More Mall Show Pictures

Another mall show is going on, as the Southern Tier Mall Show is going on this week. Doug Elkins has a ton of pictures from the show on his site, there are lots of cars there, including the Mitch Gibbs new #2G, Mike Colsten's ride, Bob Hamm Motorsports car, Jamie Batzel, and many, many, more. Here's the link to check it out.

http://www.dougsdirtdiary.com/gallery/show/thumbs/1334/1/Southern%20Tier%20Speedworld%202-27-10/

Hagerstown Cancelled

The February 27th race at Hagerstown Speedway has been cancelled. The big block modified Octoberfest qualifying spot will now be up for grabs March 6th, when big block modifieds and super late models are scheduled to be on the card.

Minor Updates

Nothing major to report. Race Pro Weekly, which is a weekly, free online magazine, has posted this week's edition on the site, www.raceproweekly.com

Also, the Super Dirt Series race in early April at Fulton Speedway, which was originally announced as a $10,000 to win feature race, will now only pay $6,000 to win. The race will be taken off the 2010 Club Wago Crown Jewel Fantasy League.

Mall Show Is In Session!

The Reading Mall Show is running this entire week, pictures are posting on Cow Patty Nation and South Jersey Dirt Racing. There are tons of modifieds there, and that means mall-show season is here, which means the racing season is just around the corner.

Hagerstown Speedway is scheduled to run Saturday afternoon, and it looks like they may actually get the show in. The race will feature the big block modifieds running for a $2,000 feature win, and a guaranteed starting spot in the prestigious Octoberfest 100 race for the big blocks in late October.

Not much news to report, I wrote a article for RaceProWeekly.com, nothing special what-so-ever, but for over to RPW and check out the new site. It looks awesome!

Some Thursday Tidbits

First off, I actually updated the Driver Chart for the first time in about 3 weeks, just a couple of additions.

Mitch Gibbs will take over driving duties in the Brewer Racing #77x modified for 2010. The car was piloted most notable by Stewart Friesen, who drove it to a couple of wins at Five Mile Point Speedway.

Billy VanInwegen will indeed run in the big block modifieds past Volusia. He'll run weekly at Orange County Fair Speedway, but plans on doing of plenty of traveling as well. He also has a 305 sprint car ride for a few races.

Troy Wink may be sitting out 2010 after all. Shoulder injuries and family commitments will sway his decision. Look for Ryan Watt to return to the seat of the HP Motorsports #6 small block modified for Big Diamond Raceway weekly.

Randy Kane reports that Scott Flammer will return to the seat of a big block modified at the Selinsgrove RoC Dirt Tour race for former driver Benny Rizzo in the #X machine.

Beau Wilkins will return to modified racing action after taking a few years off. He'll run weekly at Delaware International Speedway. Wilkins last drove weekly 4 years ago driving for Jake Marine Racing and was a championship contender. He'll run a family owned big block.

Fantasy League Update

Well, with not a whole lot of racing news going on right now, I figured I'd take the time to give you a Crown Jewel Fantasy League updates. It looks like we're going to have a couple more prizes for the winners of the 2010 fantasy league, nothing major, just some shirts and other stuff like that. Check back for more info on that.

We already have over 20 entries for the 2010 league, thanks to everyone that joined! For everyone still waiting, remember, you have until before the green flag drops at Fulton Speedway for their series show in early April. The Fulton race was announced last season at Super Dirt Week as a $10,000 to win race, but now, reports have circulated that the race may not pay $10,000. Since I can't find out for sure one way or another, we're going to leave it on the fantasy league schedule.

Sheppard Claims the Finale and Title

Matt Sheppard passed Billy Pauch with just over 10 laps to go to move on and collect the $5,000 at Volusia Speedway on Saturday night. Sheppard's win also gave him his first career Florida Dirt Tour championship. Finishing second in the feature from Saturday was Dale Planck, rounding out the top 5 were Rick Laubach, Billy Pauch, and Billy Decker.

The top 10 in the final points standings were...

1st 9s Matt Sheppard

2nd 77x Dale Planck

3rd 1 Stewart Friesen

4th 10 Bobby Varin

5th 98H Jimmy Phelps

6th 30 Jamie Mills

7th 66w Alan Johnson

8th 1 Billy Pauch

9th 49er Danny Johnson

10th 91 Billy Decker

We now have to wait 2 more weeks until the big blocks have their next race, as they have the Octoberfest qualifier at Hagerstown Speedway on Saturday the 27th.

Friday at Volusia Rained Out

Night #3 at Volusia Speedway for the big block modifieds has been rained out. The finale will be run tomorrow night (Saturday, February 13) and will pay $5,000 to win.

Sheppard Cruises To Win in Volusia; Takes Over Points Lead

Matt Sheppard used a late race pass on Jamie Mills to pick up his first career Volusia Speedway win. With the win, Sheppard also took over the Florida Dirt Tour points lead by just 6 points over Jimmy Phelps. Mills hung on to finish second, and rounding out the top 5 last night were Brett Hearn, Jimmy Phelps, and Danny Johnson.

Every car except Alan Johnson's #14J returned for night #2 last night, including Tim Kerr, Brett Hearn, and Dan Vauter who were the most heavily involved in the heavy pile-up from Wednesday night. Jeff Brownell returned to the seat of his #29 big block modified after being sick on Wednesday and turning over driving duties to Vic Coffey. Alan Johnson was behind the wheel of Wallace Stacey's #66w again, and finished in the top 10 for the second straight night. Chris Higgins was added to the field after Ray Swinehart scratched from the feature line-up.

The current top 10 in points down there are...
1st 9s Matt Sheppard- 106
2nd 98H Jimmy Phelps- 100
3rd 1 Stewart Friesen- 98
4th 10 Bobby Varin- 98
5th 77x Dale Planck- 92
6th 66w Alan Johnson- 82
7th 30 Jamie Mills- 81
8th 22c Mario Clair- 78
9th 20 Brett Hearn- 76
10th 1x Willy Decker- 72

Kevin Albert ***note***

Almost forgot to mention, look for Albert to also have a Lombardo powerplant under the hood of that '08 Troyer when they pull into the pits at Grandview Speedway....Plenty of 'horses' to get the job done on the 'Hill'.

Kevin Albert 2010

Had the pleasure of talking to 21yr old Kevin Albert tonight....The third year up and comer racer out of Lebanon Pa plans to be right back at it this season on the super tough Pa sbm racing scene....Also, in a recent announcement, Kevin will take part in the BFP Specialty Pa 'Young Guns' Promotion that will take place this upcoming season....Albert and 13 other young racers that compete at Big Diamond Raceway and Grandview Speedway have all signed up to be a part of this unique promotion for 2010....The young racers in the area are the future of our sport, and Kevin Albert is going to be a HUGE part of that future, and is thrilled to be a part of this special promotion this year.

As for the action on the track this season, well, a little of the 'same' and a little somethin' new is planned for the Albert Racing team....This will be Kevin's third year of competition at BDR on Friday nights, and he'll be back this year with the same '09 Troyer race car he ran last year, with a Lombardo racing engine under the hood....The somethin' new for the 3A racing team this year will be, seeing Albert and the team tackle a limited Saturday night schedule at Grandview Speedway this season....Look for Albert to have an '08 Troyer mod for his racing on the 'Hill' when the team makes the trek to Bechtelsville this season....As Albert has had some experience at Grandview in the past, but that was behind the wheel of a Tobias SpeedSTR....It'll be his first experience there is a sbm.

Look for BIG things from Kevin Albert the more seat time this youngster gets, as he has shown signs of being a racer who isn't shy of racing HAMMER DOWN....I remember his rookie season, then the car was a #333, this kid comes out right out that bat and starts to wire the field in his heat races, I mean, SMOKIN' 'EM....Really getting everyone's attention, and has many asking, "Who is this kid"....Well, now going into his 'junior year' with the sbm's, folks, I'm tellin' ya's, the results are going start to come....And don't be surprised if you see/read Kevin Albert's name pop into victory lane this season....Just remember, you heard it here first, because this youngsters time is comin', TRUST ME, IT IS.

Friesen Takes First Win of 2010

Stewart Friesen survived a crazy night that saw a lot of torn up racecars on Thursday night. Friesen won his heat and led every lap on his way to picking up his first career Volusia win. Finishing second was Dale Planck, and rounding out the top 5 were Bobby Varin, Jimmy Phelps, and Mario Clair.

Next race is tomorrow night, although the weather down there looks threatening. Good to have big blocks on the track tonight!

Volusia Update: Night 1 Modified Feature Line-Up

Qualifying is complete, here's how the feature will line up. There were 43 cars entered tonight. The drivers started heads up based off how they finished in the 4 heats and 2 consis from today.

Feature

1st #1 Stewart Friesen

2nd #77x Dale Planck

3rd #98H Jimmy Phelps

4th #10 Bobby Varin

5th #9s Matt Sheppard

6th #65 Rex King

7th #49er Danny Johnson

8th #42p Pat Ward

9th #20 Brett Hearn

10th #30 Jamie Mills

11th #0 Richie Pratt

12th #165 Rex King Jr.

13th #66w Alan Johnson

14th #07 Tim Kerr

15th #48too Dave Rauscher

16th #7 Rick Laubach

17th #85 Dan Vauter

18th #22c Mario Clair

19th #14 Jimmy Horton

20th #29 Vic Coffey

21st #34 Andy Bachetti

22nd #91 Billy Decker

23rd #1 Billy Pauch

24th #19H Chris Higgins

25th #1x Willy Decker

26th #33 Ray Swinehart

DNQ

#97 Michel Chicoine

#99L Larry Wight

#8R Rob Bellinger

#01 Brett Ballard

#43 Keith Flach

#8 Rich Scagliotta

#85J H.J. Bunting

#56 Vince Vitale

#T21 Roger Chrystler

#1 Darwin Greene

#23 Billy VanInwegen

#79 Jeremy Markle

#66 Dexter Stacey

#70 Erin Acquaro

#6 John Stangle

#21K Randy Chrystler (DNS the consi)

#66w Wallace Scacey (only ran practice, gave his car to Alan Johnson after Alan broke in practice)

Modifieds Kick Off 2010 Tonight!

For live text updates from tonight's race at Volusia, click here! http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/dtd_livewire/fsw_volusia2102010.shtml

Here are tonight's heat race line-ups, the race will be 30 laps and pay $2,000 to win!

The only drivers from the entry list that aren't there are the Forte brothers. Vic Coffey is in Jeff Brownell's #29 for tonight only (as far as we know.) Alan Johnson broke in practice, and will drive Wallace Stacey's #66w tonight. I won't be doing anymore updates, but as I said, join DTD is doing live updates. Also, DirtVision.com has the audio up for free. I'll have the top 5 posted here tonight.

Heat 1

#20 Brett Hearn- #1 Stewart Friesen

#97 Michel Chicoine- #34 Andy Bachetti

#85 Dan Vauter- #9s Matt Sheppard

#70 Eric Acquaro- #1x Willy Decker

#21k Randy Chrystler- #6 John Stangle

#14J Alan Johnson

Heat 2

#07 Tim Kerr- #77x Dale Planck

#01 Brett Ballard- #65 Rex King

#43 Keith Flach- #23 Billy VanInwegen

#30 Jamie Mills- #22 Mario Clair

#1 Billy Pauch- #T21 Roger Chrystler

#85J H.J. Bunting

Heat 3

#98H Jimmy Phelps- #49er Danny Johnson

#48too Dave Rauscher- #33 Ray Swinehart

#79 Jeremy Markle- 0 Richie Pratt

#14 Jimmy Horton- #1 Darwin Greene

#8R Rob Bellinger- #66w Wallace Stacey

#91 Billy Decker

Heat 4

#56 Vince Vitale- #165 Rex King Jr.

#8 Rich Scagliotta- #7 Rick Laubach

#10 Bobby Varin- #99L Larry Wight

#29 Vic Coffey- #19H Chris Higgins

#66 Dexter Stacey- #42p Pat Ward

Volusia Rained Out on Tuesday

Even though the big blocks don't have their first race at Volusia until tomorrow night, they had an open practice scheduled for this evening. The mighty modifieds will take to the track tomorrow night as they have their first race of the season.

Pauch Lands New Rides

Billy Pauch Jr. announced his plans last week, which included 3 new rides for the youngster, now, his father has announced he's landed 2 new rides for 2010. Pauch will return to the Kevin Bilfulco Racing #1 big block modified for weekly action at New Egypt. However, he will return to the seat of the Will Brown Motorsports #1w for big block action in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Also, he'll take over driving duties of the Tuit Racing #673 big block modified for special events in New York such as at Fulton, Fonda, Utica Rome, among others.

Acquaro Headed to Volusia, Manmiller too?

As we approach the Volusia big block modified opener, the current Volusia entry list has 43 big blocks listed on it. We know for a fact that Willy Decker is headed down with his #1x, even though he's not on the entry list. We know have learned that Accord regular Eric Acquaro is headed down with his self-owned #70 big block modified, which takes the total current field to an impressive 45 big block modifieds. We've also learned that Doug Manmiller is headed down with the Dick Biever team. The team is taking 2 cars, so, Manmiller could end up in a second Dick Biever car for at least one of the nights in Volusia (if it were to happen it'd make sense for it to be the final night.) We've been told that the plan is for him to run all 4 nights, however, that is unconfirmed.

Florida Dirt Tour Update

The Florida Dirt Tour roster has been updated, and there are now 44 entries listed, Dale Planck and John Stangle have been added. Here's the entry list...

#0 Richie Pratt

#01 Brett Ballard

#07 Tim Kerr

#1 Darwin Greene

#1 Stewart Friesen

#1 Billy Pauch

#1x Willy Decker

#3D Dexter Stacey

#6 John Stangle

#7 Rick Laubach

#8 Rich Scagliotta

#8R Rob Bellinger

#9s Matt Sheppard

#10 Bobby Varin

#14 Jimmy Horton

#14J Alan Johnson

#19H Chris Higgins

#20 Brett Hearn

#21K Randy Chrystler

#T21 Roger Chrystler

#22 Mario Clair

#23 Billy VanInwegen

#29 Jeff Brownell

#30 Jamie Mills

#33 Ray Swinehart

#34 Andy Bachetti

#m40 Mark Forte Jr.

#R40 Ryan Forte

#42p Pat Ward

#43 Keith Flach

#48too Dave Rauscher

#49er Danny Johnson

#56 Vinnie Vitale

#65 Rex King

#66w Wallace Stacey

#77x Dale Planck

#79 Jeremy Markle

#85 Dan Vauter

#85J H.J. Bunting

#91 Billy Decker

#97 Michel Chicoine

#98H Jimmy Phelps

#99L Larry Wight

#165 Rex King Jr.

Mike White Joins Saracino Racing

Delaware International Speedway crate sportsman champion, Mike White, will take over driving duties of the Saracino Racing #91D big block modified. White will also have his own #43 car for select races. The team will run weekly at Delaware International Speedway, but will run specials at Georgetown Speedway and Bridgeport Speedway. Saracino Racing started the season with Donny Radd last year, and ended with John Willman driving the car.