Here's Jerry Higbie's #97 modified that he'll run weekly at Accord Speedway along with select special shows throughout the year.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Higbie's #97 Modified
Here's Jerry Higbie's #97 modified that he'll run weekly at Accord Speedway along with select special shows throughout the year.
Gagne to CMB Racing
Quebec star Martin Gagne will replace Alex Fortier in the CMB Racing modified for weekly competition at Granby in 2011. Gagne still plans on running his own #87 in select show and could end up running a second night a week with the car. No word on Fortier's plans.
CMB Racing has struggled in recent years despite having some big name drivers like Stephane LaFrance and Steve Paine running their equipment. The team has ran 2 cars in the past, but it appears they'll only be racing 1 car this season.
CMB Racing has struggled in recent years despite having some big name drivers like Stephane LaFrance and Steve Paine running their equipment. The team has ran 2 cars in the past, but it appears they'll only be racing 1 car this season.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Higgins to Volusia; Brewer Tidbit
Chris Higgins, the former Can Am Speedway front runner that recently moved to North Carolina, severely limiting his racing schedule, will make his second consecutive trip to Volusia in February.
Ken Brewer Motorsports MIGHT be selling out. Gary Tomkins was offered the team, but he may not be able to complete the purchase. If Brewer's equipment isn't sold, then it's still possible that Brewer will field cars this season.
Ken Brewer Motorsports MIGHT be selling out. Gary Tomkins was offered the team, but he may not be able to complete the purchase. If Brewer's equipment isn't sold, then it's still possible that Brewer will field cars this season.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Quebec Represented in Florida; Drivers Moving Up
Michel Chicoine, who runs weekly at Granby and Drummondville with his beautiful #97 modified, and has run Volusia the past few years, will once again make the long trip south in February. He's the latest driver to announce his intensions on running next month.
Ralph Stevens reports that Bill Pascual is moving up to big block modifieds this season. Pascual has been one of the top pro-stock drivers at Orange County over the last few seasons. I thought that Pascual was only going to run the sportsman division, but his website confirmed that he'll be running in the big block division at Orange County this year. There's a drawing of what his 2011 car will look like on his website, http://www.billpascualracing.com.
Doug'sDirtDiary.com reports that Rick Rogala will move back up to the big block division in 2011 after running sportsmans and mod-lites over the last 2 seasons. Rogala's interview is up on Doug's site. He claims he plans on running weekly at Brewerton and running a few shows at Fulton as well.
Ralph Stevens reports that Bill Pascual is moving up to big block modifieds this season. Pascual has been one of the top pro-stock drivers at Orange County over the last few seasons. I thought that Pascual was only going to run the sportsman division, but his website confirmed that he'll be running in the big block division at Orange County this year. There's a drawing of what his 2011 car will look like on his website, http://www.billpascualracing.com.
Doug'sDirtDiary.com reports that Rick Rogala will move back up to the big block division in 2011 after running sportsmans and mod-lites over the last 2 seasons. Rogala's interview is up on Doug's site. He claims he plans on running weekly at Brewerton and running a few shows at Fulton as well.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Another Volusia Update
You can add another big name to the list of drivers that have announced their intentions to race at Volusia Speedway in next month's Florida DIRTCar Nationals. Race Pro Weekly reports that Fonda Speedway star Matt DeLorenzo's #3D will make its first trip to Volusia in February. Florida veteran Tim Kerr will also make the annual trip to Volusia this year in his beautiful 07. Here's the updated list for Volusia...
**Home tracks of drivers in parenthesis
07 Tim Kerr (Specials Only)
1 Darwin Greene (Penn Can/Fonda)
1x Willy Decker (Brewerton/Utica Rome)
3D Matt DeLorenzo (Fonda)
5 Jimmy Horton (New Egypt)
10 Bobby Varin (Glen Ridge/Fonda/Utica Rome)
10v Danny Varin (Fonda)
20 Brett Hearn (Lebanon Valley)
23 Billy VanInwegen (Orange County)
79 Jeremy Markle (Orange County)
107 Danny Hieber (Grandview)
711 Mike Iles (New Egypt)
P.S. Man, I wish Tom Skibinski was still around, since he left DIRT hasn't released one press release hyping up Volusia or even talking about their new weekly deal.
**Home tracks of drivers in parenthesis
07 Tim Kerr (Specials Only)
1 Darwin Greene (Penn Can/Fonda)
1x Willy Decker (Brewerton/Utica Rome)
3D Matt DeLorenzo (Fonda)
5 Jimmy Horton (New Egypt)
10 Bobby Varin (Glen Ridge/Fonda/Utica Rome)
10v Danny Varin (Fonda)
20 Brett Hearn (Lebanon Valley)
23 Billy VanInwegen (Orange County)
79 Jeremy Markle (Orange County)
107 Danny Hieber (Grandview)
711 Mike Iles (New Egypt)
P.S. Man, I wish Tom Skibinski was still around, since he left DIRT hasn't released one press release hyping up Volusia or even talking about their new weekly deal.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Lots More Photos!
Photos are up on Race Pro Weekly and South Jersey Dirt Racing from Motorsports! Lots of great looking cars, finally, some lettered race cars!!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Some Motorsports Pics on CPN
Cow Patty Nation is the only place I've seen so far that has any photos from the Motorsports show last night. They've got pictures of Craig Von Dohren, Duane Howard, and Kevin Hirthler's 2011 rides. South Jersey Dirt Racing should have some photos up from the event soon too. It's great to see modifieds all lettered up again!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Addison Meitzler 2011 Ride
Here's Addison Meitzler's 2011 Rich Stankiewicz Racing #2 that he'll run weekly at Grandview Speedway. The car will be at the Motorsports show in Philly this weekend.
Gilmore Signs with Breitenstein; Iles to Volusia; Driver Chart Updated
Breitenstein Motorsports was one of the last teams to announce their driver for the 2011 racing season, but they've finally made the announcement. Veteran driver Kenny Gilmore will take over the seat of the #14 small block modified, replacing Doug Manmiller for weekly competition at Grandview Speedway. Gilmore ran for the team the past 2 seasons in a second entry for the Freedom 76er, and also ran for the team earlier in his career. This will be Gilmore's first full-season in quite a few years. Area Auto Racing News broke the story.
Area Auto Racing News reports that Mike Iles is the latest driver to announce his intentions on running at Volusia in February. It will be the former Bridgeport Speedway champions first ever appearance at the track.
I've added a bunch of drivers to the driver chart. I'll be doing more updating on that in the next few weeks as track schedules come out.
Area Auto Racing News reports that Mike Iles is the latest driver to announce his intentions on running at Volusia in February. It will be the former Bridgeport Speedway champions first ever appearance at the track.
I've added a bunch of drivers to the driver chart. I'll be doing more updating on that in the next few weeks as track schedules come out.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Danny O'Brien Paint Scheme; Hieber to Volusia
Here is Danny O'Brien's #1* Kendrick Motorsports 358 modified for the 2011 season. With Motorsports in Philly coming up this weekend, we'll be seeing lots more paint schemes soon!
Pennsylvania driver Danny Hieber is the lastest driver to announce that he will race at Volusia in Febuary. He'll be debuting a brand new Troyer, thanks to DiamondDog for the tidbit!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Early Volusia Update
Not a whole lot of news going on right now, I'm still trying to follow up on the Ken Brewer information (thanks for the lead TW). However, there are a few guys that have announced their plans to run at Volusia in February. Here's the list we've got so far.
1 Darwin Greene
1x Willy Decker
5 Jimmy Horton
10 Bobby Varin
10v Danny Varin
20 Brett Hearn
23 Billy VanInwegen
79 Jeremy Markle
I'll keep posting when more guys announce their intensions on running Volusia.
1 Darwin Greene
1x Willy Decker
5 Jimmy Horton
10 Bobby Varin
10v Danny Varin
20 Brett Hearn
23 Billy VanInwegen
79 Jeremy Markle
I'll keep posting when more guys announce their intensions on running Volusia.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Strunk to Hansell
Well, it's finally official. After weeks of negotiations, Jeff Strunk will take over driving duties of the Norm Hansell 357. Strunk replaces Ryan Godown in the car, and Glenn Strunk will replace Jeff Strunk in the Gagliardo Motorsports 41 car. South Jersey Dirt Racing broke the news.
Friday, January 14, 2011
CPN Reporting Glenn Strunk In With Gagliardo Motorsports
Cow Patty Nation is reporting that Glenn Strunk is in the Gagliardo Motorsports 41 car in 2011. The car was piloted by Jeff Strunk throughout the last 2 seasons, and multiple reports stated early in the off-season that Glenn Strunk (after running a bunch of races at the end of the year in Gagliardo's second car) would replace his brother in the car for 2011. However, multiple other reports came that Jeff Strunk was not leaving the Gagliardo car, and other rumors also swirled about the future of the 41 team.
From what I understand, this still doesn't mean the end of Jeff Strunk with the Gagliardo Motorsports team. The team has operated with 2 cars multiple times in the past, and there's still a possibility of Jeff and Glenn Strunk running as teammates in 2011. Jeff Strunk's main goal appears to be to land with the Norm Hansell 357, however the two sides have had lots of problems in negotiations. We'll be sure to let you know if we hear anything else.
I'll be gone until Sunday night, so there won't be any updates until then. Sorry guys!
From what I understand, this still doesn't mean the end of Jeff Strunk with the Gagliardo Motorsports team. The team has operated with 2 cars multiple times in the past, and there's still a possibility of Jeff and Glenn Strunk running as teammates in 2011. Jeff Strunk's main goal appears to be to land with the Norm Hansell 357, however the two sides have had lots of problems in negotiations. We'll be sure to let you know if we hear anything else.
I'll be gone until Sunday night, so there won't be any updates until then. Sorry guys!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Higbie Lands with Tuit
Jerry Higbie, who became one of the biggest name free agents in the off-season after parting ways with Mike Petruska a few weeks ago, has landed with the Ray Tuit #673 big block modified. The news was announced on Doug's Dirt Diary. Higbie will run weekly with the team at Orange County Fair Speedway, while running his own #97 weekly at Accord Speedway. Higbie plans on doing at least some traveling with both his own team and the Tuit team.
Gary Tomkins drove Ray Tuit last year, but left the team when they wanted to limit their traveling and run weekly at Orange County. He'll continue to drive for Ken Brewer Racing, and is looking for other rides.
Gary Tomkins drove Ray Tuit last year, but left the team when they wanted to limit their traveling and run weekly at Orange County. He'll continue to drive for Ken Brewer Racing, and is looking for other rides.
Friday, January 7, 2011
My Predictions
It's been a solid off-season this year, but there are still a few rides that are looking for drivers for 2011. Here's my prediction on who ends up where.
Gagliardo Motorsports- Reports from all over came in saying that Jeff Strunk had left the Gagliardo Motorsports 41 car at the conclusion of the 2010 season. Strunk initially appeared destined to return to BPG Motorsports and run weekly on the PA small block circuit in a team's third car, but then Bridgeport announced it would not run big blocks weekly, which essentially meant that Duane Howard would continue to run Grandview weekly, eliminating any chance for a third car. Norm Hansell then became the apparent next destination for Strunk, but Hansell and Strunk could not agree on a percentage which all but eliminated that deal. While all that was going on it looked like a lock that Glenn Strunk would take over as the full-time driver for the Gagliardo Motorsports team. Now, with other offers seemingly evaporated, it looks like Jeff Strunk will return to the seat of the 41 car. Rumors are now swirling that the team will field to entries in 2011.
Prediction: Two car team with the brothers Jeff and Glenn Strunk getting the nod.
Norm Hansell Motorsports- Ryan Godown and Norm Hansell seemed to have almost no luck in 2010, which led to the two parting ways following the season. Hansell and Jeff Strunk appeared to be headed towards a deal until a dispute in negotiations changed those plans. Now, the rumor mill for Hansell has been fairly quiet. Hansell likes to have big name drivers in his cars. Fred Rahmer, Meme DeSantis, Stewart Friesen, Duane Howard, Rick Laubach, Billy Pauch, Doug Hoffman, and Ryan Godown are just some of the big name guys that have driven for Hansell. The problem is, there aren't many big name drivers that are available to run two nights a week. Rick Laubach and Hansell dominated Big Diamond in 2009 together, but he probably won't be available for Saturday night racing. Wade Hendrickson is another possibility, but he's not interested in traveling from New Jersey to Pennsylvania twice a weekend.
Prediction: I'm totally lost on this one, although Rick Laubach makes the most sense.
Breitenstein Motorsports- After a successful run with Doug Manmiller, lack of funding caused team and driver to part ways. When the announcement came via Brett Deyo, it appeared that Breitenstein Motorsports was going to sit out the 2011 season. However, news has been flowing in and it looks like the long-time team will return to racing at Grandview Speedway this season. Originally, Brad Grim seemed like a perfect fit for the team since he could provide a bit of help in funding and parts with the team. However, Grim was never truly considered. Another possibility early in the off-season was veteran Shawn Reimert, but the two didn't come to any agreements. The other possibility all off-season has been Kenny Gilmore, who has driven for Breitenstein in the past.
Prediction: The team runs in 2011, and Kenny Gilmore is their driver.
Mike Petruska Racing- After two years, four track championships, a mini-series title, one Eastern States 200 win, and a Hard Clay Challenge win; Mike Petruska parted ways with Jerry Higbie. The rumor came out early in the off-season that the two would be splitting, but that rumor was shot down by Higbie. However, the news came later that indeed, Petruska and Higbie were done. When rumors first started flying, Clinton Mills was rumored to be the successor for Higbie. Another obvious possibility was the only person other than Higbie to drive for Petruska in 2011; Danny Johnson. The other possibility was Michael Storms, who lost his ride with the Four Star Racing team late in 2010.
Prediction: Danny Johnson after the Area Auto article. Had you have asked me two days ago, I'd have bet on Michael Storms taking over the ride.
Gagliardo Motorsports- Reports from all over came in saying that Jeff Strunk had left the Gagliardo Motorsports 41 car at the conclusion of the 2010 season. Strunk initially appeared destined to return to BPG Motorsports and run weekly on the PA small block circuit in a team's third car, but then Bridgeport announced it would not run big blocks weekly, which essentially meant that Duane Howard would continue to run Grandview weekly, eliminating any chance for a third car. Norm Hansell then became the apparent next destination for Strunk, but Hansell and Strunk could not agree on a percentage which all but eliminated that deal. While all that was going on it looked like a lock that Glenn Strunk would take over as the full-time driver for the Gagliardo Motorsports team. Now, with other offers seemingly evaporated, it looks like Jeff Strunk will return to the seat of the 41 car. Rumors are now swirling that the team will field to entries in 2011.
Prediction: Two car team with the brothers Jeff and Glenn Strunk getting the nod.
Norm Hansell Motorsports- Ryan Godown and Norm Hansell seemed to have almost no luck in 2010, which led to the two parting ways following the season. Hansell and Jeff Strunk appeared to be headed towards a deal until a dispute in negotiations changed those plans. Now, the rumor mill for Hansell has been fairly quiet. Hansell likes to have big name drivers in his cars. Fred Rahmer, Meme DeSantis, Stewart Friesen, Duane Howard, Rick Laubach, Billy Pauch, Doug Hoffman, and Ryan Godown are just some of the big name guys that have driven for Hansell. The problem is, there aren't many big name drivers that are available to run two nights a week. Rick Laubach and Hansell dominated Big Diamond in 2009 together, but he probably won't be available for Saturday night racing. Wade Hendrickson is another possibility, but he's not interested in traveling from New Jersey to Pennsylvania twice a weekend.
Prediction: I'm totally lost on this one, although Rick Laubach makes the most sense.
Breitenstein Motorsports- After a successful run with Doug Manmiller, lack of funding caused team and driver to part ways. When the announcement came via Brett Deyo, it appeared that Breitenstein Motorsports was going to sit out the 2011 season. However, news has been flowing in and it looks like the long-time team will return to racing at Grandview Speedway this season. Originally, Brad Grim seemed like a perfect fit for the team since he could provide a bit of help in funding and parts with the team. However, Grim was never truly considered. Another possibility early in the off-season was veteran Shawn Reimert, but the two didn't come to any agreements. The other possibility all off-season has been Kenny Gilmore, who has driven for Breitenstein in the past.
Prediction: The team runs in 2011, and Kenny Gilmore is their driver.
Mike Petruska Racing- After two years, four track championships, a mini-series title, one Eastern States 200 win, and a Hard Clay Challenge win; Mike Petruska parted ways with Jerry Higbie. The rumor came out early in the off-season that the two would be splitting, but that rumor was shot down by Higbie. However, the news came later that indeed, Petruska and Higbie were done. When rumors first started flying, Clinton Mills was rumored to be the successor for Higbie. Another obvious possibility was the only person other than Higbie to drive for Petruska in 2011; Danny Johnson. The other possibility was Michael Storms, who lost his ride with the Four Star Racing team late in 2010.
Prediction: Danny Johnson after the Area Auto article. Had you have asked me two days ago, I'd have bet on Michael Storms taking over the ride.
Friday Tidbits
Randy Kane announced in this week's edition of Area Auto Racing News that sportsman star Brad Grim will be taking over driving duties of the Jim Reid Racing team. Grim ran a few modified races at the end of last season for cousin Ryan Grim, but this will be his rookie full-season assault. Reid's driver over the past few seasons, Jason Smythe, is currently looking for a ride.
AARN also reported in Lenny Sammons' article that Danny Johnson looks to be the new driver of the Mike Petruska Racing 66 modified. Danny drove for the team in the Bridgeport Speedway finale last season. Danny and Petruska has success in 2007 and 2008, claiming a slew of races highlighted by the Eastern States 200, and the RoC Icebreaker at Selinsgrove. Johnson is still not officially with the team yet.
Via Doug's Dirt Diary, 2010 Utica Rome Speedway sportsman champion Billy Trexler will be making the move to modifieds in 2011. He'll continue to run weekly at Utica Rome.
AARN also reported in Lenny Sammons' article that Danny Johnson looks to be the new driver of the Mike Petruska Racing 66 modified. Danny drove for the team in the Bridgeport Speedway finale last season. Danny and Petruska has success in 2007 and 2008, claiming a slew of races highlighted by the Eastern States 200, and the RoC Icebreaker at Selinsgrove. Johnson is still not officially with the team yet.
Via Doug's Dirt Diary, 2010 Utica Rome Speedway sportsman champion Billy Trexler will be making the move to modifieds in 2011. He'll continue to run weekly at Utica Rome.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Dave Camara Update
There was a post on here a little while ago asking about Dave Camara. I recently got an e-mail (the guy said his info was posted on Dirt Track Digest a few weeks ago, sorry if I missed it and this is old news) that confirmed that Dave Camara has sold all his modified equipment. However, Camara is still searching for a ride to continue to race modifieds. Basically, a team is shutting down (albeit it be a self-owned team) but the driver is not retiring.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Godown Back with JR Motorsports
Ryan Godown will return to the seat of the JR Motorsports R1 small block modified for weekly competition on the PA circuit in 2011. Godown and JR Motorsports owner Johnny Rea parted ways following a great 2009 campaign that saw them collect wins in the Forrest Rogers Memorial and the Coalcracker 100. Rick Laubach took over the R1 JR Motorsports car while Godown went to the Norm Hansell team. The announcement comes via AARN.com (Area Auto Racing News's website).
This means we'll have to wait and see where Rick Laubach ends up. Jeff Strunk appeared to be the front runner to take over the Norm Hansell 357 team, but now other people (including quite a few of you guys giving me feedback in the chat box, thanks!) are claiming that Strunk will remain with the Gagliardo Motorsports 41. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
This means we'll have to wait and see where Rick Laubach ends up. Jeff Strunk appeared to be the front runner to take over the Norm Hansell 357 team, but now other people (including quite a few of you guys giving me feedback in the chat box, thanks!) are claiming that Strunk will remain with the Gagliardo Motorsports 41. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thank You!
I just wanted to take the time to thank you guys for 2010. Honestly, I have no idea if I had anymore viewers this year than in years passed, hell, for all I know, I only have 9 people that have ever saw this site. But, I have a lot of fun doing it because of all you guys that check in here. I like being the website (or blog) that nobody really knows about, it makes it fun, and I get to know a lot of you guys that actually do check it out because of it. I hope that you guys will continue to stop in here and check this place out!
If you guys have any ideas on how to make this site more enjoyable, feel free to contact me via e-mail at Jman97531@aol.com. We'll have the Crown Jewel Fantasy League again (thank you again to Area Auto Racing News, Strapped In Magazine, and Zach Aubertine Motorsports for all your support) and hope to have more give aways for you guys throughout the year. There's a good chance that 2010 was the final year of the Bash on the Backstretch party and big wheel races that we throw during Super Dirt Week, and if it is, thank you guys for all the support up there too! We never expected that whole thing to get as big as it's gotten, and we think it may have gotten too big for us to handle. We'll still be at Super Dirt Week of course, we'll see all you guys at the Voodoo Lounge and Club Gypsum, as they both throw awesome parties too.
Of course, I need to thank all publications, websites, teams, officials, drivers, owners, fans, etc. that help keep the sport we all love alive! Can't wait to see you guys at the track in 2011! You guys are the best!!
If you guys have any ideas on how to make this site more enjoyable, feel free to contact me via e-mail at Jman97531@aol.com. We'll have the Crown Jewel Fantasy League again (thank you again to Area Auto Racing News, Strapped In Magazine, and Zach Aubertine Motorsports for all your support) and hope to have more give aways for you guys throughout the year. There's a good chance that 2010 was the final year of the Bash on the Backstretch party and big wheel races that we throw during Super Dirt Week, and if it is, thank you guys for all the support up there too! We never expected that whole thing to get as big as it's gotten, and we think it may have gotten too big for us to handle. We'll still be at Super Dirt Week of course, we'll see all you guys at the Voodoo Lounge and Club Gypsum, as they both throw awesome parties too.
Of course, I need to thank all publications, websites, teams, officials, drivers, owners, fans, etc. that help keep the sport we all love alive! Can't wait to see you guys at the track in 2011! You guys are the best!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year; Hirthler and Cossaboone News
I hope everyone had a very happy and safe start to 2011!!
The worst kept secret of the off-season was the news that Kevin Hirthler would take over the second seat in the BPG Racing stables. The news is finally official, and Hirthler will run for Chad Sinon weekly at Grandview Speedway. Duane Howard will continue to drive for the team as well, and on top of running Grandview will also run big block races throughout the northeast along with visits to Big Diamond Raceway on Friday nights.
Fan favorite Chic Cossaboone has announced his retirement from the sport. Cossaboone was a weekly runner at Bridgeport Speedway, but also traveled to events at tracks like Georgetown, New Jersey Motorsports Park, New Egypt, Grandview, Delaware International, and Five Mile Point over the past few years. With Bridgeport no longer running big blocks weekly, the team has decided to close up shop. We'll miss seeing that beautiful 7A on the track, and we wish Chic and his crew the best of luck in the future!
The worst kept secret of the off-season was the news that Kevin Hirthler would take over the second seat in the BPG Racing stables. The news is finally official, and Hirthler will run for Chad Sinon weekly at Grandview Speedway. Duane Howard will continue to drive for the team as well, and on top of running Grandview will also run big block races throughout the northeast along with visits to Big Diamond Raceway on Friday nights.
Fan favorite Chic Cossaboone has announced his retirement from the sport. Cossaboone was a weekly runner at Bridgeport Speedway, but also traveled to events at tracks like Georgetown, New Jersey Motorsports Park, New Egypt, Grandview, Delaware International, and Five Mile Point over the past few years. With Bridgeport no longer running big blocks weekly, the team has decided to close up shop. We'll miss seeing that beautiful 7A on the track, and we wish Chic and his crew the best of luck in the future!
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