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March 4, 2009

MIX & MATCH, TOPLESS & RUN WHAT YOU BRUNG SPICE UP 2009 SCHEDULE FOR DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY



By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – If the announcement of the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars on Tuesday, May 12th and the World of Outlaw Late Models on Thursday May 28th didn’t have Delmarva race fans excited enough, the recent announcement of the rest of the 2009 schedule at the Delaware International Speedway will have them buzzing.

Along with the return of the five weekly racing divisions: the NAPA Big Block Modifieds, the Super Late Models, the AC Delco TSS Modifieds, the Crate Models and the Mod Lites, a mixture of new and exciting formats will be added to Saturday nights: Mix & Match; Wings & Things; Topless Night and Run What You Brung will make 2009 one of the wildest seasons ever.

The Saturday night Mix & Match programs on May 2nd and August 8th will put the NAPA Big Blocks head to head with the Super Late Models in a 30 lap feature with extra cash on the line. The divisions will run separate heats with 10 cars coming from each division. Consolations will add the next four qualifiers and the final two cars will be the top point drivers that did not qualify from each division making a 26 car starting field.

The “Run What You Brung” format will crank up the high speed action another notch with “Run What You Brung” for the NAPA Big Block Modifieds on May 23rd and “Run What You Brung” for Super Late Models on August 29th. Then it will be a “Wings & Things” spectacular on July 4th for all five weekly divisions. On each these nights the weight limit will be significantly lowered and all restrictions on wings, side panels, sail panels and spoilers will be lifted. The track record for each of these divisions will definitely be in jeopardy when the wings and things are added to the cars.

For the first time ever, Delaware International Speedway will go “Topless” on July 18th. In what may be a first in the country, all five divisions will run minus their roofs allowing spectators a full view of the drivers as they work the steering wheel and dice for position. Don’t leave the kids at home as “Topless” will add a new spectator dimension for fans of all ages.

The third mid-week show on the schedule will be the hugely popular Camp Barnes Benefit on Tuesday, July 7th. Then there will be seven United Racing Club Sprint Car outings beginning on April 18th and spread throughout the season. The Slide for 5, Little Lincoln Late Models and the Vintage Stock Cars will also make appearances throughout the year.

Action kicks off on Saturday night, April 4th with a Tune & Test night for all divisions with free admission on the spectator side. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the Tune and Test from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The regular season takes the green on Saturday night, April 18th with gates opening at 5 p.m. and hot laps at 7 p.m. For more information call the speedway office at 302-875-1911 or on the web at www.delawareracing.com.

STEVE WHITE DOMINATES FRIDAY NIGHT AT TUSA WINTERNATIONALS


By Charlie Brown, Gibsonton, FL 2//20/09 – Steve White of Laurel, Del. shot to the high groove and never looked back as he led wire to wire to win night two of the TUSA Mod Lite Winter Nationals Friday night at the East Bay Raceway Park.

White started on the outside front row by virtue of winning the second heat and out raced
Ryan Charland to the first turn to lead lap one. Rod Jones worked by Charland on lap three to take second but Charland regained the spot at the halfway sign.

While Jones, Charland and Mikey Hay all battled for second, White maintained a comfortable lead after finding the high groove to his liking. White, in the Wood’s Contracting/Durham Racing/Lightning would cruise to the checkered. Jones took second from Hay with one to with Hay holding off Charland for third. Lynn Knepper rounded out the top five.

Heat races for the 41 cars were won by Charland, Steve White, Jones, Erik McKinney and Kevin McKinney. Kirk Miles won the “B” main. Johnny Mordock was top Classic finisher.

RESULTS: 20-Lap Feature: 1. STEVE WHITE; 2. Rod Jones; 3. Mikey Hay; 4. Ryan Charland; 5. Lynn Knepper; 6. Tim White; 7. Mark Marcucci; 8. Kevin McKinney; 9. Alan Knepper; 10. Curt Miles, Jr; 11. Chris Steele; 12. Jimmy Wills; 13. Erik McKinney; 14. Ken Meadows; 15. Kirk Miles; 16. Shawn Sliter; 17. Jamie Gilbert; 18. Josh Sliter; 19. Ty Short; 20. Adam Leslie; 21. Tom Snhabel, Jr.; 22. Kenneth Gross; 23. Johnny Mordock; 24. Joseph Anselmo; 25. Paul Klager; 26. James McKinney. DNQ: Joel Huggins; Rick Ament; Tex Myers; Robert Ham; Duane Bayne; Tony Tatgenhorst; Eric Hendrickson; James Ham; Richard Lawson; Dean Provenost; Wally Billing; Tim Vangrundy; Rick Brubacher; DNS: Phillip Clevenger; Tim Hinneger.


 

MIKEY HAY REBOUNDS AND WINS TUSA OPENING NIGHT



By Charlie Brown, Gibsonton, FL 2/19/09 – After leading Wednesday night’s Race of Champions until getting trapped in lapped traffic late in the racing and finishing second, Mikey Hay of Somerset, Pa. was determined not to repeat that mistake Thursday night in the TUSA Mod Lite Winter Nationals at the East Bay Raceway Park . Hay drove a flawless race to hold off a determined Steve White and take the win in the Evolutions Race Cars No. 22.

Hay jumped out to the lead at the drop of the green with Kenny Gross of Danville , Ill. running in second and Ryan Charland of Somers , Conn. in third. Hay got out of shape losing the lead to Gross on lap three with Erik McKinney of Felton , Del. taking second.

Gross slowed on lap five with mechanical problems bringing out the yellow and turning the lead over to McKinney . On the restart, both Hay and Charland got by McKinney for first and second. Steve White of Laurel , Del. worked into the second spot just before halfway but it would be Hay holding off White’s challenge for the rest of the distance to take the win. White finished in second with Rod Jones, Charland and Canada ’s Chris Steele rounding out the top five.

The five heats were won by Hay, Robert Ham of Opalinka , Alabama , Charland, Gross and Rod Jones of West Middlesex , Pa. The “B” main was captured by Mark Marcucci of West Middlesex . Johnny Mordock of Creston , Iowa was the top Mod Lite Classic finisher in the feature.

RESULTS: 1. Mikey Hay; 2. Steve White; 3. Rod Jones; 4. Ryan Charland; 5. Chris Steele; 6. Ken Meadows; 7. Tim White; 8. Jimmy Wills; 9. Robert Ham; 10. Paul Klager; 11. Curt Miles, Jr.; 12. Ty Short; 13. Erik McKinney; 14. Joel Huggins; 15. Joseph Anselmo; 16. James McKinney; 17. Kevin McKinney; 18. James Ham; 19. Tim Henniger; 20. Mark Marcucci; 21. Lynn Knepper; 22. Jamie Gilbert; 23. Shawn Sliter; 24. Johnny Mordock; 25. Kenny Gross; 26. Alan Knepper. DNQ: Josh Sliter; Adam Murphy; Rick Ament; Kirk Miles; Tex Myers; Tim Vangrundy; Eric Hendrickson; Adam Leslie; Rick Brubacher; Phillip Clevenger; Duane Bayne; Richard Lawson, Wally Billing; Mike Westwood.

TIM WHITE TAKES TUSA WINTER NATIONALS CHAMPIONSHIP



By Charlie Brown, Gibsonton, FL 2/21/09 – Tim White of Salisbury, Md. started and finished the four night TUSA Mod Lite Winter Nationals at the East Bay Raceway Park in grand style by winning both nights. White started in the fifth starting spot by virtue of his point average from Thursday and Friday nights and took the lead from western Pennsylvania ’s Rod Jones on lap 17. White then survived a red flag and a caution to post his first Winter Nationals championship.

Forty-four drivers from 13 states and two Canadian providences took part in the four night program. In Saturday night’s finale, Thursday night’s winner, Mikey Hay of Somerset, Pa. shot past Laurel , Del. ’s Steve White from his outside front row starting spot to take the lead.

Steve White, who had won the main the night prior spun in the first turn to bring out the yellow after one lap while riding in third. On the restart, Merrittville Speedway champion, Shawn Sliter of Port Colbourne, Ontario tangled with Canadian champion, Paul Klager and Kirk Miles of Saxis Va. All three cars were able to restart at the rear of the field.

When the field settled down to racing, Hay was out front with Tim White in second and Pa’s Rod Jones running in third. Fifteen year old Jimmy Wills of Felton , Del. held down the fourth spot and Ryan Charland of Somers , Conn. ran in fifth. Sliter got around on lap six bringing out the third yellow of the race.

On the restart, Jones got by Tim White for second and began challenging Hay for the lead as multi-time Winter Nationals champion; Erik McKinney of Felton moved into the top fiveusing the high groove. At the halfway sign the top five were Hay holding a narrow advantage over Jones followed by Tim White, Erik McKinney and Wills.

Jones got by Hay for the lead on lap 14. Hay’s chances came to an end to laps later when he clipped the lapped car of Rick Brubacher as he entered the third turn with both cars spinning.

Tim White grabbed the lead from Jones on the restart with Erik McKinney working into second. The scariest moment of the week came on lap 20 when Jones bicycled going into the first turn and barrel rolled multiple times bringing out the red. Jones climbed from the car under his own power but was done for the night.

Mark Marcucci of West Middlesex , Pa. , who qualified through the “B” Main entered the fray getting by McKinney on the restart for second. The final yellow flew with four to go as Canadian Chris Steele slowed.

Marcucci would keep the pressure on but Tim White would make no mistakes and he powered the Floyd Carey/CLC Cabling Lightning under the checkered for the win. Marcucci ended a great run in second with Wills getting by Erik McKinney on the final lap four third. Steve White ended his charge from the rear of the field finishing in fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Charland, Ken Meadows, Kevin McKinney, Ty Short and Alan Knepper.

Top 10 in points from Thursday and Friday transfer: 1. Steve White; 2. Mikey Hay; 3. Rod Jones; 4. Ryan Charland; 5. Tim White; 6. Chris Steele; 7. Jimmy Wills; 8. Kenny Meadows; 9. Curt Miles, Jr.; 10. Kevin McKinney.

1st B Main: 1. Mark Marcucci; 2. Adam Knepper; 3. Lynn Knepper; 4. Shawn Sliter; 5. Kirk Miles; 6. James McKinney; 7. Rick Ament; 8. Joseph Anselmo.

2nd B Main : 1. Erik McKinney; 2. Ty Short; 3. Joel Huggins; 4. Tim Hinneger; 5. Tom Snhabel, Jr.; 6. Paul Klager; 7. Robert Ham; 8. Jamie Gilbert

25-Lap TUSA Mod Lite Winter Nationals Championship: 1. TIM WHITE; 2. Mark Marcucci; 3. Jimmy Wills; 4. Erik McKinney; 5. Steve White; 6. Ryan Charland; 7. Ken Meadows; 8. Kevin McKinney; 9. Ty Short; 10. Alan Knepper; 11. Mikey Hay; 12. Tim Hennigar; 13. Lynn Knepper; 14. Paul Klager; 15. Jamie Gilbert; 16. Kirk Miles; 17. Johnny Mordock; 18. Shawn Sliter; 19. Joseph Anselmo; 20. Curt Miles, Jr.; 21. Chris Steele; 22. Tom Snhabel, Jr.; 23. Rod Jones; 24. Rick Ament; 25. James McKinney;26. Robert Ham; 27. Rick Brubacher; 28. Joel Huggins. DNS: Eric Henderson (Provisional)

DNQ: Tim Vangrundy; Johnny Mordock (Provisional); Eric Henderson; James Ham; Adam Leslie; Adam Murphy; Josh Sliter; Tex Myers; Kenny Gross.

TIM WHITE USES TRAFFIC TO WIN ROC



By Charlie Brown, Gibsonton, FL 2/18/09 – An excellent field of 43 cars made the tow to the Sunshine State to take part in the TUSA Mod Lite Winter Nationals at the East Bay Raceway Park. The field represented 13 different states and two Canadian providences.

Following Wednesday night’s tune and test session the top point earners from TUSA’s regional tracks plus past champions competed in a 20-lap Race of Champions event.

Tim White of Salisbury , Md. worked lapped traffic to perfection to regain the lead from Somerset , Pa. ’s Mikey Hay and go on to win the all-star event in the Floyd Carey/CLC Cabling/Lightning.

Rod Jones led lap one but spun into the infield turning the lead over to Tim White. Mikey Hay worked past White coming off the second turn to lead lap four. With Hay running the bottom groove and White running the top the two were soon in lapped traffic. On lap sixteen Hay got trapped behind a slower car and White threaded his way through traffic to take the lead.

Hay recovered and gave an inspired chase to the finish but it was White taking the win. Hay finished in second with multi-time Winter Nationals champion, Erik McKinney finishing in third. Steve White came on strong in the closing laps to finish in fourth after tagging the third turn wall early in the race and Ryan Charland rounded out the top five.

RESULTS: 1. Tim White, Salisbury, Md.; 2. Mikey Hay, Somerset, Pa.; 3. Erik McKinney, Felton, Del.; 4. Steve White, Laurel, Del.; 5. Ryan Charland, Somers, Conn.; 6. Tim Henniger, Afton, Iowa; 7. Kevin McKinney, Lincoln, Del.; 8. Jimmy Wills, Felton, Del.; 9.Paul Klager, Beemsville, Ontario; 10. Robert Ham, Opalinka , Ala. ; 11. Kenny Gross, Danville , Indiana ; 12. Tex Myers, Hot Springs , Ark. ; 13. Eric Hay, Somerset , Pa. ; 14. Tim Vangrundy, Indianapolis , Indiana ; 15. Johnnny Mordock, Creston , Iowa ; 16. Joseph Anselmo, Oakdale , Conn ,; 17. James Ham, Opalinka , Alabama ; 18. Rod Jones, West Middlesex , Pa. ; 19. Dean Provonost, Gateneau, Quebec.; 20. Curt Miles, Jr., Saxis , Va. ; 21. Adam Leslie, Port Colbourne , Ontario ; 22. Joel Huggins, Des Moines , Iowa ; 23. Frank Sobotka, Paris , N.Y.

February 15, 2009

WORLD OF OUTLAW SPRINT CARS RETURN TO DELAWARE



By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – The roar of 410 Sprint Cars will descend on the Delaware International Speedway when the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars makes their long awaited return on Saturday night May 12th, 2009.

In May of 2003 the World of Outlaws made their first and only appearance on the tacky half-mile with 20-time champion, Indiana’s Steve Kinser thrilling the large crowd by taking the win. This year Kinser will return and will have the opportunity to face his long time foe and former three-time champ, Sammy Swindell of Germantown, Tennessee who is returning to the WoO trail after several years’ absence. Swindell is off to a hot start this season as he recently won his fifth Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Leading the charge of new talent will be defending three-time champion, Donny Schatz of Minot, North Dakota. Schatz is driving for the first time this season for Tony Stewart Motorsports. Schatz won the WoO opener in Florida and went on to win three more times in the series establishing himself as the current point leader and the driver to beat.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 18th and are available by calling the speedway office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at 302-875-1911. Purchases can be made by Visa or Mastercard priced at $32 General Admission for adults, $7 General Admission for ages 7-13 and children six and under free with an adult. Reserved seats on the spectator side will be $35 with ages 7-13 at $10. Adult Pit Admission will be $40 with pit grandstand admission for ages 7-13 at $10 and ages six and under free with an adult.

January 11, 2009

DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY CELEBRATES 2008 SEASON



By Charlie Brown, Dover, DE – A record crowd of over 500 assembled this past weekend at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino to celebrate the 2008 season at the Delaware International Speedway. A total of $51,750 in cash was distributed to the top ten in points in the five weekly divisions.

Returning as track champion in the NAPA Big Block Modifieds after a nine years was Jamie Mills. Mills racked up an impressive seven feature wins during the season driving the Keith Coulbourne Bicknell for the first time this year using his Blue Hen Speed & Performance car as a backup. It was the first track championship for owner Keith Coulbourne of Coulbourne Farms and sponsors Shea Enterprises, Liquid Assets GOBYWINE.COM, John Davis Auto Body, MAC Tools, P&S Designs, Covey’s Car Care, and I.G. Burton Chevrolet. Mills totaled 2289 points and received $6350 from the point fund..

Chasing Mills right up to the final event was four time champion H.J. Bunting of Milford. Bunting had four wins on the season earning 2150 points and $3500. Third through fifth in points were Ricky Johnson of Delmar, Del. (1912 pts. & $2750), Tim Millman of Milton, Del. (1816 pts and $2250) and Matt Jester of Lincoln Del. (1775 pts. & $1750). Sixth through tenth in order were Rookie of the Year, Chad Clark of Bridgeville, Del. (1504 pts. & $1500); rookie JoJo Watson of Milford (1432 & $1300); Howard O’Neal of Lincoln, (1427 pts. & $1200); rookie Jordan Watson of Milford (1347 pts. & $1100) and Robert Dutton of Milford (1316 pts. & $1000). Trophies presented were sponsored by Lankford Sysco.

Ray Davis, Jr in only his sixth season in the Super Late Model division became the 12th driver in the division’s history to win a point championship. The 23 year old was consistent throughout the year posting just one win but earning 1953 points to hold off rookie talent, Jon Callaway by just 15 points in the final standings. Davis earned $4350 for his efforts. Sponsors of his Rocket chassis car included Davis Trucking, Virgil F. Davis Trucking, Gumboro Service Center and D& D Trucking.

Moving from the Crate Model division to the Super Late Models looked to be a seamless transition for Jon Callaway of Harrington. Callaway was given the driving chores of the Gary Simpson car and recorded a win at mid-season. Chasing Davis to the final night Callaway finished second in points with 1938 and earned $2400 from the point fund. Rounding out the top ten were 3rd Rick Whaley of Millsboro (1769/$1600) 4th David Hill of Trappe, Md. (1634/ $1200); 5th rookie Staci Warrington of Milton (1584/$1000); 6th Hal Browning of Seaford (1520/$925); 7th Ricky Elliott of Seaford (1453/$850); 8th Richard Jarvis, Jr. of Ocean City, Md. (1419/$750); 9th Bob Geiger of Laurel (1396/$650) and 10th Ross Robinson of Georgetown (1324/$550) Trophies were sponsored by Brownie’s Package Store.

The Street Modified got a new look and an new name in 2008 as the division became the Crate Models. 2006 Champion, Joe Warren of Georgetown spread four wins through the months of May and August to earn 1789 points and his second track championship. Warren was always smooth in his BRC Lazer chassis No. 11 sponsored by the Big Fish Grill, Delaware-South Materials, Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Keys Advisors Group, Naomi’s Sub Shop, Sposato Landscaping and King Croup Insurance. Warren earned $1850 for his championship.

Also receiving cash and trophies were 2nd, Herb Tunis of Georgetown (1681/$800); 3rd, Barry Beauchamp of Salisbury (1640/$650); 4th, Kelly Putz of Georgetown (1575/$500); 5th, Mike Wilson of Salisbury (1464/$400); 6th Tyler Reed of Milton (1436/$350); 7th, Justin Breeding of Federalsburg, Md. (1410/$250); 8th Eric Vent of Milton (1079/$200); 9th, Mike Williams of Princess Anne, Md. (966/$175) and 10th Chris Jestice of Laurel (900/$150). Trophies were presented by Snookie’s Speed Parts of Milton.

The AC Delco TSS Modified battle went right down to the wire again in 2008. Michael White of Laurel was strong from the start of the season winning the second week out in his Jake Marine mount. White earned five wins including the Fall Championship during the season totaling 1880 points and earning $1850. He also announced that he will be moving to the NAPA Big Block Modifieds in 2009. Joseph Tracey of Millsboro had one win on the year but kept the pressure on White finishing second for the second straight year with 1830 points and earning $800.

Rounding out the top ten were 3rd Tim Trimble of Easton (1824/$650); 4th Brad Trice of Parsonsburg, Md. (1696/$500); 5th John Curtis of Harrington (1507/$400); 6th, Herman Powell of Delmar (1357/$350); 7th Bobby Watkins of Harrington, Del. (1170/$250); 8th Bandon Perdue of Georgetown (1132/$200); 9th Scott Calhoun of Milford (1100/$175) and 10th Westley Smith of Delmar (1009/$150). Trophies were presented by R.C. Holloway Company.

The championship in the Modified Lite division went to another first time champion. Brandon Dennis of Greenwood, Del. had never raced anything before debuting in the Modified Lites a few seasons ago. Dennis was a three sport athlete in high school and quickly adapted to the little cars winning the Fall Championship race in 2006. Dennis put together four wins earning 1915 points and $1350 from the point fund. Sponsorship of his Pro Chassis machine came from ECB Homes and Simpson Construction.

Rick Wheatley of Seaford had his best year ever finishing in second with 1800 points worth $550. Rounding out the top ten were: 3rd Curt Miles, Jr. of Saxis, Va. (1660/$500); 4th, Kirk Miles of Saxis (1580/$400); 5th, Tim White of Salisbury (1475/$350); 6th (tie) Cody Belote of Laurel and Alan Passwaters of Seaford (1375/$250); 8th,Shawn Weber of Cambridge, Md. (1140/$175); 9th, Kevin McKinney of Lincoln (1115/$150) and Chad Passwaters of Blades, Del. (1010/$150) Trophies were presented by the Pepsi Bottling Ventures.

The champions received championship jackets from American Race Tires/Lias Tire and competed in a game of chance that netted Joe Warren a diamond necklace that he presented to his mother. Michael White received a Night at the Races for his friends, Jamie Mills received a season pass and Ray Davis and Brandon Dennis received season parking spots.

Two special service awards were presented. Pit official Rex Lilly received a 30 year service plaque and track videographer Gary Conaway received a plaque for 20 years of service.

The $51,750 plus point fund was due largely in part to season sponsors that included: Hertrich Pontiac/Buick/GMC Truck, NAPA Auto Parts, R.C. Holloway Company; American Race Tires from Lias Tire Racing Division; Scott’s Furniture, Snookie’s Speed Parts, Taylor & Messick John Deere, Pepsi Bottling Ventures; Lankford Sysco; Hab Nab Trucking; A-1 Racing Specialties Inc.; NuCar Connection; and Brownie’s Package Store. Door Prizes were provided by Taylor & Messick, Blue Hen Speed & Performance, NuCar Connection and Delmar Liquor.