Racin' & Internet Stuff:

By Tom Avenengo

Volume # 107

08/30/2012

First:

Please – those that had intentions to going to the Racing Expo at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, N.J. this coming Sunday – September 2^nd – it has been cancelled. Confirmation on the October 7^th date is due on 8/30, too late to make this weeks column. Great when “politics” gets involved, isn’t it?

Second:

Starting some parts on this column on Sunday afternoon, and this part right here, at 9:30 Sunday night. We’re due to be at the hospital at 8:30 on Monday morning to see what is wrong with the wife’s “Power Port” or “Medi-Port” and why the chemo could not be put through it, or even blood drawn with it. So far, for the wife, no real effect from the Chemo pills or the IV Chemo. Hooray!

Third:

It was a quick hospital visit on Tuesday morning! Problem with the Port – none really. Worked fine. Only thing they think might have caused the “problem” was that it was a little deep in its placement. Time will tell.

Fourth:

To the best of my knowledge, when the NEMA Midgets and NEMA Lights raced at Oswego last Saturday, that was the only “full” midget race held in New York State for the year 2012. Last year, prior to it being cancelled, it would have also been the only one. From what I recall, Oswego was worried about the car count last year, which was the reason for cancellation. This year the Midgets brought in 16 cars and the Lights brought 14.

Note: Found this on Facebook: “It's too bad we didn't have a better crowd....the racing was fun to watch.” Hope that doesn’t cause this race not to be held next year. I have to check and see what else was on the card.

Fifth:

It seems that I’m not the only one that’s having trouble with MyLaps. I’ve been in contact with them, via Facebook, and this is the last from them – Tuesday, 8/28/12:

“MYLAPS Sports Timing
The app is working.

I am not talking about the OCFS website. OCFS needs to upload the results to mylaps.com otherwise they are not shown. Last results is from 3 sept 2011. So i guess they haven't uploaded new results to mylaps since 3 sept 2011.

Please ask OCFS why they won't upload it.

Regards Tim”

Sixth:

It’s been quite a while since the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame’s website has been back up and running. Last I had heard was they were searching for a webmaster?

Seventh:

Found on the Track Forum:

Zanardi wants to do the Indy 500

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102023

In part:

"Alex Zanardi is interested in racing in the Indianapolis 500 - an event he never took part in despite his success in the United States.

The former grand prix driver, who lost his legs in a Champ Car crash at the Lausitzring in 2001, is about to compete for Italy in the handbike categories at the London Paralympics next month.

And although fully focused on his current ambitions, Zanardi says he is open to a return to racing for the first time since 2009 - either in a top-line series like DTM or in a big event like the Indy 500.”

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?168395-Zanardi-wants-to-do-the-Indy-500

Eighth:

Looking at the entry list for this weekends Cup race at Atlanta, and I notice there are 47 of them but no David Reutimann. He’s not listed on the Nationwide entry list, either. It’s a shame he had that deal to keep Danica Patrick in the top 35 and he loses out on races.

http://www.jayski.com/news/stats/2012/story/_/page/25-Atlanta-Entry-List

Ninth:

Anne Fornoro, who does the PR for the A.J. Foyt race team always send me their press releases. In the one I received this past Wednesday, 8/29, there was this, in it:

“Grid Penalty: AJ Foyt Racing had to change their Honda engine after the Sonoma race because the engine was well over the 1850-mile mark (the minimum for an allowed engine change). However, because it will be the sixth engine installed which exceeds the five engine limit allowed for the season, the car will incur a 10-spot grid penalty at Baltimore this weekend. It will be the second grid penalty of the year for the team with the first one occurring at Texas Motor Speedway (Conway qualified eighth, started 18^th and finished 16^th due to aero issues on the car).”

Note: In a way, I don’t agree with these penalties even if it supposedly would stop a team or teams from having a fresh engine for every race.

Tenth:

Are you aware that my Johnny Ritter photo article is finally up on the New England Tractor website? Part one of five parts came out on Monday, with part two on Tuesday and part three on Wednesday. Parts four and five are due to come out on Thursday, 8/30.

The can be found here: http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

Also, if you scroll down to the very end of all the reports and articles, there are more photo articles of mine. Oh, and as you scroll down, in amongst the articles and columns are a few more, from 7/4/11, 2/8/11 and 1/20/11.

Eleventh:

Not racing related, but:

Chevy Idles Volt, Media Draws Politicized Conclusions

In part:

GM will temporarily halt production of the Chevy Volt at its Detroit-Hamtramck factory next month as

part of a planned shutdown to retool the facility for the remade Impala line. The idling will last for less than a month, spanning from September 15 to October 17.

Some media outlets took the news as a sign that Volt sales had tanked, jumping back into a familiar narrative that has maligned the car since long before its release. "GM Expected to Suspend Chevy Volt Production Over Slow Sales", read the headline at the USA Today's website. The factually-unsupported sentiment was echoed immediately around the web, spawning headlines like "Call It A Dud? Chevrolet Idles Volt Plant Again For Slow Sales".

Chevy says it has 6,500 Volts on hand, which should leave it with the standard 60 days worth of inventory once production resumes in October. The carmaker last idled the Volt line in March because it had accumulated more than 10,000 unsold vehicles (enough to cover about four months of sales,) but this time around, swelling inventories weren't a consideration in the decision.

More can be seen here:

http://www.plugincars.com/chevy-idles-volt-media-scrambles-draw-politicized-conclusions-124070.html

Twelfth:

This, from the Accord Speedway’s website:

Special Thanks to

The fans & competitors who supported

the St Jude’s Children’s Hospital Fundraiser.

Well over $2000 was raised for the kids at St. Jude’s!

Thanks to

Gillette Creamery for their generous donation of ice cream

and to Jill Dippel and the Dippel Racing Team for all

their effort in organizing the event.

Thirteenth:

More that is not racing related, but I imagine most readers of this column won’t like what it’s about.

NFL to teams: Replacement refs in place to work regular season

In part:

“In a Wednesday memo to all teams, NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson outlined just how far the league and the NFL Referees Association are on their current labor impasse, and confirmed that the NFL will indeed use the current crop of replacement officials when the regular season starts on Sept. 5.

From the memo, as first reported by Mike Freeman of CBS Sports, and seen here in HTML format:

In light of the current state of negotiations, we will have replacement crews on the field when the regular season begins. The replacements have undergone extensive training and evaluation, and have shown steady improvement during the preseason. We will continue the training with each crew and they will work as much of the regular season as necessary. The replacement officials are dedicated and enthusiastic, have worked very hard to improve, and have persevered despite the attacks on their qualifications and performance. We are all grateful for their service to the NFL.”

More can be seen here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-teams-replacement-refs-place-regular-season-205151904--nfl.html

Fourteenth:

Thoughts and prayers have to go out to all those that are being effected by Isaac. Hard to believe the damage water can do. I live about two blocks from the Delaware River here in Port Jervis, N.Y. My next door neighbor, a woman in her 90’s, claims she was born in the house she’s still in, and has never had water in her basement. No, we’re not in a flood zone!

Fifteenth:

Just prior to finalizing this weeks column I made a visit to the Track Forum and found this:

USAC says howdy to Levi

PENALTIES IMPOSED FROM SATURDAY AT KOKOMO

Officials of The United States Auto Club announced today penalties imposed after a racing incident involving the cars of Levi Jones and Jon Stanbrough during a weekend racing event at Kokomo Speedway.

Series officials spoke today with both drivers involved in the initial contact which led to additional cars being collected. Additionally, numerous sources were called upon including attending officials, eyewitness accounts, and track officials. Due to on-track contact deemed to be avoidable and producing a dangerous situation for fellow competitors, Jones will be penalized for these violations as outlined in 10.28 of competition rules.

Jones will be placed under probation for the balance of the National Sprint Car season, with the understanding that further infractions could lead to more severe punishment. Also, Jones and his team will be docked 25 championship points going into the next series’ event at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Illinois this Friday, August 31st.

Link: http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?168366-USAC-says-howdy-to-Levi

Supposedly, this is what happened:

Levi Jones drove Jon Stanbrough into the front straightaway wall. Stanbrough ended up hitting the pit entrance in turn one causing him to flip back out on to the track in front of oncoming traffic. Robert Ballou's car was hit in the cage by Stanbrough's bouncing car. Ballou flipped into the turn one fence injuring his back and knocking him unconscious, which caused his foot to stand on the throttle while upside down for several seconds. Chad Boespflug piled into the carnage and flipped as well. Stanbrough's car was badly damaged and Ballou's car and engine were destroyed.

So, to sum it all up, Levi Jones intentionally wrecked another driver which caused a three-car flip, destroyed at least two of those cars, sent a driver to the hospital, and got away without any damage to his own car.

The punishment is extremely light given what transpired due to the reckless and thoughtless driving of Levi Jones. Yet, it still seems amazing to all of us that he even received probation and a point deduction from USAC, which is kind of sad.

Now, Levi is done for the remaining 2012 racing season, per this:

Courtesy of IBRACN.com:

LEVI IS LAID UP

8/29/2012

FACT - (8-29-12 @ 12:38 pm) - Levi Jones is calling it a season. Levi has been dealing with neck pain resulting from having three herniated discs in his neck. Recently, Levi spent a day with surgeons to get evaluated and it was determined that surgery can't be put off any longer. Surgery is scheduled for next week with a expected recovery of 12 weeks, thus ending his 2012 campaign.

Currently, Levi is leading the USAC National Sprint Car points by 26 points over Jon Stanbrough. This lead was cut down after last weekends incident involving him and Stanbrough. I wasn't there so I don't know what happened but from what I'm reading, Levi got together with Jon and both went for a ride. This accident gathered a couple of other drivers sending Robert Ballou to the hospital with back pain and a concussion.

USAC announced that Levi would be docked 25 points and put on probation for the rest of the season. Reports are that Levi purposfully took out Jon for running him up the track but whatever the reason, USAC felt it necessary to act on the accident and punish Levi and the TSR Motorsports #20 race team.

Link: http://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?t=62531

Sixteenth:

One never knows what one will find when one searches various forums and/or message boards, and what they might lead one to.

Like this:

Aug. 29: On Will Power and Alex Tagliani

Questions and comments that were sent in on Indy Car racing.

8:23 AM, Aug. 29, 2012 | Written by Curt Cavin |

Question: There hasn’t been much talk lately of Izod leaving the series as the title sponsor at the end of the season. Has that died? I would have thought with the announcement that China was being cancelled and not replaced it would have been a perfect opportunity for them to say, sorry, you don’t have enough races, were out. (Kyle, Plymouth, Wis.)

Answer: Yep, pretty quiet on that front. My guess is, IndyCar and Izod have a contract for the next couple of years, and IndyCar isn’t willing to force the issue because it doesn’t have a title sponsor replacement. Izod might not be activating, but it must still be fulfilling its obligations.

Question: There has been a lot of talk lately about the “push to pass” and I am curious on two issues. One, is the delay something that IndyCar has intentionally implemented or an unavoidable characteristic? Which leads me to question if the consensus of the drivers is to do it way with it all together (Dario) or try to fix the problem. (Alex, Scottsdale, Ariz.)

Answer: Yes, the delay was intentionally implemented to reduce the ability of the drivers to use it as a defensive mechanism. But there is a software hiccup that causes problems, and IndyCar is expected to drop the delay for this weekend’s race in Baltimore. The drivers support that.

Question: Add these to the long list of ICS gimmicks:

** Starting position penalties for engine changes. It’s racing, and racing is expensive.

** Penalties for needing more than five engines per season. It’s a new engine, full of reliability gremlins.

** Duping the fans with the aero kit concept in order to sell the single-sourced chassis idea then reneging two straight years (and counting). It’s still a spec series.

** Consistent elimination of ovals.

** Manufacturing hype that road and street parades are exciting.

** Putting hideous bumpers on Indy cars (that emboldens drivers), then hand out “avoidable contact” penalties like candy.

** Expecting the racing world to respect or be impressed by a puny 2.2L V6 with 550 hp. Indy cars are supposed to be beasts. Anything less than 800 hp (on all tracks) is unacceptable.

** Bringing back turbos (a great thing), then only allow them to provide 7 psi of boost. What’s the point?

** The ever-changing schedule. IRL/ICS has never had the same schedule two years in a row. (Mike, Fishers, Ind.)

Answer: Wow, you were in serious rant mode. I’ve long harped on the need to have a consistent schedule, specifically building date equity with particular tracks. I agree with you on the power of the IndyCar engines: Not enough. I’ve also said on many occasions that five engines for the season, including testing, wasn’t enough for Year 1, but it is what it is now.

Question: With regard to mistakes and misfortune becoming a major player in the championship, remember Will Power last year. He got spun at Toronto by Dario and once again later in the race, was struck in the pits at Kentucky after dominating, and of course we all know the situation at Vegas. Power should have won the cha,pionship last year if mistakes and misfortune didn’t get in his way, it’s just part of racing. You’ve got to be on top of your game, yet at the same time have a heavy dose of luck along with it, which makes championship runs like that of Bourdais, Franchitti and Schumacher so impressive. (Michael, Indianapolis)

Answer: You are so right, and this championship isn’t over because the same thing could happen to Power at Baltimore and Fontana. But things have lined up nicely for him; now he needs to finish it off. I expect he will this weekend on a street course he controlled last year.

Question: Am I getting the distinct impression that Alex Tagliani is not who I should hire when I win PowerBall and can finally start my own team? (Curtis, Jefferson City, Mo.)

Answer: I wouldn’t go that far. He’s plenty fast and his finishing position since Indianapolis (when he got a stronger engine) is one of the best in the series. Does he make mistakes? Sure he does. So do others. The great ones make fewer. That’s what Dario and Power have dominated this series the past three years with Dixon a close third.

Question: I just want to send a thank you to Randy Bernard for not having enough ovals on the schedule this year that I can actually afford to go to the U.S. Nationals this weekend! I have been wanting to check out the Nationals for a long time but would always spend my whole racing budget going to IndyCar ovals. This year however, I have money left over. (Brett, Markleville, Ind.)

Answer: Ouch! At least I’m glad you’re seeing the Nationals. Great show. I’ll be there Monday.

Link: http://blogs.indystar.com/racingexpert/2012/08/29/aug-29-on-will-power-and-alex-tagliani/

Coming up:

Accord:

August 31st

Tom’s Auto Repair Night

Modifieds $1500 to Win

Sportsman-Spec Sportsman

Pro Stock-Pure Stock

Lightning Sprints

OCFS:

Saturday, September 1st Howard Johnson/Super 8 of Middletown KIDS CLUB MODS, SPTS, ROOKIE, STREET

Lebanon Valley:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST
PEPSI, BENJAMIN MOORE PAINTS & JH FINANACIAL WILL PRESENT OUR 2012
BIG BLOCK MODIFIED $3,000 TO WIN SEASON FINALE!!
ALONG WITH THE PROSTOCK ECHO SERIES

(THIS WILL BE THE FINAL NIGHT OF POINTS FOR THE MODIFIEDS)

Found on Jayski’s website:

http://www.jayski.com/

Remember this from last week?

Keselowski says Hendrick teams may be bending rules:

#2-Brad Keselowski believes Penske Racing's refusal to bend the rules contributed to him not being able to challenge #48-Jimmie Johnson for the lead Sunday Michigan. Johnson was leading Keselowski with six laps remaining when his Hendrick Motorsports engine blew. #16-Greg Biffle won the race and Keselowski finished second. During the race, Keselowski made reference to Hendrick's "tricks" with their cars. Hendrick's Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished third and fourth, respectively. The Hendrick cars appear to have different rear suspension setups than other cars, especially at intermediate tracks such as Michigan, Indianapolis and Pocono. "There's part and pieces on the car that are moving after inspection that makes the cars more competitive," Keselowski said after the race. "Some guys have it, some don't. There's a question as to the interpretation of the rule. Penske Racing errs on the safe side because we don't want to be the guys that get the big penalty." Keselowski said Penske will need to re-evaluate its setups. "As a group at Penske Racing, we have not felt comfortable enough to risk that name and reputation that Roger has over those parts and pieces. Others have, which is their prerogative," Keselowski said. "I'm not going to slam it. But it's living in a gray area. & We have to make a re-evaluation of that internally to decide if that's the right way to go."(Sporting News)(8-20-2012)

An update:

UPDATE:

#2-Brad Keselowski stressed Thursday night that he wasn't accusing Hendrick Motorsports of cheating with his comments last week at Michigan International Speedway. Keselowski said last week that the some teams were using some "tricks" with the rear suspensions on their cars and working within a gray area of the NASCAR rulebook. He said his Penske Racing team has been reluctant to push the envelope in such areas over fear of getting caught cheating. Keselowski said he took great care not to mention Hendrick Motorsports by name last week and has spent the last week on Twitter trying to clarify any misunderstandings. Other competitors in recent weeks have alluded to an advantage Hendrick teams may have with the way they are setting up the rear of their cars. Keselowski talked to the media Thursday night during an unveiling of a retro paint scheme to honor former Penske driver Rusty Wallace's 50th career victory. Keselowski insisted that he wasn't accusing anyone of cheating. "I didn't appreciate how those words were twisted into calling out a specific team," Keselowski said. "I made it a point to not call out a specific team and I think I said in a sense, 'there is a half-dozen to a dozen cars that are running those things,' and with the exception of maybe the TV broadcast I hadn't pointed out which ones they were."(Sporting News)(8-24-2012)

Stewart comments on wreck:

#14-Tony Stewart was sidelined in accident with #17-Matt Kenseth on lap 333, some quotes from a Team Chevy PR:

Q) WHAT HAPPENED? YOU HAD A GREAT RACE CAR
Stewart: "We weren't that great of a race car. But we were definitely faster than that after that restart. I checked-up twice to not run over him (Kenseth) and I learned my lesson there; I'm going to run over him every him every chance I've got from now 'til the end of the year, every chance I've got."

Q) YOU'LL GET THAT HELMET BACK. YOUR AIM WAS PRECISE
Stewart: "I don't give a crap. The hell with the helmet."(Team Chevy)(8-26-2012)

Note: I read that NASCAR confiscated his helmet.

Penske says Logao a candidate for the #22 ride:

The owner of Penske Racing acknowledged on Saturday that Joey Logano is a candidate to drive the #22 in 2013. Roger Penske also didn't rule out expanding from two to three cars and including Sam Hornish Jr., who has been in the #22 since AJ Allmendinger was suspended and ultimately released for violating NASCAR's substance-abuse policy, in the mix for next season. Penske said he hoped to have a decision by the Sept. 16 Chase opener at Chicagoland. Sources close to the situation said Logano, who is in the final year of his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, is the front-runner for the #22. Logano told ESPN.com recently he has two offers for 2013, and that one was from JGR. The issue at JGR is finding a full-time sponsor. "He's obviously a candidate, but there's other good people, too, that people haven't talked about," Penske said before the Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. "We have a couple of rabbits." Penske would not expand on other potential candidates. Penske didn't rule out that Alliance Truck Parts, which sponsors Hornish's Nationwide car, could move up to Cup in 2013.(ESPN)(8-25-2012)

Bayne disappointed he didn't get Cup ride:

#21-Trevor Bayne admitted Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway he has mixed emotions about Ricky Stenhouse Jr. being Matt Kenseth's replacement at Roush Fenway Racing because he believes they both deserve a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ride. "At first when they said that [Stenhouse in the #17 next year] I was a little bit bummed out because I wanted them to come to me and say, 'Hey, we're gonna run you full-time in a Cup car with the fourth team' and that didn't happen," Bayne said. "But when I did find out I was running Nationwide and I thought about it, I thought that's probably a good decision to go out there and get that first full season under our belt in the series. I haven't gotten to go points racing and I think it would be good to get that under our belt before we go to that Cup level when it's gonna be even tougher to do that and get that experience." Bayne believes Stenhouse's move into the #17 Ford is a "great opportunity" for his teammate. "At the same time, I can't wait to get my opportunity in Cup," Bayne continued. "I think we could run competitively there every weekend. We do that even with the Wood Brothers part-time. But I've just got to be patient in the meantime for that." Team co-owner Jack Roush has already said he planned to field a full-time Nationwide team for Bayne in 2013. Bayne also plans to continue driving a limited Sprint Cup schedule for the Wood Brothers [#21 Ford]. Bayne said the only way he would consider a move to Penske Racing would be if Roush told him it was an option. "Being under contract, there is no way I would go talk to another team or do anything like that at this point," the 21-year-old Bayne said. "The more (Ford) teams the better, but I don't know if that changes opportunities for me or not."(RacinToday)(8-25-2012)

NASCAR: Rear housing devices legal:

NASCAR officials said mechanical devices the Hendrick Motorsports teams and other organizations in the Sprint Cup Series are using to gain a competitive advantage in the rear housing are legal -- today. "We watch it weekly because it has ramped up the last couple of months,'' series director John Darby said on Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway. "If it stays pretty level we'll probably leave it alone the rest of the year. "If there is a higher extreme somebody takes it to that could create issues we don't want to see, then we'll react to that.'' The HMS cars in May were the first this season to develop devices that allow the rear axle to turn slightly to follow the front, creating more speed particularly in the corners. "Where we're at today, right now, there is no illegal procedures going on,'' Darby said. "Obviously, there was one we found Tuesday that was questionable. But the mechanical devices, the way they're using them, there's a clear understanding of what the teams are doing.'' Darby said teams are using different methods to create a "hook and ladder fire truck effect that allows the rear axle to turn so the rear of the car follows the front.'' He said there's nothing in the current rulebook that doesn't allow that, but he didn't rule out that changing in 2013. "It's just a direct everybody has gone to maximize, optimize,'' Darby said. "Right now it's pretty level throughout the garage. If you take the most extreme to the least developed, it's not a huge difference.''(ESPN)(8-24-2012)

Truex Jr. agrees to extension:

Martin Truex Jr. has agreed to an extension to stay in the #56 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing with NAPA as his primary sponsor. MWR has scheduled a press conference for Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway where Truex and NASCAR president Mike Helton will be present to announce 2013 plans and unveil a car.(ESPN.com)(8-28-2012)

Stewart will not be penalized:

NASCAR will not penalize #14-Tony Stewart for throwing his helmet at Matt Kenseth's car during the race Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said Monday afternoon. The sanctioning body, which has been more lenient on driver behavior the past several years, did not penalize Camping World Truck Series driver Todd Bodine for throwing his helmet at another competitor's vehicle earlier this month at Pocono. NASCAR did confiscate Stewart's helmet.(Sporting News)(8-28-2012)

Win 200 for #11:

#11-Denny Hamlin's win in the Irwin Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway was car #11's 200th win in the Sprint Cup Series. This win is now 2 wins ahead of the iconic #43 for all-time wins in Sprint Cup Series history for a car number. Richard Petty, who drove the #43 for most of his 200 wins, actually won 192 races running the #43 and 8 in other car numbers [#41 & #42]. The car number in third is the car #3 with 97 wins.(8-25-2012)

Breakdown of wins by driver in the #11:

Cale Yarborough (55)

Ned Jarrett (49)

Darrell Waltrip (43)

Denny Hamlin (20)

Junior Johnson (11)

Bill Elliott (6)

Geoff Bodine (4)

Terry Labonte (4)

Bobby Allison (3)

Buddy Baker (2)

A.J. Foyt (1)

Mario Andretti (1)

Parnelli Jones (1).(NASCAR)(8-25-2012)

2012 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:

[after Bristol, race 24 of 36]

1) #16-Greg Biffle [2 wins], 849, +119 over 11th

2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 838, -11, +108

3) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [1 win], 834, -15, +104

4) #17-Matt Kenseth [1 win], 823, -26, +93

5) #56-Martin Truex Jr. [0 wins], 797, -52, +67

6) #15-Clint Bowyer [1 wins], 794, -55, +64

7) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 790, -59, +60

8) #11-Denny Hamlin [3 wins], 774, -75, +44

9) #29-Kevin Harvick [0 wins], 767, -82, +24

10) #14-Tony Stewart [3 wins], 746, -103, +16 over 11th

Current wild card Chase drivers:

WC1) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins, 11th in points]

WC2) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win, 13th in points]

(ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)

See drivers championship points standings on the Drivers Points Standings (pdf).(8-25-2012)

2012 Sprint Cup Driver Chase Wild-Card Race:

[after Bristol, race 24 of 36]

A look at the race for the two wild-card positions for the Chase based on wins and being inside the top 20 in points.

Driver [wins] standings, behind 10th

first two would make the chase as wild cards:

#5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins] 11th -16 points out of 10th

#18-Kyle Busch [1 win] 14th -39

eight other drivers currently in the running for the wild cards:

#24-Jeff Gordon [1 win] 16th -55

#39-Ryan Newman [1 win] 13th -58

#9-Marcos Ambrose [1 win] 17th -67

#20-Joey Logano [1 win] 18th -108

these drivers have no wins but are in the top-20

#99-Carl Edwards 12th -34

#27-Paul Menard 17th -72

#1-Jamie McMurray 19th -148

#31-Jeff Burton 20th -169

(ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)

The Chase: The top-10 drivers will make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Positions 11 and 12 in the 12-driver Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup are Wild Cards, and will go to drivers outside the top 10 with the most wins, as long as they are ranked in the top 20 in points. If multiple drivers outside the top 10 tie for wins, the tie-breaker will go to the race winner with the highest points position.

See drivers championship points standings on the Drivers Points Standings (pdf).(8-25-2012)

Point standings: http://www.jayski.com/stats/2012/pdfs/24bms2012points.pdf

Edwards and Shell?:

A bit of speculation that bears watching in the next few weeks concerns Carl Edwards. There is one unconfirmed report that Ford executives -- who remember played a key financial role in keeping Edwards from jumping to Toyota last summer -- may want to put Edwards in a Shell-Pennzoil sponsored car in 2013. How that might play out is unclear, since Shell-Pennzoil is a Roger Penske sponsor. However Penske has been dragging his feet on picking a new driver for that team for next season, letting veteran Sam Hornish fill out the time for departed AJ Allmendinger. And Penske says the ultimate call on that driver would be Shell-Pennzoil officials. Penske would like to bring Hornish back to the Cup tour next season, as part of a three-car operation, if he can resolve the Shell-Pennzoil situation. Joey Logano is figured to be angling for the Penske ride. (Head-to-head the past five weeks, Hornish has averaged a 14.8 finish, Logano 24.6.)(mikemulhern.net)(8-24-2012)

UPDATE:

From a NASCAR Teleconference with #99-Carl Edwards:

Q. You brought up the #22. One of the parts of that rumor was that you had an out in your contract if you didn't make the Chase. I didn't know whether you wanted to address part of that rumor as well.

CARL EDWARDS:

I appreciate you asking. But I don't ever talk about specifics of my contract with the media. I think those are private contracts. I think there's even a line in there that says I can't talk about specifics of my contract and neither can other folks. No, I don't want to talk about any of those specifics. But truly, I can tell you this, I will be driving the #99 Fastenal Ford next year. I've never explored the option of driving the #22 car. That's why it took me so long to mention to you guys, I thought that was so silly that it had traction, but I guess it had.Does that satisfy you guys? Is there any other part of it that I have not addressed?

Q. I guess the only other part would be if Shell could come over to you.

CARL EDWARDS:

"That's a good question. I don't know. I don't think so. I've never spoken with anyone at Shell. No one has brought that up. So that would be a good question for Steve. But right now the way I understand it, full disclosure, I know nothing more than I am driving the Fastenal Ford Fusion for Jack Roush next year, the #99. I'm excited about it. If there's any other things like that going on, I do not know about them, which is probably better. Is there any other part?"(NASCAR)(8-29-20102)

Earnhardt Jr. wrecks in Kansas testing, is OK:

#88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., was treated and released from the Infield Care Center at Kansas Speedway this morning [Wednesday, August 29], after a hard crash during the second day of a scheduled Goodyear tire test at the speedway. Earnhardt's Hendrick Motorsports Chevy reportedly suffered a right-front tire failure and made heavy contact with the outside wall. The car was severely damaged, but Earnhardt walked from the Infield Care Center under his own power. He is one of eight drivers testing on the newly repaved 1.5-mile tri-oval today, as Goodyear researches a new tire compound for use at the speedway. In addition to replacing the track's aging asphalt, crews reworked its 15-degree banking to new, variable degree banking ranging from 17-20 degrees.(Godfather Motorsports)(8-29-2012)

Stewart denies crew chief rumor:

#14-Tony Stewart denied on Tuesday a weekend social media report that Greg Zipadelli would become his crew chief in 2013. "No, that's not true,'' Stewart said during a promotion for sponsor Mobil 1 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "That's the first I've even heard about it. Nobody has thought about that or discussed that. We're pretty comfortable where we're at with our lineup right now.'' Stewart and Zipadelli won two Sprint Cup titles together at Joe Gibbs Racing before Stewart became the driver/owner of Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009. Zipadelli joined Stewart as competition director at SHR this season. Zipadelli also is the crew chief for #10-Danica Patrick's 10 Cup races this season. Stewart said there are no plans to leave Zipadelli with Patrick when she moves to Cup full time in 2013.(ESPN)(8-29-2012)

Going back, in time at OVRP’s Dirt Oval:

From September 7, 2002

http://www.whowon.com/Results.asp?TrackID=1904&StoryID=73276

Some names from 10 years ago, and now racing bigger stuff:

Zack Vavricka, Charlie Lawrence, Johnny Guarino, Justin Grosz, Joey Falanga, Roger Coss, Matt Hitchcock, Mike Ruggiero, John Lodini, Wyatt Clark, Chuck Alessi, Danny Hennessey, and Andrew Reeves.

Going back, in time:

More of the results from the Midget races that were held indoors at the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, N.Y.

This week covering from February 8, 1947 to April 26, 1947.

Feb. 8 1. Len Duncan Caruso #4 V-8

2. Dutch Schaefer

3. Johnny Ringger

4. Johnny Zeke

5. Ernie McCoy

6. Don Morris

7. Walt Fair

8. Andy Furci

9. Bill Baker

10. Rex Records

Feb. 12 1. Ted Tappett

2. Bill Baker

3. Dutch Schaefer

4. Len Duncan

5. Joe Barzda

40 laps no time

Feb. 19

1. Johnny Ritter

2. Rex Records

3. Len Duncan

Feb. 22

1. Larry Bloomer Hough #80 V-8

2. Johnny Rice

3. Don Morris

4. Charlie Miller

5. Walt Fair

6. Tony Bonadies

7. Disbrow

8. Eddie Shaw

25 laps no time

Feb. 26

1. Art Cross Hough #81 V-8

2. Andy Furci

3. George Fonder

4. Len Duncan

5. Bill Schindler

6. Johnny Carpenter

25 laps 5:32.38 NTR

March 1 1. Chet Gibbons Hough #82 V-8

2. Al Lockwood

3. Ed Shaw

4. Ted Tappett

5. Bill Baker

6. Dutch Schaefer

7. Don Morris

8. Johnny Ringger

9. Johnny Rice

10. Larry Bloomer

25 laps 5:40.44

March 5 1. Dutch Schaefer

2. Ted Tappett

3. Don Morris

4. Andy Furci

5. Johnny Ringger

25 laps 5:43.68

March 8 1. Art Cross Hough #81 V-8

2. Johnny Zeke

3. Rex Records

4. Andy Furci

5. Joe Barzda

6. Chet Gibbons

7. Bill Schindler

8. Don Morris

9. Len Duncan

10. Johnny Carpenter

25 laps 5:34.86

March 12 1. Dutch Schaefer

2. Charlie Miller

3. Bill Schindler

March 15 1. Bill Schindler

2. Larry Bloomer

3. Dutch Schaefer

March 19 1. Dutch Schaefer

2. Charlie Miller

3. Jeep Colkitt

March 22

March 26 1. Bud Tatro

2. Don Morris

3. Art Cross

4. Dutch Schaefer

5. Tony Bonadies

6. Len Duncan

25 laps no time

March 26 1. Walt Fair Sticker #4 V-8

2. Johnny Rice Nagy-Winspur #5 cycle

3. Larry Bloomer Hough #80 V-8

4. Joe Barzda

5. Andy Furci

6. Art Cross

25 laps 5:41.40

March 29 1. Len Duncan Len Wofsey #25 V-8

2. Art Cross Hough #81 V-8

3. Dutch Schaefer

4. Charlie Miller

5. Chet Gibbons

6. Joe Barzda

7. Jeep Colkitt

8. Walt Fair

9. Johnny Zeke

10. Tony Bonadies

25 laps 5:32.68 NTR

April 2 1. Art Cross Hough #81 V-8

2. Bob Disbrow

3. Len Duncan

4. Chet Gibbons

5. Bill Schindler

25 laps 5:32.28 NTR

April 5 1. Art Cross Hough #81 V-8

2. Jeep Colkitt Sandola #27

3. Chet Gibbons Hough #82 V-8

4. Joe Barzda

5. Tony Bonadies

6. Johnny Rice

25 laps 5:42.48

April 9 1. Charlie Miller Sticker #43 V-8

2. Dutch Schaefer

3. Joe Barzda

4. Len Duncan

5. Johnny Rice

6. Johnny Zeke

25 laps no time

April 26 1. Johnny Zeke Tattersall #70 "Catfish" cycle

2. Art Cross Hough #81 V-8

3. Eddie Shaw

4. Al Duffy

5. Bob Disbrow

6. Don Morris

100 laps no time

Cross finished first, penalized one place for cutting corner.

More results from Kingsbridge next week and the following weeks, too. As you can see, they ran in the Armory quite often!

News from the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

From the August 21^st issue:

As usual, there were a ton of ads for races that were coming up for this past weekend, while hardly any for any events after that, like in two weeks. I kinda think that it might be good to maybe put in ads that would give more notice of up-coming races, since most get their papers on Thursday?

A big write-up on the Mr. Dirt race at Lebanon Valley a couple of weeks ago, yet not one word said about the Sportsman race that was at the Valley that same night. Strange.

Ryan Tidman won the TQ race at Wall Stadium on 8/18. What is quite bothersome is that there were only 12 TQ’s there. Where are they all hiding? Why aren’t they racing?

Lenny Sammons:

Lenny has some mention of Kim Lavoy a 26 year old female racer from Lebanon Valley who made headlines when she won a 358 Modified race at the Valley and in doing so, held off Brett Hearn and Andy Bachetti.

He also says that the proposed sale of Rolling Wheels to Jeff Brownsell is reportedly very close. By now they should have had a meeting with Brownsell and the WRG. All paperwork had been finished and contracts agreed upon, just waiting for Mr. Brownell to sign the paperwork.

Ernie Saxton:

He had quite a bit about Joe “geezer” Fanelli, a 600 Modified driver, and what Joe does for his sponsors while racing.

Ernie also makes mention that there will be a new PR person for the New Jersey Motor Sports Park. Joe Heller had been there, but has left. Since he left, there has been no news fro a number of PR people.

Jeremy Elliott:

Jeremy had twoarticle that dealt with the tire situation with the WoO and also with the Pa 410 racers. American Racer is trying to get into both. Cost could be a problem. The WoO is looking into the American Racer MC2 that the URC and Super Sportsman use – cost $160.00 to $170.00. But the WoO wants the MC2 compound with a stiffer sidewall. That would increase the cost to $215.00. Engine builder Don Ott has been in contact with most of the Pa teams in an effort to see what can be done as far as keeping the cost down. (Hey, even I agree with Mr. Ott - $215.00 is a bit much for a tire).

Brett Deyo:

Brett makes mention of the good racing season that Danny Creeden, 29, has had so far in 2012, at both Five Mile Point and the Accord Speedway. He’s close to the championship at both tracks, as the season is winding down.

Ron Mentus:

He makes note of the NEMA having no repeat winners as of their race at the Waterford Speedbowl on 8/18. Seven consecutive races – seven winners. He says: “All of this speaks well to NEMA’s overall balance of competition. Seven races: Seven winners”.

Note: My problem with this: NEMA has had only SEVEN races as of 8/18/12! Times sure have changed since “back in the day”!

Kevin Rice:

Tells us that Erick Rudolph has no regrets about leaving the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and now racing on the dirt tracks at Ransomville, N.Y. and Merritville, Ontario, especially with his asphalt car having been sold. Rudolph is really not looking for a pavement ride, either.

Todd Heintzelman:

Tells us that there are five races left with the URC in 2012, and Davie Franek is leading Robbie Stillwaggon by 28 points. Meanwhile, with the WoO Sprint Cars, Craig Dollansky is leading Donny Schatz by 26 points. However, the WoO does have a bit more than five races remaining.

Did you know that Tony Stewart has nine Sprint Car wins in 2012? So far he has six with the 360’s and three with the 410’s.

Bill Utter:

A few weeks ago, Billy VanInwegen ran the Sherlock # 10 Big Block at OCFS. Last Saturday, Billy was back in his own # 23. Mr. Utter says that the Sherlock team is putting a car together for Billy for ESW. (From what I’ve heard, the Sherlock team will not be going to SDW, having having too many roof jobs that week.

Herb Anastor:

Has more (Part IV) on NASCAR and Midget racing. Per Ken Brenn – Bren gives credit to Ed “Dutch” Schaefer for keeping Midget racing alive in the east, back whenit was in trouble. But, “Dutch” wasn’t too keen on NASCAR sanctioning Midgets, Mr. Brenn was offered $100.00 and $75.00 – appearance monies for his Offy and Ford Midgets for a 100 mile race to be held in Raleigh, N.C. on the mile track, back in 1957. Mr. Brenn goes on to say that traffic to the track was real heavy, and the stands were full, but “Dutch” had begged a lot of the ARDC’s drivers not to go, and the end result was that there were not enough cars to put the show on. Bill Fance, who was really behind the Midgets, back then, did pay appearance monies to everyone of those that did show up, though.

Doug Watson:

Tells us of Brett Wanner winning the ARDC feature at the Winchester, Va. Speedway last week. Wanner, 23, is deaf. Tim Buckwalter came to Wanner’s aid at the post race ceremonies, using a combination of sign language and lip reading. Buckwalter on Wanner: “He’s an inspiration to all of us. When the track gets slick, like it was tonight, I have to hear what the car is doing, so I know what to do. I don’t know how he does it, but we’re really proud of him and his entire team”.

There were two mentions of injured race driver Denny Decker, who was seriously injured a the I-88 Speedway on 7/24, with neck and back injuries. He I snow at the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital (Room 265) which is at 1270 Belmont Ave in Schenectady, N.Y. 12308. Notes & cards can reach him at that address. You can also go to the hospital’s website – www.nehealth.com and you can send him an e-mail to Denny through a link at that site. There will be a benefit for Denny and his family on November 10, 2012 at the Hitchin’ Post Restaurant in Port Crane, N.Y. You can also check on the I-88’s Facebook page where there is an “event” set up with additional information.

Steve Barrick:

Steve tell su swhy Mike Romano is leaving Glen Ridge (The Ridge, as it’s now known). Two words: “Albany – Saratoga”. When they opened up this season as a dirt track again, there was a mass defection from Glen Ridge. Most of the drivers live closer to A/S, and had come to Glen Ridge when A/S went to pavement a while back.

Dave Roberts:

Tells us that at the end of the 2008 racing season, Stewart Friesen, was set to quit racing altogether. He had one car, one engine and no help. He was about to use his Engineering Degree that he got from the University of Windsor, Ontario.

In AARN
This Week – The August 28^th issue:

Jimmy Zacharias Wins
Five Features At Three Tracks
Over Past Weekend

Spec Engine Win At Bristol
By Ron Silk Is NASCAR First

DIRT Penalizes Hearn
For Valley Tire Rules Infraction

Offiicials Decide Winner
Of Williams Grove
Street Stock Championship

Jimmy Blewett Wins
Wall Stadium Mod Race
Dedicated To Brother's Memory

Big Bucks RoC Race Win
For Matt Sheppard At Utica Rome

Daryn Pittman's Big Week:
Wins New Egypt's 'Jersey Rush',
Mercer's All Star Race

Jimmy Horton's Mod Win
Postpones Retirement
For Another Year

DeSantis Hot At Big Diamond
As Coalcracker Looms

Long Awaited Modified Score
For Danny Tyler At Accord

Former Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval) runners:

Mike Mammana was 21^st in the 358 Modified feature at Big Diamond.

Davie Franek was 4^th in the URC feature at Williams Grove.

Kolby Schroder was 7^th and Kyle Armstrong 9^th in the Modified feature at Lebanon Valley. John Virgilio was 21^st in the Sportsman feature and 11^th in the Budget Sportsman feature. Bobby Hackel, IV was 4^th in the Budget Sportsman feature.

Kyle Rohner was 5^th and Corey Ziegler 12^th in the Sportsman feature at Penn Can.

Alex Bell was 11^th in the Modified feature at Devil’s Bowl.

At Accord, in the Modified feature, Danny Creeden was 4^th, Tyler Boniface 11^th and Brian Krummel 20^th. In the Sportsman feature, Anthony Perrego was 1^st and Tyler Dippel 15^th. In the Spec Sportsman, Kyle VanDuser was 1^st, Dippel 6^th, Andrew Reeves 12^th and Mike Traver 13^th. Jason Roe was 14^th in the Lightning Sprint feature.

At OCFS, in the Modified feature, Clinton Mills was 8^th, Tim Hindley 10^th, Matt Hitchcock 13^th, Billy VanInwegen 16^th and Mike Ruggiero 17^th. In the Sportsman feature, Brian Krummerl was 1^st, RJ Smykla 3^rd, Anthony Perrego 7^th, Matt Janiak 8^th, Tyler Dippel 9^th, Zack Vavricka 16^th and L J Lombardo 22^nd. Joey Falanga and John Illanovsky were DNQ’s.

At Five mile, in the CRSA 305 Sprint Car feature, Brittany Tresch was 5^th, Emily VanInwegen 17^th, B K Rizzo 18^th and Josh Pieniazek 20^th.

Note: If one goes to the 5 Mile website, each of the above are shown to be one place higher, with Brittany being 4^th, Em 16^th, BK 17^th and Josh 19^th. Results I had were found on DTD.

As for the Sportsman race, Brad Szulewski was 9^th in the feature.

Rich Coons won the Sportsman feature at Bethel, with Bobby Morris finishing 6^th.

More racin’ stuff:

From the Track Forum:

What to do about Start and Park?

Is there a solution, or is it here to stay, and maybe even get bigger?

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?168307-What-to-do-about-Start-and-Park

Press Releases:

News from Bridgeport Speedway's 'Poker Series'

Promoter: Doug Hoffman - 610-398-4923

'Poker Series' Publicity: Brett Deyo - Deyo99H@aol.com or 845.728.2781

For Immediate Release/August 26, 2012

Exciting 'Poker Series' Resumes This Thursday, August 30; Kick Off Your Labor Day Racing Weekend at Bridgeport Speedway; Laubach Holds Three ‘Kings’ and Chases First Victory

BRIDGEPORT, NJ – Are you looking for the perfect Labor Day weekend kickoff? Make plans to visit South Jersey's Bridgeport Speedway this Thursday night (Aug. 30).

The Logan Township five-eighths-mile oval shifts into overdrive with 'Hand Four' of the five-race 'Poker Series' on Thursday night, headlined by a 40-lap big-block/small-block Modified main event paying $4,000 to the winner. Each of the three 'Poker Series' events contested thus far in 2012 has been entertaining.

"We're looking for another great show Thursday night," said Doug Hoffman, the first-year Bridgeport Speedway promoter and former driving talent. "It's been a nice mix of Bridgeport regulars and invaders at these events. We're hoping to get the holiday weekend fun started Thursday at Bridgeport."

While he hasn't captured a 'Poker Series' victory thus far, Bridgeport point leader Rick Laubach of Quakertown, Pa., has 'three of a kind' in the overall 'Poker Series' chase. Laubach has finished second in the three events run thus far and has three 'Kings' in his hand. Laubach would like nothing more than to register his first 'Poker Series' triumph Thursday driving the Gary and Lori Herrmann No. 7.

Among the invaders who have supported the 'Poker Series' events thus far are Doug Manmiller of Shoemakersville, Pa. (fifth in the most recent event), Craig Von Dohren of Boyertown, Pa., Ryan Godown of Ringoes, N.J., (red hot at N.J.'s New Egypt Speedway), Jamie Mills of Milford, Del., and more.

The 40-lap big-block/small-block ‘Hand Four’ Modified event will offer a $4,000 winner's share. Fifth-place pays $1,000, with $500 reserved for the 10th-place finisher and $300 to take the green flag. Crate Sportsman in a 30-lap ‘Hand Four’ event offering a ‘Poker Series’ purse - a $700 winner's share and $75 to start - plus Outlaw Stocks in a 15-lap feature join the Modifieds on the program.

The 'Poker Series' event will get its first green flag at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. and hot laps are planned for 7 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $25 for Adults and $23 for Seniors (65 and over) and Students (with ID). Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE. Pit admission is $30 for Bridgeport members and $35 for non-members.

Modified weight rules are as follows for the event: PA-legal (Big Diamond/Grandview) 358 engines: 2,350 lbs.; all other small-blocks under 361 cubic inches: 2,400 lbs.; all engines above 361 cubic inches: 2,500 lbs. The tire rule is as follows: right-rear 48 or harder; left-rear 44; 33 or harder across the front.

Three of the five 'Poker Series' races have been contested. New Egypt (N.J.) Speedway's Ryan Godown of Ringoes, N.J., won the first hand on March 31. Delaware International Speedway's Jamie Mills of Milford, Del., was the May 27 winner. Richie Pratt Jr. of Woodbury Heights, N.J., topped the July 25 event, defending his home turf. Pratt earned a hefty $4,680 including lap money for 43 laps of work in Sal DeBruno's No. 0.

At each Modified 'Poker Series' event, the winner receives an Ace (A), second a King (K), third a Queen (Q) and so on down to the 13th-place finisher receiving a Deuce (2). Following the completion of the five-race series, the driver with the best poker hand earns $2,500, second $1,500 and third $1,000. The driver with the worst five-card hand receives $1,000. Drivers must participate in all five events to be eligible for a point fund.

The final 'Poker Series' Modified event is planned for Sat., Nov. 10. Plans are being put into place for a two-day 'Wild Card Weekend' at Bridgeport Nov. 9-10.

For further information on Bridgeport Speedway, visit www.bpspeedway.com. Bridgeport Speedway, located just minutes from Pennsylvania and Delaware off I-295 Exit 14, is a state-of-the-art auto racing facility with a five-eighths-mile clay oval and a quarter-mile clay oval embedded in the center.

Contact: Julia Foy

Promotions/PR Coordinator - DIRTcar NE

315.834.6606 office

315.224.2522 mobile

315.834.9734 fax

Super DIRTcar Series Invade Rolling Wheels Sunday for Stars & Stripes 100

Friday is Last Chance to Get FREE Fan Pit Pass; Outlaws Stars McCreadie, Fuller Confirmed to take on Big-Block Bests

ELBRIDGE, N. Y. - August 27, 2012 - The first 150-point race of the Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series will see some of the division's best talent taking on "The Fast Track" at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park for the Labor Day Classic Stars & Stripes 100 Sunday, Sept. 2. With the stakes getting higher and the competition getting tougher, the Big-Block Modifieds are sure to put on an earth-shattering 100-lap spectacular show over Labor Day Weekend. All tickets purchased before Friday, Aug. 31, include a FREE Fan Pit Pass, so fans who want to enter driver pits should act fast to receive this great value.

World of Outlaws Late Model Series superstars and local favorites Tim McCreadie and Tim Fuller, both of Watertown, N. Y., are both confirmed competitors in Sunday's Super DIRTcar Series 100-lapper. McCreadie, also known by his fans as "T-Mac," went from being the Super DIRTcar Series Rookie of the Year in 1997 to the World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion 10 years later. After getting two DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Championships under his belt in 1993 and 2003, Fuller went on to win the Super DIRTcar Series championship in 2005. Both drivers are currently vying for World of Outlaws Late Model Series points, with McCreadie third and Fuller ninth.

In addition to the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series, a full show for DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds and DIRTcar Stock Cars round out the racing action for the night. The pit gate opens at 4 p.m. and grandstand gates at 5 p.m., with racing scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.dirtcar.com/tickets or over the phone by calling (877) 395-8606. General admission seats are $25 each and will come with a FREE Fan Pit Pass if purchased by Friday, Aug. 31. Students 10 to 17 are $10 each and children nine and under are FREE! Call DIRTcar Northeast Headquarters at (315) 834-6606 or visit www.rollingwheelsraceway.com for more information about the Stars & Stripes 100.

For the latest news and updates about DIRTcar Racing, like the Facebook page or follow the @DIRTcarNE Twitter feed. For live updates and results the night of the race and for the latest news about the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series, follow @SuperDIRTcar on Twitter.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT: Stars & Stripes 100, Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series Round 9

WHO: Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified, Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series, and DIRTcar Pro Stock drivers and teams

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 2; pit gate opens at 4 p.m. and grandstand gates at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Rolling Wheels Raceway Park, Route 5, Elbridge, N. Y.

For Immediate Release DBS-082812-1

WEST HAVEN, VT – Veteran stock car driver Ron Proctor has a little bit of breathing room as the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series championship nears its final event at Devil’s Bowl Speedway – but only a little bit.

The defending Bond Auto Parts Modified champion from Charlton, NY had the cards fall his way last week, winning the 35-lap feature race as main title rival Vince Quenneville, Jr., suffered an engine failure. Proctor enters Friday’s Green Mountain Water Environment Association/Sunoco Race Fuels event with a 28-point lead on Brandon, VT racer Quenneville. While that advantage is the largest Proctor has seen all season, it is still not enough to let his guard down with only two races left.

Feature races award 50 championship points to win, and second place pays 48 with a two-point declination for each subsequent position. Qualifying heats award five points to win, four for second, three for third, two for fourth, and one point for all others. With 55 points available on both Friday, August 31 and Friday, September 7, a strong finish for Quenneville or an “off” night for Proctor would close the gap.

Proctor has been rock-steady all year, winning three times and finishing seventh or better in all 16 races. Quenneville has four wins and 14 top-tens, but two 13^th-place finishes leave him playing catch-up.

In the J&S Steel Late Model division, Fairfax, VT’s Craig Bushey enjoys a 51-point lead on Matt White. Northfield, VT racer White posted two top-five finishes in twin 20-lap features last week, including his third runner-up finish of the season, but Bushey’s seven-win season leaves him in the catbird seat.

The fight for the Renegade division championship continues to be intense, as Robert Gordon of Milton, VT and Ryan Keith of Pittsford, VT sit just 16 points apart. Gordon and Keith, each with five wins, have finished within two positions of each other in each of the last six events.

With an incredible seven wins in his rookie season, Josh Masterson of Bristol, VT leads the entry-level Bomber division. Bobby LaVair of Gabriels, NY has chipped away at Masterson’s lead with seven consecutive podium finishes since June 29 – including last week’s victory – but still trails by 49 points.

Regular general admission for Green Mountain Water Environment Association/Sunoco Race Fuels Night is just $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+), and free for children 12 and under. Gates open at 5:00pm with racing beginning at 7:30pm. Also on the card with the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is a special ladies-only Powder Puff event using four-cylinder Bomber division cars.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, VT, four miles north of Exit 2 on US Route 4. For more information, call (802) 265-3112 or click www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com. Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook atfacebook.com/devilsbowlspeedway