Announces Changes for 2008

Although most of the key ingredients will remain in place, two significant changes are on the horizon for the R19's 2008 assault on the World of Outlaw's campaign. The team has announced the appointment of veteran Jac Haudenschild as their new driver, efective immediately following the conclusion of this weekend's season-ending action at Charlotte. In addition, the car will now be known as the Owens Corning City Wide Insulation R19. Owens Corning, a leading innovator in fiberglass insulation technology and a Fortune 500 company for 50 plus years, has pledged considerable financial support and their role as our primary sponsor will be a welcome and essential addition to the team's commitment to excellence. The iconic Owens Corning Pink Panther trademark and familiar flames with black and orange color scheme will remain essentially the same, as will the utilization of Maxim chassis and Cappetta power. Leonard Lee will remain in his role as crew chief and reports that the R19 will begin the '08 season with ten new cars and six motors. Marie Lapointe, who wears so many hats it would be impossible to assign her a title, will also continue as the team's multi-tasking unsung hero.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Lee had this to say about their new driver: "It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to work with one of my all-time heroes in the sprint car industry. Jac comes to race every night and I consider him to be one of the premiere racers of the modern era." Haudenschild has over 350 sprint car wins in a career that dates back to 1974. Included among the many highlights of his sterling 34 years in the business are his $100,000 payday at the first ever Historical Big One at Eldora in 1993 and the distinction of having pocketed the largest paycheck in sprint car history when he banked $200,000 at the Mopar Million in '03. Jac and his wife Patty have three children, Justin, Raquel and Sheldon and continue to reside in Wooster, Ohio. When asked about these changes for next year, Jac replied "I am thrilled at the thought of driving for the Owens Corning team and am looking forward to an exciting year".
Lon Carnahan has also announced that Justin Henderson will be the driver behind the wheel of the IDI , BG Automotive, City Wide R19 for the "Outlaws Downunder" event scheduled for January 17-19 of 2008. As you may well know Justin Henderson is no stranger to the Owens Corning R19. Justin did a great job driving for Carnahan Motorsports for 2 years in the Mid-West before launching his own World of Outlaws career. "Knowing that Jac would be unable to attend the event due to scheduling with his son Sheldon's racing, it was an easy choice for me to go with Justin. I wanted the driver for this event to be from South Dakota as he has always been one of the favorites of our Sioux Falls City Wide Insulation location" says Lon Carnahan owner of the R19 machine.

This might also be a good time to clear up a mystery that seems to follow us wherever we go. People often ask, "What is the significance of the car number R19?" In the world of insulation, "R" stands for resistance. The number next to the letter, in this case "19," represents the degree of resistance to heat and moisture. Fittingly, R19 would imply a high degree of resistance and thus, a product of high quality excellence.

A special thanks goes out to Jason Solwold for the wonderful job he has done for the past 4 seasons. Everyone at Carnahan Motorsports wishes him the best of luck in the future.
As always, we'll see you at the races.

http://www.carnahanmotorsport.com/HomeNews.html

PRE-SEASON RACE APPAREL SALE!

CONTACT DJ JOHNSON AT DJ@classicimp.com

MERCER RELEASES DETAILS ON “CHILLER THRILLER”

MERCER RELEASES DETAILS ON “CHILLER THRILLER” 2008 SEASON OPENER; MARCH 29 RACE TO INCLUDE STEEL-BLOCK LATE MODELS FOR $2,000, OPEN STOCKS FOR $1,000 PLUS MINI STOCKS
By Mike Leone

November 3, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…Following the inaugural “Crashing Through The Snow” on January 5, Mercer Raceway Park will officially open the 57th anniversary season on Saturday, March 29 with the running of the “Chiller Thriller”. The event will have a new twist and change of line-up as the Steel-Block Late Models will highlight the show and will be joined by the Stock Cars and Mini Stocks. A fourth division may be added. The rain date will be the following Saturday, April 5. If the event is completed, April 5 will be the first regular show.
“Due to the change in this event we wanted to get the info out early to the public,” explained owner Vicki Emig. “Many drivers don’t get their cars ready until later on, but with this early announcement and the substantial payoffs for this event we feel this will give drivers the incentive to get ready for March 29.”
Though the “Steel-Blocks” will be the division name, the event will encompass all non-super/open Late Model divisions throughout the region and more importantly will be a great test for the new FASTRAK Late Models, which will appear weekly at Mercer in 2008. The 30-lap feature will pay $2,000 to-win. A complete payoff will be released in the future.
“These Late Models are really catching on at tracks all across the region,” stated Emig. “The competitiveness and quantity of cars has been impressive especially this past season at places like Challenger and Central PA. With falling car counts at our Super Late Model events over the past few seasons, we felt the need to change the format of this event. It’s going to give our FASTRAK racers a chance to test before their season starts officially and the opportunity to compete for a large purse right off the bat.”
Though the Stock Car division will not be on the weekly card at Mercer in 2008, they will again be participating in the “Chiller Thriller” using the open competition “Little Guy Nationals” rules. The 25-lap feature will pay $1,000 to-win. A complete payoff will be released in the future.
“The Little Guy Nationals is one of our favorite events that the Stock Car guys always support and appreciate,” explained Emig. “We decided to bump up this show from $500 to-win to $1,000 to-win giving guys incentive to travel in when there are no other races going on throughout the region. We hate the fact that we had to drop the Stocks from our weekly card, but this is one way to give regional racers the opportunity and incentive to come and race with us.”
The ever-growing Mini Stock division will be the third division part of the season opening “Chiller Thriller”. Their 15-lap feature will pay $150 to-win. Started with just one car on opening night in 2007, the Mini Stocks ended the season strong with 27 cars participating in the final event and more than 40 cars throughout the season.
“We’re thrilled with the growth of the Mini Stocks,” stated Emig. “They are an affordable, fun class that continues to draw interest taking racing back to its earlier roots. With their great support last season, we decided to add them to this show and give them a good paying event to start the season.”
A fourth division is under consideration, specifically the E-Mod class. The E-Mods have been part of past “Chiller Thrillers”. The proposed 20-lap feature would pay $500 to-win if there is enough interest to get a full field of cars. Mercer Raceway Park is asking for input from E-Mod racers if they want to compete in this event to contact our office either via phone at 724-9649-9300 or e-mail us at webmaster@mercerracewaypark.com.
Mercer Raceway Park held its first auto race on July 26, 1951 and is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly late March through September. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round Monday through Friday late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest.

Skyline cancelled Nov. 3, slated to race Nov. 10 Sprints /Late Models

by Scott Wolfe

CLOSED Nov. 3, 2007 OPEN Nov. 10 for "Foothills Fury" Early start time

STEWART, OHIO-Skyline Speedway near Stewart, Ohio will close this weekend November 3 to prepare for the upcoming "Foothills Fury", featuring an afternoon of fast racing and fall foliage. Race fans can enjoy a scenic drive into rural Appalachia for one of the nation's most scenic fall drives, and also enjoy an afternoon of exciting racing. Gates will open earlier than usual at 2 p.m. with racing beginning at 5 p.m. to beat the probable cool fall weather.

Highlighting the racing action will be the outlaw super sprint cars and super late models--the world's most powerful stock cars. Both classes will pay $1,500 to win. Late Models will pay $175 to start and sprints $200 to start. All other classes will run for the regular purse at this special Saturday afternoon event.

Other classes include Modifieds, Outlaw Street Stocks, Pure Streets, Four-cylinders (front wheel drive), and Mini-wedges.

Fans are invited to spend the weekend in rural Southeastern Ohio and enjoy the many scenic fall sites either before or after the races.

General Admission is $15 for adults and kids 6-12 $5 with pit passes available at $30. Skyline Speedway is located 12 miles east of Athens four miles out County Road 53 between Athens and Coolville at Stewart.

SPRINT CARS DECLARED FIRST DIVISION IN 2008 AT SPORTSMAN'S SPEEDWAY

Sportsman's Speedway is pleased to announce Sprint Cars will return for the 2008 season. The driver and fan support for the winged machines was pleasing during the brief 2007 season, so the decision was easy to add them to the weekly line up. Rules and purses will be available once all divisions are set.

The Sprints had an average car count of 18 in 2007 with a high of 24 cars on September 2. Each race went down to the wire with action throughout the field.
Fairmont City, PA's Skip Daugherty returned to competition in 2007 after learning of the re-opening of Sportsman's Speedway. Daugherty treated his wife to an anniversary win on opening night, August 26.

One of the local favorites from nearby Strattanville is Andy McKisson. McKisson competed at the Knox oval for several season in the micro sprint ranks before moving to the 410 Sprint division. He picked up his first win at the track on September 2.
Gale Ruth Jr had a breakout season in 2007. The Titusville, PA driver picked up his first career win at Mercer on July 28 during the "Triple 15" events, then closed out his season with back to back wins at Sportsman's on September 16 and 23.

With drivers from PA, NY, OH, NJ, and as far as IL in attendance in 2007, the 2008 season is already shaping up to provide plenty of action packed open wheel competition.
The second division will be announced next week. A 2008 schedule is still in the works as well. All official updates and announcements will be made, as always, at the Sportsman's Speedway website at www.sportsmans-speedway.com.

WESTERN PA SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP” TO OFFER $3,000 TO-WIN SATURDAY AT MERCER

By Mike Leone

September 4, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…After a week hiatus, Mercer Raceway Park will host its final weekly five-division program of the season this Saturday night, September 8. The 19th annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” presented by Armstrong will feature the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, American Racer/Lias Tire Modifieds, Tire Express Stock Cars, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks with racing at 7 p.m. It will be the final night of points with the exception of the Modifieds, which still have to run the July 4 make-up feature on September 28.
After a 22-year hiatus, the “Western PA Sprint Championship” was brought back in 2004, but the event was rained out. In 2005, Ed Lynch, Jr. was victorious in the first one since 1982. Last year saw Brian Ellenberger win the biggest race of his career earning $3,000. Over the course of 1966-1982 there were 16 races held with eight different winners. Leading the list is Mercer’s all-time winner, Ralph Quarterson, with five scores. Bobby Allen is second with four victories and Johnny Beaber is the only other driver to repeat with two wins. Single winners were Kenny Weld, Jan Opperman, Buddy Cochran, Lynn Paxton, and Lou Blaney.
“The Western PA Sprint Championship has a storied history at Mercer,” acknowledged owner Vicki Emig. “We decided to bring in back in 2004 and since it’s been our biggest race of the season. It’s a nice way to end the season for the Sprint Cars. Hopefully good weather will allow us to complete our 14th straight program. We’re proud to have long-time Armstrong Cable presenting this great event for the first time. ”
A strong field of cars is expected as there will be no other Sprint Cars races on tap in western Pa. on Friday or Saturday night. The 30-lap $3,000 to-win, $200 to-start feature will not only be the biggest race of the season, but the biggest non-sanctioned show this year in the western Pa.
Rod George has already clinched his second track championship in three seasons. The Kittanning, Pa. racer would love to close out the season with his ninth victory and 22nd overall on the season. George will face stiff competition with the likes of expected entrants Ed Lynch, Jr., Bob Felmlee, Rob Eyler, Scott Bonnell, Arnie Kent, Mike Lutz, Tom Quarterson, Andy McKisson, Danny Holtgraver, Jack Sodeman, Jr., and many more.
Thanks to Frank Guidace’s first win of the season on August 25 in the Bill Emig Memorial for the Modifieds, the defending champion took over the point lead for the first time this season. The Mercer, Pa. driver leads Garrett Krummert by just one point and three-time winner Rodney Beltz by only 10. Saturday’s 20-lap feature will pay $800 to-win with increased money throughout.
The Stock Cars will be using open competition Little Guy Nationals rules. Their 20-lap feature will pay $500 to-win with increased money throughout. Brian Booher of Sandy Lake, Pa. has already clinched his unprecedented third straight championship. Booher will be in search of his 13th win of the season, but should face some stiff competition with the open rules, extra payout, and pill draw format in the final tune-up before the “Little Guy Nationals”.
Already this season the Mod Lites have produced nine different winners and the prospects of another new winner is pretty high as many of the top runners are expected to compete in a two-day event at Merrittville this weekend. Eight-time winner Rod Jones leads fellow West Middlesex, Pa. driver and two-time winner Mark Marcucci by 15 points. Their 15-lap pill draw format feature will pay $300 to-win with increased money throughout.
Rookie Mike Anderson (Jr.) of Harmony, Pa. leads good friend Pete Wearing by 10 points in the inaugural season for the Mini Stocks. Both drivers have two victories. Seven-time winner Lucas Sprouse sits third in points.
Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. with grandstands at 4:30. Hot laps begin at approximately 6:15 with the first official green flag at 7 p.m. Adult admission is $15. Students 6-15 are $7. Children five and under are free. The Family Pass is $35. Pit passes are $30.
Mercer Raceway Park held its first auto race on July 26, 1951 and is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly late March through September. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round Monday through Friday late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest.

Airfare Discount to World Finals 2007

RACING FANS DIRECT --“AIRFARE DISCOUNT TO “WORLD FINALS“ WESTMINSTER, MD September 5, 2007 for Immediate Release: Contact Bob Altman 443-974-7027


Were proud to announce again that Racing Fans Direct with cooperation from Air Tran Airways is providing a 10% discount airfare for fans traveling to the upcoming World Finals November 1-2-3 to be held at Lowe’s Dirt Track in North Carolina featuring the World of Outlaw Sprints & Late Models
To obtain this discount all you have do is call the Air Tran Event Savers Desk at 1-866-68EVENT ( 1-866-683-8368 ) & provide the event savers Coordinator with Event Code ( CLT110107 ) .

RFD happily provides this discount among others that are designed especially for you to make things easier while attending those special racing events . We also remind you of our new tour to the World Finals with our packages from $595.00 to $335.00 complete , excluding airfare , but with only convenience , comfort & fun for all . Race with RFD to the race of you’re choice & let me do the work for you . Contact us at
racingfansdirect@bigplanet.com & learn why it pays to travel the Racing Fans Direct way not just any old way .

SPRINTS TO RACE WINGLESS SATURDAY AT MERCER

SPRINTS TO RACE WINGLESS SATURDAY AT MERCER; $10 FAMILY NIGHT WITH KIDS BIKE RACES & VINTAGE RACE CAR EXHIBITION
By Mike Leone

August 7, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Mercer, PA)…Mercer Raceway Park will look to complete the 11th straight program of the season this Saturday night, August 11. While the weekly five divisions, the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, American Racer/Lias Tire Modifieds, Tire Express Stock Cars, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks will all be action, one twist to the night will be that the Sprint Cars will race wingless for the second time this season! It’s $10 Family Night presented by Armstrong with kids bike races plus the Vintage American Race Cars will be on display and compete in exhibition races.
Sprint Car racing has long been associated with Mercer Raceway Park and other than a few All Star races in the 70s, traditional wingless Sprint Car acing was the norm until the 80s. On Saturday night, the wings will be coming off for the final time this season highlighted by a $1,500 to-win feature.
“We always enjoy having wingless events at Mercer Raceway Park,” explained ninth year owner Vicki Emig. “The fans seem to enjoy it plus it always tightens the competition by adding a new twist. We get some locals that don’t normally compete with us plus we’ve gotten some calls from a few Ohio wingless racers that have expressed interest in coming. The best thing is that there will be no increase in admission and all families can enjoy the night for just $10!”
Since 1989, ten wingless events have been run. Four-time track champion, Jamie Smith leads the way with three wins totaling $7,300. Other winners include 2002 and 2003 champion Troy Preston, who won the 1989 event, wingless standout racers Todd Kane (1997), Rob Chaney (2000), and USAC star Mat Neely (2006), and track regulars Rob Eyler (2004) and Doug Stanley (2005), and Arnie Kent (2007).
The final $10 Family Night presented by Armstrong will admit mom, dad, and as many accompanying kids 15 and under for the big night.
The kids bike races will be held during intermission. They are open for kids 12 and under and helmets are required. All kids must have their parent or legal guardian sign them up to participate, which will take place behind the grandstands in the midway area from approximately 5 until 8 p.m. Ray’s Racing Collectibles, Dean Dairy, and Eat ‘n Park in Grove City will provide the prizes.
“We always like combining the $10 Family Nights and kids bike races together,” explained owner Vicki Emig. “We always get a great turn out on these nights and it gives kids with families an added incentive to come along with our great racing action.”
The Vintage American Race Cars (VARC) will make their annual stop. They will display their cars of yesteryears behind the grandstands for fan’s viewing pleasure and then will compete in an exhibition heat and feature later in the night.
Fresh off a dominating win last Saturday night, Arnie Kent will look to make it two-in-a-row and make a clean sweep of the wingless events this season. The New Castle, Pa. driver kept himself mathematically alive in the title chase as he trails seven-time winner Rod George by 70 points despite missing one night.
Gary Smoker matched Rodney Beltz with his third win of the season in the Modifieds and more importantly recorded his milestone 40th career Mercer win. Meanwhile, atop the standings is young Garrett Krummert. The New Castle, Pa. racer leads Steve Young by 31 points as he is not only in search of his first ever title, but first career win as well.
Like Smoker, Brian Booher also recorded a milestone victory with his 30th of his career at Mercer matching Alan Dellinger atop the all-time Stock Car win list. The Sandy Lake, Pa. driver leads everyone at the track with 10 wins and holds a 61-point lead over Andy Buckley in search of his unprecedented third straight championship.
All of the top five in the Mod Lite points struggled in both features last week as no one took advantage to gain valuable points. Rod Jones was able to retake the point lead by just two over fellow West Middlesex, Pa. driver Mark Marcucci despite outnumbering him in victories six to two. Sparky White and Eric Hay became the latest two new winners in the division as the streak now goes to five straight races with new winners. A season-high 34 cars were on hand last Saturday night.
Mike Anderson (Jr.) closed within 10 points of Lucas Sprouse in the Mini Stock standings with his second win last Saturday night. Sprouse of Elkton, Ohio still leads the division with seven victories. Last week a season-high 17 cars turned out as 25 different cars have now competed this year.
Regular admission prices are in effect Saturday with adults just $11, students 6-15 $5, children five and under free, family passes $10, and pit passes $25. Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. with grandstands at 4:30, hot laps at 6:15, and racing at 7.

Mercer Raceway Park is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly late March through early October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round after 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest.

Tri-City Speedway Continues Weekly Racing in 2008

TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY WILL CONTINUE WEEKLY SUNDAY NIGHT RACING IN 2008

by Brian SpaidAugust

IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRANKLIN, PA ..

With recent developments in area racing, Tri-City Speedwayofficials have confirmed that the track will run weekly Sunday night races in2008.

"Apparently, some folks in the racing community thought that our midsummerbreak on July 29th was a sign that we are not interested in continued weeklyoperations at Tri-City next season," said Tri-City Co-Promoter Mike Graham."Although Tri-City has been for sale for some time now, that is the furthestthing from the truth."

Graham and his fellow Co-Promoter Roger Crick elected to take the midsummerbreak this season in order to allow for families of racers, track officials andfans to take vacations. It also allowed them time to add more clay to the trackfor the remainder of the 2007 season.

"There is no question that operating a race track takes a considerable amountof time and effort," noted Graham. "We've been in operation sine 1996. Inaddition to the Graham and Crick families, many of our racers, officials andfans expressed thoughts over the last few years that it would be nice to take aweek off in the summer months when family vacations can be planned. We tried itthis season, and we received an overwhelming positive response from our racers,officials and fans. Unlike a rainout, which you cannot plan, the week offallowed people to take extended, planned time off. Even national series like theNASCAR Nextel Cup Series takes a week off midsummer. I fully anticipate that wewill take a midsummer break next season as well."

Rumors about track closure were also fueled by the upcoming week off onSunday August 26th. "We took the second week off this season in order to allow us more time toprepare for our huge Oil Region Labor Day Classic Weekend," said Crick. "Thereare a lot of logistical plans and track preparations that go into that show.

"In addition," continued Crick, "over the years, we found that this night wasnot successful because many area school districts are opening the next day, andfamilies are not able to come out to the races. The last few years, schooldistricts in Venango County have not opened until after Labor Day, but that isnot the case in all of the surrounding counties such as Clarion County. Also,many of our racers with school-aged children are not from this area and travelgood distances to compete. We always like to run a quick show on Sunday nights,but the time off will better accommodate those families."

As for 2008, Graham noted that plans for next season are already underway. "We are in the midst of contract negotiations with the World of Outlaws LateModel Series for the Oil Region Labor Day Classic in 2008. I recently contactedthe BRP Modified Tour to secure two dates for that series, which include theDick Rankin Memorial on May 25th and the Kodiak Memorial on July 13th. We alsowant to look into some other special shows if they work well in our schedule." The only matter undecided at this time is the weekly divisions. "We are definitely running the Thundercars in 2008," said Graham. "As for theSuper Sprints, DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds, E Mods and Pro Stocks, after everyseason we've been in operation, we take time to analyze each division and thelevels of support before we announce the weekly program for the followingseason. At this time, I don't anticipate any changes for 2008. But, we'll make afinal decision as soon as practical after we conclude the 2007 season."

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.

Second Annual Jack E. Norris Memorial at Hilltop Speedway

Dirt track racing in Northeast Ohio has had many highs and lows this seasonbut one thing is for sure, racing at Hilltop Speedway in scenic HolmesCounty is always a memorable event. Who will ever forget George Lee and hisfoot to the floor, over the edge driving style around the Hilltop highbanks? Modified race fans are witness to history being made as Norm Aronhaltturns away every challenger and currently holds TEN feature wins on theseason thus setting a benchmark that racers of all types will try to breakfor years to come. By no means has this been an easy feat, Stormin' Norm hasearned each and every win against a stellar field of cars and meets with anew challenge every week. There is so much more to say about every divisionand every competitor at this bullring that I must sum it all up by saying ifit's action your looking for, then Hilltop Speedway is the place to find it.


This Friday night at Hilltop Speedway we present our signature event, onethat is sure to also become memorable, but most importantly an eventdedicated to the many memories of a great racing past, The Second AnnualJack E. Norris Memorial. Hilltop Speedway track owner Jeff Norris sharedthis memory with me the other day; " I was very young when my dad lost hislife while in the heat of competition, a lot of what I know is just fromlistening to all the great stories but I do remember being loaded up in thefamily sedan and going all the way out to a paved short track somewhere nearIndianapolis. For a kid like me and back in the '60s that was a long tripbut everyone was excited Dad had an opportunity to test a professionallybuilt race car for a very well known car owner. You know the racing backhome at that time was nothing more than those cut down rail jobs, I guessthey were called modifieds at the time and we were always in the top threewith over two hundred trophies to show, these cars eventually progressedinto Sprints but here was a shining low slung race car with long exhaustpipes running along the side and this was Dads big chance. I guess if youwanted to make an impression you had to make that car go faster than itsever been, at least faster than the last guy to drive it. Well things didn'tgo that great and the car ended the day on its side. Dad gave that careverything it had and was thankful to even have this chance. I wish I couldremember more about that but definitely something I will never forget. Ithink about that every time I see someone strap into one of these things(Sprints) and what it takes to wheel around a race track at the speeds theyproduce. These cars and the drivers are really amazing to see in action."


Welcome to: The Second Annual Jack E. Norris Memorial, August 10, 2007 featuring 410Sprints, Super Late Models, Modifieds, Pure Stocks, and Mini Stock dirtracers. You will never find more action than at Hilltop Speedway thisweekend for only $15 general admission, $30 pit side and to attract the verybest Sprint Car race teams we offer $2,000 to win along with a very generouspurse throughout the field. We swing open the gates at 5:00 Fridayafternoon, Hot Laps followed by Time Trials for Sprints and Late Models at6:30, with racing scheduled to begin by 8:00. The track is a high banked 1/3mile dirt oval and Chad Blonde holds the official track record in a sprintcar at 12.155 seconds set on June 27, 2007. Hilltop Speedway is located 3miles south of Millersburg Ohio on County Road 150. County Road 150 islocated at the Ohio Rt 83 / US Rt 62 split or traveling north on Rt 83 turnleft just past Clark city limits. Please visit www.hilltopspeedway.net formore information

TONY BEABER RACING

Tony Beaber is looking for a ride or sponsorship help for '08. Due to health reasons,current car owner Alan Toth will have to call it quits after this season. Alan has been withTony since 2001 and together they won the 2006 championship at the legendary Lawrenceburg Speedway without the wings. The entire Beaber family feels like Alan has become family and supports Alan's difficult but un-avoidable deccision. Tony and his entire family are very grateful foreverything Alan Toth has done over the past 7 years and want Alan to remain a part of our lives.

Tony has spent the 2007 season re-adjusting himself with the wing at Ohio's toughest tracks and doing a respectable job. Tony is looking for an open seat in anything with or without the wings. But with the number of rides getting smaller every year, the Beaber family is also looking at putting thier own car together and they are looking for any kind of help they can get in order to keep Tony behindthe wheel. Please spread the word and if you or anyone you know is interested inhelping in any way, Tony can be reached atthe shop at 419 637 2986 durring the day or you can email him at either beaberbuilt@verizon.net or g_spot_torch@yahoo.com.