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.