South Carolina Motor Sports
Racing News
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Return to SCMSRN.com
Click here to view artwork in the Angus McGregor Gallery!
· Visit these Driver Websites!
· SCMSRN.com Photo Gallery (Ride of Your Life Images!)
Featured
Press Releases:
·
Billy Drake Racing Launches New Website,
Announces 2008 Plans
· 2 Races Remaining in 2007 for Florence Motor Speedway
· LEGENDARY DAREDEVIL KNIEVEL HAD INDY 500 CONNECTION
·
Independent Racing Series
Releases 2008 Race Schedule
· The 40th annual Snowball Derby Weekend closes out the 2007 Racing Season in the United States.
· Sunoco Race Fuels Congratulates Earl Pearson Jr.
·
DIS,
· Angus McGregor Original Motorsports Artwork
· Latest ASA Late Model Series Press Releases
· INDY RACING LEAGUE NEWS AND NOTES
Visit
these Driver Websites!
Danny Efland – www.dannyefland.com
Randy Gentry – www.gentrymotorsports.com
Shane Hall – www.motorsportsone.net
Mike Hampton – www.mikehamptonracing.com
Dange Hanniford – www.dangehanniford.com
Justin Hobgood - www.justinhobgood.com
Nick Hutchins – www.nickhuthinsracing.com
Jody Lavender – www.jodylavender.com
Mardy Lindley – www.usarprocup.com/drivers
Stuart Ricks – www.usarprocup.com/drivers
Don Satterfield – www.donsatterfieldracing.com
Ron Barfield (Coming)
Marty Griggs (Coming)
Scooter Way (Coming)
SCMSRN.com
Photography Customer Comments (Send
yours to pjm3@scmsrn.com)
Paul,
I may never have told you, but you do an excellent job with the pictures. I have yet to get any pictures that I did not like.
They have all been very professional.
Thanks,
Phil Williams #55
T&L Division, Florence Motor Speedway
I do have one comment Paul, You do a hell of a job, and
keep up all the good work, I have raced at a lot of different tracks and you
are the only one I see that cares about the quality of shots you get , Thanks
again
Jody Measamer
Seneca Late Model Super Truck Driver
Pentair Water Pool & Spa
Technical Service Representative
Hey Paul, Marty Stewart here. The CD package was awesome man! High quality artwork memories, unbelievably priced I might add, of my first season at FMS. Looking forward to the 2006 season!
Thanks again,
Marty Stewart #10
Charger Division, Florence Motor Speedway
These pix are
awesome! Thanks Paul!
KEITH FERRELL, #32
KARTTRAX Charger Challenge Feature Winner
Myrtle Beach Speedway
11/20/2005
Latest ASA Late Model Series Press Releases
Lexington, Michigan (11/30/2007): The Racing Season is
over for the Lexington, Michigan based ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance
Parts, but that doesn't mean the racing season overall is done for some ASALMS
teams.
The 40th annual Snowball Derby Weekend traditionally closes out the season
within the entire United States as the fast 0.500 Mile High-Banked Paved Oval
of the Five Flags (FL) Speedway in Pensacola, Florida serves as hosts for one
of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the entire country.
In addition to the headlining 300-lap Feature for Super Late Models, the widely
popular 8th Annual Allen Turner Snowflake 100 for ASA Late Model Series Type
cars has grown to elite status as well. For the first time ever, Snowball Derby
Officials received more pre entries for the Snowflake 100 than for the
headlining Snowball Derby as there were 90 Snowflake Entries compared to 74
Snowball teams that were pre entered.
Our friends at the popular Speed 51.com website is providing exclusive coverage
of the entire weekend from Pensacola, Florida. The fine folks at Speed 51 have
been in town since Wednesday night and are utilizing their "Trackside
Now" Feature all weekend long.
Covering the Snowball Derby Weekend from Speed 51 will be Matt Dillner, Jason
Buckley, Steve Neeley, Elgin Traylor, Matt Kentfield, Jeremy Troiano, and Jamie
Williams. Also on hand is Speed 51 Founder, Bob Dillner will be busy with
several obligations as well. He even raced on Thursday night in the Five Flags
Bombers Division.
You can get all the latest from the 40th annual Snowball Derby Weekend by going
to the Speed 51.com website at the link provided: http://www.speed51.com
For the complete press release, as well as a complete list of ASA Late Model
Series teams participating in both the Snowball Derby and the Snowflake 100,
click on the link below:
<b><a href="http://www.asalatemodels.com/story.asp?StoryID=7511">
ASA Late Model Series Teams participating in the Snowball Derby / Snowflake 100
Press Release </a></b>
INDY RACING LEAGUE
NEWS AND NOTES
"THAT'S RACING" with Dan E. Lockemy and "Racing Expert" Rudy Branham returns to the airwaves at 7pm Monday evenings, on EAGLE 92.9,WEGX-FM. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-492-0093. Or email your questions to thatsracing929@aol.com. Look forward to hearing from you.
Born to race; it’s the only thing he can remember wanting to do. He was born and raised only minutes from “The Track Too Tough Too Tame”, so it would have been hard to not want to race. He’s been around racing his entire life, traveling to local race tracks with his family since he was six-weeks old.
Dange has an excellent working knowledge of a racecar, along with the driving ability to compete with the best. It’s not often that you find that in a driver these days. Dange has taken the old-school approach to racing, working his way from the bottom to the top, learning not only how to drive, but also how to build and maintain his cars along the way.
2006 He received an offer to run a limited schedule in the Hooters Pro Cup series for a southern division team. After qualifying for the Championship, Dange signed on to run for the Hooter Pro Cup Championship with NASCAR Busch team, Mac Hill Motorsports in the #65s Chevy Monte Carlo SS and finish 2 points short of the Rookie of the Year.
In 2007, Hanniford will run the full schedule in the Southern Hooters Pro Cup division and compete in his first NASCAR Busch series race at Richmond on May 4, 2007.
Bloomington, IL (November 29, 2007) - Billy Drake Racing
based in Bloomington, IL has launched an all new in-depth website and can be
located on the world wide web by logging onto www.BillyDrake.net. Billy Drake Racing
has launched this new website to enhance his racing career in 2008. The new
website will give fans and sponsors a link to sign up for the Billy Drake
newsletters and press releases to keep up with Billy's schedule and results. In
this day and age of instant information through the internet, fans are
encouraged to sign up for the free newsletters and press releases to keep up
with all the information about Billy Drake Racing.
Billy has also hired the services of WD Enterprises to be
his official Media Contact and Public Relations representative in 2008. WD
Enterprises will handle Billy's press release services and distribution
throughout the 2008 racing season. "I'm excited about my new website and
working with WD Enterprises to assist in my P/R and marketing. I've been
lacking in this area of my racing career for a while now but by associating
with WD Enterprises it should help that part of my program greatly. WD
Enterprises will make sure all my sponsors and fans are kept informed on our
performance and up coming schedule", stated Billy from his home in IL.
Billy Drake is also pleased to announce his plans for the
upcoming 2008 racing season. Billy Drake Racing will again follow the full
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule in 2008 and mix in several other
crown jewel events in between the off weeks from the Lucas Oil Series. Billy,
coming off his 2007 campaign with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series recorded
one series win at North Alabama Speedway and finished 7th in the
final championship point's standings. "The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
just makes good sense to follow with their overall programs they have in place
for 2008. Their schedule is racer friendly and the entire staff is great to
race with. And when you add in the long term stability of the Lucas Oil
Company, their whole package is really a great opportunity for racers to
follow. We've already been working on our equipment to get prepared for
speedweeks", stated Billy.
Billy Drake Racing would like to thank all his sponsors
and his whole team for their support in 2007. Billy Drake's sponsors include:
Creative Kitchens & Baths, Executive Homes, Hundman Lumber Do-It Center,
Mark Steidinger Construction, The Wells Family, Afco Racing Products, CJ
Rayburn Race Cars, Envy Suspension & Consulting, Hoosier Tire, Mastersbilt
Race Cars, Out-Pace Racing Products, Real Racing Wheels, Simpson Performance
Products, Sweet Manufacturing, Wiles Racing Driveshafts, Wilwood, Rick
Schwallie Photography and WD Enterprises.
To learn more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
and their television broadcasts schedule that begins December 1st
visit www.lucasdirt.com. For more information
about Billy Drake Racing and to sign up for the free newsletters and official
Billy Drake press releases log onto www.BillyDrake.net
Timmonsville, SC (December 2, 2007) – Well, it rained out
the races scheduled for December 2nd, now there are only two race dates
remaining at Florence Motor Speedway in the year of 2007. Races will be held on Sunday afternoons at
2:00 pm for December 9th, & 16th. Featured classes appearing during this
schedule will be the Palmetto Auto Auction Charger Series, John
Newsome Action Ford/Mercury Thunder & Lightning Series, Stock 4
Cylinders, Road Warriors and the “Hair of the Dog” Energy Drink
Young Guns. On the 16th, Florence Motor Speedway will collect
contributions for Harvest Hope. Each adult that brings a new
toy or 4 canned/packaged food goods for a child or family will be
admitted Free to Grandstands. Visit www.florencemotorspeedway for the
2008 schedule and rules information!
William Thomas, only 20 years of age, has just won the
largest Championship of his life taking home the $50,000 prize for becoming the
NATIONAL CHAMPION for the FASTRAK Late Model division in 2007. Thomas better
known as “Mr. Smooth” has certainly earned his name throughout the 2007 season.
Thomas always made his way to the front and was a threat in the final laps of
every FASTRAK Touring event. Proving once again via the FASTRAK points system, consistency pays off. The National
Championship of the FASTRAK Series is certainly about the dollar amount. No one
can deny that, however the title has become one of the most “prestigious” in the
United States.
“It’s unbelievable” said William after the race. “I guess it hasn’t really sunk
in yet. Did we really do it? Did we really win $50,000 and a National
Championship? Man that’s great”. Thomas was awarded a huge $50,000 check along
with a completely new specially designed 6 foot Championship trophy. The trophy
was designed by Chan ****wood of Concept Graphics in Georgia.
(The following interview took place on November 16th)
So William, how does it feel to be a National Champion at 20 years of age?
Thomas: It’s pretty awesome. A driver always dreams of winning the ‘big one’.
The National Championship of the FASTRAK Series is one of the biggest in the
country and to win it just seems almost impossible. I still can hardly believe
it. Who would have ever believed you could have won $50,000 with a $5000
engine? FASTRAK is definitely the best thing going in the country. I mean where
else can you do something like that in racing”?
Did you realize you could be the youngest National Champion in dirt racing
history?
Thomas: “No I didn’t. That’s pretty cool. Wow, I had never even thought about
that. Last year FASTRAK had the oldest National Champion and this year the
youngest National Champion. I guess that just shows how equal it really is”.
William what do you think about racing Late Models with crate engines? Thomas:
“I really think you can learn as much here about running a late model as any
type of racing. The set up on these cars is so critical. You don’t have all
that hp like you do in a Super Late Model so in that respect it’s really
harder. If you slip in one of these cars you really lose a lot of positions
because you don’t have the hp to help you. I know a lot of times the crates are
faster than the supers in the corners. That’s where it’s all at. The faster you
go through the corners, the faster you are down the straight. Everything is so
equal you just can’t miss the set up and you sure can’t make many mistakes
driving. If you do, you really pay the price”.
So what do you think about the FASTRAK Series itself?
Thomas: “I mean what could be better? I’m serious. What form of racing has
$50,000 to win with a $5000 engine? FASTRAK treats everyone equally and they
have always done what they said they would do. The tech is always fair and it’s
open for everyone to see. The Goodyear tires are great. Everyone is on the same
exact tires and the same engine. That’s all a racer can ask for. I really think
FASTRAK is the best thing going for racers anywhere in the country. I know I
have personally improved 150% by traveling with FASTRAK this year. I have
learned so much. More than racing, we really made some great friends. It’s
pretty amazing that the management of FASTRAK really pushes that part of it.
The being friends and helping each other part. That really helps you look
forward to going to the races when things are that way. In the drivers meeting
at the last race at Bulls Gap I heard Stan Lester actually go through the crowd
and have everyone introduce themselves. He asked everyone to hold their hands
up that had borrowed parts from anyone over the weekend. I guess everyone there
held their hands up. It was sort of funny really but it was also very true. We
made friends with people from all over the United States and that’s what really
makes FASTRAK special. Like Stan said that night in the drivers meeting.
“Racing may come and go, but friends last a lifetime. That’s so true”.
Let’s talk about the Goodyear tires. Do you like them?
Thomas: “I think they are great. We started the year on tires we had from 2006.
Can you believe that? We won the first race of the season on one year old
tires? No other tire does that. We didn’t buy many tires this year really. I
mean one or two here or there but our tire bill was really nothing compared to
other series. Two compounds, really close to each other in hardness but the G45
drives like a much softer tire because of the sidewall and the G50 has a
stiffer sidewall for harder tracks. I think the only time we actually wore out
a tire was on the right rear with a 75 lap main on a very hard track. The
Goodyear’s are designed so you can flip them around and use then all over
again. The Goodyear’s really do save the racers a bunch of money. No siping and
grooving per FASTRAK rules and that really cuts down on the amount of time you
have to work on your car every week. The FASTRAK tire program with Goodyear
really is the best option out there today. Not to mention, from what I see
Goodyear has put 100% of their marketing money behind “grass roots racing”.
That in itself is pretty unusual. Goodyear really is supporting the weekly
racer and that has helped racing in general. I believe because of their tire
program and their support of the FASTRAK Series, it has helped race tracks and
teams all across the country”.
How about the GM crate engines?
Thomas: “The GM crate engine program is great. They are so reliable. You
practically have no maintenance. I mean you change retainers and valve springs
about every hundred and fifty laps, change oil and spark plugs and go racing.
How much easier does it get than that? I have one engine that has 1000 laps on
it and it is still as strong as ever”.
So did you learn anything this year with FASTRAK that would help you in the
future?
Thomas: “I really learned so much I could never say it all. Chassis tuning, set
ups, engine tuning and a lot more. One thing I like about racing with FASTRAK
is the things they help us learn other then actual racing. FASTRAK does the
autograph sessions for instance. That helps us learn how to deal with the fans.
FASTRAK encourages us to have hero cars made and it really helps our sponsors
and fans. The management of FASTRAK constantly reminds us through email and
driver meetings that the fans are what it’s all about. That without them there
would be no racing and that is so true. Learning how to do interviews has been
a big part of what I have learned this year too. It’s pretty awesome when you
talk to all the fans and I really think that will help me in the future as I
move up. It also helped a lot in learning to deal with pressure. That National
Championship really taught me to drive smart, take my time and be there at the
end.
So let’s talk about the competition within FASTRAK. Is it tough? Thomas:
“Tough! Man, racing with these guys is very tough. Think about the Grand
Nationals. There were people there from all over the United States. Some of
them drove three thousand miles to be there. Those guys didn’t come to play.
They came to win and it was the best of the best in the United States. Track
Champions from across the country. Regional
Champions from across the country. They all came to win. How could it be any
tougher? Former Super Late Model Stars, current Super Late Model Stars, FASTRAK
champions from everywhere and you know those guys are tough. Like **** Barton
from New York, Ed Dixon from Missouri. Not to leave anyone out but I have heard
about those guys all my life and you don’t beat those guys easily. They are
tough wherever they go. I would like to say I really appreciate all of the
teams that raced with us, not just at the Grand Nationals but all year long. I
respect the teams with FASTRAK. They are some of the best period. I am just
honored to race with them”.
So William in closing what would you like to say to everyone?Thomas: “I
just want to say thanks first of all to FASTRAK. Stan Lester and all of his
staff and regions and weekly tracks across the country. Then to Goodyear,
General Motors and Sunoco Fuels and the other sponsors of FASTRAK for giving us
such a great National Point fund to race for. My dad for putting up with me and
letting me do this. It sure is good to have all of his experience behind me. I
could have never done it without him. Also my aunt and the rest of my family
for taking care of East Alabama Motor Speedway while we were away traveling
racing. That really took a lot of pressure off of me and dad. I sure don’t want
to miss anyone because everyone that helped with anything helped make a dream
come true for me.
I want to thank all of the FASTRAK teams. It’s great we have made so many
friends throughout the year. Although I do plan on stepping up and running some
super late model races in 2008 but I still want to
come back and defend my National title.
Sponsors of the yellow 22 Thomas car:
JW Miller Land And Timber Company; BTR Racing, All Star Graphics, Scorpion Race
Cars, Genesis Shocks, IBACH Springs, PPM Racing Products, Joe Gibbs Race Oil,
Simpson Safety Equipment, Winters, Sweet Manufacturing, East Alabama Motor
Speedway.
Hauled it with a dually, a 28 foot trailer, less than 20 Goodyear tires all
year and without the “high dollar” canister shocks.
Congratulations to William for his accomplishments in 2007. You will be a
wonderful National Representative during 2008!
www.fastrakracing.com
INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 – Legendary daredevil
Evel Knievel, who died Nov. 30 at age 69, sponsored the entry driven by popular
veteran Gary Bettenhausen in the 1977 Indianapolis 500.
Bettenhausen started 21st and finished 16th in the No. 98 Agajanian/Evel
Knievel Dragon/Offy, dropping out with clutch problems after completing 138
laps.
Bettenhausen’s car was painted in the familiar red, white and blue,
star-spangled paint scheme that Knievel used on his motorcycle during his
daring jumps over such landmarks as the fountain at Caesar’s Palace in Las
Vegas. Bettenhausen’s racing suit also resembled the famous leathers worn by
Knievel during his stunts.
The colorful, outspoken Knievel captured the attention of the world during the
1970s through his death-defying motorcycle jumps. Perhaps his most outlandish
stunt came in 1974 when he attempted to jump Snake River Canyon in Idaho in a
rocket-powered “Skycycle.” The jump failed.
***
2008 IMS tickets: Tickets for all three world-class events in 2008 at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway – the 92nd Indianapolis 500, 15th Allstate 400 at
the Brickyard and inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP – are on sale.
Fans have three easy methods to buy tickets: Online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
at any time; on the phone by calling (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis
area or (317) 492-6700 locally between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; or visiting
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Office on the first floor of the IMS
Administration Building at 4790 W. 16th St. in Indianapolis from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
…IMS2007-114…
By Chris Tilley (Independent Racing Series P.R. Director)
Findlay,
OH (November 23, 2007)—Officials with the Independent Racing Series have
released a tentative Race Schedule for the 2008 season that features 19
confirmed dates.
The
Independent Racing Series opened their inaugural season in 2007 while hosting
15 events with 14 different winners. A total of 319 different drivers from 12
states competed in at least one Independent Racing Series event in 2007.
There
are 11 of the 14 returning tracks from the ’07 schedule that have booked
Independent Racing Series events and several of To Be Announced dates.
Some
of the new tracks on the ’08 schedule include visits to Chuckie May’s 201
“It’s
been a task, but we started working on this schedule before last season was
over,” stated Dean Miracle, President of the Independent Racing Series.
“We
are looking to double last year’s number of races and this schedule is nowhere
near completed yet,” said Miracle again. “We will continually update our
schedule as tracks are added. Keep an eye on the website and more is yet to
come,” stated Miracle.
For
further information on the Independent Racing Series, please log on to the
official website located at www.irsracing.net or contact Series
President Dean Miracle at (419) 425-3929 or (419) 306-1499.
2008
Independent Racing Series Tentative Race Schedule:
(showing
Date-Venue-Location-Purse)
April
18-Hilltop
April
19-TBA
May
2-Elkins Motor
May
3-TBA
May
9-TBA
May
10-201
May
23-TBA
May
May
25-Cannonball Motor Speedway-St. Clairsville, OH-$5,000
May
26-Midway
May
30-Skyline
May
31-TBA
June
13-Rocky Top Raceway-Coal Grove, OH-$5,000
June
14-Portsmouth Raceway Park-Portsmouth, OH-$5,000
June
20-Elkins Motor
June
21-Tyler County
July
4-Hilltop
July
5-Midway
July
25-Elkins Motor
July
26-TBA
August
1-Ponderosa
August
2-Bluegrass
August
30-Cannonball Motor Speedway-St. Clairsville, OH-$5,000
September
12-TBA
September
13-Hagerstown
September
19-Elkins Motor
September
20-TBA
Schedule
is subject to change.
Marcus Hook, PA (November 26, 2007)- Sunoco Race Fuels would like to
congratulate Earl Pearson Jr. and the Bobby Labonte Racing Team on winning
their 3rd Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship in a row.
Pearson, a long time Sunoco Race Fuels customer and now driving for the 2000
NASCAR Nextel Champion Bobby Labonte used the HCR Plus brand again in 2007 and
tied for the most wins on the series with five. Earl and the Bobby Labonte
Racing Team also won two events on the World of Outlaws Series in 2007 using
the HCR Plus brand of fuel.
"It
feels great to win the championship again especially with Bobby Labonte and
this team he has put together in its first year. We our very thankful for all
the support Sunoco Race Fuels and Hank Thomas Performance has given us over the
years. Everyone at Sunoco has been really great to work with and be associated
with. Sunoco has been a great sponsor for me for several years now and we look
forward to working with them again in 2008", stated Earl.
Not
only did Earl win his 3rd Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Championship, but Earl became the first driver in dirt late model racing
history to win four National Touring Series Championships dating back to 2004
when he won the Stacker2 Xtreme DirtCar Series. Earl won all four National
Championships using Sunoco Race Fuels in his dirt late model racecar. Sunoco
Race Fuels was also the official fuel for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
in 2007 and Sunoco Race Fuels drivers Steve Casebolt, Donnie Moran and Terry
English all finished in the top 5 in the final 2007 series points standings.
In 2007Sunoco
HCR Plus has proved to be the right fuel of choice for drivers and have
recorded numerous wins using HCR Plus. HCR Plus is specifically targeted for
racing engines with a very high compression ratio that operate under sustained
high speeds and loads. Sunoco Performance Products is the largest manufacturer
of racing gasoline in the world and Sunoco Race Fuels are designed to meet the
quality and consistency needs of professional racers. In addition, Sunoco is
involved with numerous racing sanctioning bodies, tracks and competitors to
provide the latest in race gas technology. Sunoco's track-proven fuels are
designed to provide exceptional performance, quality and consistency keeping
you "Ahead of the Pack". To obtain more information, contact Sunoco
at 1-800-RACE GAS (1-800-722-3427) or visit their web site at www.racegas.com.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 28, 2007) – Daytona
International Speedway – home to the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona
Available for $89, the Rolex 24/Arnold Palmer
Invitational Package includes:
Two-day infield/grandstand ticket to the Jan. 26-27 Rolex
24 At Daytona
One-day admission to the Arnold Palmer Invitational on
March 13-16
Rolex 24 event hat
Arnold Palmer Invitational event hat
The 46th anniversary
of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, scheduled for Jan. 26-27, is the kick off event to
the international motor
Besides the
The Arnold Palmer Invitational, regarded as
Race fans must purchase the
Rolex 24/Arnold Palmer Invitational Package by January 18, 2008. The package is
available online at www.racetickets.com
or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
ãSCMSRN.com/Paul J Miller III 2007