Thursday, May 28, 2009

Troy Wink and Wade Hendrickson News; Racing This Weekend

Wade Hendrickson, according to Lenny Sammons, will be driving the Michael Brothers Racing #51m big block modified in special shows for the rest of the year.

Also, one of the nicest guys in racing, and a great Club Wago supporter, Troy Wink, has announced that he's getting out of racing. Troy is one of the nicest guys in racing, as is his crew, and they'll be missed big time. Troy was close to getting that first win, and had big plans to travel at the end of the year. We'll miss you Troy, hopefully we'll still see you at the races my friend!

After a big week of racing last week, there aren't many specials this weekend. Grandview Speedway will have double features for the small block modifieds on Saturday after last week's race got rained out. Also, Mohawk International Raceway will have the Memorial Cup Race which is the first race of the 2009 Mohawk Raceway's American Revolution Series for the small block modifieds.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tuesday Tidbits

Looks like Richie Pratt may have left the MAD Motorsports #11D small block modified, this is according to South Jersey Dirt Racing's message board. Reports say that Pratt left the team Monday morning, Jimmy Horton IV was in the car Monday night at Big Diamond, so it looks like he may be the replacement.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Laubach and Tomkins Win on Memorial Day

Memorial Day Monday saw the big block modifieds run with the World of Outlaws at Canandaigua Speedway. Gary Tomkins went on to pick up the win at the Land of Legends. Also, Big Diamond Raceway had the $5,000 to win 50 lap feature for the small block feature that got rained out last night. Rick Laubach picked up the win aboard the Norm Hansell owned #357. Laubach was only scheduled to drive this one race, he's not taking over full-time for Doug Hoffman in the car.

Also, good to see Donnie Keefer Racing return with former driver Danny Johnson. No word on how many races the team will run this year, but Keefer is a long time supporter of the division.

Weekend Roundup

So, a huge weekend of racing is in the books. Mother nature only claimed Big Diamond on Sunday night, as their big 50 lap, $5,000 to win show is now going to be run tomorrow (May 25th), also on tap for tomorrow is Canandaigua Speedway as they run big block modifieds along with the World of Outlaws.

On Friday night, May 22nd, here are your feature winners. The Lucas Oil Shootout was at Ransomville Speedway, and saw Todd Burley pick up another feature win at the track in the small block division. Can-Am Speedway has twin features for the modifieds after rain claimed last week's big block modified feature, the features were split by Billy Dunn, who held off Justin Haers for the win, and the second feature was won by Justin Haers who held off Billy Dunn for the win. Glen Ridge Motorsports Park's big block feature went to defending champion Jeff Brownell. Ray Swinehart picked up the small block feature event at Big Diamond Raceway. Accord Speedway saw Danny Johnson extend his points lead in the big block division with a win. Brett Hearn continued his domination at Albany-Saratoga Speedway with yet another win in the big block division. Eric Gauvereu picked up his first win of the year at Autodrome Edelweiss in the small block division. Lernerville Speedway saw Kevin Bolland kick off his huge weekend with a big block feature win. Craig Terrell proved he's a championship threat at Penn Can Speedway by winning against with his big block modified. Brian Malcolm is now 2-for-2 at Redline Raceway in 2009 as he drove his #119 big block into victory lane again. Matt Sheppard continued his strong start to the season with a win at Brewerton Speedway. Finally, David Hebert won his first small block race of 2009 with a win at Autodrome Granby.

Saturday saw quite a few specials on hand. Pittsburgh Motor Speedway had the BRP Big Block Modified on hand for the first time ever, which saw Kevin Bolland pick up his second win of his huge weekend. Lebanon Valley Speedway had twin features for the big blocks after last week's big block feature was rained out, Donnie Corellis and Brett Hearn split the features. Fulton Speedway opened it's doors for 2009 with a special 50 lap, $3,000 to win show for the big blocks that saw Billy Decker pick up the win. CanAm Speedway also had the big blocks in action on a special 2-night weekend of racing at the speedway, Frankie Caprara picked up the Saturday night feature. Tommy Scheetz went on to win the small block feature held over from last week at Grandview Speedway, this week's feature has been postponed until this coming Saturday. Wade Hendrickson went on to pick up his first big block win of the season at Bridgeport Speedway. Steve Folk continued to dominate Mahoning Valley Speedway's dirt big block modified division with another win. New Egypt Speedway had Ken Carberry pick up his first ever dirt modified of his career in the big block division. Delaware International Speedway also had a career big block first time winner as Jordan Watson picked up the feature event. Bobby Varin continued his very strong start to 2009 with another win at Fonda Speedway's big block division. Rick Mill and Chris Shultz split big block modified featurs at Orane County Fair Speedway. Chris Steele picked up his first win of the year as he won Merrittville's small block feature. The king of Brockville-Ontairio Speedway's small block division, Danny O'Brien, won again at Brockville. Matt Sheppard won his second big block race of the weekend by winning Saturday night at Canandaigua Speedway. Dan Vauter picked up the small block win as he invaded Woodhull Raceway. Finally, Kevin Bates won the rain shorted big block feature at Five Mile Point Speedway.

Sunday saw yet another big day of racing for the dirt modifieds. Kevin Bolland capped off his weekend by claiming his second BRP Big Block Modified Tour win of the weekend, and his 3rd big block win of the weekend, as he won at Tri-City Speedway. Georgetown Speedway came back to life and saw Chad James continue his very impressive start to the year with a win in the big block feature. Billy Decker picked up his second 50-lap feature win of the weekend, this time at Cayuga County Fair Speedway, which also paid $3,000 to win. Mitch Gibbs finally ended his winless drought with a big win at Utica Rome Speedway. Tim LaDuc won the season opener for the small block modified division at Devils Bowl Speedway. And Kayle Robidoux won the small block feature at Cornwall Motor Speedway.

Congratulations to all this week's winners, especially Club Wago drivers Brett Hearn, Mitch Gibbs, Wade Hendrickson, and Matt Sheppard.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Doug Hoffman/Hansell Motorsports Split, Update

Doug Hoffman has left the Norm Hansell Motorsports #357 after Saturday's race at Grandview Speedway. Hoffman will run a handful of shows for Chad Sinon, specials only. No word on who'll take over in Norm Hansell's #357, however, looks like it could be the 3rd coming of Rick Schaffer in the #357 modified. Stay tuned. 

Friday, May 22, 2009

Update On Albany October 25th

We've recieved word from the track (and AARN Columnist Jeff Withey), that Albany still does not have anything scheduled for October 25th.

Also, according to Wade Hendrickson's crew chief, Wago driver Wade Hendrickson will be in action on Sunday at Georgetown Speedway aboard the Michael Brothers Racing #51m big block modified. This will be the first race for the team since Keith Hoffman left the team a few weeks ago.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

DeSantis Takes Thunder on the Hill Opener

MeMe DeSantis won the Bob Miller's first Thunder on the Hill race of the year as the 358 modifieds were on the card with the 410 sprints at Grandview Speedway on Wednesday night. DeSantis picked up the 30 lap feature win, Ryan Godown finished second, and Tom Umbenhauer, Jeff Strunk, and Craig Von Dohren rounded out the top 5.

Also, Toby LaGrange has posted his Power Rankings for the big block division. Toby's power rankings are done by an actual points system, he keeps track of every big and small block race that happens during the 2009 season, and enters the results into a math equation. The small block list should be coming soon as well. Here is the current top 10 for big blocks...

1st #20 Brett Hearn
2nd #42p Pat Ward
3rd #9s Matt Sheppard
4th #91 Billy Decker
5th #29 Jeff Brownell
6th #00 Bobby Varin
7th #14J Alan Johnson
8th #34 Andy Bachetti
9th #98H Jimmy Phelps
10th #99L Larry Wight

Interesting Find...

A friend of mine recently pointed out an interesting find on one of Club Wago's own drivers, Ryan Phelps' website. On his schedule, for October 25th (which is the same date as the Eastern States 200) he has listed a Super Dirt Series race for Albany-Saratoga Speedway which he has posted as being 100 laps and $12,000 to win. DIRT has yet to make an announcement of a race running against Eastern States Weekend, but they still have TBA listed for October 24th on the 358 Dirt Series schedule, and TBA listed for October 25th on the Super Dirt Series schedule. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Big Racing Weekend

Big week and weekend of dirt racing. Merrittville Speedway already had a huge show on Monday night that saw Larry Lampman win the 358 Dirt Series opener, and Pete Bicknell winning the Lucas Oil Series feature.

Tonight, Wednesday May 20th, Grandview Speedway has the 358 modifieds on the card with the 410 sprints. This weekend the BRP Big Block Tour runs on Saturday night at Pittsburgh Motor Speedway, and on Sunday night at Tri-City Speedway. Saturday night Fulton Speedway has their season opener which will pay $3,000 to win the 50 lap feature. Lebanon Valley has twin-features which will both pay $2,000 to win. Sunday night Big Diamond Raceway has small block modifieds running a 50 lap, $5,000 feature, and Cayuga County Fair Speedway runs for $3,000 to win on Sunday. Also on Sunday, Devils Bowl Speedway has a 50 lap feature paying $2,000 to win.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Lampman and Bicknell Big Winners at Merrittville

Larry Lampman started on the pole and didn't look back as he held off the 358 Series invaders to win the 358 Super Dirt Series opener at Merrittville Speedway. Lampman picked up $4,000 for the 50 lap feature win. Jimmy Phelps finished 2nd, with Stewart Friesen, Dale Planck, and David Hebert rounding out the top 5.

Pete Bicknell won the 50-lap Lucas Oil Series race. Merrittville regulars made up the top 2 finishers as Scott Wood came home in second, with Dale Planck, Stewart Friesen, and Chad Brachmann rounding out the top 5.

Also, apologies as I missed a big show this past weekend. Cornwall Motor Speedway opened up the 2009 Lucas Oil Small Block Series with a 100 lap $3,000 to win race. Danny O'Brien picked up the win in the race.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tidbits; 358 Series Tomorrow

Ray Carroll could be returning as an owner with a former driver for an assault on Super Dirt Week.

I fell behind, and I'm not even going to try to catch up with this week's winners. However, the 358 Super Dirt Series opens up tomorrow night at Merrittville Speedway, the heats are finished, however, there's still a feature and a consi left to complete. The feature will be 50 laps, and will pay $4,000 to win.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Small Tidbits

Well, there's not a whole lot going on right now in the racing world. There aren't any specials scheduled for this weekend, with the exception of Big Diamond Raceway having 2 features for the small block modifieds. Many tracks north of the boarder and in upper New York will be opening this weekend.

Rich Scagliotta, Tim Kerr, and Tommy Sears have announced their plans to follow the 2009 big block Super Dirt Series tour. Scagliotta also plans to follow the 358 Tour.

Billy Pauch Jr. is the first driver to enter the All-Star 100 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway scheduled for July 19th. The race will pay $20,000 to win and $1,000 to start.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Tomkins Claims $10,000 Victoria 200 Prize

Gary Tomkins jumped aboard the Mike Payne owned #7z for the first time this season and picked up arguably the biggest win of his career, claiming the Victoria 200 at Utica Rome Speedway on Sunday night, worth $10,000. Tomkins used his small block and the low line to sweep around the bottom and claim the win. Tim Fuller finished second, Brett Hearn after cutting a tire with 20 laps to go rebounded for 3rd, Stewart Friesen and Pat Ward rounded out the top 5. Mike Ricci won the B-Feature which paid $1,200 to win, or a starting spot in the 200, Ricci originally chose the starting spot but engine problems caused him to have to settle for the $1,200 win.

This was the first race of the 2009 Club Wago Crown Jewel Fantasy League, here are the standings after race #1, we got 58 entries, thank you all for playing! http://jw4.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=257

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Saturday Night Winners

Rain cancelled a majority of racing in the northeast on May 9th, but some racing did get in! Steve Folk picked up his second win of the year in the dirt modified division at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Scott Wood won his first race of the year as he won the Merrittville Speedway feature. John Kellner Jr picked up career modified win #1 with a surprising win at Grandview Speedway. Rick Laubach showed his power in his own car with a win at New Egypt Speedway. Chad James picked up his first win of the year by winning at Bridgeport Speedway.

Fantasy League Update

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that joined the 2009 Club Wago Crown Jewel Fantasy League. We got a record 57 entries this year! If you notice, at the top right, the link to the Fantasy League page now says "Click Here for Fantasy League Picks." I'll post the picks for the up-coming race on the fantasy league schedule, and also everyone's alternates, that way everyone can keep track of who they want to see do good, and who their competitors picked, so they know who to cheer against. I'm leaving for Utica Rome tomorrow, and I'm allowing people to turn in their entries until noon tomorrow, so there may be some entries that don't make it on this page. Best of luck to everyone!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Wago Fantasy League-Make Sure You're Listed!

Hey guys, sorry to put another one of these posts up, but I want to make sure that everyone that sent me an entry for the Wago Fantasy League is entered, and that I didn't miss anyone. If you still want to sign up, you have until tomorrow at noon! If you already did sign up, make sure your name is listed below. If your name isn't below, e-mail me at Jman97531@aol.com, or just post a reply to this post, thanks everyone!

(listed alphabetically by first name)

Amber GviewFan
Bill Winters
Brad Keitsock
Brett Thayer
Brian Hill
Chris Moyer
Chuck Mancabelli
Corinne Schaffer
David Weaknecht
Dennis Ruth
Doug Ayres
Doug Keitsock
Eric Orozco
Gasket Case
Glen Reinhart
Homer Wooton
Jamie Weaknecht
Jeff McClung
Jeff Merkel
Jeff Sheeler
Jim Drey
Jim Weaknecht
Joe Perrotto
John Baumes
John Rissimer
Josh Bayko
Kevin Moyer
Kim Sabatine
Kirsten Snyder
Kris Cowen
Kyle Christianson
Mark Dudek
Mark Labrum
Matt Ellery
Matt Hall
Michael Allen
Mike Coleates
Mike Petrucci
Paul Maurizzio
Race Nut
Rick Schadler
Roy Sheeler
Ryan Lepre
Ryan Simmons
Sean Rake
Steve Perrotto
Steve Scaible
Tom Ames
Tom O'Donnell
Troy Berger
Zach Aubertine

Friday Night Winners; Dieter Schmidt Update

Rain once again claimed a few features, but most tracks were able to get racing in! Here are Friday, May 8th, feature winners. Pat Ward continued his dominating season with a win now at Brewerton Speedway. Club Wago driver Del Rougeux picked up his first win of the season, as hje won at Lernerville Speedway Friday night. Brett Hearn won the special modified clash at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, as he continued his unbeaten streak at the speedway. Chris Higgins picked up his first ever modified win on Friday night with a win at CanAm Speedway.

Rick Laubach was to be Dieter Schmidt's driver for the Victoria 200 this Sunday at Utica Rome Speedway. However, Dieter has decided to not send his car to the Victoria. Laubach may run his own #20, although that's not for sure.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tuesday Tidbits

Looks like the Dieter Schmidt owned Lincoln Auto Bodies car may be at Utica-Rome Speedway for Sunday's Victoria 200, however, reports have come in that it won't be with current driver Jimmy Horton driving. According to reports, a former driver of the Lincoln Auto Bodies car will be making his return this weekend. Stay tuned for updates.

Jessica Zemken will be running in the dirt modified division at Airborne Speedway part-time this season driving for 2008 track champion Patrick Dupree.

According to Jeff Withey, Alan Johnson has decided to not run the tour this season unless a ride or a sponsor jump on board to help out.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Fuller Hot In A Modified Too; Friesen Wins U-R

Tim Fuller picked up the $3,000 feature win in the 50 lap big block feature at Rolling Wheels Raceway Sunday night. It was Fuller's first modified win of the season. We recently learned that Fuller will be driving the Smith Brothers #74 big block more than we originally thought, as originally it seemed like Fuller was only going to run about half a dozen shows.

Only other modified racing on Sunday night was at Utica Rome Speedway, as Tri-City gave big blocks the night off. Stewart Friesen picked up the big block feature win on Sunday night at Utica Rome.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Saturday Night Winners

We're half way through another great racing weekend. Rain again claimed a few tracks Saturday night, May 2nd, but most tracks were able to get racing in.

Grandview Speedway saw track Ray Swinehart end his winless drought by picking up the small block modified win. Billy Pauch is now 2-for-2 in big block action at New Egypt Speedway. Brett Ballard picked up his second win of the year at Mahoning Valley Speedway in the dirt modified division. Chuck McKee picked up the small block modified feature at Orange County last week, this week he picks up the big block feature at Orange County. Gary Tomkins picked up his first win of the year by winning the big block feature at Canandaigua Speedway. The big block modifieds and super late models battled at Delaware International as the feature event was a combined race, Jamie Mills scored one for the big blocks by picking up the feature win. Bobby Varin has been on fire lately, winning his second race of the weekend, as he won the big block feature at Fonda Speedway. Paul Gilardi notched off his first win of the year Lebanon Vally in the big block division. Larry Lampman made a last lap pass on Brian Stevens at Merrittville Speedway to win the small block modified opener at the track. Who else but Billy Van Pelt won the small block opener at Woodhull Raceway. Eric Gabany won his second race of the year in the small block modified class at Mercer Raceway Park. Martin Roy won at Airborne Speedway after Pierre Berthiaume was found light on the scales in the small block division. Finally, J.R. Crouse won the big block feature at Five Mile Point Speedway.

Sunday night, the big block modifieds tackle Rolling Wheels for a $3,000 to win, 50 lap special event. Weekly action continues at Sunday night tracks throughout the northeast, be sure to support your local track!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Mother Nature Wins Big Friday night; Other Friday Winners

Rain cancelled most of the races on Friday night, May 1st, but some racing did get in. Bobby Varin picked up the win at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park driving for Erik Nelson, in the big block division. Brett Hearn is now 2-for-2 in big block action at Albany-Saratoga Speedway after another win on Friday. Gary Hager surprised the stellar Big Diamond Raceway small block modified field by picking up the feature win. Ryan Phelps picked up his first big block modified win of the season as he won at Brewerton Speedway.

As previously reported, Stewart Friesen will run weekly at Five Mile Point Speedway until mid-July for Scott Brady. Brady will be out of action with shoulder surgery. This news came from RaceNY.com.

Well, finals are finally over for me! Time to get back on track with this thing!