Sheppard Takes Aim at Historic Streak This Weekend in Tennessee

CONCORD, NC — May 21, 2019 — Only six drivers in World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series history have ever managed to put together a consecutive win streak of four or more. After winning four consecutive races at Volusia Speedway Park in February, “The Rocket Shepp” Brandon Sheppard will go for five-in-a-row Friday night at Duck River Raceway Park and, if victorious, attempt to make it six on Saturday night at Smoky Mountain Speedway.

For a bit of a history lesson, Billy Moyer stacked five-in-a-row in his championship-winning 1988 and 1989 seasons; 2011 Series Champion Rick Eckert made it four-in-a-row in the summer of 2006; Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified veteran Tim Fuller also won four-in-a-row in 2009; and four-time Series Champion Josh Richards put together a four-race win streak in 2016.

Currently, the man atop the win-streak chart and Sheppard’s overall target in the next three races is three-time Series Champion Darrell Lanigan, who set the current win streak record in the summer of 2012 with a whopping six Morton Buildings Feature wins in a row — July 12 at Red River Co-op Speedway, July 13 at River Cities Speedway, July 14 at North Central Speedway, Aug. 4 at Cedar Lake Speedway, Aug. 6 at Independence Motor Speedway, and Aug. 7 at Shawano Speedway.

For Sheppard to break six, he’ll need to win both races in Tennessee this weekend and the first 25-lap leg of the Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway on April 5 – a track he won the 75-lapper at most recently in 2017. As daunting of a task as this may seem for any other driver and team, the Mark Richards Racing/Rocket Chassis house car team hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since their fourth consecutive victory at Volusia, as they also won the Indiana Icebreaker at the Brownstown Speedway last Saturday night.

Behind Sheppard and his frequent displays of dominance on dirt is the rest of the Rocket1 Racing team. Car owner Mark Richards said he has full confidence in his crew to get the job done on Friday and beyond.

“It speaks a lot to what this team is all about,” Richards said. “The crew guys that we have brought together to form this team, they’re really the reason why this team does what it does.

“I’ve been doing this for 43-44 years. Right now, I’ve got the best team I’ve ever had.”

As most modern-day race teams employ, everyone on the team has specific responsibilities to take care of both on and off the racetrack. The difference-maker for Richards and his team being, they don’t waste time with fabrication in February through November, which allows the entire crew to focus strictly on maintenance and improvements during active periods.

“We’re working on stuff so we’re ahead of the game come June or July, we’ve got equipment ready and we’re not building stuff in the middle of the summer,” Richards said. “We build all of our stuff during the winter. We hardly ever put a car together during race season.”

With all of that personal responsibility on the team comes the expectations of being one of the most recognizable teams and cars in Dirt Late Model racing. Sheppard has always displayed his signature humility in Victory Lane and never admits to feeling any extra pressure behind the wheel in important races. To compliment that notion, Richards has put streaks like this together before, and knows gunning for such milestones doesn’t cut a bigger check or earn any extra championship points at the end of the night.

“We don’t add any pressure,” Richards said. “Obviously, our goal is to win every race we’re in. But as far as looking at records, we’ll let them fall where they fall in the end.”

At Duck River and Smoky Mountain, records will remain non-existent in the minds of the big-blue #1.

“There’s just too many variables that make it to where you could have the best plan in the world and something still happens,” Richards continued. “We’ll just do what we can do and hope for the best.”

In opposition of Sheppard and the crew’s best efforts, the “Bluegrass Bandit” Darrell Lanigan will be a part of the field looking to put a stop to Sheppard’s climb to five-straight World of Outlaws wins this weekend. But, to concur with Richards’ comments on how much the record will be on his mind, Lanigan said it’s certainly not anything he’s paying much attention to.

“I don’t really pay that any mind,” Lanigan said. “He’s been on a hot streak and they’ve got a good team. It takes a lot of luck to win another two races — I’m not saying they can’t, but it does take a lot of luck. Everything has to go their way, but there’ll be a lot of good cars down there so it should be interesting.”

As previously noted, one of Lanigan’s 2012 streak wins came at Cedar Lake Speedway in the USA Nationals, another of the Series’ many “crown jewel” races that every driver makes a special effort to try and win. Lanigan’s drive to victory there over six years ago was nothing short of his best.

“Track conditions were pretty treacherous that night, I remember,” Lanigan said. “I mean, it was fast and rough. Just to go out there and not break for 100 laps is something else.”

Like the Rocket1 Racing team has done this year, the rest of the Darrell Lanigan Racing team put in a huge effort to build that six-race streak, and they’ll be bringing the same thing to the track this weekend to protect it.

“It’s an everyday effort,” Lanigan said. “We work 12-15 hours just about every day. To be a top-caliber team, it takes that kind of effort because there’s other teams out there doing it just to keep up and not have any failures. It takes that effort just to have a top-level team.”

Follow the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series at WorldofOutlaws.com, and watch every race live with a DIRTVision Late Model Fast Pass.

 

Crew Members Are Unsung Heroes of World of Outlaws Lifestyle

CONCORD, NC - March 19, 2019 -  Life on the road with a World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series race team is always challenging. Very rarely do drivers ever race at a track near their shop, house or hometown.

This weekend, teams from all over the Midwest and East Coast will converge on Tennessee for Friday’s event at Duck River Raceway Park and Saturday’s race at Smoky Mountain Speedway.

Chase Junghans, his crew chief Corey Richman and the rest of the ShopQuik No. 18 team travels from Manhattan, KS, and they’re having their best start to a World of Outlaws season with three top-five finishes already this year after having five all last season. Success always helps ease the constant struggle, but the challenges remain.

The long hours on the road, lack of sleep and multiple fast food meals can really wear a small race team out over the course of a 9-month season. But the friends made at the track and the sense of a family bond found inside of a race hauler between the team members is like none other. The glory a team shares seeing their car roll into Victory Lane at the end of a hard-fought night of racing, and the ability to show up to an unfamiliar track and perform well are just a few of the many incentives for the drivers and crews to stay in the sport as long as they do.

Richman has been a dirt racing crew member for several years. Originally from Wyoming, Richman moved to Kansas after joining Junghans’ race team. He first turned wrenches for Chase's brother Grant and his Modified operation before switching to Chase’s full-time Late Model team in 2014, where he's been the crew chief ever since.

For Richman, one of the best parts about being on the road is the friends and racing family he and the rest of the crew get to visit from time to time. He said it’s a good feeling to know that some folks actually do appreciate the work done behind the scenes to put on a great show every race night.

“Just getting to meet all of the cool people at the track,” Richman said. “We’ve got some friends that come up to us and ask, ‘Hey, you need a place to stay or wash, or do your laundry or cook?’ That’s the best part about it, just the people and how much they see what we do and how much that helps.”

Junghans and the team’s good friends at Bozard Ford have been a sponsor of the Manhattan, KS-based team for multiple seasons, and often extend their gratitude towards the crew members when they make the trip to Florida for Speedweeks each February. Decent meals are hard to come by with the travel schedule, and the crew members agree it’s nice to get away from that when possible.

“We don’t ever get to have a home-cooked meal. We’ve got friends that bring us meals at different places we go,” Richman said. “The best part is the people that take care of you on the road, just to get you out of your truck and away from work and go have fun.”

Quite obviously, these are just the fruits of the many, many labors Richman and the team put into the cars throughout the season. The larger portion of the year is spent washing, repairing and setup-adjusting on the car — tasks that require serious team organization.

“We have three other guys that work with us, and everyone has their own job,” Richman said. “And it’s a lot of reminding each other, like ‘how about this?’ or ‘did you get that?’ Everyone knows what to do, so instead of putting it all on one guy, everyone has their own jobs. You rely on them to get their part done and they rely on you to get yours done.”

Danny White, crew chief for 2017 Series Champion Brandon Sheppard and the Mark Richards Racing/Rocket Chassis house car, grew up around racing in Iowa and began working for a family friend’s Super Late Model team in the 2000s. His local opportunity faded out in 2010, and White began searching for a new team to turn wrenches on. A reference from Steve Francis got the attention of fellow hall-of-famer Rick Eckert, who moved White out to his York, PA race shop in the spring of 2011. When Eckert was hired to be Josh Richards’ replacement aboard the Valvoline No. 1 in the spring of 2014, White went with him, and stayed in West Virginia to become part of Mark Richards’ full-time team, where he currently resides in 2019.

White said the best phrase to describe his position on his team is “a grind.” The late nights at the track and the quick turnaround time out of bed and into the toolbox in the morning is the hardest part in his mind, but it’s all worth it at the end of each night.

“It’s an ever-changing schedule,” White said. “During the week, you try to be a bit more regular at the shop, and when you’re racing, you’re up until midnight. When you get to the next track, it’s usually two or three in the morning, and then you’re right back up at 9:30 getting your maintenance and other stuff done… it’s fun, but it’s just a lot of hours.”

“It’s just like any job. There’s days where you wonder why you do it. But most of the time, you enjoy it,” White added.

As is with any other national touring team, every bit of maintenance must be completed in a single day for back-to-back nights of racing. Washing the car down, checking internal engine components, repairing the body, cleaning shocks and springs, tire grooving and front-end lubrication, even tightening every nut and bolt on the car has to be done to complete the pre-race routine, White said.

That checklist stays the same every day, in addition to any special repairs.

“That’s on a good day,” White added. “That’s if you didn’t tear any suspension off or [damage] any body stuff, if goes pretty good. But if you’ve got any of that, it can make for a long day.”

Shawn Gage, crew chief for the Weiss Racing No. 7, has been a part of a race crew since he was just 14 years old. A previous member of Dan Schlieper’s team, Gage met former Series champion Scott Bloomquist through his work in Tennessee as a crewman and was eventually hired by engine builder Vic Hill. When Ricky Weiss began piloting cars for Hill, Gage joined his crew full-time. Now in 2019, Weiss and Gage are still a driver-crew chief owner, tackling the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series tour in a chase for the Rookie of the Year title.

Gage has been up and down the road with Weiss and the rest of his team many times. Weiss’ race shop is located in Headingley, Manitoba, Canada – a 22-plus hour drive from mentor Bloomquist’s race shop in Mooresburg, TN. Gage admits the long hours on the road away from family is one of his least favorite parts.

“It takes a toll on everything,” Gage said. “Your dogs, your girlfriend, your life and family. You kind of just devote your life to it, if that’s what you want to do. In order to be successful, you have to eat, sleep and drink it.”

Somewhere in the midst of racing, maintenance and traveling lies a usually short block of sleep. Gage remarked that he and the crew only make time for rest when they can find a pocket of time.

“The sleep is something that I guess just gets added to the day whenever it happens,” Gage said.

But through each team’s struggles and hard work is a reason why they show up to the track ready to go every night. Like Richman, White and Gage power through the grind each week for their own specific parts of enjoyment in the sport.

“One of the things I enjoy the most is when people ask what I do and I get to tell them,” White said. “I say, ‘I get to go to races and work on racecars’ and they’re like ‘Oh wow!’ To me, that’s one of the more fun parts of my job.”

“For us, it’s being able to adapt to every track and just get better all around, that’s the goal,” Gage said. “Following the Series is great because you’re running against stiff competition every night, and when you can go line up at places you’ve never been [and perform well], that’s what we do it for. We do it for the wins, we do it for the competition in general.”

The grind will start back up for each team this Friday at Duck River Raceway Park and Saturday at Smoky Mountain Speedway. Join us at the track or watch every lap live on DIRTVision.com with your Late Model Fast Pass!

 

 

HOPEFUL HEALING

World of Outlaws ‘California Fire Relief Tour’ opening eyes to devastating wildfires

CHICO, CA – Racing is not the only focus of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series this weekend.

The Series’ California Fire Relief Tour kicks off Friday at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif., and Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif., in an effort to assist the thousands of Northern and Southern California residents still healing from last year’s devastating wildfires.

From Silver Dollar Speedway on Friday, March 15, to Saturday, March 30, at Perris Auto Speedway, $1 of every ticket sold will be donated directly to California fire relief. Also, $5 from each Outlaws California Fire Relief Tour shirt sold will be donated to California fire relief, which helps those effected by the fire.

Many effected by the fire thought they’d return to a normal life, having lived through fires before.

Kyle Hirst, who won his first World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series race at Silver Dollar Speedway in 2017, heard what he thought was rain, not thinking the wildfire was near his Paradise, Calif., home. It wasn’t rain. It was ash. He and his wife packed up what they needed and left with their daughter.

When they eventually returned, among the ashes of what were once homes, they were fortunate to be one of the lucky ones to return to a home. However, Hirst’s shop behind the house was not as fortunate. Race suits, helmets, stacks of trophies, including from his win at Silver Dollar Speedway, and more gone. Now just a few pieces of burnt scrap metal.

He said fortunately for him, he races for Roth Motorsports, so he didn’t have cars or too many tools in the shop when the fire came through. Just stacks of he and his dad’s trophies. Years of memories he said he can no longer share with his kid.

But he still has a home to return to. Just not for a while, though, due to contaminated water in the area. For now, Hirst said he is able to rent a home from a friend. He plans to return, but knows it’ll take months and years before the rubble of burned homes around his are cleaned up.

“I’ll be outside playing with my daughter and this is what she’ll see,” Hirst said, pointing out the charred debris across the street from him.

The majority of the damage throughout Paradise, Calif., happened in the first 12 hours of the fire, according to firemen at the Chico Fire Department, who bravely battled the fire. They were donated tickets to Friday’s race at Silver Dollar Speedway, and more tickets throughout the Tour will be donated to local firemen.

Fans unable to attend the races in California that would like to participate can purchase the Outlaws California Fire Relief Tour shirt online at store.worldofoutlaws.com and are able to purchase additional tickets to donate to local firemen at WorldofOutlaws.com/tix.

 

 

DIRTcar Track Spotlight: Brockville Ontario Speedway

CONCORD, NC - 2019 marks the fiftieth year of operation for The Bullring, Brockville Ontario Speedway. The Eastern Ontario DIRTcar sanctioned race track features Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds. The Loud & Dirty Northeast Fall Nationals October 18-19, 2019 serves as the Championship finale for three DIRTcar Northeast Series: 358 Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks. This unique, high-stakes event should be on every race fan’s calendar.

Last year Brockville’s DIRTcar 358 Modified Track Champion was the legendary veteran, Danny O’Brien. He and his No. 17D visited the BOS Victory Lane six times in 2018 en route to the Track Championship. Sadly for his fans, O’Brien is hanging up the helmet and will be a spectator. All eyes will be on Ryan Arbuthnot, Kyle Dingwall, and Luke Whitteker to carry the DIRTcar 358 Modified torch in 2019. Also, just announced, Mike Maresca, in his black and orange No. 7x, will race for the 358 Modified Championship at Brockville this year.

DIRTcar Sportsman Modified driver Ryan Scott showed speed and consistency wins Championships at The Bullring. He took home three checkered flags, while runner-up Johnathon Ferguson snagged four. It was an extremely tight battle all season as Tristan Draper rounded out the podium despite tallying three wins for himself. Draper is making the jump to the 358 Modified ranks this year, showing how well the DIRTcar Northeast ladder system works. 2019 promises another exceptional season of Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship DIRTcar Sportsman Modified action.

The most highly anticipated event at Brockville Ontario Speedway is the Loud & Dirty Northeast Fall Nationals, which takes place October 18-19, 2019. All four DIRTcar Northeast divisions will be coming off the excitement of NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII, and for the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks Brockville, it’s is the last race of the season as the Series Championships will be decided. On Friday, October 18, the Super DIRTcar Series headlines the show with their second to last race of the season, with the World Finals presented by CAN-AM hosting the final rounds of the season.

The DIRTcar 358 Series finale at Brockville on Saturday, October 19 is a $10,000 to win 100-lap Bullringer.

Making a trip for the races at Brockville Ontario Speedway is perfect family fun, and there is plenty to do and places to stay in the region. One of the most popular attractions is the Aquatarium, a 33,000+ square foot climate-controlled aquarium and discovery center on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Another great stop is The National Air Force Museum of Canada. The museum has over thirty vintage aircraft on site, including the famous World War II fighter, the Hawker Hurricane.

Whether you are a long-time weekly fan of Brockville, or it’s your first time, there is plenty of DIRTcar action to look forward to in 2019!

2019 Brockville Ontario Speedway Schedule

April 20 Annual Fan Fest & CHEO Fundraiser at Brockville Walmart, Live Band FREE

May 4 Open Practice & Tech Inspections 1pm -4pm FREE

May 11 50th Anniversary Opening Night, OGILVIES AUTO & FLEET TRIPLE CROWN 50L 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, 50L Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks & Mini Stocks, Legends Grand Marshall Howard Shaw (no courtesy passes) $24

May 18 SUPERIOR CELLULAR & SOUND,50th Anniversary, Bob Green Grand Marshall, 50L Street Stocks $500 to Win, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman & Outlaw Vintage $14

May 25 RYCON ELCETRICAL, 50th Anniversary, 50L Mini Stocks $300 to Win, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman Street Stocks, Legends Grand Marshall Walter Pennock $14

June 1 Regular Show, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock & Outlaw Vintage $14

June 8 OGILVIES AUTO & FLEET TRIPLE CROWN, 50L 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, 50L Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks & Mini Stocks (no courtesy passes) $24

June 15 COCA COLA, Regular Show, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman Street Stock, & Outlaw Vintage $14

June 22 TALLMAN TRUCK CENTRE, Regular Program, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock & Mini Stock $14

June 29 POLITE SAND 7 GRAVEL, Regular Show, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock & Outlaw Vintage $14

July 6 1000 ISLANDS RV, 50th Anniversary, Mid-Season Championship, Double Points, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified Bullringer Qualifier for the Loud & Dirty Fall Nationals, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks & Mini Stocks $5

July 13 JIM’S PERFORMANCE, Regular Show, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock & Outlaw Vintage $14

July 20 TACKABERRY CONTSTRUCTION, AUTOGRAPH NIGHT, PATRIOT SPRINT CARS, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks & Mini Stocks (no courtesy passes) $27

July 27 DRAPER DOORS, Regular Show, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock & Outlaw Vintage $14

Aug 3 Regular Show, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock & Mini Stocks $14

Aug 10 FOSTER REPAIR, LUCAS OIL ESS SPRINTS, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks & Outlaw Vintage (no courtesy passes) $27

Aug 17 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks & Mini Stocks $14

Aug 24 Regular Show, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stock & Outlaw Vintage $14

Aug 31 1000 ISLANDS TOYOTA Final Points on our 50th Anniversary, 1000 Islands RV 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman, Draper Doors Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks & Mini Stocks plus Fireworks! (no courtesy passes) $20

Sept 14 RYCON ELECTRIC FALL KART CLASSIC 1 PM start, (no season passes) $5
Sept 15 MONSTER MUD ENDURO 4, 6/8 cyl, Mini Van & Ladies Races 1PM Start, cars must be registered by NOON $14

LOUD & DIRTY BRAND FALL NATIONALS EVENT OCT 18-19TH
A CRAIG REVELLE TRIBUTE PRESENTED BY ST. LAWRENCE RADIOLOGY & REZ X RACING
SPONSORED BY BOB FM, RECORDER & TIMES
ALL OCTOBER EVENT INFO WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE

Oct 18 LOUD & DIRTY BRAND Fall Nationals Dirt Big Blocks Series 100L, Mr. Dirt Sportsman 50L Series-OGILVIES AUTO & FLEET SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP CROWNING, Mr. Dirt Pro Stock 50L Series, & Invitational Mini Stock, 6 pm start, Time Trials Prior $40
Kids $5
No Passes

Oct 19 LOUD & DIRTY BRAND Fall Nationals BOS 50th ANNIVERSARY $10,000 to Win BULLRINGER Dirt 358 Modified 110 L Series-OGILVIES AUTO & FLEET CHAMPIONSHIP CROWNING, Open 360 SPRINTS, Invitational Street Stock 30L, 5 PM start, Time Trials Prior, plus Annual After Party $40
Kids $5
No Passes
Schedule Subject to Change

All changes in sufficient time to notify the spectators, participants and press. Weekly divisions consist of Dirt 358 Modified, Dirt Sportsman Sportsman Rookies, and Street Stocks.
Alternate divisions are Outlaw Vintage & Mini Stocks.

ALL RACES START AT 7 PM EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
Gates Open at 5PM, Kids Under 15 FREE with Paid General Admission
(excluding Sept 14, Fall Nationals) proof of age required

GO KART RACING WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 7PM

Over a million reasons to be part of the Super DIRTcar Series in 2019

CONCORD, NC — March 21, 2019 — 2019 is officially the year of the Big-Block Modified. The Super DIRTcar Series and its tracks are proud to present a massive $1.25 million in prize money for Series competitors throughout the year.

The record-breaking Super DIRTcar Series cash prizes are spread throughout the season — $877,000 in race purses, $123,000 in the Championship point fund, $205,000 at NAPA Super DIRT Week, and over $20,000 in contingency sponsor cash bonuses.

The crown jewel of the Super DIRTcar Series is, of course, NAPA Super DIRT Week at Oswego Speedway. The 48th action-packed autumn classic runs Wednesday to Sunday, October 8-13 2019. Sunday’s Billy Whittaker Cars 200 caps off the greatest week in DIRTcar racing with the $50,000-to-win finale. The total purse for the week, including the Friday Night Lights Triple Qualifiers, is $205,000.

There are eight NAPA Super DIRT Week Qualifiers peppered throughout the 2019 schedule, and all of them pay at least $10,000-to-win. The Series returns to Can-Am Speedway on Saturday, April 13 to kick-off the points-paying season with the Thunder in the Thousand Islands 100 $10,000-to-win lid lifter.

On Tuesday, June 25, Brett Hearn’s The Big Show XI returns to Albany-Saratoga Speedway. The 100-lap Feature pays out $11,111 to the winner along with a guaranteed start in the Billy Whittaker Cars 200. Less than a week later, the newly dubbed Plattsburgh Airborne Speedway, hosts the Series for another $10,000-to-win NAPA Super DIRT Week Qualifier on Monday, July 1.

July is the month of the money as it includes four $10,000-to-win 100-lap Features. After Plattsburgh, the Orange County Fair Speedway hosts the Battle on the Midway 100 on Thursday, July 18. Then Weedsport Speedway’s Hall of Fame 100 brings the Series to the historic track on Sunday, July 28. Finally, July’s four-crown finale is a 100-lapper on the prestigious Eldora Speedway high banks in support of the Gander Mountain NASCAR Truck Series rounds out the month.

Lebanon Valley Speedway’s annual Mr. DIRT Track USA pays $17,500 to the winner on Saturday, August 31. The final NAPA Super DIRT Week Qualifier falls takes place Saturday, September 14 at Mohawk International Raceway with the Mohawk 100. All other Super DIRTcar Series races pay out a minimum of $7,500 to the winner and at least $500 to start the race.

None of this would be possible without the support of our highly professional DIRTcar Big-Block Modified drivers, passionate and hard-working track owners and promoters, and sponsors. VP Race Fuels and Hoosier Racing Tire provide excellent support for our racers throughout the year. Contingency sponsors include: ASI Racewear, Bicknell Racing Products, Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux, Dig Safely, Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams,DART, Fox Shox, Intercomp, JE Pistons, KSE Racing Products, MSD, and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Beyea Headers, FireAde, Racing Electronics and TNT Rescue.

For the latest Super DIRTcar Series news, make sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter and at SuperDIRTcarSeries.com.

 

 

DIRTcar Track Spotlight: Can-Am Speedway

 

 

CONCORD, NC - A lot of short tracks in the United States call themselves a half-mile, but only a few have distinguished themselves as a “big half-mile” the way Can-Am Speedway has. The “big half-mile” was the first American track that Australian-born Big-Block Modified star Peter Britten raced on after spending his career on quarter-mile bullrings down under, and it made for a serious culture shock. The LaFargeville oval is a fan favorite in the North Country since 1974.

2019 marks the return of the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds to the speedway in addition to two DIRTcar 358 Modified Series races. The Super DIRTcar Series has not raced in LaFargeville, NY since 2009, when Super Matt Sheppard took the checkered flag. Can-Am Speedway will open the gates on Saturday, April 13, 2019 to welcome the Big-Block Modifieds for the first time in a decade.

The DIRTcar 358 Modified Series visits are scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, and Saturday, September 7 for a pair of $4,000-to-win shows. The track-owning Bartlett family will be keen to defend their home territory against the Series invaders with Ryan Bartlett behind the wheel of his No. 93 DIRTcar 358 Modified.

The DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Central Region comes to town on Wednesday, July 3, and Friday, September 6 as a part of the Showdown in September weekend.

In Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship competition, race fans can see DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds every Saturday night. Last year Billy Dunn thrilled the Can-Am crowds by edging out Jordan McCreadie and Ryan Arbuthnot for the Track Championship. Ryan Bartlett landed in fourth just off the podium, but he’s sure to be a threat once again in 2019.

Dave Rogers finished just 31 points ahead of the young gun Jackson Gill for the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Track Championship. Tyler Meeks and Taylor Caprara came in third and fourth respectively. Over 60 DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds attempted to make the field at Can-Am Speedway throughout 2019.

Race fans don’t have to make a trip to Can-Am Speedway a one day trip. There is plenty to do in the Thousand Islands region. Boldt Castle and Yacht House in the Thousand Islands is one of the top destinations for visitors. Since race fans like machines that move, also check out the Antique Boat Museum. The region also includes a bevy of wineries including, Thousand Islands Winery and Coyote Moon Vineyards. For the kids, don’t miss Burrville Cider Mill, which boasts waterfalls, apple cider, and apple cider donuts.

Website: www.RaceCanAm.com

Twitter: @CanSpeedway

Facebook: www.facebook.com/canamspeedway

Weekly racing starts at 7:30pm

Admission Prices:

Adults (18+): $12

Students (11-17): $5

Kids (10 & Under): Free

Military (With ID): $10

 

 

Can-Am Speedway Hosts Thunder in the Thousand Islands 100 Saturday, April 13 $10,00- to-win NAPA Super DIRT Week Qualifier

Concord, NC - The Super DIRTcar Series has not turned a lap at the legendary half-mile Can-Am Speedway since 2009, but that all changes on Saturday, April 13, 2019 when the Big-Block Modifieds come to town for the $10,000-to-win Thunder in the Thousand Islands 100  NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII Qualifier. Drivers and fans are excited for Can-Am Speedway to break the ice on the 2019 Super DIRTcar Series Championship points season.

After a highly competitive DIRTcar Nationals preseason event at Volusia Speedway Park, it’s anyone’s guess as to who takes the first NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII Qualifier of 2019. Super Matt Sheppard visited Victory Lane in the last Series race at Can-Am Speedway a full decade ago. Sheppard is prepared to pick up where he left off in 2018 with an early season statement at the big half-mile speedway.

Will a new face on the Series circuit can come out swinging? Anthony Perrego showed strength throughout the DIRTcar Nationals. His Graham Racing operation is keen to add another marquee event to its win list. Other Rookie of the Year contenders like Ryan Godown, Demetrios Drellos and Jack Lehner are hungry to kick off the season with a first career Series win.

Or will the checkered wave over the roofs of Super DIRTcar Series stalwarts such as Erick Rudolph, Jimmy Phelps, Danny Johnson, Brett Hearn, Peter Britten, Adam Roberts, and Tim Fuller. How about Series returnees? Billy Decker, Larry Wight, Mat Williamson and Mike Mahaney. 

For Britten, driver of the No. 21a. from Queensland, Australia, he has a vivid memory of his first time racing at Can-Am Speedway. He’s happy to see the Series is returning to the track he where made his first Big-Block Modified start on US soil.

“I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the first ever place I raced at in the United States, and I’ve never even been back since. I enjoyed the one time I did race there. Everybody knows how big the place is. Coming from Australia, I was used to racing on quarter-mile bullrings. Now it’s my first race in America, and it’s at Can-Am! It was a little bit of a shock to the system.”

Britten made the show, but his luck ran out in the Feature.

“Unfortunately, my feature race got cut short because a guy broke going down the back straightaway and I ran into him, bending some radius rods. It wasn’t a favorable end to my race but nonetheless but I remember what the track was like and I look forward to getting back there. I think it’s good that the Series is getting back to some of these tracks.”

The Thunder in the Thousand Islands 100 is the first of seven NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII Qualifiers, which all pay at least $10,000-to-win. A large field of Big-Block Modifieds is expected to enter the race in addition to a strong contingent of full-time Series drivers. The DIRTcar Sportsman will also fill the pits with a special $1,000 to win event. Race fans in the Northeast have had April 13, 2019 circled on their calendars for months. Make your plans today.

CAN-AM SPEEDWAY (20)

 

Address: 21047 SR 411, LaFargeville, NY 13658

Track size: 500 mile banked dirt oval

Track Record: 19.084 second lap – Matt Sheppard 2009

Most Series Wins: Steve Paine (3)

 

Super DIRTcar Series Winners:

 

8/21/09            100      Matt Sheppard

8/16/08            100      Gary Tomkins

8/18/07            50        Steve Paine

8/18/07            50        Tim Fuller

7/28/04            100      Gary Tomkins

9/6/03              100      Tim McCreadie

7/24/02            100      Tim McCreadie

7/20/00            100      Danny Johnson

7/22/99            99        Billy Decker

7/16/98            98        Pat Ward

7/17/97            97        Steve Paine

7/18/96            75        Bob McCreadie

8/30/95            95        Danny O'Brien

7/20/94            94        Alan Johnson

7/21/93            93        Steve Paine

7/21/92            92        Doug Hoffman

7/23/91            91        Steve Paine

7/17/90            90        Pat O'Brien

7/18/89            89        Brett Hearn

7/19/88            88        Doug Hoffman

 

 

New ‘Win and You’re In’ format pays $4,000-to-win, more than $22,000 up for grabs

CONCORD, NC — March 7, 2019 — Fulton Speedway and DIRTcar Racing are stepping up the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified game for the annual “Win and You’re In” event during NAPA Super DIRT Week at Oswego Speedway.

For the past decade, Saturday night of “Racing’s Biggest Party” has featured a special Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified race to award the final starting position in the prestigious Billy Whittaker Cars 200. For the fourth consecutive year, Fulton Speedway will be host of the annual Win and You’re In race on Oct. 12, now with a special new-for-2019 format that includes three Features.

Following Twin qualifying races, the winner of the Big-Block Modified Wildcard 50-lap finale takes home a $4,000 payday. The driver who earns the final starting spot for the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 is rewarded a $1,000 bonus in addition to the earned race purse. It’s possible that one driver could take home $6,000 if they win their qualifying 25-lap Feature event, as well.  

Here how the format takes shape: Drivers will draw for starting positions for one of the Twin 25 Feature races. The top two finishers in each 25-lapper pick up $1,000 and $500 respectively. The top 10 from each Twin 25 automatically advances to the Wildcard feature. Positions 11 to last head to a 12-lap Last Chance Showdown. The top four qualify for the 50-lap finale. All drivers who start the Last Chance Showdown but fail to transfer receive $250.

Then, the top 10 qualified drivers redraw for positions 1 through 10 to start the Wildcard Feature. Positions 11 to 24 start as they finished in the qualifiers and Last Chance Showdown. The winner of the Wildcard Feature, or the highest finishing driver not qualified for Sunday’s 200, starts last in the NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII Billy Whittaker Cars 200. The total prize money for the Wildcard 50 is in excess of $22,000. In addition to the final starting position for the 200, the winner receives $4,000, second picks up $2,500, and third takes home $1,500, so even qualified drivers will want to get in on the action at Fulton Speedway.

Also on the card is a $3,000-to-win, $300-to-start for 25-lap feature for 360 sprint cars, an open competition event run by the Empire Super Sprints.

Between the significantly expanded purse for the Win and You’re In and the high number of Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds expected to need one last chance to make the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 field, Saturday, October 12, is sure to bring even more drama and excitement to NAPA Super DIRT Week.

WILDCARD PURSE: 1. $4,000.00; 2. $2,500.00; 3. $1,500.00; 4. $1,200.00; 5. $1,000.00; 6. $800.00; 7. $700.00; 8. $600.00; 9. $550.00; 10. $500.00; 11. $450.00; 12. $400.00; 13. $375.00; 14. $350.00; 15. $325.00; 16. $300.00; 17. $275.00; 18. $275.00; 19. $275.00; 20. $275.00; 21. $275.00; 22. $275.00; 23. $275.00; 24. $275.00.

 

“Win and You’re In” Race Winners

Weedsport Speedway (Twin 20s)

2008......... Chuck Bower

2008......... Chad Phelps

Rolling Wheels Raceway Park

2009......... Chad Brachmann

2010......... Jeff Brownell Jr.

2011......... Chad Brachmann

2012......... Chad Homan

2013......... Vince Vitale

2014......... Ryan Susice

2015......... Steve Paine

Fulton Speedway

2016......... Chris Hile

2017......... Tom Sears Jr.

2018......... Mike Maresca

 

 

DIRTcar Northeast’s Multi-Car Display Set to Wow Syracuse Motorsports Expo Crowds

 

CONCORD, NC - On March 9-10, 2019, DIRTcar Northeast is set to have a huge presence at the 33rd Annual Syracuse Motorsports Expo. Taking center stage are the Big-Block Modifieds of the Super DIRTcar Series. Officials will be on hand to answer questions and discuss your favorite DIRTcar Northeast racing moments. With the season about to begin, on Saturday, April 13 with a NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII Qualifier and $10,000 on the line at Can-Am Speedway, the buzz around the Super DIRTcar Series is palpable.

Five cars are lined up for display at the Syracuse Motorsports Expo, including the 2019 Super DIRTcar Series Champion Matt Sheppard’s No.9s, Jimmy Phelps’ HBR Motorsports No. 98H, and NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVII Champion Lightning Larry Wight’s No. 99L. Also on hand is the new red and black No. 91 Gypsum Express veteran Billy Decker machine and Rookie of the Year contender Jack Lehner with his new NAPA wrap on his No. 2.

Pick up your up-to-date DIRTcar Northeast and Super DIRTcar Series schedules and check in with Series officials. Also, there will be a very special giveaway to be announced soon. Check us out on Twitter at @SuperDIRTcar and on Facebook for upcoming details. Get your official ASI Racewear Super DIRTcar Series merchandise at the merchandise trailer, which will be on the opposite end of the expo center.

Be sure to visit all the DIRTcar-sanctioned race tracks on hand at the Expo. Weedsport Speedway has taken its customary position in the Northwest corner of the building with its eye-catching display. Super DIRTcar Series Championship runner-up Erick Rudolph will have his Big-Block Modified on display.

Go to www.syracusemotorsportsexpo.com to reference the map and see them all. Utica-Rome Speedway (C 1-30), Brewerton and Fulton Speedway (B 1-30), Land of Legends Raceway (C 6-25), Can-Am Speedway (F 1-38), Ransomville Speedway (48-52), Outlaw Speedway (D 35-38), and Oswego Speedway are ready to meet and mix with race fans to talk about the upcoming 2019 season.

At night the action switches over to the New York State Fairgrounds Exposition Center where the Inaugural Syracuse Indoor Race for TQ Midgets will take place. Full-time Super DIRTcar Series driver Erick Rudolph is once again a contender to go to Victory Lane. Tyler Thompson, who raced all four nights of Big-Block Modified competition at the DIRTcar Nationals, will also be behind the wheel of a TQ Midget for the event.

The Super DIRTcar Series starts the Championship points season with a return to Can-Am Speedway with a 100-lap, $10,000 to win NAPA Super DIRT Week XLVIII Qualifier on Saturday, April 13. Join us for this historic event.