DIRT LATE MODEL NOTEBOOK
By Jarrod Lehman
Updated: March 11, 2003
<b>DIRT LATE MODEL NEWS & NOTES:</b>
BRIAN STATON will join the Super Late Model ranks at Virginia Motor Speedway and go after that track’s Rookie of the Year title.
DONALD WATSON recently debuted a new Rocket Chassis.
KENNITH CROWE has hired Randall Edwards as his crew chief. Edwards was formerly on the crews of Freddy Smith, Billy Moyer, Darrel Lanigan and others.
RYAN PLAISANCE will be using Ford power in ’03 provided by Keith Craft Racing Engines. Plaisance also switched to Warrior Race Cars.
It’s being reported that BILLY OGLE JR is back in the Vanover Racing #201 dirt LM this season.
The Renegade Dirt Car Racing Series has announced the following drivers will chase after the 2003 Renegade ‘Rocket Chassis Rookie of the Year’ Award:
DAVE TROUTMAN of Hyndman,PA, a 10 year racing veteran, was the first driver to declare for the "R.O.Y." honors. The 44 year-old driver is a former "Rookie Of The Year" honoree at Bedford (PA) Speedway and Cumberland (MD) Speedway and also grabbed the "Most Improved Driver" title in 1997 at Bedford Speedway. Troutman will campaign the D & R Racing No. 7 Rocket Chassis/Russell Baker Racing Engines/Pontiac Grand Prix with sponsorship from T.C. Race Car Parts Warehouse, Price Beer Distributors/Budweiser, D&R Trucking and Russell Baker Racing Engines.
The 35 year-old MATT URBAN, from North East, PA, enters his 16th year of racing driving the Urban Racing No. 1U Rocket Chassis/Custom Racing Engines or Malcuit Racing Engines/Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Urban, a graduate of the ultra-tough Raceway (OH) 7, Stateline (NY) Speedway and Eriez (PA) Speedway circuit, carries sponsorship from Superior Foundations, Specialty Products and Tom Parmenter Excavations.
Thirty-four year-old SONNY CONLEY of New Martinsville,WV, an 11 year racing veteran, enters the 2003 season of racing aboard the Conley Enterprises,Inc. No. 1x1 Rocket Chassis/Emery Racing Engines/Pontiac Grand Prix. With a pair of Steel Block Late Model championships at Tyler County (WV) Speedway, Conley receives sponsorship from Emery Racing Engines, Conley Enterprises,Inc., Dave Poske's Performance Parts and Quick Time Performance Parts.
JACK PENCIL of Bedford,PA captured the 2002 MACS championship and will use that experience in his quest for the Renegade "Rookie" crown. The 39 year-old has been racing for 14 seasons and will drive the Jack Pencil Racing No. 14 Rocket Chassis/Semco Racing Engines/Pontiac Grand Prix with sponsorship from R&L Insulation and Abatement, Bakers Body Center, Stoytown Auto Wreckers, Lankey's Sleep Zone and Ramada Inn/Breezewood,PA.
DOUG DROWN of Wooster,OH is the youngest driver of this years rookie crop. The 20 year-old captured the 2002 MACS "Hard Charger Of The Year" award and was also the 2000 "Rookie Of The Year" at both Lakeville (OH) Speedway and Wayne County (OH) Speedway. Drown will pilot the Drown Racing No. 12 Rocket Chassis/Malcuit Racing Engines/Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Sponsors include Wooster Glass Co., American Payroll Advance,Ltd., Longhorn Steakhouse/Wooster,OH, Hites Racing Stables and Hover Racing,Inc.
<b>SANCTION NEWS & NOTES:</b>
Officials at Thunder Valley Speedway in Glenmora, LA notified Xtreme DirtCar Series Officials today that they are postponing the March 15 XDCS event due to wet grounds caused by excessive rain in recent weeks. Xtreme DirtCar Series officials will be announcing a replacement event in the near future for the SPEED Channel television schedule to replace the Glenmora event. XDCS officials will also be working with Thacker to find a date to reschedule the March 15 event later in the season. The next event for the XDCS will be a 50-lap $10,000-to-win race at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, NC on April 11, followed by another 50-lap $10,000-to-win event at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC on April 12.
The second edition of the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will kick off with a doubleheader weekend of racing action on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26. The season begins at the McCoy Motor Speedway in Glasgow, KY on Friday Night and then the series ventures to the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY for a Saturday Night show. Both events will pay $3000 to win and the total purse for the weekend of racing is $30,000.
James Essex will return as the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Series Announcer, Public Relations Director and Co-Race Director.
Petersen Aluminum continues a unique contingency program this season for the Deery Brothers Summer Series. Both the champion and the rookie of the year in the annual tour for I.M.C.A. Sunoco Late Models will receive 10 sheets of aluminum from the Elk Grove Village, Ill., manufacturer. The program was introduced last year and as in 2002, both awards will be redeemable through Petersen. Certificates will be mailed to the champion and top rookie from the I.M.C.A. home office in mid-September.
<b>RACE TRACK NEWS & NOTES:</b>
Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will open its 2003 season April 12th with racing for four divisions: Thurston Spring Service Super Late Models (35 laps), Victory Lap Late Models (35 laps), Truckin Thunder Sportsman (30 laps), and the Coca-Cola Chargers (25 laps). All divisions will run heats, and features.
The 35th annual Lernerville Awards Banquet was held Saturday, March 1st at the Days Inn, South of Butler, which officially capped the 2002 season. Approximately 500 people celebrated in this fun filled occasion. Sprint car owner Billy Shearer gave the invocation. John Flinner was the Late Model track champion, Lernerville opens their 2003 season on Friday March 28. The MACS series will appear on June 27.
The Stateline/Eriez Racing Series is revving up for the 2003 racing season featuring new events and the return of fan and racer favorites. The first new event is scheduled for March 29th when the Series will host a pre-race party at the Sugar Grove Fire Hall. In April, a Car Show at the Warren Mall will allow fans from near and far to get a first look at the 2003 racecars and the second Iron Man/Woman 150 Lap Enduro will be held at Stateline Speedway followed by the beginning of the regular racing season on Saturday April 19th.
Rick Jones, promoter of the Potomac Speedway, and Jimmy Cox of JCR Products are proud to announce that the 2003 Bell Motor Company Limited Late Model champion receives a new MasterSbilt chassis. The award, valued at $3000, is in addition to the points fund award that will be handed out at the Awards Banquet on November 15.
<b>INDUSTRY NEWS & NOTES:</b>
Lernerville Speedway announcer Randy May revealed that due to an increased workload he will not be returning next season. Ed Shaffer has been chosen as the new announcer.
5th Annual Stock Car Showcase! At The Muscatine (IA) Mall and 93.1 KWCC are inviting area race fans to the mall to see Eastern Iowa's hottest racecars and drivers from tracks in Tipton, Columbus Junction, Blue Grass and West Liberty March 15-16. Listeners and fans will have the opportunity to visit with their favorite drivers and "kick the tires" of their favorite cars. Drivers are urged to contact DeWayne Hopkins at 563-263-2442.
The Natrona Heights (PA) Highlands Mall Car Show will be held March 13-15.
Officials of Simmons Promotions have announced that the dates have been set for two pre-season race car shows in Eastern Iowa. The first of two shows will be hosted by Hartwig Motors located at 629 South Riverside Drive in Iowa City on Saturday, March 15th. The cars will be on display from 9 am until 1 p.m. The show is limited to the first 20 entries due to space limitations. The second show will be held at the Farley Speedway on Saturday, March 22nd. The show will begin at am and last till approximately 3 p.m. The facilities at the Farley Speedway will allow plenty of room for all interested drivers to display their new machines for the 2003 season. In case of inclement weather the show will be held inside the Palace Ballroom which can accommodate a large number of cars. Food and beverages will be available at the Palace Ballroom. Drivers wishing to display their cars to the fans and potential sponsors at either or both shows should contact Joe Hayes at 563-744-3620.
<b>MEDIA NEWS & NOTES:</b>
For the 17th season, WISR-(680AM)will provide the Lernerville Speedway/Budweiser Pre-Race Show on Fridays, from 6:00 to 7:30pm co-hosted by "Sweet Old Bud" (SOB) Bud Daum, Charlie Moorhead and Bob Cupps. Also from Lernerville Speedway on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00pm, Don and Darrin Gamble will broadcast a pre-race show called "Track Side" on WEDO (810AM).
Saturday Morning at 7:O0 AM "SOB" Bud Daum and Jim Lokaiser present a sports program that includes racing on WBUT (1080AM).
Wednesday evening, Don Gamble, Rich Solman, and Larry Mattingly will co-host Rappin' On Racing from 6:00 to 8:00pm on WEDO (810AM)
The Driver's Seat has once again expanded its coverage area to include the Montgomery County Speedway in New Florence, the Malden Speedway and the new Poplar Bluff Speedway. The Driver's Seat has added coverage of these tracks to go along with existing coverage of the St. Francois County Raceway in Farmington, the Fredericktown Raceway, Big River Sand Drags in Bonne Terre, Auto Tire & Parts/NAPA Racepark in Benton, I-55 Raceway in Pevely, SEMO Motor Speedway in Blodgett, and the B&L Raceway (for radio-controlled cars) in Park Hills. The newspaper also provides coverage of special racing events in the region. The Driver's Seat is published twice a month during the racing season (March - October) and monthly during the off-season. The first regular-season edition will hit the streets on March 11th.
The Miller Lite Motorsports Report will begin its third season of broadcasting race results and interviewing various racing personalities on Tuesday evening, March 25. This will begin the third season of broadcasting for the popular racing show that will air each Tuesday night beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST. Michael Despain will once again host the program. The show has been expanded from 60 minutes to 90 minutes for 2003 to allow for more coverage of tracks and series, along with allowing for more interview and phone-in questions for the guest on each weeks program. The show originates live every Tuesday evening from the studios of WVLC 99.9 The Big Dawg in Campbellsville, KY. Another new twist to the 2003 Miller Lite Motorsports Report will be that it will be able to be heard on the world wide web via streaming audio for the entire 2003 campaign, instead only at various times as it has been in the past. If you live outside the 99.9 listening area, you will be able to access the show via the internet at http://www.wvlc.com and then by clicking on the icon designated for the Miller Lite Motorsports Report.
©2003 DocLehman/Dirt America
Syndicated by Dirt America!
By Jarrod Lehman
Updated: March 11, 2003
<b>DIRT LATE MODEL NEWS & NOTES:</b>
BRIAN STATON will join the Super Late Model ranks at Virginia Motor Speedway and go after that track’s Rookie of the Year title.
DONALD WATSON recently debuted a new Rocket Chassis.
KENNITH CROWE has hired Randall Edwards as his crew chief. Edwards was formerly on the crews of Freddy Smith, Billy Moyer, Darrel Lanigan and others.
RYAN PLAISANCE will be using Ford power in ’03 provided by Keith Craft Racing Engines. Plaisance also switched to Warrior Race Cars.
It’s being reported that BILLY OGLE JR is back in the Vanover Racing #201 dirt LM this season.
The Renegade Dirt Car Racing Series has announced the following drivers will chase after the 2003 Renegade ‘Rocket Chassis Rookie of the Year’ Award:
DAVE TROUTMAN of Hyndman,PA, a 10 year racing veteran, was the first driver to declare for the "R.O.Y." honors. The 44 year-old driver is a former "Rookie Of The Year" honoree at Bedford (PA) Speedway and Cumberland (MD) Speedway and also grabbed the "Most Improved Driver" title in 1997 at Bedford Speedway. Troutman will campaign the D & R Racing No. 7 Rocket Chassis/Russell Baker Racing Engines/Pontiac Grand Prix with sponsorship from T.C. Race Car Parts Warehouse, Price Beer Distributors/Budweiser, D&R Trucking and Russell Baker Racing Engines.
The 35 year-old MATT URBAN, from North East, PA, enters his 16th year of racing driving the Urban Racing No. 1U Rocket Chassis/Custom Racing Engines or Malcuit Racing Engines/Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Urban, a graduate of the ultra-tough Raceway (OH) 7, Stateline (NY) Speedway and Eriez (PA) Speedway circuit, carries sponsorship from Superior Foundations, Specialty Products and Tom Parmenter Excavations.
Thirty-four year-old SONNY CONLEY of New Martinsville,WV, an 11 year racing veteran, enters the 2003 season of racing aboard the Conley Enterprises,Inc. No. 1x1 Rocket Chassis/Emery Racing Engines/Pontiac Grand Prix. With a pair of Steel Block Late Model championships at Tyler County (WV) Speedway, Conley receives sponsorship from Emery Racing Engines, Conley Enterprises,Inc., Dave Poske's Performance Parts and Quick Time Performance Parts.
JACK PENCIL of Bedford,PA captured the 2002 MACS championship and will use that experience in his quest for the Renegade "Rookie" crown. The 39 year-old has been racing for 14 seasons and will drive the Jack Pencil Racing No. 14 Rocket Chassis/Semco Racing Engines/Pontiac Grand Prix with sponsorship from R&L Insulation and Abatement, Bakers Body Center, Stoytown Auto Wreckers, Lankey's Sleep Zone and Ramada Inn/Breezewood,PA.
DOUG DROWN of Wooster,OH is the youngest driver of this years rookie crop. The 20 year-old captured the 2002 MACS "Hard Charger Of The Year" award and was also the 2000 "Rookie Of The Year" at both Lakeville (OH) Speedway and Wayne County (OH) Speedway. Drown will pilot the Drown Racing No. 12 Rocket Chassis/Malcuit Racing Engines/Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Sponsors include Wooster Glass Co., American Payroll Advance,Ltd., Longhorn Steakhouse/Wooster,OH, Hites Racing Stables and Hover Racing,Inc.
<b>SANCTION NEWS & NOTES:</b>
Officials at Thunder Valley Speedway in Glenmora, LA notified Xtreme DirtCar Series Officials today that they are postponing the March 15 XDCS event due to wet grounds caused by excessive rain in recent weeks. Xtreme DirtCar Series officials will be announcing a replacement event in the near future for the SPEED Channel television schedule to replace the Glenmora event. XDCS officials will also be working with Thacker to find a date to reschedule the March 15 event later in the season. The next event for the XDCS will be a 50-lap $10,000-to-win race at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, NC on April 11, followed by another 50-lap $10,000-to-win event at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC on April 12.
The second edition of the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will kick off with a doubleheader weekend of racing action on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26. The season begins at the McCoy Motor Speedway in Glasgow, KY on Friday Night and then the series ventures to the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY for a Saturday Night show. Both events will pay $3000 to win and the total purse for the weekend of racing is $30,000.
James Essex will return as the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Series Announcer, Public Relations Director and Co-Race Director.
Petersen Aluminum continues a unique contingency program this season for the Deery Brothers Summer Series. Both the champion and the rookie of the year in the annual tour for I.M.C.A. Sunoco Late Models will receive 10 sheets of aluminum from the Elk Grove Village, Ill., manufacturer. The program was introduced last year and as in 2002, both awards will be redeemable through Petersen. Certificates will be mailed to the champion and top rookie from the I.M.C.A. home office in mid-September.
<b>RACE TRACK NEWS & NOTES:</b>
Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will open its 2003 season April 12th with racing for four divisions: Thurston Spring Service Super Late Models (35 laps), Victory Lap Late Models (35 laps), Truckin Thunder Sportsman (30 laps), and the Coca-Cola Chargers (25 laps). All divisions will run heats, and features.
The 35th annual Lernerville Awards Banquet was held Saturday, March 1st at the Days Inn, South of Butler, which officially capped the 2002 season. Approximately 500 people celebrated in this fun filled occasion. Sprint car owner Billy Shearer gave the invocation. John Flinner was the Late Model track champion, Lernerville opens their 2003 season on Friday March 28. The MACS series will appear on June 27.
The Stateline/Eriez Racing Series is revving up for the 2003 racing season featuring new events and the return of fan and racer favorites. The first new event is scheduled for March 29th when the Series will host a pre-race party at the Sugar Grove Fire Hall. In April, a Car Show at the Warren Mall will allow fans from near and far to get a first look at the 2003 racecars and the second Iron Man/Woman 150 Lap Enduro will be held at Stateline Speedway followed by the beginning of the regular racing season on Saturday April 19th.
Rick Jones, promoter of the Potomac Speedway, and Jimmy Cox of JCR Products are proud to announce that the 2003 Bell Motor Company Limited Late Model champion receives a new MasterSbilt chassis. The award, valued at $3000, is in addition to the points fund award that will be handed out at the Awards Banquet on November 15.
<b>INDUSTRY NEWS & NOTES:</b>
Lernerville Speedway announcer Randy May revealed that due to an increased workload he will not be returning next season. Ed Shaffer has been chosen as the new announcer.
5th Annual Stock Car Showcase! At The Muscatine (IA) Mall and 93.1 KWCC are inviting area race fans to the mall to see Eastern Iowa's hottest racecars and drivers from tracks in Tipton, Columbus Junction, Blue Grass and West Liberty March 15-16. Listeners and fans will have the opportunity to visit with their favorite drivers and "kick the tires" of their favorite cars. Drivers are urged to contact DeWayne Hopkins at 563-263-2442.
The Natrona Heights (PA) Highlands Mall Car Show will be held March 13-15.
Officials of Simmons Promotions have announced that the dates have been set for two pre-season race car shows in Eastern Iowa. The first of two shows will be hosted by Hartwig Motors located at 629 South Riverside Drive in Iowa City on Saturday, March 15th. The cars will be on display from 9 am until 1 p.m. The show is limited to the first 20 entries due to space limitations. The second show will be held at the Farley Speedway on Saturday, March 22nd. The show will begin at am and last till approximately 3 p.m. The facilities at the Farley Speedway will allow plenty of room for all interested drivers to display their new machines for the 2003 season. In case of inclement weather the show will be held inside the Palace Ballroom which can accommodate a large number of cars. Food and beverages will be available at the Palace Ballroom. Drivers wishing to display their cars to the fans and potential sponsors at either or both shows should contact Joe Hayes at 563-744-3620.
<b>MEDIA NEWS & NOTES:</b>
For the 17th season, WISR-(680AM)will provide the Lernerville Speedway/Budweiser Pre-Race Show on Fridays, from 6:00 to 7:30pm co-hosted by "Sweet Old Bud" (SOB) Bud Daum, Charlie Moorhead and Bob Cupps. Also from Lernerville Speedway on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00pm, Don and Darrin Gamble will broadcast a pre-race show called "Track Side" on WEDO (810AM).
Saturday Morning at 7:O0 AM "SOB" Bud Daum and Jim Lokaiser present a sports program that includes racing on WBUT (1080AM).
Wednesday evening, Don Gamble, Rich Solman, and Larry Mattingly will co-host Rappin' On Racing from 6:00 to 8:00pm on WEDO (810AM)
The Driver's Seat has once again expanded its coverage area to include the Montgomery County Speedway in New Florence, the Malden Speedway and the new Poplar Bluff Speedway. The Driver's Seat has added coverage of these tracks to go along with existing coverage of the St. Francois County Raceway in Farmington, the Fredericktown Raceway, Big River Sand Drags in Bonne Terre, Auto Tire & Parts/NAPA Racepark in Benton, I-55 Raceway in Pevely, SEMO Motor Speedway in Blodgett, and the B&L Raceway (for radio-controlled cars) in Park Hills. The newspaper also provides coverage of special racing events in the region. The Driver's Seat is published twice a month during the racing season (March - October) and monthly during the off-season. The first regular-season edition will hit the streets on March 11th.
The Miller Lite Motorsports Report will begin its third season of broadcasting race results and interviewing various racing personalities on Tuesday evening, March 25. This will begin the third season of broadcasting for the popular racing show that will air each Tuesday night beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST. Michael Despain will once again host the program. The show has been expanded from 60 minutes to 90 minutes for 2003 to allow for more coverage of tracks and series, along with allowing for more interview and phone-in questions for the guest on each weeks program. The show originates live every Tuesday evening from the studios of WVLC 99.9 The Big Dawg in Campbellsville, KY. Another new twist to the 2003 Miller Lite Motorsports Report will be that it will be able to be heard on the world wide web via streaming audio for the entire 2003 campaign, instead only at various times as it has been in the past. If you live outside the 99.9 listening area, you will be able to access the show via the internet at http://www.wvlc.com and then by clicking on the icon designated for the Miller Lite Motorsports Report.
©2003 DocLehman/Dirt America
Syndicated by Dirt America!
