By Jeff Adams
(Peoria, IL) A new era dawns at Peoria Speedway this weekend as the track kicks off its’ 2011 racing season this Sunday, April 3, with the 4th running of the “Don Bohlander Tribute” race for Parkinson’s Research. The 50 lap UMP Super Late Model feature pays $4,000 to-win and $300 to-start, with Bloomington driver Jason Feger the defending race champion. UMP Modifieds will race for $800 to-win and UMP Hornets will chase a $250 top prize as well.
New Promoter Curt Mottaz has the facility ready to go after acquiring the high-banked quarter mile oval from Sherrie Hamilton over the winter. Mottaz looks to keep up the momentum from a spectacular 2010 season at Peoria, with last years’ “Bohlander 50” garnering national attention as one of the best races of the year. The 2010 “Bohlander” race featured 7 lead changes among 3 different drivers. UMP stars Ryan Unzicker and Brian Shirely waged a classic high-low battle and swapped the lead 5 times until Unzicker hit the wall on lap 37, forcing Shirley to check up. Feger seized the opportunity and took the lead, only to be overtaken by Unzicker on lap 41. Feger re-captured the lead the next lap, and held on for the win as battles raged all over the track.
The race is in honor of 10 -time Peoria Speedway Track Champion and 7-time Illinois State Champion Don Bohlander, who will be inducted into the Dirt Late Model Hall-of-Fame at Florence Speedway in Kentucky on August 14. Bohlanders’ career spanned 45 years, with 350 feature wins at 25 different tracks and 5 track championships. Bohlander also ran 2 years with USAC in 1974 and 1975, competing on asphalt on NASCAR facilites Daytona, Talladega, Pocono and Michigan.
Bohlanders’ career ended in 1998 and in 2001 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system which can result in death and has no known cause. The Bohlander family, spearheaded by Don’s wife Valarie, has become passionate about raising awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. The grass-roots effort has raised over $40,00 for Parkinson’s Research, with all proceeds going directly to Bradley University’s Parkinson’s Research program.
The Bohlander Parkinson’s Research FUNDRacers will be on hand at the track Sunday night. Event T-shirts will be for sale, and the 50/50 drawing will benefit the charity. Lap sponsors are still available for $25, and can be secured by calling (309) 347-6929. An open practice session for all classes is scheduled for Friday, April 1 from 6-9 PM. Gates open at 5, and pit admission is $10. Grandstand admission is free of charge. The concession and beer stands will be open.
On Sunday, Pit gates open at 3:30, with grandstands opening at 4 and hot laps at 5 PM. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, and $5 for 8-15 year olds. Kids under 8 will be admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $30. Entry fee for the Late Models is $50. Purse information and track rules have been posted on the tracks’ website: www.peoriaspeedway.com. Live updates from the “Bohlander Tribute” will be posted on www.twitter.com/dirttracklive.
RACECEIVERS MANDATORY FOR LATE MODELS AND MODIFIEDS Raceceivers will be MANDATORY at Peoria Speedway for competitors in the UMP Super Late Model and UMP Modified divisions for 2011. A very limited number of Raceceivers will be available for purchase at the track, so drivers are encouraged to bring their own. The devices can be purchased at the online store on Peoria Speedways’ website, www.peoriaspeedway.com, or at various sites online.