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More July 5th 2010
Border Patrol - A weekly look at racing from both sides of the 1000 Islands
Craig Revelle - July 4, 2010
With Canada Day and the July 4th Holiday weekend for our great friends in the United States upon us, it is the unofficial kickoff of a busy summer of racing. Four race nights a week, weather permitting, of course, will be a common occurrence for the next few weeks. For many racing enthusiasts, four consecutive nights of racing began this past Thursday night, at Edelweiss Speedway in Cantley, Quebec for a Canada Day 358 Modified Mr. DIRTcar Series race, followed by weekly events at Can Am, Brockville and Cornwall. Can Am hosted the Empire Super Sprints both Friday and Saturday night.
Work commitments kept me from attending Edelweiss Speedway on Canada Day. 38 Modifieds signed into the pit area, with Danny Johnson picking up the win, after qualifying through the last chance consolation race and starting 22nd. Mario Clair was second, Pete Bicknell was third, David Hebert finished in fourth place with race sponsor (Gauvreau Top Soil) Eric Gauvreau rounding out the top five.
At Chapman's Can Am Motorsports Park on Friday night, the Empire Super Sprints invaded the Speedway for a weekend event. Friday night's main event winner was Justin Barger, picking up his fourth consecutive win at Can Am. Jessica Zemken, driving a car owned by NASCAR star Tony Stewart finished second. Zemken needed a caution in the closing laps for the chance at a win, but it never materialized. Dan Kaszubinski finished in third place, Steve Poirier was fourth and Alain Bergeron completed the top five.
“The Hurricane” Steve Paine collected the win in the 30 lap Modified feature at Can Am. Paine took the lead away from Vinny Vitale on lap 17 and cruised to the win, his third of the season at Chapman's Can Am Motorsports Park. Vitale finished second, Tim O'Brien finished third, and was the top finishing 358 Modified. Billy Dunn and Lance Willix finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Matt Hulsizer won the SUNY Canton Sportsman Series race. Hulsizer took the lead just past halfway and never looked back. Josh VanBrocklin finished second, Tim Sears Jr., Tom Conklin and Jeff Stevenson were the best five on this night.
Jordan Keruskie won his first ever Crate Late Model race, holding off current points leader Lee Gill for the victory. Greg Belyea finished third.
On Saturday night, I had to make a decision to either attend Chapman's Can Am Motorsports Park for the second round of the Empire Super Sprints, or the Brockville Ontario Speedway for their regular show. As much as I enjoy Sprint car racing, my passion is with the Modifieds, and for that reason, Brockville Speedway was my destination of choice.
Pat O'Brien picked up his first win of the season after making a last race pass on Bobby Herrington. Herrington finished a strong second place, with Danny O'Brien, Tim O'Brien and Stephane Lafrance completing the top five spots.
In the Sportsman feature, all eyes were once again on Chris Raabe, as he continues to dominate the Sportsman division. Raabe, fresh off a win the previous night at Mohawk Raceway started the feature from the 15th position wasted little time getting to the front. Just four laps in, he had worked his way up to third, and then went to work on the race leader. Raabe picked up the win over Chris Herbison, Dylan Evoy, Randy Earl and Kenny Polite.
Wayne Riddell won the Vintage Modified feature over Jeff Ciglich. Jean Marc Larose was the 4-cylinder “rookie” division winner and Kevin Fetterly Jr. was the Street Stock feature winner.
Over at Can Am on Saturday night, it was Jessica Zemken taking the Empire Super Sprints victory over Justin Barger, Steve Poirier, Lance Young and Blake Breen. Ryan Scott, Phil Walker and Rich Rainville were also winners in their respective classes.
Sunday night, the Cornwall Motor Speedway hosted a special 50-lap Mohawk Race Parts Series race along with a regular program of Modifieds, Sportsman, and Mini Stocks. Joey Ladouceur picked up the popular win over Ghislain Valade, Corey Wheeler, George Renaud and Rock Aubin.
The Modified feature was won by second generation racer Stephane Lafrance, piloting his home built Modified to his first win of the season at Cornwall. Gage Morin, Danny O'Brien, Joel Doiron and Luke Whitteker rounded completed the top five.
The most exciting race of the night was in the Sportsman division. Again, Chris Raabe, looking for his third win of the weekend moved through the field quickly at the drop of the green, only to be knocked off the racetrack just past the halfway point of the 20 lap race. Coming from the back of the pack, Raabe again worked his way to the front and took the lead with two laps remaining, and collected the win and the weekend sweep. Raabe now has a total of 17 wins this season.
On a sad note, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mitch Jock, from Hogansburg, New York. Mitch raced Modifieds at Mohawk Raceway, Cornwall and occasionally Brockville Speedway, and passed away last week after an illness that was detected over the winter. Mitch was a great racer, and was very popular amongst race fans and his fellow competitors.
This coming week will be extremely busy for local race fans, with Can Am hosting their Kevin Fleming Memorial night on Friday. Brockville will have their 'Mid Summer Melt Down, featuring double points races for all classes. Cornwall Speedway hosts the Super DIRTcar Series for the Big Block Modifieds on Sunday night, and Chapman's Can Am Motorsports Park will host a special Monday night 'Summer Sizzler' event featuring the first ever visit of the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series along with SUNY Canton double points events for the 358 Modifieds, and Sportsman. The Modified winner will receive $2000 and the Sportsman feature winner will take home $1500. A Crate Late Model open event is also on the schedule, paying an impressive $1500 to the race winner.
I hope you have enjoyed my weekly column. Any comments or suggestions can be sent to
crevelle@ripnet.com
Stephane Lafrance Wins at Cornwall. (Ice Level Photography)
Consistency is the Key to Success for Luke Whitteker and Team
Craig Revelle - Finish Line Web Design
July 5, 2010
With his first season in a 358 Modified already half over, Luke Whitteker and his Whitteker Motorsports team, from Iroquois, Ontario have had a remarkable season, consistently finishing amongst the leaders, and collecting top five and top ten finishes virtually every time on the track.
Only two races were planned for Whitteker on our Canada Day weekend. A 358 Modified Mr. DIRTcar Series race at Edelweiss Speedway on Thursday evening and then a regular show at Cornwall Motor Speedway on Sunday.
Edelweiss Speedway has become a weekly stop for Whitteker this season, and the familiarity with the track paid off early by setting the third fastest speed in time trials. With the fast lap,
Whitteker started second in his qualifying heat and held onto that second position throughout the race, placing him into the redraw for the top 12 starting positions for the feature. By luck of the draw, Whitteker selected the third starting position and lined up inside of the second row for the 100 lap main event. Running strong in the early stages, Whitteker raced side by side with some of the best racers in the DIRTcar 358 Modified division. As the race progressed, Whitteker's car began to lose grip, and the car's handling started to deteriorate, and at the conclusion of the race, Whitteker finished in 14th place.
“We gained a lot of experience tonight”, says Whitteker. “These 100 lap races are a lot of fun, but we just don't have much experience with them. There are plenty of great cars here tonight. The car was pretty good early, but around lap 30 it started going away on us”.
After racing on Thursday evening, Edelweiss Speedway did not race on their normal Friday night, so the Whitteker team decided to take the night off from racing, as well as Saturday night, and worked on their Rust Check, Coldwell Banker, Steve Summers Coburn Realty, Jim's Performance Plus, Parcoll Products/Napa Auto Parts, Quaker State, Riverside Pontiac, Toy Storage, Wells and Son Construction, ERD Engine Research and Development, and Finish Line Web Design sponsored Bicknell car, preparing it for Sunday's race at Cornwall Motor Speedway.
Whitteker started his qualifying heat in third place, and maintained that position throughout the ten-lap race. An eighth place starting position was issued to the team for the 30 lap main event, and when the green flag dropped, Whitteker set his sites on the top five. By lap seven, Whitteker had moved into the fifth position, and then spent the next several laps battling for fourth. A caution on lap 23 regrouped the field, and Whitteker dropped one position to fifth in the final laps.
“The car was good, but we just need a little bit more here to start contending for wins. It has been a good year so far, but I would love to get a win here at Cornwall”, says Whitteker.
This coming weekend, the Modifieds are not on the schedule at Edelweiss Speedway. Tentatively, the Whitteker Motorsports team will be back in action Sunday at Cornwall Motor Speedway, and then a special Monday night SUNY Canton Series event at Chapman's Can Am Motorsports Park in Lafargeville, New York. Can Am is one of Whitteker's favorite tracks, and site of his first win in a 358 Modified earlier this season.
With high school being done for the summer months, Whitteker is looking to fill that free time with summer employment in the area. To hire this hard working fast paced racecar driver, give Luke Whitteker a call at 613-652-4561.
For more information on Luke Whitteker and the Whitteker Motorsports team, please visit our website,
www.lukewhitteker.com
Luke Whitteker with Edelweiss Speedway representatives. (Rick Young Photo)
Johnny Clark (54) battles race winner Ben Rowe (48) for the lead at Canaan Fair Speedway (Norm Marx)
Andy Shaw won the PASS Mod feature at Canaan Fair Speedway (Norm Marx)
Rowe took the lead for good on lap 84 of Saturday night's 150 lap Fourth of July Spectacular at Canaan (NH) Fair Speedway, battling with Johnny Clark over the final sixty six laps to claim the victory and foil Clark's shot at four straight PASS North super late model wins.
Richie Dearborn had a strong run, racing up from the back half of the grid to finish third. Trevor Sanborn led a bunch but had to settle for fourth when the checkers dropped. Adam Bates gained eight spots for a fine top five.
Clark looked like he had a great shot at the four-peat, charging up from eleventh spot to take the point on one of the night's few restarts right before the half-way mark. Clark captured the lead from Rowe at the green and for a while it looked like the reigning champ might claim the win streak record, but Rowe came back at Clark in a big way to regain the lead and cross the finish line first.
Ten cars completed all 150 laps in a fast paced race that was only slowed by three quick caution periods. Heat race wins went to Nick Ribbe and Johnny Clark.
Andy Shaw was sidelined by ignition issues in his heat race, but when feature time for the PASS Mods rolled around his ride was repaired and ready to rumble. Shaw claimed his first PASS Mod feature of the season, beating Jon Brill and Scott McDaniel to the stripe. Shaw raced up from eighth on the Grid and took the from Sumner Sessions with thirteen to go. Bill Dixon and Rich Ferreira won the Mod heats.
The Pro All Stars season heats up in July with a string of races that will test the mettle of all of the series' competitors. The super late models are back on track next Saturday night July 10 at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, and then they get right back at it Tuesday July 13th for 200 laps at Lee (NH) USA Speedway. Then, it's off to Thompson International Speedway on July 22nd. for round three of the PASS National Championship series.
The PASS Mods have 40 lap features on tap at Beech Ridge and Lee USA, plus a standalone appearance at Canaan Fair Speedway July 24. The PASS Sportsman tour will join the PASS super late models and Mods at Lee USA on Tuesday July 13th.
The details for these events and much more are on line at
www.proallstarsseries.com
Unofficial Results
PASS North super late model Fourth of July 150 - Canaan Fair Speedway - Canaan NH - July 3, 2010
Super Late Models:1) 48 Ben Rowe, Turner ME 2) 54 Johnny Clark, Farmingdale ME 3) 33 Richie Dearborn, Hollis ME 4) 44 Trevor Sanborn, E. Parsonsfield ME 5) 98 Adam Bates, Warner NH 6) 7 Donnie Whitten, Wells ME 7) 85 Nick Ribbe, Kingston MA 8) 77 Scott Chubbuck, Dresden ME 9) 71 Gary Drew, Gorham ME 10) 75 Gary Smith, Bangor ME 11) 17 Travis Benjamin, Morrill ME 12) 17A, Scott Alexander, Orrington ME 13) 15 Chris Wilk, Mendon VT 14) 8 Cassius Clark, Farmington ME 15 ) 73 Joey Doiron, Berwick ME 16) 12 Bill Penfold, Yarmouth ME 17) 35 Derek Ramstrom, Worcester MA 18) 1 Randy Turner, Unity ME
PASS Mod Forty Lap Feature:
1) Andy Shaw NH 2) 77 Jon Brill 3) 14 Scott McDaniel 4) 50 Sumner Sessions 5) 20 Charlie Small 6) 53W Alan Wilson 7) 33 Bill Dixon 8) 85 Mitch Miller 9) 53 Leo Oliveira 10) 2x Wayne Whitten Jr. 11) 56x Rich Ferreira
For Immediate Release: Media, contact Norm Desjardins @ (603) 539-3368
PASS North: Ben Rowe reigns, breaks Clark's skein
Naples ME (7/3/10) Ben Rowe has run up front in all four Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North races to date and Saturday night the four time series champ took Scott Mulkern's Community Pharmacies 48 to victory lane, a first in the win column for the new team led by journeyman crew chief Seth Holbrook.
Looking back at the inaugural edition of DIRTcar All-Star Weekend staged at the home of DIRTcar Racing Northeast, highlights from last year's historic event will be recalled in anticipation of the return of the richest race ever held during the summer at the popular Route 31 oval. Until that first green flag finally unfurls, climb aboard, buckle in and take a ride around the fairgrounds as the countdown to DIRTcar All-Star Weekend II begins!
With All-Star Weekend approaching quickly, DIRTcar Racing officials are creating an atmosphere unlike any other before. Downtown Syracuse transforms into a mecca of motorsports activity on Tuesday, July 6 when a half-dozen high-profile cars & stars from the DIRTcar Big-Block Modified ranks roll through the streets starting at 11:30 a.m. The entire community of fans both new and old are invited to participate in the extended holiday festivities featuring a free autograph session that runs from 12noon to 2 p.m.
In the rarest of road races that goes green at Clinton Square and takes the checkered flag at the same Clinton Street locale, a police escort will lead the way as the sleek DIRTcar machines of Billy Decker, Brett Hearn, Jimmy Phelps, Ryan Phelps, Matt Sheppard and Michael Storms weave their way around town with engines purring and fuel burning.
Onlookers are sure to revel as the 800-horsepower Modifieds fill their senses with all the sights, sounds and smells that have become so familiar at their weekly stomping grounds throughout the Northeast.
DIRTcar Racing Northeast main office is located in Weedsport, New York on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds, home of DIRTcar All-Star Weekend in July. DIRTcar Northeast's crown jewel event ---Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse runs annually in October featuring Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series events for Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions. Ticket and schedule information is available by contacting the Weedsport office (315/834-6606) during the day or logging into
www.allstar100weekend.com
10 Days .. Countdown To 2nd DIRTcar ALL-STAR WEEKEND Officially Underway!
*Jeremiah Fish Photo Attachment
Weedsport, NY - July 5, 2010 - Culminating with the headline 'All-Star 100' on July 17 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway, the start of DIRTcar All-Star Weekend '10 is exactly 10 days away. Opening day activity kicks off at Brewerton Speedway on July 15 while the Cayuga County Fairgrounds come to life for the final two days of heart-pounding, high-powered, pedal-mashing entertainment, with the Big-Block Modified winners on Saturday sharing $20,000 from the record posted purse of $100,000.
July 2nd
Four Cylinders 20 Cars
Heat 1 09 Dean Curry
Heat 2 71 Gary Jones
Heat 3 09 Dean Curry
Heat 4 71 Gary Jones
Feature 1st 09 Dean Curry
2nd 19 Jason Hind
3rd 51 Chris Ruigrok
4TH 71 Gary Jones
5TH 36 Lance Hotchkiss
Thunder Cars 19 cars
Heat 1 53
Heat 2 00 Joe Adams
Heat 3 69 Scott McTeer
Heat 4 30 Todd Davenport
Feature 1st 69 Scott McTeer
2nd 53 Kyle Donaldson
3rd 8 Matt Mulholland
4TH 30 Todd Davenport
5TH 44 Dave Doucette
Results from Sauble Speedway July 2nd and 3rd
www.saublespeedway.com
Late Models 18 cars
Heat 1 34 Jason Tremble
Heat 2 35 Andy Kamrath
Heat 3 2 Tim Ellis
Heat 4 10 Tom Gibbons
Feature 1st 35 Andy Kamrath
2nd 2 Tim Ellis
3rd 28 Roy Wilkie
4TH 10 Tom Gibbons
5TH 19 Brandon Watson
July 3rd
Open Wheel Modified 23 cars
Modified heat 1 39 David McCullough
Modified heat 2 70 John Saunders
Modified heat 1 88 Paul Shipway
Modified heat 2 82 Justin Demelo
Modified feature 88 Paul Shipway
3 Jamie Cox
1 Barry Newman
82 Justin Demelo
39 David McCullough
St. Eustache, Quebec, Sat. July 3, 2010 Kerry Micks driver of the No. 02 Dickies /Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Fusion nabbed the pole position for the Lucas Oil National 250 at Autodrome St Eustache .and finished the race in sixth
Micks, put the No. 02 Ford Fusion on the pole during qualifying and was just shy of a new track record. “We are really happy with this Dickies/Beyond Digital Imaging Ford Fusion” commented Kerry, ”My crew have worked really hard on getting the balance and soft set up to work on this new McColl car.”
Micks lead the first 75 laps of the Lucas Oil National 250, after which he got a stop and go penalty from NASCAR. The early penalty wouldn't deter Micks though as he joined the rear of the field and started to work his way back to the front. Micks was running at the back
MICKS WINS POLE AND FINISHES 6th AT ST. EUSTACHE
when the caution flag flew on lap 98. The No. 02 came to pit road twice during the caution and took two left side tires and fuel, he restarted in the 10th position.
Micks was charging hard and by lap 150 had fought his way back up to 6th position, and by lap 219 Micks was running in 3rd . He moved to the front with ten laps to go. A battle for the lead ensued with two laps to go with lapped traffic playing a role and Micks got spun around. He was able to save the car and cross the finish line in 6th place.
While extremely disappointed about not taking the win, Micks was positive at the end of the race. “We are really happy with this car, it's really fast and that's a big accomplishment for a brand new race car.”
Finish: 1. D.J. Kennington 2. Scott Steckly 3. Don Thomson Jr. 6. Kerry Micks.
Kerry Micks has maintained forth position in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Standings.
The Lucas Oil National 250 will be aired on TSN on Saturday, July 10 at 11:30 a.m. EST.
The next event for the No.02 Dickies/Beyond Digital Imaging will be the Toronto Honda Indy and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart 100. When asked about returning to the streets of Toronto for the Toronto Honda Indy in two weeks, you could hear the excitement in Micks' voice. “We won the last time we raced there n 2005 and are hoping for a repeat.”
For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit
www.nascarlocalracing.com
Kerry Micks is supported by the following sponsors: Beyond Digital Imaging, Williamson-Dickie Canada Co., Prostate Cancer Canada, Steadymate, Seguin Marina, Thor Motors, NGK Spark Plugs, Canadian Detailing Services and Cathcart Trucking.
for more information please contact: Linda Jones Wide Open Motorsport Solutions
(705) 730-4044 Email:
ljones@wideopensolutions.ca
Susan Micks - Micks Motorsports (905) 853-3876 E-mail:
kmicks@neptune.on.ca
Deer Creek Speedway's 'Gopher 50' On Wednesday Night (July 7)
Has Become Big Part Of World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Unique Charity Event Earned Organizers Recognition As National Tour's 2009 Promoters Of The Year
Collaboratively promoted by the Blooming Prairie (Minn.) Lions Club and management of Deer Creek Speedway, the Gopher 50's alltime winners' list is dotted with some of the biggest names in the racing business. More importantly, over $300,000 for Jaycee and Lions projects has been raised over the lifetime of the Gopher 50, which was contested at Chateau Speedway in Austin, Minn. (1980-1981) and the Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatanna, Minn. (1982-2004) before settling at Deer Creek in 2005 and soaring to new heights.
The Gopher 50 has been part of the WoO LMS for its entire run at Deer Creek, gaining more prominence on the schedule with each passing season. Anyone still unfamiliar with the event received a reminder of its status when the announcement of its organizers' WoO LMS promotional award was made during the national tour's awards banquet last November.
“We're honored to receive an award from such a prestigious group like the World of Outlaws,” said Jerry Ingvalson, the Blooming Prairie Lions Club member who has overseen all aspects of the Charity Race since its inception in 1980. “It definitely shows how much the Gopher has grown. It's become one of the events in the dirt Late Model world that people want to see.”
“We couldn't believe it when Tim (Christman, the WoO LMS director) called and said little Deer Creek Speedway and the Gopher 50 won the award,” said Deer Creek's P.R. and marketing director Ryan Queensland, whose family operates the finely-manicured, three-eighths-mile oval. “We're humbled that a national touring series would recognize our track and event, considering some of the crown-jewel races and well-known tracks that are part of the series.
“Winning an award like this puts you in a very elite crowd. It's a helluva honor, and it drives us to go out and continue putting on great events.”
Ingvalson and the Queensland family celebrated last year's milestone 30th edition of the Gopher 50 with a promotion that certainly couldn't be ignored by WoO LMS officials and teams. The event headlined the 17 former Gopher 50 winners, gave fans a shot at a cash prize and featured a $10,000 bonus for a past event champion to win the race - a check that 2008 WoO LMS titlist Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., claimed to push his booty for capturing the A-Main to a whopping $20,000.
“The Gopher obviously has been a huge event around here for years, so we were thrilled when (the Blooming Prairie Lions Club) asked us to host it,” said Ryan Queensland, the P.R. and marketing director of Deer Creek Speedway. “One of the things we talked about with Jerry and the Lions Club was doing something really special for the 30th anniversary of the Gopher. We came up with the Past Champions' Fund and some fan-oriented promotions and I think it all went off great.
“A lot of people came up to us last year and said the Gopher was one of the most memorable races they've ever attended and already had it on their calendars to come back to Deer Creek.”
Thousands of fans are expected to pack Deer Creek's grandstands again on Wednesday night for another installment of the Gopher 50, which this year combines some new wrinkles and popular annual traditions. The biggest incentive for the drivers is the bonus money posted by NAPA - an extra $1,000 on top of the A-Main's $10,000 top prize and $100 for each heat victor, contingent upon display of a NAPA decal on the right side of the car.
What's more, Fastshafts of Des Moines, Iowa, is sponsoring a Gopher 50 Hard Charger award that will award the race's mover-and-shaker a complete aluminum driveshaft with slip yoke (retail value $330) or a certificate towards the purchase of a new carbon-fiber driveshaft with yoke worth $650. Receipt of the prize is also contingent upon display of the company's sticker.
Continuing as part of the Gopher 50, of course, is the pre-race 'feed' - a full Windsor Chops meal held under a tent in the Deer Creek parking lot that is open to all competing drivers and their crews - and the Team Sponsorship Program that pays the event entry fee for the top 20 drivers in Deer Creek's Late Model points standings and the top 10 racers in regional touring series standings thanks to support from a long list of local businesses and individuals.
In addition, sometime during Wednesday night's program WoO LMS director Tim Christman will formally present the tour's 2009 Promoters of the Year award to members of the Blooming Prairie Lions Club and the Queensland family.
“They weren't able to attend our banquet in November so we'll give them their World of Outlaws award in front of all the fans who have made their Gopher 50 promotion so successful,” said Christman. “The Blooming Prairie Lions Club and Queensland family are well-deserved recipients of our Promoters of the Year award and I'm excited to finally get a chance to congratulate them in person.”
A star-studded field will fill the Deer Creek pit area, led by former WoO LMS champions Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who leads the 2010 points standings entering Wednesday night's 'Wild West Tour' lidlifter; Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., who will make his first appearance at Deer Creek since his title-winning season in 2006; Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky.; and Lanigan, one of seven drivers who has won the Gopher 50 multiple times.
The WoO LMS traveling roster also includes Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (2006 Gopher 50 winner), Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (2007 winner), Shane Clanton of Fayetteville, Ga. (winner of two of last three WoO LMS A-Mains, including $30,000-plus Firecracker 100 on June 26 at Pennsylvania's Lernerville Speedway), Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga. (an '06 winner at Deer Creek), Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, rookie Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., and Jill George of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Other drivers expected to compete on Wednesday include two-time Gopher 50 winner Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., Adam Hensel of Barron, Wis., Chris Simpson of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and a host of Deer Creek regulars led by points leader Nick Herrick of West Concord, Minn.
Wednesday night's program will also include Deer Creek's USRA Modified division, which will boast an added attraction of its own. Budding ARCA and NASCAR Nationwide Series star Steve Arpin of Fort Frances, Ont., will make his return to the open-wheel division driving a car carrying sponsorship from Mike's Hard Lemonade, the primary backer of the Venturini Motorsports No. 55 that he's steered to three ARCA victories this season.
Arpin, who has also run four Nationwide Series events in 2010 for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team, will have his Mike's Hard Lemonade ARCA stocker on display for fans on Wednesday night. He'll also participate in a question-and-answer session and sign autographs from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Deer Creek's pit and grandstand gates are scheduled to open at 3 p.m. on Wed., July 7. Time trials are set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets will be $30 on race day for ages 13-and-up and $15 for children 12-and-under. Pre-sale tickets are available for $25 until 5 p.m. on July 5, and pit passes will be $35.
Reserved seats are available on-line at
www.deercreekspeedway.com
Deer Creek Speedway is located 15 miles south of Rochester, Minn., on Highway 63.
The Gopher 50 kicks off the four-race WoO LMS 'Wild West Tour,' which also visits Superior (Wis.) Speedway on July 8; River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., on July 9; and Dakota State Fair Speedway on July 10.
For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com .
SPRING VALLEY, MN - July 5, 2010 - The NAPA Auto Parts 'Gopher 50' Charity Late Model Race sure has come a long way.
With the event ready to celebrate its 31st annual running on Wednesday night (July 7) at Deer Creek Speedway, the 'Gopher' is entrenched as one of the most prestigious and unique dirt Late Model races in the country. It stands out from the crowd so much, in fact, that it earned its organizers coveted recognition as the 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Promoters of the Year.
Alltime 'Gopher 50' Event Winners (1980-81 at Chateau Speedway in Austin, Minn.; 1982-2004 at Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatanna, Minn.; 2005-present at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn.):
1980 - Leon Plank
1981 - Steve Kosiski
1982 - Steve Kosiski
1983 - Joe Kosiski
1984 - Willy Kraft
1985 - Leon Plank
1986 - Tom Steuding
1987 - Willy Kraft
1988 - Steve Kosiski
1989 - Billy Moyer
1990 - Scott Bloomquist
1991 - Rick Egersdorf
1992 - Bob Hill
1993 - Billy Moyer
1994 - Willy Kraft
1995 - Bill Frye
1996 - Billy Moyer
1997 - Rick Aukland
1998 - Jay Johnson
1999 - Scott Bloomquist
2000 - Billy Moyer
2001 - Billy Moyer
2002 - Shannon Babb
2003 - Scott Bloomquist
2004 - Brian Birkhofer
2005 - Darrell Lanigan (WoO LMS)
2006 - Rick Eckert (WoO LMS)
2007 - Chub Frank (WoO LMS)
2008 - Brian Birkhofer (WoO LMS)
2009 - Darrell Lanigan (WoO LMS)
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), STP (Official Fuel Treatment), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser), VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel), DirtonDirt.com (Hard Charger Award) and Chizmark Larson Insurance; in addition to contingency sponsors Eibach Springs, MSD Ignition, Ohlins Shocks, Pink Carburetors, Pro Power Engines, Quartermaster, Rocket Chassis, R2C Performance and Wrisco Aluminum.
Contact: Kevin Kovac
World of Outlaws Late Model Series PR Director
kkovac@dirtcar.com
The Parts Canada Superbike Doubleheader Weekend (July 9-11) at Mosport International Raceway features the top Superbike riders from across the country. With two points races on the weekend for both the Superbike and
the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike classes. This is the biggest motorcycle road racing event in Canada and the only Toronto-area stop for these national championships.
Factory-backed riders attending the media conference will include:
Jordan Szoke (Honda) - The "Wayne Gretzky" of Canadian Superbike racing, this Brantford, Ontario native can clinch a record-breaking seventh title at Mosport.
Frances Martin (BMW Motorrad) - Two-time Superbike champ from Sherbrooke, Quebec, returns to Superbike competition after a season running Pro Sport Bikes with BMW Motorrad, awaiting the Teams' move into the top ring of competition
Alex Welsh (Kawasaki) - This 22-year-old from Uxbridge, Ontario is a former understudy of Szoke's, but now is the lead-rider for Kawasaki.
Media Conference Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Hard Rock Café, Upstairs Lounge - 279 Yonge Street (next to Yonge-Dundas Square) Toronto, Ontario
RSVP: Ryan Chalmers, Mosport International Raceway
(800) 866-1072 (office) (519) 981-3394 (cell)
ryan@mosport.com
A PROFESSIONAL MOTORSPORTS PRODUCTIONS & MOSPORT MEDIA CONFERENCE:
THE PARTS CANADA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP, COMES TO THE TORONTO-AREA
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The Race Results will follow the Recap below.
Brooms Come Out On Friday Night At Varney
Race fans filled the grandstands for a rare Friday Night of Invitational racing at Varney Motor Speedway this past weekend as the Canada Day holiday was celebrated with two nights of racing at Ontario's fastest oval track. While several competitors from other area tracks took advantage of the opportunity to run at Varney on a night that their home-tracks do not run, it would be Varney Speedway regular drivers who would steal the show. In fact, all feature races ,except one, were wone by a driver who had also won their two previous qualifying heat races earlier in the evening as the parade of 'sweeps' highlighted the event.
Friday's Stock 4 feature started with veterans #35 Tim Tolton of Guelph and #51 Clark Hartman of Waterloo on the front row. With two heat race wins already on the night, Tolton was hungry for the sweep. Tolton jumped out to the early lead and would hold the top spot with Hartman close behind. By the midway point of the race, the two leaders were well ahead of what was shaping up to be a fantastic battle for positions three through six. Making her first start at Varney, #43 Sarah Miskiewicz of Fergus impressed early by holding the third spot for most of the race. She would eventually surrender the position but, her fifth place finish was tops amongst all other visiting cars. Getting around Miskiewicz late to take the third and forth positions were #3 Jason Tolton of Guelph and #86 Nick Clarke of Mt. Forest. Upfront, Hartman would keep T. Tolton honest but, it would be Tim Tolton who would take the checkered flag and win his second feature of the season. On Saturday night, #38 Sherry Smart of Hanover made an early pass from the second row and, while front row starters #88 Billy Lovell and #91 Bruce Moran raced side-by-side for the second spot for several laps, would build up a lead that would take her just far enough to get to the checkers. Coming off the final turn on the final lap, Moran was able to get to the inside of Smart's car as the two scrambled at the line to avoid a car that had spun just infront of the leaders. Smart would edge Moran by a fender for her first feature race win of the year. Friday night heat races were won by T.Tolton (X2), #82 Billy Schwartzenburg, Hartman (X2) and #3 Jason Tolton. Saturday's heat races were won by Moran, Hartman, Schwartzenburg and T. Tolton.
The Street Stock features on Friday and Saturday were both the sort of 'edge-of-your-seats' kind of races that all fans cheer for. After winning both heat races earlier, #19 Brian Wilson would start on the pole Saturday. Breaking away from the pack early, Wilson would build up a cushion on his lead that would last for most of the race. Wilson would hold steady race-long after avoiding a car on the front stretch that had lost a tire and, holding off a hard charging #99 Jamie Hunt of Hanover who had caught the leader by benefit of a late race restart after a yellow flag. Hunt would try several moves out of all four turns to get the advantage on Wilson but to no avail. Wilson would pull away in the closing laps for the win and the second sweep on the night. Looking for redemption on Saturday, Hunt would follow a returning champion to the front. From the pole, #06 Bill Keill of Chatsworth would lead the first few laps but, former Super Street Stock champion #3 Jamie Jarvis of Hanover would get by on the front straightaway and Hunt would follow him through into second. The two would then engage in a colossal battle for the lead until Hunt broke loose in turns three and four. After falling back a bit, Hunt would soon be on Jarvis' back bumper as the white flag came out. Coming off the final turn, Hunt took one last run to the inside but, Jarvis hung on at the line for the win. Friday's heat races were won by Wilson (X2) and Saturday's heat were won by #93 Bill Cole of Hanover and Hunt.
Varney's Super Street Stock car counts have been inconsistent this year in what has become a feast or famine for the division. This weekend, unfortunately, would be the latter. With several regular competitors participating in an Invitational series at another track, only four Super Streets would take the green on Friday and only three on Saturday. The upswing was, all four were fast and the excitement never let up for the entire race. Saturday's feature was definatley highlighted by an intense on-track battle between #83 Scott Way and #76 Shawn Arnott. After dominating the early part of the season, Arnott (who had been absent from the track for the last two weeks) returned to try and continue where he had left off. Enter #83 Scott Way of Fergus into the storyline and anyone who has seen the Super Streets at Varney this season knows where this is going. Again, after becoming yet another driver on the night to win both his heat races, Way would start on the pole with Arnott alonside. The two raced each other clean and hard for the entire race. Way would be staked to the early lead and Arnott would get up to the back bumper on more than one occasion but, smooth driving, a quick car and a reluctantness to give up the inside lane would allow Way to pull away for the win. Saturday's feature was a crowd pleaser as #85 Matt Clarke of Mt. Forest started on the pole and kept his car out front all race long holding back Way and #84 Steve Smith to claim his first win of the season much to the delight of the capacity crowd in attendance. Friday heat races were won by Way (X2) and Saturday's by Way and Clarke.
Another series and another sweep on the way for Friday night as the Late Models stepped up to the plate. Despite a fairly even playing field in this class, the features have all leaned in favour of just two drivers so far this year and that trend would continue on this Canada Day long weekend. After winning both of his heat races earlier in the night, #12 Justin McLellan of Mt. Forest would make it look easy, blowing away a dozen cars, enroute to his fifth feature race win of the year. For McLellan however, Saturday night would not be so easy as it would be the #81 of Chris Van Dusen tasting victory for his third feature win of the year. This weekend also featured a spectacular wreck on the front straightaway as #69 Brandon Crumbie of Beeton would climb the wall on Friday night, flipping on the frontstretch before coming to a rest on his roof in turn one. Remarkably, Crumbie was ok and the car made an unbelievable return to the track later in the night finishing sixth in the feature! Friday night's heat were won by McLellan (X2) and Saturday's heat were won by #89 Tommy Robb of Durham and #09 Kent Nuhn of Williamsford.
As Friday's All Pro Modified feature neared the half way point, it appeared that we were on the verge of another division sweep making it a perfect five-for-five on the night. Starting on the pole, #8 Gary McLean of Conn jumped out to an early lead with #4 Aaron McLean of Conn close behind. An early caution for a spin involving #04 Mike ford would bunch the field up for the restart. Again, G. McLean would take over upfront when the green flag dropped. Another caution slowed the pace; this time for a turn four wreck involving A. McLean and #62 Randall Hollingsworth of Stirling. On the ensuing restart, #39 Dave McCullough of Glencoe and #34 Terry Pardy of Mt. Forest came together and Pardy ended up in the wall on the front straightaway. The field bunched up again for a restart and, what ended up being the shocker on the night, saw G.
Varney Speedway Race Recap and Results for Friday July 2 and Saturday July 3, 2010
ALL PRO MODIFIED - FEATURE
Pos Driver Car #
1 Ted Patterson 1
2 Chris Burrows 65
3 Robert Warnes 95
4 Dave McCollough 39
5 Less Eccles 27
6 Randall Hollingsworth 62
7 Bill Pickford 61
8 Mike Ford 04
9 Gary McLean 8
10 Rick Warnes 90
11 Terry Pardy 34
12 Aaron McLean 4
STOCK 4 - FEATURE
Pos Driver Car #
1 Tim Tolton 35
2 Clark Hartman 51
3 Jason Tolton 3
4 Nick Clarke 86
5 Sarah Miskiewicz 43
6 Billy Schwartzenburg 82
7 Luke Freeman 28
8 Rick Schwartzenburg 72
9 Brian Watson 58
10 Scott Mast 75
11 Sherry Smart 38
12 Britton Lundy 09
13 Glen Vendergeld 32
14 Jessie Way 92
15 Dave Gray Jr. 55
16 Charles Embro 7
17 Craig McLean 99
18 Courtney Scott 110
19 Billy Lovell 88
20 Scott Schluter 73
21 Jacob Robb 8
22 Zachary Pendergast 4
23 Tessa Cremasco 9
STREET STOCK - FEATURE
Pos Driver Car #
1 Brian Wilson 19
2 James Hunt 99
3 Alvin McNichol 77
4 Randy Zettler 02
5 Adam Kiss 28
6 Bill Keill 06
7 Thomas Wood 56
8 Al Kusick 38
9 Justin Zettler 2
10 Bill Cole 93
SUPER STREET STOCK - FEATURE
Pos Driver Car #
1 Scott Way 83
2 Shawn Arnott 76
3 Lance Sullivan 84
4 Matt Clarke 85
Varney Late Model - FEATURE
Pos Driver Car #
1 Justin McLellan 12
2 Dan Lawler 66
3 Christopher VanDusen 81
4 Kent Nuhn 09
5 Jeff Lotspeich 85
6 Brandon Crumbie 69
7 Brian Davis 05
8 Tommy Robb 89
9 Jim Bowman 63
Race Results for Saturday, July 3, 2010
STOCK 4
Pos Driver Car #
1 Sherry Smart 38
2 Bruce Moran 91
3 Tim Tolton 35
4 Britton Lundy 09
5 Clark Hartman 51
Pos Drvier Car #
1 Jamie Jarvis 3
2 Jamie Hunt 99
3 Bill Cole 93
4 Brian Wilson 19
5 Bill Keill 06
Super Street Stock
Pos Driver Car #
1 Matt Clarke 85
2 Scott Way 83
3 Steve Smith 84
Late Model
Pos Driver Car #
1 Chris VanDusen 81
2 Justin McLellan 12
3 Kent Nuhn 09
4 Tommy Robb 89
5 Jim Bowman 63
McLean's transmission break at the start finish line while leading. McLean was able to get his car to the infield as the rest of the pack flew by. With the series top driver out of contention, the rest of the All Pro Modifieds stormed the highbanks like a school of sharks with the smell of blood in the water. Avoiding the fallen leader's car as it limped down to the grass, #1 Ted Patterson would be the first car through and into turn one. As the rest scrambled to avoid each other, they would eventually get sorted out but, not before Patterson would build up a lead that would not need protecting. Patterson pleased the full house with his first feature race win of the season. Friday night heat races were won by G.McLean (X2), Patterson, and A. McLean on a night that saw a full field of Modifieds that beckoned back to a day gone by when the Modifeds out numbered all classes at Varney. It was an amazing sight.
Other action on the highbanks this weekend saw the return of the Trains as the Markdale Salvage Crushers took the win on Friday and The Redneck Special locked down the Saturday win. Kari Way cruised onto victory in the Women's Challenge race and Brendan Johnson took his street-legal Honda Civic to victory lane in the run-what-you-brung King Of The Hill. This weekend, the Hurricane Midgets are back at Varney Motor Speedway as they join a full card of regular racing featuring the Late Models, Super Street Stocks, Street Stocks and Stock 4's. Fore more information about all that is going on this season at the track, visit www.varneymotorspeedway.com
Jody Buschlen - Track Announcer/Varney Motor Speedway Race Results for Friday, July 2, 2010