Rides Still Open for 2009

In less than two weeks the dirt modified season officially kicks off in 2009 at Volusia Speedway, however, there are still some strong teams who haven't announced their drivers yet, or even if they plan to run in 2009.

First up, the Dick Biever Racing #14 big block modified, who ran in 2008 with Rick Laubach and captured wins at Bridgeport, Selinsgrove, and New Egypt, along with winning the inaugural NJ Dual Track Series title. Recently, the team announced that they had parted ways with driver Laubach, and has yet to announce his replacement. Doug Manmiller will drove the team's small block weekly at the Big Diamond Raceway, and could possibly run the car in big block specials as well, however, Manmiller will run a few big block specials with the Roger Updegrove Racing #00.

Tom Cullen Racing went from an unknown to a top-tier team with driver Willy Decker over the past few years. Together, Decker and Cullen won two Utica Rome Speedway championships, a Brewerton Speedway championship, and picked up two RoC Dirt Tour wins. Cullen had Matt Sheppard take over for Decker at the end of the year specials last season. It's possibly Sheppard could take over aboard the 1x in part-time only duty, or the team could announce a driver to run weekly. There's also been some talk that Cullen may sell off all his equipment.

Wilson Motorsports hasn't been the team they were in the mid-90s, however, they have been a respectable team in the 2000s. The team's highlight came in the late-90s when Ray Swinehart won the Grandview Speedway championship with the team. In 2008, John Willman took to the controls of the #16w as they returned to weekly competition at the Grandview Speedway after running in the big block division at Bridgeport for a few years. After a disappointing season with the team, Willman left the Wilson Motorsports ride at the Freedom 76er. Ray Swinehart could be a possible replacement for Willman in 2009, although, according to Randy Kane, the team may also sit out 2009 if they don't get sponsorship.

Finally, the Nick Noll #6n could still have Billy Pauch Jr behind the wheel, however, with the announcement that Pauch Jr would run big block specials with the Will Brown team, that seems unlikely. Pauch Jr. also has his hands full with the Bob Greene owned #8 modified which he will also be running in big block specials along with weekly action on Friday and Saturday nights. Noll's team became popular after an exceptional run a few years ago in the Rite-Aid 200 with Bobby Varin behind the wheel, before the team for disqualified for being light on the scales. Since Varin, Drew Ricco, and Eric Palmer have driven the cars at Orange County before Pauch Jr. took over late in 2008.

Super Dirt Series News; Tim Fuller's '09 Ride, Tidbits

Last week when I picked up a Super Dirt Series schedule at the Motorsports show in Atlantic City, I thought there was a major typo at the bottom, where next to a TBA date for Cayuga County Fair Speedway it read "$20,000 to win." As it turns out, there is no typo. Lenny Sammons reports in this weeks Area Auto Racing News that there will be a 100 lap, $20,000 to win race at Cayuga County Fair Speedway for the Super Dirt Series in 2009. No date has been announced, for more info read Lenny's column in AARN.

Tim Fuller will be the driver of the Smith Brothers #74 big block modified in 2009. Fuller will take over for Brett Hearn aboard the famed modified, previously driven by legends such as Doug Hoffman, Frank Cozze, Ricky Elliott, Jeff Heotzler, and more. Fuller drove for the team in the small block portion of Eastern States last season. The team will pick and choose when they run. Currently, the only date on the team's schedule is the Rite-Aid 200 in October.

Bill Utter reports in AARN that John Lieto will move up from the sportsman division to the 358 division, driving as a teammate to Craig Mitchell aboard a second Hermance Motorsports #33.

T3 All-Star Series No-Go for 2009

The T3 All-Star Series for 358 modifieds will not run in 2009. After a couple of successful seasons which saw Woodhull Raceway superstar Billy Van Pelt claim every T3 Series title, the Shupp family put the T3 Series for sale at the conclusion of 2008, and with no buyers coming forward, the series with not run in 2009. It's very possible the series could return in 2010, however, no announcement has been made past 2009.

Over the past few seasons the T3 Series ran at tracks that include Five Mile Point Speedway, Black Rock Speedway, Little Valley Speedway, Woodhull Raceway, Mercer Raceway Park, and saw many drivers follow the tour that include Ray Bliss, Jimmy Holden, Billy Van Pelt, Curt Van Pelt, Brad Rapp, Jimmy Holden, and a slew of others.

We'll Miss You Lou!

One of the all-time greats in modified competition, along with many other forms of racing, Lou Blaney has passed away at the age of 69. Lou is one of the greatest modified drivers to come from Western PA, and is the father of racing legends Dave and Dale Blaney. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Blaney family.

Gibbs Lands with Tuit

In an interview posted on DougsDirtDiary.com, Mitch Gibbs broke the news that he'll return to the Orange County Fair Speedway with long-time owner Ray Tuit. Tuit returned to racing for the 2008 Eastern States 200 with Bobby Varin aboard the famed #673. Gibbs will also do some traveling with the team. Gibbs will also return to Utica Rome aboard his own #2G small block modified.

Gibbs ran for Gary Mann last year, and had a decent year, finishing 5th in Utica Rome Speedway points, and timing 5th quick for the Rite-Aid 200 at Super Dirt Week. Mann will not be fielding a car in 2009 due to health issues, however, the motor in the #2G is owned by Gary.

Randy Decker hires Gabriel; Tidbits

Randy Decker Motorsports announced in this weeks Area Auto Racing News the driver that will take over for Brian Weaver aboard the #9R modified in 2009. Jim Gabriel Jr. will take over the driving duties, and will run weekly at the Five Mile Point Speedway. The team will also run a handful of RoC Dirt Tour shows. No word on Weaver's plans yet, although you can look for him to drive the Chris Weaver #1A on at least a handful of occasions.

Two drivers who are championship contenders and fan favorites at their respective tracks, who lost their 2008 rides, will be driving their own equipment in 2009. Club Wago driver Jason Hamilton will pilot his own small block modified weekly at Grandview Speedway (per Ernie Saxton), and Willy Decker will drive his own modified weekly at Utica Rome Speedway. Look for Decker to make select starts on the road in the Kyle Lewis owned #09 big block modified.

Wago Crown Jewel Fantasy League 2009 Update

We've already got some prizes lined up for the 2009 Club Wago Fantasy League winner, just wanted to post something on here so you guys knew what we were playing for this year before the season started, so you can decide whether it's worth your time or not to play. Zach Aubertine, Can-Am Speedway modified racer, will be once again donating a 2010 season pass to a track of the winner's choice. Also, the highest finisher that isn't a subscriber to Area Auto Racing News will be recieving a free 6-month subscription to AARN. Special thanks goes out to Jeff Withey for putting the AARN deal together, and Zach Aubertine for donating the season passes again this year.

Just giving everyone a heads up on the 2009 Wago Crown Jewel Fantasy League. It'll be very similar to last year's, all the modified races schedule paying $10,000 or more to win will be included. Once all the track schedules are released, I'll post some rules and the events on the fantasy league schedules.

Moose is Loose, Mr. Dirt Track USA Returns, Miss Motorsports Crowned

It looks like Dennis "Moose" Eisenhardt will field a car in 2009 at Big Diamond Raceway. While I was unable to confirm anything with Moose himself, his grandson, young slingshot standout Jordan Henn, confirmed to me at Atlantic City that the famed owner will return in 2009 with Keith Hoffman behind the wheel of the #77 small block modified for weekly action at Big Diamond. We'll have to wait and see how it officially plays out.

Mr. Dirt Track USA will be returning to the Lebanon Valley Speedway in 2009. Lebanon Valley scrapped their $10,000 to win 200 lap event that they've had the last few seasons in favor of the return of the 100 lap $17,500 to win Super Dirt Series show known as Mr. Dirt Track USA. The race will take place in early August. The Valley will also have another Super Dirt Series event in early June.

Alyssa Sharman was crowned 2009 Miss Motorsports at Atlantic City, congratulations to Alyssa. In entering her first Miss Motorsports competition, Miss Wago, Heather Thompson, won the best photo shoot award, way to go Heather!

Tons of pictures of 2009 paint schemes from Atlantic City are available at SouthJerseyDirtRacing.com

McCreadie Injured; Motorsports This Weekend

Club Wago driver Tim McCreadie was injured after flipping at the first night of the Chili Bowl. McCreadie is suffering from some fractures to his back. However, according to a press release, Timmy will not need surgery to repair anything. Get well soon Timmy!

Motorsports 2009 is set to get underway this weekend. Miss Wago, Heather Thompson, will be entering the Miss Motorsports contest, best of luck to Heather.

Florida Initial Entry List

Volusia County Speedway and the Florida Dirt Tour have released the initial entry list. The list is not finished, as some drivers will continue to enter. The link to the entry list is here, http://news.southjerseydirtracing.com/DisplayNewsRelease.asp?ForumID=196&Msgid=18894&page=1 Worth giving a mention of Tim Kerr returning to a modified, Tim had stopped racing to focus on asphalt racing after running at Volusia last season, it's good to see him return, even if it's just for the week.

Laubach Out One Door and In Another; Tons of Tidbits

Rick Laubach, as most of you probably know, has officially gone his seperate ways from the Dick Biever owned #14 big block team. Laubach was upset over Doug Manmiller taking over the controls of the team's small block, which was announced in late 2008. No official word yet on the replacement. Laubach will now not be attending the races in Florida in a month at Volusia County Speedway, despite being on the entry list.

Laubach will be a weekly racer at the Big Diamond Raceway in 2009. Laubach will driv for sportsman competitor Guy Germano to run weekly in the small block division in Germano's #542.

Danny O'Brien, who won yet another Brockville Speedway championship in 2008 and picked up a $15,000 win at Granby, will drive for Kendrick Racing in 2009. Kendrick Racing will continue to have Tim Jones drive the team's second car.

Sean Beardsley, who made a handful of modified starts at the beginning of 2008 before selling off his modified equipment to focus on running the World of Outlaw Late Model schedule, has purchased a big block modified and will run it part-time in 2009. This news came from an interview on Doug's Dirt Diary, be sure to shoot on over there and check it out.
Jeff Strunk has scratched his plans to run at Volusia in a month on the Florida Dirt Tour.

Florida Update

There's a feature stoey on the Super Dirt Series website that reports on big block rookie James Michael Friesen's plans for Volusia in about a month. A few drivers on this list aren't mentioned in the press release, such as Jeff Brownell, Carey Terrance, Richie Pratt, and Jeff Strunk. However, Terrance and Brownell were mentioned in the first story (which focused on Matt Sheppard) as being entered. Richie Pratt mentioned on Dougs Dirt Diary in December that his team planned on attending Florida, and Ernie Saxton posted on South Jersey Dirt Racing about a month ago that Jeff Strunk planned to attend Florida with his new ride.

#0 Richie Pratt
#5 Jimmy Horton
#9 Jeff Brown
#9T Brad Trice
#12 Jason Ingalls
#14 Rick Laubach
#14J Alan Johnson
#20 Brett Hearn
#21K Randy Chystler
#21T Roger Chrystler
#26 Dave Camara
#29 Jeff Brownell
#32 Jim Rasey
#33 Ray Swinehart
#34 Andy Bachetti
#41 Jeff Strunk
#42p Pat Ward
#43 Keith Flach
#52 James Michael Friesen
#55 Jamie Mills
#62 Matt Jester
#66x Carey Terrance
#91 Billy Decker
#97 Michael Chicoine
#97 Doug Ingalls
#99 Larry Wight
#165 Rex King Jr.

Utica Rome Speedway News; Tidbits

Utica Rome Speedway will be added for the NMX Modified Series in 2009. Fonda Speedway ran the NMX Series in 2008 for the first time, and didn't run events and any other tracks. Brett Hearn ended up being crowned champion. This year, Utica Rome will have two NMX Series races that will pay $5,000 to win each. Fonda will have 4 races. Rumors have been swirling about Accord Speedway possibly joining this series as well. Brett Deyo broke the news in AARN.

Area Auto Racing News has reported that defending New Egypt Speedway sportsman champion Willie Osmun will be moving up to the big block modified division in 2009. Osmun ran in the big block division in the late 90s, and is excited about the return to the division. He'll drive for former small block and sportsman driver Mike Bent, who owns the #88 that was driven by Ray Woodall in the sportsman division in 2008. Bent and Osmun will compete weekly at the New Egypt Speedway.

Nick Rochinski will be moving up to the modified division at Five Mile Point Speedway.

Modifieds Return to Susky June 14th

The small block modifieds will return to Susquehanna Speedway on June 14th. The modifieds will run with the 358 sprint cars. This will be the first time the modifieds have visited the speedway since 2006, when Jimmy Horton passed Dale Planck late in the race to collect the $6,000 top prize for the Super Dirt Series 100 lap event. No word on the distance of the feature or the purse yet.

Pat Ward Latest to attend Florida

According to Gypsum Racing's website, you can now add 2004 Florida Dirt Tour champion Pat Ward to the list of drivers headed to Florida in about a month. Ward joins the list of drivers tentatively planning the trip south Hearn, B. Decker, Pratt, Strunk, Wight, A. Johnson, Brownell, Sheppard, Camara, J. Ingalls, D. Ingalls, Bachetti, Terrance, Planck, J. Mills, and Horton.

Ward, who won both the RoC Dirt Tour and the Utica Rome Speedway points championships, finished 4th in the Florida Dirt Tour final standings.

Randy Decker Done? Tidbits

Reports out of the Five Mile Point Speedway banquet are that long-time car owner Randy Decker will not be fielding a modified in 2009. Decker and Brian Weaver shared a ton of success over their tenure together, including multiple Five Mile Point and Penn Can Speedway championships. No word on what Weaver will do, he will continue to drive for Ron Dieffenbach, however that more than likely will only be on a part-time basis. Stay tuned for updates.

South Jersey Dirt Racing broke the news that sportsman competitor Lou Farina will be moving up to the big block modified division in 2009 and will drive to Anthony Moran. The team is expected to run weekly at Bridgeport Speedway, but that's nowhere near official. Moran will continue to drive as Farina's teammate.

Mark D'Ilario and Chuck McKee Tidbits

Mark D'Ilario will be moving up to the modified division in 2009. D'Ilario has been one of the top Canadian sportsman drivers over the past few season, and has ran solidly on the Sportman Dirt Tour. The team will run weekly at Merrittville Speedway.

We've recieved reports that one of the all-time greats in Orange County Fair Speedway history, Chuck McKee, is thinking about scaling back in 2009. It appears as if McKee may run the entire 358 modified schedule at Orange County, and run the big block every once in a while. Stay tuned for updates.

Alan Johnson Officially with Thompson

The press release announcing Alan Johnson officially taking over at Dave Thompson Motorsports for Frankie Caprara is listed here, http://www.superdirtcarseries.com/news/2008/december/122908_sd_ajjoinsthompson.aspx

It now appears that the pre-entry list for Volusia includes a slew 2008 champions, Bridgeport Speedway Friday night small block champion Richie Pratt, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park track champion Jeff Brownell, Cornwall Motor Speedway track champion Carey Terrance, Fonda NMX Series and Co-Florida champion Brett Hearn, Super Dirt Series and Brewerton Speedway champion Billy Decker, Cayuga County Fair Speedway champion Alan Johnson, CanAm Speedway small block champion Larry Wight, Delaware International Speedway champion Jamie Mills, Grandview Speedway and Big Diamond Raceway champion Jeff Strunk, and Accord Speedway Andy Bachetti. Other drivers entered thus far include Dale Planck, Matt Sheppard, Jimmy Horton, Dave Camara, father son combo from Texas Doug and Jason Ingalls.

Hagerstown Speedway Releases Schedule; CanAm Schedule Change

Hagerstown Speedway has released their 2009 schedule. The fast and smooth 1/2 mile will host modifieds at the speedway 5 times next season. The Super Dirt Series returns on March 28th, and Octoberfest weekend takes place over the weekend of October 24th-25th. It's also worth noting that Hagerstown will not run modifieds on March 21st, which means they won't be running against Selinsgrove's RoC weekend. The full schedule is available here, http://www.hagerstownspeedway.com/schedule.htm

CanAm Speedway will be run Friday night in 2009 as opposed to Saturdays. Also, the track will run small block modifieds as their headline division, as opposed to the big blocks they ran in 2008.

Ransomville Speedway Tidbits

Son of former DIRT Series champion Charlie Rudolph, Erick Rudolph, will be running weekly in the small block modified division at the Ransomville Speedway for H&H Motorsports in 2009. Rudolph runs asphalt modifieds and had a double-digit amount of wins in the division in 2008, and won the only dirt race he entered at Syracuse in the sportsman division. Rudolph will also probably hit up some small block series specials with H&H, but will miss a few weekly shows at Ransomville when he has an asphalt show scheduled.

James Michael Friesen, who had a break-out season aboard his #52 sportsman in 2008, will be moving up to the small block division in 2008 to run at Ransomville Speedway.

Mat Williamson will also be moving up to the small block modified class for weekly competition at Ransomville Speedway as well.

All news stories came were reported by Ransomville Speedway on Dirt Track Digest.