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Synder, Grim and Watt Win Opening Night NASCAR Features at Grandview Speedway Saturday
22 Apr 2018 Written by Steven B. WilsonA full card of regular season NASCAR points paying events Saturday night at Grandview Speedway got the 2018 racing season underway on a very exciting note, as Danny Snyder, Brad Grim and Ryan Watt, all, took home Opening Night wins at the popular high-banked third-mile clay oval in Bechtelsville, PA.
The 25-lap Late Model triumph by Snyder was his first victory at the raceway since July 20, 2013 and the tenth win of his career.
Watt dominated in the 30-lap NASCAR T.P.Trailers 358 Modified main event, winning his third career feature race at the track and his first since September 3, 2005.
Grim netted his third career victory in the 25-lap Sportsman division feature and scored his first since July 29, 2017.
Through the luck of the draw, the Green Lane, PA native, Snyder, started from the pole position in the 13-car starting field and quickly moved out to a full straightaway advantage as the race leader by lap 4. A caution a lap later bunched up the field, however, Snyder once again was lightning quickly with the new green, grabbing the top spot on the restart and stretching it to a full straightaway advantage again after nine circuits.
Caution again on lap 17 closed up the field, with Snyder playing the role of the rabbit again on the restart, with the competition chasing. Yellow flags waving again after lap 20 and lap 22 slowed things, but Snyder again just held onto that top spot each time and easily went on to victory by a safe margin over the fourth-place race starter from Shoemakersville, PA veteran Brian Shuey, Green Lane, PA chauffeur Kyle Merkel, who started from fifth, Reading, PA racer Drew Weisser, the seventh-place starter, and Pottstown, PA chauffeur Jordan Knepp, who took the initial feature green from tenth, at the checkered, earning an additional $100 bonus from TP Trailers and Truck Equipment out of Limerick, PA as the race winner.
“The car was good and so was the track tonight. The car was bottoming out there towards the end in turn 3. There was a pretty good sized cushion there, but we made it through alright and made the owner happy tonight. It’s sure a good way to start the new season,” offered Snyder.
In the Sportsman feature, a heads-up starting order saw Jim Housworth of Riegelsville, PA immediately jumped out in front after starting from the pole in the 24-car starting field and was the race leader after lap one. On lap two, third-place starter Brad Grim out of Coplay, PA made a move on the outside off turn four to become the new race leader at the line by a radiator, racing side-by-side with Housworth. Cautions after lap two and again after lap three bunched up the field, however, Grim remained out in front completing lap four, with outside front row starter Brian Hirthler in tow, as Housworth fell to third.
Grim maintained his advantage as the race leader, as Housworth moved back into the runner-up position by lap six, with Hirthler and Brad Brightbill now trailing. Brightbill climbed into third-place on lap eight and a caution flag after 11-laps were completed tightened up the field again.
With the new green it was Grim out in front over Housworth, Brightbill, Hirthler and now Louden Reimert of Oley, PA, who started from eleventh. Grim immediately started pulling away and opening up a sizeable advantage as the laps clicked off. With five to go, Grim was out in front by a full straightaway.
Little changed in the closing laps as Grim raced under the checkered first outrunning Housworth, Brightbill, Hirthler and Reimert in that order. Grim took home an additional $100 bonus from TP Trailers as well for his victory.
“The car was a little tight there at the end. We had to run the top and that wasn’t where I wanted to be, but I knew it was where I had to be if I wanted to stay out in front because that’s where the bite was. This is a very good team and I thought that they were closer to me there at the end, but my crew tells me we won by a full straightaway and that surprised me,” announced Grim.
Sportsman heat race winners were Housworth, Hirthler and Grim. The consolation winner was Kyle Lilick. A total of 33 Sportsman racers signed in for competition on Saturday night.
In the 30-lap NASCAR T.P.Trailers 358 Modified headliner, the heads-up start showed Doug Manmiller from Shoemakersville, PA racing out in front with the initial green flag after starting from the pole, but all eyes were on Ryan Watt from Boyertown, PA, who started fourth in the 28-car starting field and quickly powered his way around the outside to move up to the runner-up position after one tour. Watt fought it out with Manmiller wheel-to-wheel and made the pass to become the new race leader down the back part of the speedway and racing into turn three on lap four.
With six complete it was Watt, Manmiller and second-place starter Steve Swinehart of Perkiomenville, PA running as the top three. A caution quickly bunched up the field at that point.
On lap seven, tenth-place starter Duane Howard from Oley, PA powered his way into third, followed by Mike Gular out of Harleysville, PA and Kevin Hirthler of Boyertown, PA, who started from seventh. Howard started to work his way under Manmiller by lap nine and, eventually, squeezed by on lap 12 to take second. With 13 circuits in the record books, Watt was now out in front by a full straightaway.
Watt started to get slowed by lapped traffic, as Howard began to reel the leader in. With 18 down, Howard was now right on Watt, working through the lapped traffic, as Manmiller brought out a caution due to a badly smoking motor after 21 rounds were completed.
On the restart Watt powered out in front again over Howard, fourteenth-place starter Frank Cozze of Wind Gap, PA and Gular. After 23 circuits, Watt again pulled out to a safe advantage. On lap 25, Craig Von Dohren from Oley, PA climbed into the top five, after starting in twenty-first.
Watt easily claimed the first-place pay check, with Howard, Cozze, Gular and Von Dohren in tow.
Watt earned an additional $250 bonus check from TP Trailers after his feature win, plus the weekly $2,500 first-place winner’s prize.
“I wish we had this car here last week (referring to the VP Racing Fuels Bruce Rogers Memorial that paid $7,500 to win). We’ve been so close here with a couple of second-place finishes. We’ve got a lot of friends and family here tonight. It’s great to finally be back in victory lane. I almost forgot how to get here. We brought this Bicknell car here last year but had a fuel line issue hurt us. Tonight there was a lot of grip and I could easily get that bite if I got back into the throttle again. I wasn’t really worried once we got out in front,” commented Watt.
The 358 Modified heat race winners were Manmiller, Steve Swinehart, Kenny Gilmore and Watt. Consolation winners were Von Dohren and Jared Umbenhauer of Richland, PA. A total of 39 358 Modified cars signed in for competition on Saturday evening.
A special 15-lap Blast from The Past Vintage Car feature event saw Brett Peters go high on lap seven to take the lead and go on to the victory over Andy Cassell, Todd Lapp, Jamie Undercoffler and Ricky Rutt, who was also declared as a race winner in his division, with all the Vintage cars running together in a single feature event.
Racing action returns to Grandview Speedway on Saturday, April 28th, 7 p.m. with the running of a tripleheader card of racing featuring the NASCAR T.P.Trailers 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Sportsman stock cars.
NASCAR T.P.Trailers 358 Modified feature (30-laps) – 1) Ryan Watt, 2) Duane Howard, 3) Frank Cozze, 4) Mike Gular, 5) Craig Von Dohren, 6) Kevin Hirthler, 7) Brett Kressley, 8) Rick Laubach, 9) Jeff Strunk, 10) Ryan Grim, 11) Brian Krummel, 12) Jared Umbenhauer, 13) Danny Erb, 14) Justin Grim, 15) Tim Buckwalter, 16) Kyle Weiss, 17) Ryan Lilick, 18) John Willman, 19) Chris Gambler, 20) Doug Manmiller, 21) Kenny Gilmore, 22) Eric Biehn, 23) Clay Butler, 24) Steve Swinehart, 25) Bobby Trapper, 26) Mike Kellner, 27) Jordan Henn, 28) Bobby Trapper Jr.
NASCAR Sportsman feature (25-laps) – 1) Brad Grim, 2) Jim Housworth, 3) Brad Brightbill, 4) Brian Hirthler, 5) Louden Reimert, 6) Craig Whitmoyer, 7) Joe Funk, 8) Mark Kemmerer, 9) Kurt Bettler, 10) Jesse Landis, 11) Mike Lisowski, 12) Ryan Higgs, 13) Ryan Beltz, 14) Gary Wagner, 15) Lex Shive, 16) Derrick Smith, 17) Tyler Reber, 18) Nathan Brinner, 19) Kyle Lilick, 20) Kenny Eckert Jr., 21) Dylan Swinehart, 22) Nico Flammer, 23) Scott Kohler, 24) Jack Butler
NASCAR Late Model feature (25-laps) – 1) Danny Snyder, 2) Brian Shuey, 3) Kyle Merkel, 4) Drew Weisser, 5) Jordan Knepp, 6) Lou Egrie, 7) Steve Todorow, 8) Patrick Robinson, 9) Wayne Pfeil, 10) Todd Ravel, 11) Dallas Breidenbach, 12) Bryon Sipe, 13) Dirk Rimrott. DNS – George Irwin.
Grandview Speedway PR
Kyle Busch Captures Fifth Win at Richmond Raceway in the TOYOTA OWNERS 400
22 Apr 2018 Written by Steven B. WilsonKyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, captured the checkered flag to complete the sweep for Toyota Racing over the Toyota Spring Race Weekend in the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. The victory was Busch’s fifth Richmond win, and his third consecutive win this season.
Busch battled his way back from starting in the 32nd position to lead 50 laps. Busch last won three consecutive races in 2015, when he went on to win his first Monster Energy Series championship.
“It was a great night tonight,” said Busch. “I wasn't sure we were going to have any dominance. I don't think we necessarily did. But we certainly put ourselves in position all night long to have that opportunity and that chance to go out there and win the race, thanks to our pit crew. Guys did an amazing job the last two pit stops. Got us out front where we needed to be, got us the lead. Our car was fast enough on the short run to be able to hold onto it there.”
The victory moves him into first in career wins among active drivers at Richmond. The win is Busch’s 46th career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win, tying Buck Baker for 15th all-time on the career Cup win list.
“We love coming to Richmond,” said Joe Gibbs, Owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “It's a great place for me personally because it's so close to Redskin Park. It's great, we have a great fan base here, everybody out there at the end cheering. Just a special night for us.”
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 for Hendrick Motorsports, finished second in his attempt to secure his first victory in the Monster Energy Series. He was followed by Chesterfield, Va., native Denny Hamlin, who came in third in front of his hometown crowd. Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top-five.
“I definitely consider that a great job by my team to get me in the ballpark, for sure,” said Hamlin. “I mean, the last thing you want to do is come here and kind of get embarrassed, not run well, especially when you know what you need out of your race car. So they did a good job of making good adjustments overnight.”
The Toyota Racing’s field was completed with Daniel Suarez in tenth, Erik Jones in 13th, Martin Truex Jr. in 14th, and Gray Gaulding in 35th.
Richmond Raceway PR
Lancaster, Wolfe, Ketron, Ball, Austin visit victory lane at Kingsport Speedway
21 Apr 2018 Written by Steven B. WilsonThe calendar shows it’s spring in Northeast Tennessee and throughout the daytime Friday the sun was brightly shining with temperature in the low 60s. Once darkness arrived the temperature quickly dropped and was on the chilly side, but the action at Kingsport Speedway for Model City Night at the Races was heated.
Derrick Lancaster of Christiansburg, Va., captured the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Car victory, while Kevin Wolfe of Abingdon, Va., recorded the Modified Street win,
John Ketron of Kingsport double-dipped in winning twin Pure 4 features, while Brad Ball of Abingdon recorded the Mod 4 victory, with Rob Austin of Castlewood, Va., capturing the Pure Street win.
Zeke Shell was fastest in Late Model Stock Car qualifying at 14.923 seconds, but with an invert of the top four from time trials Mike Looney and Nik Williams led the 19-car field to green from the front row.
Looney got the advantage over Williams on the start and as they raced down the front straightaway into the first turn, Looney got out of shape and slid up the track between turns one and two, stacking the field up behind him and allowing the third-starting Lancaster to take the lead. Lancaster held the lead back around at the flag stand to complete the opening lap over Looney, Wayne Hale, Ronnie McCarty and Kres VanDyke.
VanDyke drove under McCarty for the fourth spot on lap 12 racing off the second corner and immediately began pressuring Hale for third, while at the same time Shell was working McCarty over trying to wrestle fifth away from him. VanDyke passed Hale on lap 20 racing off the fourth turn and right behind them Shell drove around McCarty.
Second-running Looney unexpectedly slowed with mechanical issues on lap 24 and headed into the pits to end a strong run, thus moving VanDyke right behind Lancaster. The event’s first caution waved on lap 29 for debris (right-front fender from Shell’s car) on the backstretch.
Lancaster and VanDyke were side-by-side for the double-file restart, with VanDyke taking the lead while opening the door for Shell to pass Lancaster for second place. Behind VanDyke, Shell and Lancaster, battles were taking place for position involving McCarty, Hale, Robbie Ferguson, Williams, Williams, Derek Lane, Bryson Dennis, Trey Bayne, Joey Trent and Darin Silver.
With the race running clean-and-green, VanDyke pulled out to a 10 car-length advantage over Shell and Lancaster at lap 50 and appeared headed to victory lane. However, caution waved on lap 52 for debris to erase his lead.
VanDyke chose the outside for the ensuing double-file restart, placing Shell on the inside. As the duo raced down the front straightaway, Shell’s car failed to turn on the cold concrete surface and he locked the brakes up getting into VanDyke’s left-rear quarter panel, with both cars spinning and also McCarty was involved, while the whole field had to take evasive action.
VanDyke, Shell and McCarty dropped to the back for the next restart, which immediately produced waving of the yellow flag as cars back in the field jammed together and the 14-year-old Bayne climbed up the side of Trent and sailed over the left-front fender and hood.
It’s said in racing that cautions breed cautions, and indeed that scenario played out at “The Concrete Jungle” as the flagman kept the yellow flag close at hand.
The next attempt to get back under green saw Lancaster take the lead over Hale and Ferguson. VanDyke passed Ferguson for third on lap 53, and the following circuit entering the first turn VanDyke got into Hale’s left-rear quarter panel sending the veteran spinning. Both Hale and VanDyke were sent to the rear for the restart.
Only two laps back green flag racing, on lap 56 between turns one and two rookies Dennis and Bayne tangled and spun to bring what would be the final caution out.
The stage was set for a three-lap shootout for the win, and Lancaster came out firing to hold back the hard-charging Ferguson for the victory. However, in post-race technical inspection Ferguson’s car failed due to a carburetor infraction. With that decision rounding out the top five finishers behind winner Lancaster were Trent, Shell, Hale and McCarty.
Completing the top 10 finishers were VanDyke, Terry Smith, Williams, Lane and Silver.
Trey Lane jumped into the lead of the 30-lap Modified Street feature at the start over Chase Dixon and Nick Cole. However, the trio of Cole, Kevin Wolfe and Royce Peters quickly worked their way past the teenage Dixon.
Cole passed Lane for the lead on lap 8 between turns three and four, which also opened the door for Wolfe to overtake Lane for position. Racing up off (turn) two on lap 9, Wolfe flexed his muscle to pass Cole and move to the point. Defending divisional champion Peters was up on the wheel and worked his way into second place on lap 17, with his sights set ahead on leader Wolfe.
Even though Peters stuck the nose of his machine underneath Wolfe on several occasions racing off the corners, each time Wolfe slammed the door shut to maintain his advantage out front. Wolfe captured the win over Peters, Lane, Cole and Dixon.
The Pure 4 division ran twin 15-lap features, with a strong 24-car field taking the green flag in the first race. John Ketron moved into the lead on lap 9 and remained on the point to the finish in winning over Dylan Bates, Kenny Absher, Brandon Sutherland and Bruce Crumbley.
In the second feature Sutherland paced the field until a late race caution set up a wild scramble to decide the outcome among several drivers. Both John Ketron and Absher powered their way around Sutherland off the double-file restart, and while Absher stayed glued to the elder Ketron’s rear bumper he was unable to get around him for the lead. John Ketron won over Absher, Sutherland, Bates and Billy Ketron.
Kevin Canter (Mod 4 champion in 2016 and ’17) and Brad Ball battled up front throughout the 30-lap Mod 4 feature before Canter took the lead with 10 laps remaining. Canter went on to record an apparent victory, but his car failed post-race technical inspection due to a carburetor infraction. ... Ball was awarded his second consecutive victory to start the season, followed by David Brown, Carey Brown, Billy Duty and Chris Amburgey.
Rob Austin grabbed the lead from David Strong off a late race restart and once out front Austin cruised to his second straight win. Austin was chased to the checkered flag by Strong, Kevin Darnell, Jay Swecker and Ricky Payne.
KINGSPORT SPEEDWAY – FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018 – MODEL CITY NIGHT AT THE RACE – RACE RESULTS
*** ALL RESULTS UNOFFICIAL PENDING REVIEW OF SCORING – WILL BE CERTIFIED IN TRACK OFFICE ON MONDAY ***
NASCAR WHELEN ALL-AMERICAN SERIES - LATE MODEL STOCK CAR (60 laps)
1. Derrick Lancaster #25-Christiansburg, VA
2. Joey Trent #26-Gray, TN
3. Zeke Shell #1-Johnson City, TN
4. Wayne Hale #19-Bluff City, TN
5. Ronnie McCarty #5-Kingsport, TN
6. Kres VanDyke #15-Abingdon, VA
7. Terry Smith #25-Barbourville, KY
8. Nik Williams #32-Greeneville, TN
9. Derek Lane #28-Kingsport, TN
10. Darin Silver #12-Spruce Pine, NC
11. Trey Bayne #21-Knoxville, TN
12. Bryson Dennis #15-Greeneville, TN
13. Rick Pannell #33-Kingsport, TN
14. Allen Hawkins #14-Kingsport, TN
15. Mardy Roberts #55-Kingsport, TN
16. Dillon Hodge #5-Kingsport, TN
17. Joshua Gobble #97-Abingdon, VA
18. Mike Looney #87-Catawba, VA
Did Not Pass Post-Race Technical Inspection: Robbie Ferguson #7-Jonesborough, TN
MODIFIED STREET (30 laps)
1. Kevin Wolfe #17
2. Royce Peters #42
3. Trey Lane #9
4. Nick Cole #63
5. Chase Dixon #07
6. Rusty Clendenin #27
7. Paul Shull #48
8. Dennis Deese #24
9. Steven Roark #27
10. Gary Crumbley #59
11. Alex Miller #37
12. Sam Hurd #11
13. Hannah Seal #55
PURE 4 #1 (15 laps)
1. John Ketron #27
2. Dylan Bates #6
3. Kenny Absher #11
4. Brandon Sutherland #48
5. Bruce Crumbley #33
6. Billy Ketron #26
7. Jason Ketron #28
8. Bucky Smith #99
9. Craig Phelps #00
10. Larry Stapleton #15
11. Jimmy Thomas #20
12. Dennis Stanley #21
13. David Trent #57
14. Chris Stine #10
15. Josh Detwiler #38
16. (No Name) #19
17. William Hale #47
18. Nasty Jones #13
19. Josh Collins #77
20. Richard Quillen #21
21. Thomas Chambers #70
22. Paul Stanley #40
23. Chad Jeffers #38
24. Alexcia Ray #99
PURE 4 #2 (15 laps)
1 John Ketron #27
2. Kenny Absher #11
3. Brandon Sutherland #48
4. Dylan Bates #6
5. Billy Ketron #26
6. Jason Ketron #28
7. Bruce Crumbley #33
8. Bucky Smith #99
9. Chris Stine #10
10. William Hale #47
11. Craig Phelps #00
12. David Trent #57
13. (No Name) #19
14. Josh Detwiler #38
15. Paul Stanley #40
16. Richard Quillen #21
17. Larry Stapleton #15
18. Josh Collins #77
19. Alexcia Ray #99
MOD 4 (30 laps)
1. Brad Ball #17
2. David Brown #13
3. Carey Brown #31
4. Billy Duty #1
5. Chris Amburgey #7
6. Jimmy Acito #57
7. Mitch Gibson #06
8. Darrell Whitehead #43
9. Larry Bowens #18
10. Dennis Arnold #7
11. (No Name) #22
12. Jessie Amburgey #17
Did Not Pass Post-Race Technical Inspection: Kevin Canter #3
PURE STREET (25 laps)
1. Rob Austin #18
2. David Strong #53
3. Kevin Darnell #4
4. Jay Swecker #77
5. Ricky Payne #1
6. Jason Herron #7
7. Brian Eggers #74
8. Jessica Payne #12
9. Duke Bare #67
10. Penny Hurd #11
Kingsport Speedway PR
Christopher Bell Takes the Checkered Flag in the ToyotaCare 250
21 Apr 2018 Written by Steven B. WilsonChristopher Bell held off his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Noah Gragson leading the final 79 laps to win the ToyotaCare 250 Dash4Cash NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race at Richmond Raceway (Richmond). Bell led a dominating 120 of 250 laps for his first career victory at America’s Premier Short Track.
Toyota Racing was dominant in the first race of the Toyota Spring Race Weekend at Richmond. Bell drove the No. 20 to its first win of the season, and second career NXS victory. The was Bell’s fifth top-five result of the season. He also has the most laps-led among active drivers in the NXS after eight races with 192. The ToyotaCare 250 victory officially locked Bell into the NXS Playoffs.
“That was pretty special. I had to work for it,” said Bell. “My teammate was really good. I knew throughout both practices that our cars were going to be really strong. Joe Gibbs Racing has been producing really, really fast Camrys for the last couple weeks and it’s really shown.”
Gragson of Joe Gibbs Racing was making his NXS debut tonight at The Action Track. He finished second in the No. 18 Toyota Camry by only 0.423 seconds behind teammate Bell. This is the 12th time a NXS racer has finished first or second in their premier race. Gragson is a full-time driver in the No. 18 Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The top five rounded out with Racing Virginia’s Elliot Sadler followed by Matt Tiff and Austin Cindric. With a tenth place finish at Richmond, Brandon Jones of Toyota Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing scored his fourth top ten finish of the season.
“I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Gragson. “I found a little something in the track, a little speed there at the end of the second stage on old tires. I kept it in my memory bank until the end and I told me team, ‘I got something, when it’s time to go tell me when.’ About 18 to go, I told them, ‘Can’t wait any longer, I don’t have any more patience.”
The Dash4Cash winner of $100,000 was Sadler, who led 30 of the 250 laps. This is his fourth Dash4Cash win and qualifies for next week’s Dash for Cash, along with Bell, Matt Tifft and Austin Cindric, at Talladega Superspeedway.
Richmond Raceway PR
Burt Myers of Walnut Cove will start at the head of the pack for the biggest race of the year at Bowman Gray Stadium – but he was a few minutes away from missing his opportunity.
Qualifying for the season-opening Hayes Jewelers 200 began on Friday with an extended period of practice and qualifying for the Brad’s Golf Cars Modified Series. After a full day of practice for all divisions, the Modifieds have a window of time from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in which they must qualify.
The competitors can choose any time in that window to make a qualifying attempt, but the cutoff is at 7:00. If a car isn’t on the track at 7:00, they miss their chance to qualify on Friday. Although competitors have the option to qualify on Saturday, the top 10 positions are locked in based on Friday’s session. In short: if you don’t qualify on Friday, you’ll be starting 11th at best.
Yet drivers don’t want to qualify too early in their window. “The longer you wait, the cooler the track gets - so the faster it will be,” said Burt Myers. And waiting is exactly what the Modifieds did. With the clock ticking, no competitor had taken a qualifying attempt until there were less than 20 minutes left.
“This was the weirdest I’ve ever seen qualifying over here,” said Myers about the waiting game. “We were sitting here and there was 18 minutes to go - 18 cars here and nobody had gone. I just knew it was going to be a scramble.”
Rather than take his chances and wait some more, Myers just pulled the trigger. “I said that there was going to be a lot of guys that don’t get to qualify tonight. I usually try to wait as long as I can, but me and Jason decided we’d just go together and go now.”
Myers was the fifth car to pull out on the track. He ran a time of 13.124, far ahead of the four qualifiers before him. Tim Brown of Tobaccoville, however, timed it perfectly – driving off the scales at the ideal time of exactly 7:00. The #83 came close but couldn’t beat Myers, qualifying second with a time of 13.168.
Only nine competitors made a qualifying attempt on Friday night, while nine competitors missed the cutoff. They will have the option of qualifying on Saturday, but the top nine starting positions are locked in based on Friday’s results.
Myers will start on the pole with Brown starting beside him. Brandon Ward of Winston-Salem starts in third, and Bobby Measmer of Concord starts fourth.
Derek Stoltz of Walkertown was the fastest qualifier for the Texas Steak & Tap House Sportsman Series with a time of 14.653.
Gates open at 6:00 for practice, the second round of qualifying begins at 7:10, and the first race begins at 8:00 PM on Saturday night, April 21. Ticket prices, directions, and more information can be found online at www.bowmangrayracing.com or by calling (336) 723-1819.
BGS Racing PR
Chicagoland Speedway, JULIE, Inc. and Forest Preserve District of Will County Celebrate Earth Day
20 Apr 2018 Written by Steven B. WilsonChicagoland Speedway in partnership with NASCAR Green, united with JULIE, Inc. and the Forest Preserve District of Will County to celebrate Earth Day which takes place annually on April 22. In preparation for the day that centers on environmental protection, the organizations convened today at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Sugar Creek Administration Center for the planting of five native oak trees.
Scott Paddock, President of Chicagoland Speedway, accompanied by the official mascot of the Magnificent Mile and a Half, DASH, Kevin Chmura, JULIE, Inc. Director of Public Relations and Forest Preserve District of Will County Chief Operating Officer Ralph Schultz, Chief Financial Officer John Gerl and Board Vice President Annette Parker gathered today to dedicate five trees consisting of red, swamp white and bur oaks. Five were selected to represent the five major branches of the military: the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Marines and Air Force. Soldiers who have and continue to serve the United States within each branch will be honored during Chicagoland Speedway’s Stars and Stripes weekend June 28 – July 1.
Chicagoland Speedway recognizes the global efforts required to protect and preserve the environment, and with the support efforts of NASCAR, the industry and partners like JULIE, Inc. and Forest Preserve District of Will County, significant headway can be made to reduce the carbon footprint.
The services of JULIE, Inc. were utilized prior to the planting to guarantee the safety of excavators and ensure successful tree growth. Based in Joliet, JULIE stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, and was created to provide Illinois excavators and underground utility owners with a continuously improving, one-call message handling and delivery service committed to protecting underground utilities and the safety of people working or living near them. The not-for-profit neither owns nor marks any underground lines. JULIE's Call Center agents can be reached by calling 8-1-1 and process locate requests 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
Fans interested in supporting the Earth Day efforts of Chicagoland Speedway, NASCAR Green and JULIE, Inc. can visit NASCAR.com/green to donate trees -- $1 per tree for a 2-3 foot sapling -- to be planted in those areas with the support of the Arbor Day Foundation. Fans are encouraged to share their own efforts around being green by using the hashtag #NASCARGreen.
NASCAR Green initiatives span the entire year and was launched because it was the right thing to do for the country, climate and fans. Since 2008, NASCAR has taken a holistic approach across its wide-ranging effort to reduce the impact on the environment.
CLS PR
Class is in Session – Talladega Superspeedway’s College Student Program Returns April 27-29
20 Apr 2018 Written by Steven B. WilsonGet ready for Talladega Superspeedway to teach you a thing or two about college with the $24 student ticket offer, returning April 27-29! The program offers an array of benefits, including a college party with an appearance by Erik Jones, driver of the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Jones, one of NASCAR’s “young guns,” will be seeking his first Talladega victory in the GEICO 500 on April 29. The day before, he is scheduled to visit the College Party, located in the GEICO North Park Campground, at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. Jones will mingle with fans, take part in a fan Q&A session, give away incredible prizes and maybe even try to school some fans in some games.
The college student ticket package at NASCAR’s Party Capital is available to all college students with a valid student ID. A host of advantages for students at an incredible price include:
- Free camping/parking in the College Tailgate Zone located in GEICO North Park
- Free admission to Friday evening’s “Big One on the Blvd” driver parade and fan competitions in the famous infield
- Free admission to the traditional Saturday Night Infield Concert featuring Uncle Kracker, NASCAR favorite Tim Dugger, and DJ Mark A.D.
- Free tram service - in and out of the track - for Friday’s “Big One on the Blvd” & Saturday’s infield concert
- General admission seating in the Gadsden Grandstand sections A-D near Turn 4
- Opportunity to bring your own cooler into the Gadsden Grandstand (soft-sided, maximum size of 14”x14”x14”, no glass), filled with your favorite snacks and beverages
- A chance to be a part of the Party Capital of NASCAR!
Jones, 21, recently made the journey to Auburn University, just a couple of hours south from NASCAR’s Most Competitive track, a couple of weeks ago as part of his “College Extravaganza Tour.” He has also visited UCLA and Virginia Tech. While at Auburn, he met University President Steven Leath as well as head football coach Gus Malzahn, who will be the Grand Marshal of the GEICO 500.
To learn more about the College Student Program and for all ticket information to experience the highly-anticipated tripleheader weekend, which also features the General Tire 200 for the ARCA Racing Series
(Friday, April 27) and the Sparks Energy 300 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (Saturday, April 28), visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.
TSS PR
Dover’s Delmarva Dog highlights new food selections at Monster Mile for May 4-6 NASCAR tripleheader weekend
20 Apr 2018 Written by Steven B. WilsonCombining a traditional concession stand staple with a Delmarva Peninsula foodie favorite, Dover’s Delmarva Dog is just one of the many great food offerings NASCAR fans can expect when they visit the track for our May 4-6 tripleheader weekend.
The Delmarva Dog includes a juicy hot dog served in a split top bun, topped with fire roasted corn, cheese sauce and (in a special Delmarva twist) crab meat. Served with tasty Old Bay potato chips, each Delmarva Dog order will cost $10.
Dover’s Delmarva Dog will be found in the following areas around the Monster Mile during the May 4-6 tripleheader weekend:
- Main concessions area in Victory Plaza
- North Grandstand near Gate 15
- South Grandstand near Gate 4
In addition, some popular food trucks and concession stands from throughout the mid-Atlantic region will be offering tasty treats around the grounds. The businesses involved include:
- Smoke, Rattle & Roll Food Truck, The Hangout, May 5-6 only: Offers tacos, nachos, mac and cheese and BBQ sandwiches with topping options of chicken, pork or brisket.
- Sherri’s Crab Cakes, Across from Gate 2: More than 1 million crab cakes sold, made with lump and jumbo lump crab meat along with special spices.
- One Big Party BBQ, Across from Gate 2: Offers pulled pork sandwiches, beef brisket, smoked sausage, chicken legs, BBQ beans, cole slaw.
- H&H Concessions, Near Gate 3: Offers chicken pitas, lamb pitas, funnel cakes, ices.
- Buntings Popcorn, Near Gate 3: Offers kettle corn, movie popcorn, pretzel dogs and cotton candy.
Dover International Speedway concession stands will also feature new and traditional dishes, perfect treats for the built-in breaks that come with NASCAR’s stage racing format.
The food selections include:
- Loaded Mac & Cheese, Outside Gates 2 & 3: Smoked BBQ pulled pork served over creamy mac and cheese.
- Loaded Fries, Outside Gates 2 & 3: French fries topped with BBQ pulled pork, jalapeno cheese and crispy bacon.
- Loaded Nachos, Outside Gates 2 & 3: Tortilla chips topped with seasoned beef, jalapeno cheese, lettuce, salsa, sliced jalapenos and sour cream.
- The Walking Taco, Outside Gates 2 & 3: Seasoned ground beef, choice of Doritos or Fritos, cheese sauce, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, sliced jalapenos.
“We will always maintain our traditional food menu, but we are constantly exploring innovative choices for our fans to enjoy during their visit to the Monster Mile,” said Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway. “Everyone should bring their appetite May 4-6 and be ready to try all of these tasty treats!”
The May 4-6 NASCAR tripleheader weekend includes the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, May 6, the “OneMain Financial 200” NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash race on Saturday, May 5 and the “JEGS 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, May 4.
For tickets or more information, call 800‐441‐RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com. You can also keep up with the Monster Mile at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile.
Dover Motorsports PR
Pocono Raceway has selected 29 individuals who will make up the 2018-2019 Pocono Raceway Fan Council class. The new class will serve a two-year terms as they assist the Raceway to improve the overall fan experience for race fans both at and away from the track.
“The Fan Council was established in 2013 and all members have played a vital role in our success these last five years,” said Ben May, Pocono Raceway President. “The Fan Council assisted us with the creation of our Worry Free Weather Guarantee, as well as other policies and procedures geared at bettering the overall fan experience. This year’s class has a solid mix of first-time and returning fan council members. Together, this group will help us in our goal of becoming the most beloved motorsports facility.”
For more details about the Pocono Raceway Fan Council, including additional information about the newest members listed below, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/fancouncil.
2018-2019 Pocono Raceway Fan Council Members
- Michael Blount (Stroudsburg, PA)
- Lisa Chanana (Solon, OH)
- Matthew Dorniak (West Milford, NJ)
- William Ferdinandsen (Ossining, NY)
- Sara Ferguson (Stroudsburg, PA)
- Dillon Gaudet (Buckhannon, WV)
- Sharon Gerhart (Kunkletown, PA)
- John Ginder (Temple, PA)
- Carleen Henderson (Schenevus, NY)
- Tracey Jumper (Kingston, PA)
- Ryan Knox (Gilbertsville, PA)
- Jason Leistman (Wantagh, NY)
- Lynn Marks (Honesdale, PA)
- Andrea Masisak (Morrisville, PA)
- Scott McIsaac (Perth, Ontario, Canada)
- Kevin Moser (Lancaster, PA)
- Daniel Muir (Saylorsburg, PA)
- Robert Nebinger (Albrightsville, PA)
- Amanda Palazzo (Hawley, PA)
- Ron Parry (Toms River, NJ)
- Stephen Planisky (Pocono Lake, PA)
- Jim Pokrivsak (Nazareth, PA)
- Gene Salvatore (Southbury, CT)
- Edward Sheets (Johnstown, PA)
- Kevin Stopinski (Milford, NJ)
- Scott Townsend (Phoenix, MD)
- Shawn VanWhy (East Stroudsburg, PA)
- Deb Wentzel (Sinking Spring, PA)
- Eric Whitman (Groton, PA)
Pocono Raceway will host seven motorsports events in 2018, including two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races and the Verizon IndyCar Series. One NASCAR Xfinity Series, one Camping World Truck Series and two ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards races are also on the schedule for 2018. For tickets visit www.poconoraceway.com.
Pocono Raceway PR
MIS Cares presented $1,000 scholarships to 13 students from Lenawee and Jackson Counties to further their education. The track’s charity foundation also presented $75,007 in grants to 16 community organizations.
The scholarships are part of an ongoing initiative to promote learning among students at all educational levels by MIS Cares and Michigan International Speedway. The scholarship was open to any graduating senior in Jackson or Lenawee County who is entering a STEAM-related (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) field at a college, university or trade school in the state of Michigan.
Recipients include:
Student High School University Major
Bailey Allison Hanover-Horton Michigan Biology
Kaylee Commet Michigan Center Michigan State Chemistry
Rosemary Gedert Jackson Prep & Michigan Pre-Med/Biology
Early College
Noah Gilson Morenci Michigan Computer Science
Taylor Gritzmaker Columbia Central Central Michigan Pre-medicine, Neurology, Neuroscience, Neurosurgery
Alexis Hannewald Jackson Christian Grand Valley State Allied Health Sciences
Austen O’Reilly Jackson Michigan State Applied Science Engineering
Nicole Ostrander Columbia Central Michigan State Science/Biology
Katherine Powell Columbia Central Michigan State Genetics/Human Biology
Carsyn Sleight Northwest Western Michigan Mechanical Engineering
Christopher Spencer Lumen Christi Wayne State Biomedical Engineering
Michael Strong Jackson Michigan State Mechanical Engineering
Kamryn Warner Onsted Grand Valley State Mathematics
“We are privileged to award $13,000 worth in scholarships to so many deserving youth in our area,” track President Rick Brenner said. “These 13 students are an inspiration to the community and we wish success in all their future endeavors. We are proud of how many organizations we can support through MIS Cares.”
Thanks to several local organizations, MIS Cares raised $5,000 of the $13,000 through a scholarship match challenge. Orbitform, CP Federal Credit Union, Community Choice Credit Union, Christoff and Sons, Childrenz Challenge and Iott Insurance each provided $500. In addition OmniSource and Dryden Family Foundation each provided $1,000 towards the MIS Cares Scholarship Program.
Thanks to support from the community, MIS Cares has been able to award $49,000 in scholarships to local high school students in the first four years of the program.
In addition, MIS Cares presented checks to 16 deserving organizations totaling $75,007 to improve the local communities. All of these deserving recipients share the MIS Cares mission to assist and inspire youth in Jackson and Lenawee counties.
Recipients include:
- Brooklyn Food Pantry – Forgotten Teens
- Concord Food for Thought – Weekend Backpack Program
- Felician Children’s Center – Active Bodies, Healthy Minds
- Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County – The Great Pasty Project
- Imagine Planet – Imagine Planet Operating Expenses
- Jackson District Library – Brooklyn Branch – Coding Kids
- Jackson Symphony Orchestra – Music Enrichment for Lily Missions Center
- Jasmynn’s Voice – Helping others find their voice, one iPad at a time
- Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge, Inc. – JA “Career Success”
- Lenawee Community Foundation – Lenawee Imagination Library
- Onsted Elementary – Wildcat Maker Space
- The Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee – My.Future
- Therapeutic Riding, Inc. – Adopt a Horse
- YMCA of Lenawee County – Maple Pride Afterschool Program
- YMCA Storer Camps – Camp Catch-A-Rainbow
- Adrian College – Track and Explore
MIS Cares is a donor advised fund of the NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. MIS Cares’ mission is to assist and inspire youth within our community.
MIS and its sister company Americrown combined to donate a total of $907,587 to local service groups and organizations through cash donations, in-kind donations, work programs, grants and sponsorships, as well as tickets and merchandise that clubs raffled to raise money in 2017.
MIS PR
