Weedsport, NY — October 1, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series returns to action as part of the 37th edition of Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds. Six straight days of trackside activity —including DIRTcar 358-Modified, Sportsman Modified and UMP Pro Stock racing— on the Syracuse Mile culminate Sunday, October 12 with the Rite Aid 200 boasting a first-place cash prize of $50,000 to the Big-Block Modified winner. A rain date of Monday, October 13 has been established.
WHERE
The historic one-mile oval is located on the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse at I-690, just five miles off Exit 39 of the NYS Thruway. Gate #7 on State Fair Boulevard, then Gate #10 once on the grounds are the primary entrances used throughout Super DIRT Week XXXVII.
WHEN
SUPER DIRT WEEK XXXVII: October 7-12, 2008
*All tmes and events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TIME EVENT
Tue-10/7
12 noon Main Gate & Camping Area Opens;
3-9:00pm ‘Early Bird’ Advance Auto Parts Mod, 358-Mod and DIRTcar Futures (all classes) Inspection (under main grandstand).
Wed-10/8
8am Advance Auto Parts Mod, 358-Mod , DIRTcar Futures Inspection (under main
grandstand);
3-5:00pm Advance Auto Parts Modified ‘Happy Hour’;
10pm Pit Area Closed.
7:30pm Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified & Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series at Can-Am Motorsports Park.
Thr-10/9
8am Pit Gates Open;
8am-10am Inspection Area Open (under main grandstand, AAP Mod, 358 Mod, DIRTcar Futures allowed);
10am Grandstands Open, Advance Auto Parts Modified practice;
11am Syracuse 150 358-Modified Practice;
12:00noon Advance Auto Parts ‘Media Day’ Press Conference – Infield Conference Bldg;
1 pm DIRTcar Futures Practice/Qualifying (Sportsman, Pro Stock);
1:30pm Troyer, Inc. 358-Modified Time Trials (2-laps, Top-6 Qualify for Front-3 Rows);
2:15pm DIRTcar Futures Practice/Qualifying (358-Modified/Modified);
2:45pm American Traditions Motorsports/Teo Pro Modified Time Trials (2-laps, Top-6 Qualify for Front-3 Rows);
4:00pm DIRTcar ‘Futures’ Feature Events (Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman, Pro
Stock);
10pm Pit Area Closed.
7:30pm Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series at Brewerton Speedway.
Fri-10/10
8am Pit Gates Open, Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Inspection Open;
10am Grandstands Open, Syracuse 150 358-Modified Practice;
10:45am Advance Auto Parts Rite Aid 200 Modified practice;
11:30am Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Practice;
12noon Pullen’s Truck Center 358-Modified Twin 20s (10 non-qualified cars advance
from each);
1:30pm Advance Auto Parts Mod Triple 20s (10 non-qualified cars advance from each);
2:45pm P & M Fabrication and MSS Sportsman Time Trials (2-laps, Top-24 Qualify);
3:00pm Optional Early Bird Pro Stock Inspection (East End of Main Grandstand);
3:30pm Modified Pit Stop Competition;
10pm Pit Area Closed.
7pm Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified & Sportsman Series at Rolling Wheels Raceway.
7:30pm ASCS Patriot Sprints and Mr. DIRTcar Street Stock Series at Cayuga County Fair Speedway.
Sat-10/11
8am Pit Gates Open, BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Inspection Open;
9:00am Syracuse 150 358-Modified Championship Driver and Crew Chief Meeting (in pit building);
9:15am Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Driver’s Meeting (in pit building);
9:30am Grandstands Open, Track open for Syracuse 150 358-Modified Final Practice;
10am BNC Motorsports Pro Stock First Practice;
10:30am Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Final Practice;
11:15am BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Practice Second Practice;
11:45am Dig Safely New York Sportsman Last Chance Qualifier;
12:15pm Terrell’s Potato Chips Pro Stock Time Trials (2-laps, Top-24 Qualify);
1:30pm Syracuse 150 358-Modified Championship Pre-Race ceremonies;
2pm Syracuse 358-Modified Championship (150 laps, 40 cars to start);
4pm Town Mechanical, Inc. Sportsman Championship (30 laps, 30 cars to start);
7pm ESS/URC/ASCS PSG Sprint Challenge at Rolling Wheels Raceway.
7:30pm Pullen’s Truck Center presents the SUNY Canton “Win and You’re In” Big-Block/Small-Block Twin 25’s plus BRP CanAm Late Model Series at Cayuga County Fair Speedway (Mod Overall Winner Earns 45th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200).
Sun-10/12
8am Pit Gates Open;
9:15am BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Driver’s Meeting (in pit building);
9:30am AAP Rite Aid 200 Modified Driver and Crew Chief Meeting (in pit building);
10am Grandstands Open, Track Open for Pro Stock Final Practice;
10:20am Advance Auto Parts Series Rite Aid 200 Final practice;
10:45am Dig Safely New York Pro Stock Last Chance Qualifier;
11:15am Dig Safely New York Modified Last Chance Qualifier;
11:45am Mandatory Advance Auto Parts Modified Top-30 Autograph Signing under grandstand (Top 30 in Thursday Time Trials);
12:00pm BNC Motorsports Pro Stock Championship (25 laps, 30 cars to start);
12:45-1:45pm Rite Aid Cold Pit Tour of Pit Row;
1:30pm Rite Aid 200 Modified Championship Pre-Race ceremonies;
2:15pm Rite Aid 200 Modified Championship (200 laps, 44 cars to start)
Mon-10/13
-TBA- Rain Date for Saturday or Sunday events.
TICKETS/PARKING & CAMPING
*Ticket packages available for single days and multiple days:
$25 G.A. ticket daily Tuesday thru Friday, no Reserved;
Saturday – $35 Reserved 1st Elevation, Rows S-W / $40 Reserved 2nd & 3rd Elevations, $30 G.A. Ticket;
Sunday – $45 Reserved 1st Elevation, Rows S-W / $50 Reserved 2nd & 3rd Elevations; $40 G.A. Ticket;
Combination Packages (all week)
$60 General Admission Combo 1st Elevation, Rows B-M;
$80 Reserved Combo 1st Elevation, Rows S-W;
$90 Reserved Combo 2nd & 3rd Elevations;
$15 General Fairgrounds Parking Permit (all week);
$10 General Fairgrounds Parking Pass (daily);
$30 Speedway Infield Parking Permit (all week);
$80 General Fairgrounds Camping Permit;
$100 Reserved Camping Permit.
$150 *SUPER PASS* Rolling Wheels Suite Seat, Cayuga County G.A. Seat, Syracuse Reserved Seat Combo & Infield Parking.
Team Pit Passes:
*General Public $130 all week.
Entire Week – $100 DIRTcar Member, $130 non-Member;
Thursday ‘Futures’ ONLY – $30 DIRTcar Member, $40 non-Member;
Sunday only – $60 DIRTcar Member, $80 non-Member.
WEB SITES
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series is at http://www.superdirtcarseries.com.
Dirtvision.com™ Cybercast is at http://www.dirtvision.com.
All remain accessible 24-hours daily.
ABOUT THE TRACK
The historic New York State Fairgrounds oval is one-mile in distance and has played host to Super DIRT Week since 1972. With numbers up in every category last October, 83 entries signed in for Integra Shocks Big-Block Modified time trials, with 48 more in the 358-Modified ranks, 57 in Sportsman Modified competition and 53 in the full-fender Pro Stock division. A year ago Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Series top points contender Jimmy Phelps was the fastest time trialer to earn the prestigious Dick “Toby” Tobias Memorial Pole Award while Vic Coffey copped his second Rite Aid 200 trophy.
SYRACUSE “RITE AID 200” MODIFIED POLE WINNERS / FAST TIMERS
*Race Winner
Year Pole Winner Pole Time/Ave.Speed Fast Trialer Fast Time/Ave.Speed
2007 Jimmy Phelps 28.365sec/126.917mph —– —–
2006 Tim Fuller 30.622sec/117.563mph —– —–
2005 *Billy Decker 28.588sec/125.927mph —– —–
2004 Billy Decker 28.348sec/126.993mph —– —–
2003 Billy Decker 28.808sec/124.965mph Billy Decker 28.763sec/125.161mph
2002 Brett Hearn 29.072sec/123.830mph —– —–
2001 Tim McCreadie 29.222sec/123.195mph —– —–
2000 Brett Hearn 31.700sec/113.565mph *Billy Decker 30.542sec/117.870mph
1999 Dave Blaney 30.825sec/116.788mph Brett Hearn 29.213sec/123.233mph
1998 Bobby Varin 30.061sec/119.756mph —– —–
1997 Brett Hearn 30.246sec/119.024mph Joe Plazek 30.001sec/119.996mph
1996 Kenny Brightbill 31.232sec/115.266mph —– —–
1995 *Brett Hearn 32.168sec/111.912mph Billy Decker 32.011sec/112.461mph
1994 Dave Blaney 31.356sec/114.811mph Joe Plazek 30.315sec/118.753mph
1993 Joe Plazek 31.174sec/115.481mph Joe Plazek 30.851sec/116.690mph
1992 Jimmy Horton 29.641sec/121.453mph Billy Pauch 29.628sec/121.507mph
1991 *Brett Hearn 31.100sec/115.756mph —– —–
1990 Bob McCreadie 33.658sec/106.958mph —– —–
1989 Doug Hoffman 34.079sec/105.637mph Brett Hearn 30.655sec/117.436mph
1988 Billy Pauch 31.714sec/113.515mph Ray Bateman,Jr. 31.551sec/114.101mph
1987 Doug Hoffman 32.267sec/111.569mph Bob McCreadie 31.120sec/114.270mph
1986 Billy Pauch 32.021sec/112.426mph —– —–
1985 Sammy Swindell 31.723sec/113.482mph Glenn Fitzcharles 31.070sec/115.867mph
1984 *Jack Johnson 32.694sec/110.112mph Alan Johnson 31.864sec/112.980mph
1983 Merv Treichler 33.319sec/108.046mph Brett Hearn 32.804sec/109.482mph
1982 Jimmy Horton 33.070sec/108.860mph —– —–
1981 Brett Hearn 35.011sec/102.825mph —– —–
1980 *Gary Balough 31.957sec/112.651mph —– —–
1979 Ken Brenn,Jr. 34.524sec/104.275mph —– —–
1978 Will Cagle 34.257sec/105.088mph Kenny Brightbill 34.142sec/105.442mph
1977 Dick Tobias 35.488sec/101.443mph —– —–
1976 Dick Tobias 34.233sec/105.162mph —– —–
1975 *Dick Tobias 35.872sec/100.357mph —– —–
1974 *Billy Osmun 36.131sec/99.637mph Kenny Weld 35.262sec/102.093mph
1973 Tommy Corellis 37.078sec/97.093mph Dick Tobias 36.739sec/97.989mph
1972 Kenny Brightbill 38.359sec/93.850mph —– —–
PREVIOUS WINNERS
No matter how successful a driver may claim to be, victory in the Salt City showdown on the storied Syracuse Mile still stands to separate the best from the rest. And a triumph in the lucrative Rite Aid 200 on Sunday remains one of the most prized jewels anywhere in motorsports racing today. The list of past winners is the only evidence needed.
SYRACUSE “RITE AID 200” MODIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP
DATE LAPS FIRST SECOND THIRD
10/7/07 200 Vic Coffey Tim Fuller Richie Tobias,Jr.
10/8/06 200 Danny Johnson Jimmy Horton Alan Johnson
11/5/05 200 Billy Decker Todd Burley Ronnie Johnson
10/10/04 200 Tim Fuller Gary Tomkins Pat Ward
10/12/03 200 Alan Johnson Kenny Tremont Frank Cozze
10/13/02 203 Vic Coffey Gary Tomkins Jimmy Horton
10/7/01 202 Billy Decker Kenny Tremont Ron Smoker
10/8/00 200 Billy Decker Steve Paine Kenny Brightbill
10/10/99 188 Kenny Tremont Kenny Brightbill Tim Fuller
10/11/98 191 Billy Decker Bud Christmann Dick Larkin
10/12/97 188 Danny Johnson Jeff Heotzler Brett Hearn
10/13/96 188 Doug Hoffman Danny Johnson Kenny Tremont
10/8/95 188 Brett Hearn Dave Blaney Steve Paine
10/9/94 188 Jimmy Horton Dave Blaney Danny Johnson
10/10/93 188 Brett Hearn Kenny Tremont Bob McCreadie
10/11/92 135 Rich Tobias,Jr. Randy Glenski Frank Cozze
10/13/91 188 Brett Hearn Steve Paine Jack Johnson
10/7/90 188 Brett Hearn Alan Johnson Jeff Trombley
10/8/89 188 Alan Johnson Dave Blaney C.D. Coville
10/9/88 188 Kenny Brightbill Jimmy Horton Alan Johnson
10/11/87 188 Jimmy Horton Charlie Rudolph Doug Hoffman
10/12/86 125 Bob McCreadie Billy Pauch Jack Johnson
10/13/85 125 Brett Hearn Jack Johnson Bob McCreadie
10/7/84 125 Jack Johnson Carl Collis Merv Treichler
10/9/83 125 Alan Johnson Merv Treichler Dave Lape
10/10/82 125 Merv Treichler Alan Johnson Brett Hearn
10/11/81 125 Merv Treichler Lou Blaney Brett Hearn
10/12/80 125 Gary Balough Buzzie Reutimann Frank Cozze
10/7/79 125 Jack Johnson Will Cagle Ken Brenn,Jr.
10/1/78 100 Gary Balough Frank Cozze Stan Ploski
4/15/78 100 Gary Balough Dick Tobias Elvin Felty
10/3/76 100 Gary Balough Bobby Gerhart Will Cagle
9/28/75 100 Dick Tobias Billy Osmun Wayne Reutimann
9/29/74 95 Billy Osmun Merv Treichler Gary Balough
9/30/73 100 Buz.Reutimann Tommy Corellis Will Cagle
10/1/72 100 Buz.Reutimann Jerry Cook Stan Ploski
HEAT RACE HISTORY
Fast and furious open-wheel qualifying heat races highlight the Friday, Oct. 10 program during Super DIRT Week with the Advance Auto Parts Triple 20s for DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds going off the line at 1:30 pm. Directly behind the top-six time trialers and guaranteed row four starters Andy Bachetti (7th) and Alan Johnson (8th), the top-10 non-qualified cars from each of the Modified Triple 20s will add 30 more to the Rite Aid 200 starting grid with provisional starters from the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar point standings, Sunday’s Dig Safely New York Non-Qualifiers and Pullen’s Truck Center “Win And You’re In” Big-Block/Small-Block Super Shootout winner at Cayuga County on Saturday filling out the 45-car field. Time trial results will be used to determine the starting line-up for each 20-lapper with the top 90 drivers qualifying for a heat race position. The current heat race format originated at Super DIRT Week in 1989 to mirror the weekly qualifying procedure normally used at short-tracks throughout the summer months. The biggest difference at Syracuse is that each 20-mile heat race offers a full purse with big-block winners earning $4,000.
PAST SDW QUALIFYING HEAT RACE WINNERS
*denotes title event champion.
2007: MOD-Pat Ward, Billy Decker, Ronnie Johnson
2006: MOD-Tim Fuller, Billy Decker, Jimmy Phelps
2005: MOD-*Billy Decker, Danny Johnson, Brett Hearn
2004: MOD-Billy Decker, Gary Tomkins, Matt Sheppard
2003: MOD-Vic Coffey, Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson
2002: MOD-Brett Hearn, Chuck Bower, Steve Poirier
2001: MOD-Richie Tobias, Brett Hearn, *Billy Decker
2000: MOD-Brett Hearn, Steve Paine, *Billy Decker
1999: MOD-Kenny Brightbill, Brett Hearn, Billy Decker
1998: MOD-Bobby Varin,*Billy Decker,Brett Hearn
1997: MOD-Joe Plazek,Jack Johnson,Brett Hearn
1996: MOD-Brett Hearn, Steve Paine, Brett Hearn
1995: MOD-*Brett Hearn, Bob McCreadie, Jack Johnson
1994: MOD-*Jimmy Horton, Dave Blaney, Danny Johnson
1993: MOD-Bob McCreadie, Billy Pauch, Dave Blaney
1992: MOD-Jimmy Horton, Bob McCreadie, Ricky Elliott
1991: MOD-*Brett Hearn, Joe Plazek, Billy Decker
1990: MOD-Bob McCreadie, Danny Johnson, *Brett Hearn
1989: MOD-Doug Hoffman, Jeff Heotzler, Danny Johnson
2007 RACE REVIEW
The 2007 edition of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Rite Aid 200 came down to a duel among three veteran drivers, each looking to repeat in the crown jewel of DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Racing in the Northeast. When the final checkered flag flew to close out Super DIRT Week XXXVI at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, it was Vic Coffey making the gamble on fuel pay off as he held on for the well-earned $50,000 victory. After reaching victory lane for the first time in 2002, Coffey captured his second career Rite Aid 200 win by a narrow .480-second margin over a charging Tim Fuller, the ’05 champion. Fan favorite and ’92 victor Richie Tobias Jr. settled for third ahead of another second-generation star Ronnie Johnson, while Frenchman David Hebert rounded out the top-five. Coffey pulled the Sweeteners Plus no. 32C-CME-Integra Shocks Bicknell entry into 14th on the 47-car starting grid and made his second and final pit stop during a lap 84 caution period. For the next 116 miles the ’07 Can-Am Motorsports Park points champion bided his time as those in front made their own stops for tires and fuel, cracking the top-10 for the first time by lap 120. Less than 10 laps later he moved into the front-five after another round of pit stops, and clearly had the leaders in sight for the ultimate chase to the checkers in DIRTcar NorthEast’s only superspeedway event. He then ducked under Hebert for second on lap 142 before forging the final lead change on lap 154 with a green flag pass of Matt Sheppard. The time was right for a Coffey break as once out front he never wavered, staving off a late-race rally by Advance Auto Parts Series points leader Fuller to claim his second tour triumph, both coming at the famed ‘Moody Mile’ in the even more notorious Salt City. Exhibiting arguably the best weather and track conditions enjoyed by both fans and drivers in event history, pole-sitter Jimmy Phelps (1-54) led in the early going until Fuller sped past on lap 55, with pit stops affording Ronnie Johnson (62-83), Andy Bachetti (84-100), Jason Barney (101-125) and Sheppard (126-153) the top spot before Coffey closed the deal in convincing fashion.
TRACK HISTORY
Aside from the month of May in Indianapolis and February Speedweeks in Daytona Beach, few motorsports events in the United States annually attract more attention than Super DIRT Week at the New York State Fairgrounds in October. For five straight days, all eyes in the Northeast are focused on the Moody Mile in Syracuse and every event that transpires.
The one-mile oval at the NYS Fairgrounds actually dates back to the late 1820s when it was originally built to host horse racing. When the New York State Fair moved from nearby Auburn to the banks of Onondaga Lake in 1941, the mile track was incorporated into the Fair layout; which also became the site of Syracuse University football at the turn of the century. The Syracuse Mile first staged Automobile Association of America (AAA) championship races in 1909 and just two years later the worst auto racing accident in United States history was recorded when Lee Oldfield crashed through a wooden fence in turn two, killing 11 spectators and injuring 10 more. The State Fairgrounds continued to stage AAA shows until World War II interrupted oval track activity from 1941 until action resumed in 1949 — the first year for the once annual Labor Day stock car race which was won by Ray Hill in a 15-mile event. Champ car racing continued to flourish until 1962 when Roger Ward captured a 100-miler under USAC sanction; the USAC dirt cars returned to Syracuse for a five-year stint with multi-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser leading off with victory in 1974. Stock car specials in the 1950s included NASCAR convertible, Grand National and Sportsman events and a USAC late model race ran in 1968. In the 1960s Ned Jarrett, Billy Rafter and Kenny Meahl won Modified specials while Cliff Kotary set an all-time mark with six straight (1960-65) NYS Fair Labor Day Championships.
Despite stories of great drivers and their grand feats in the good ‘ole days, auto racing in Syracuse was not always so glamorous. Before DIRTcar founder Glenn Donnelly assumed control of the Fairgrounds’ legendary horsetrack in 1972, decayed bleacher stands and a dust-ridden track surface had overshadowed the effort of every race director before him. Confusion and consumption were the most common culprits as unorganized officials and drunken bystanders were the norm on raceday. Donnelly hyped his inaugural Schaefer International 100 headline event throughout the summer by creating a qualifying trail to encompass every major dirt track in the Northeast. By October all the stars were signed up for the originally named ‘World Series of Dirt Track Racing’ extravaganza and their loyal followers showed up in hordes to support them. Three decades later no one could ever have imagined the magnitude of that initial Columbus Day experiment. Today, Syracuse remains one of just a handful of dirt mile tracks in the country and the only major one-mile dirt oval still active in the Northeastern U.S.
DRIVER WEB SITES
Billy Decker – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Tim Fuller – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Justin Haers – http://www.justinhaers.com
Brett Hearn – http://www.bretthearn.com
Danny Johnson – http://www.teamjir.com
Pat O’Brien – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Steve Paine – http://stevepaine.painemotorsports.com
Jimmy Phelps – http://www.jimmyphelps.com
Ryan Phelps – http://www.ryanphelps.com, http://www.gypsumracing.com
Matt Sheppard – http://www.matt-sheppard.com
Larry Wight – http://www.gypsumracing.com
Overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (Thru Sept. 27, 2008)
Rank No. Driver Total Series Bonus Diff Wins T-5 T-10 Starts
1 91 Billy Decker 2,323 2,023 300 0 10 18 23 24
2 77x Dale Planck 2,141 1,849 292 -182 3 16 21 24
3 98h Jimmy Phelps 2,099 1,825 274 -224 1 13 22 24
4 84 Gary Tomkins 2,019 1,723 296 -304 2 11 20 24
5 20 Brett Hearn 2,009 1,721 288 -314 2 9 20 24
6 9s Matt Sheppard 1,901 1,617 284 -422 1 8 17 24
7 FX1 Frankie Caprara 1,748 1,456 292 -575 0 2 14 24
8 7x Steve Paine 1,718 1,426 292 -605 0 9 11 23
9 99 Ryan Phelps 1,591 1,335 256 -732 0 1 8 24
10 14J Alan Johnson 1,583 1,295 288 -740 3 6 12 20
11 3 Justin Haers 1,556 1,298 258 -767 0 2 13 23
12 49 Billy Dunn 1,429 1,177 252 -894 0 0 2 24
13 27J Danny Johnson 1,376 1,236 140 -947 0 4 6 24
14 99L Larry Wight® 1,121 899 222 -1,202 0 0 1 21
15 6 Pat O’Brien 1,049 765 284 -1,274 0 0 2 17
16 29 Jeff Brownell Jr. 900 670 230 -1,423 0 0 1 15
17 42B Kevin Bates 691 439 252 -1,632 0 0 0 12
18 99b Chuck Bower 610 364 246 -1,713 0 0 0 11
19 56 Vince Vitale 578 336 242 -1,745 0 0 1 7
20 79 Mike Storms® 549 295 254 -1,774 0 0 1 7
21 88 Steve Hulsizer 519 277 242 -1,804 0 0 0 6
22 32c Vic Coffey 509 343 166 -1,814 0 1 2 6
23 91h Chad Homan 498 280 218 -1,825 0 0 0 8
24 93 Ryan Bartlett 493 243 250 -1,830 0 0 0 6
25 5 Jason Potter 489 239 250 -1,834 0 0 0 7
26 16 Mike Bowman 475 243 232 -1,848 0 0 0 7
27 62s Tom Sears Jr. 462 194 268 -1,861 0 0 0 5
28 48T Dave Rauscher 453 227 226 -1,870 0 0 1 6
29 4 Andy Bachetti 441 153 288 -1,882 1 1 1 1
30 44 Shannon Whaley 438 236 202 -1,885 0 0 0 7
31 71 David VanHorn Jr. 431 171 260 -1,892 0 0 0 3
32 19 Tim Fuller 423 373 50 -1,900 0 2 2 5
33 21 Derrick Podsiadlo 420 184 236 -1,903 0 0 0 7
34 74 J.R. Heffner 410 146 264 -1,913 0 1 1 1
35 98 Eddie Marshall 407 145 262 -1,916 0 1 1 1
36 77F Mark Flach Jr. 403 135 268 -1,920 0 1 1 1
37 24 Chris Shultz 402 146 256 -1,921 0 0 0 2
38 1x Willy Decker 402 126 276 -1,921 0 0 1 2
39 8 Rob Bellinger 388 132 256 -1,935 0 0 0 4
40 89b Todd Burley 378 120 258 -1,945 0 1 1 3
41 13 Tony Steiner® 377 219 158 -1,946 0 0 0 5
42 43 Keith Flach 375 123 252 -1,948 0 0 0 3
43 33.3 Tommy Meier 373 125 248 -1,950 0 0 1 1
44 6 Pete Taylor 366 168 198 -1,957 0 0 0 5
45 19 Chuck McKee 366 96 270 -1,957 0 1 1 1
46 99 Charlie Donk 362 110 252 -1,961 0 0 0 3
47 85 Dan Vauter 359 200 159 -1,964 0 0 0 5
48 24 Jim Witko Jr. 354 92 262 -1,969 0 0 0 2
49 53e Ric Hill 353 121 232 -1,970 0 0 1 2
50 47 Jerry Higbie 351 85 266 -1,972 0 1 1 1
2008 Gater Racing News Big-Block Modified Lap Leaders
DATE TRACK LAPS LAP LEADERS
May 1 Virginia 60 30-D.Howard, 22-M.Sheppard, 8-J.Richards
May 4 Rolling Wheels 50 50-B.Decker
May 4 Rolling Wheels 50 31-S.Paine, 19-D.Planck
May 25 Cayuga County 76 56-D.Planck, 20-J.Haers
June 7 Fulton 101 101-B.Decker
July 3 Ransomville 100 88-B.Decker, 12-R.Krull
July 10 Brockville 100 97-B.Decker, 3-P.O’Brien
July 11 Granby 100 60-B.Hearn, 39-B.Dunn, 1-S.Paine
July 12 Drummond 100 100-D.Planck
July 16 Grandview 100 63-B.Decker, 33-D.Howard, 4-K.Brightbill
July 17 Georgetown 75 65-H.J. Bunting, 10-J.Mills
July 31 Orange County 75 75-B.Hearn
August 4 Merrittville 100 97-J.Phelps, 3-J.Haers
August 9 Canandaigua 50 27-V.Coffey, 23-B.Decker
August 9 Canandaigua 50 21-B.Decker, 19-V.Coffey, 10-R.Phelps
August 15 Brewerton 100 51-D.Planck, 38-B.Decker, 11-A.Johnson
August 16 Can-Am 100 80-G.Tomkins, 12-F.Caprara, 8-S.Parliament
August 17 Cornwall 100 61-D.Planck, 39-G.Tomkins
August 31 Cayuga County 54 38-F.Caprara, 16-A.Johnson
August 31 Cayuga County 54 29-B.Decker, 11-J.Haers,
11-G.Tomkins, 3-M.Sheppard
Sept. 1 Rolling Wheels 115 108-B.Decker, 7-J.Haers
Sept. 7 Lebanon Valley 200 133-B.Hearn, 32-A.Bachetti,
29-JR Heffner, 6-T.Meier
Sept. 20 Canandaigua 100 78-T.Fuller, 22-A.Johnson
Sept. 27 Rolling Wheels 128 79-A.Johnson, 49-Terrance
2008 Integra Shocks Big-Block Modified Time Trials *New Record
TRACK SIZE QUICK QUALIFIER TIME AVE.SPEED
Virginia 1/2-mile Duane Howard *18.056 sec. 99.690 mph
Rolling Wheels 5/8-mile Dale Planck 20.094 sec. 111.974 mph
Cayuga County 3/8-mile Vic Coffey 17.492 sec. 77.178 mph
Fulton 3/8-mile Pat O’Brien 16.688 sec. 80.896 mph
Ransomville 3/8-mile Billy Decker *16.351 sec. 82.564 mph
Brockville 3/8-mile Dale Planck *14.422 sec. 93.607 mph
Granby 1/2-mile Steve Paine *18.410 sec. 97.773 mph
Drummond 4/10-mile Steve Paine 17.234 sec. 83.556 mph
Grandview 1/3-mile Billy Decker *14.349 sec. 83.630 mph
Georgetown 1/2-mile Billy Decker *20.290 sec. 88.714 mph
Orange County 5/8-mile David VanHorn Jr. *20.710 sec. 108.643 mph
Merrittville 1/3-mile Steve Paine 15.523 sec. 77.305 mph
Canandaigua 1/2-mile Brett Hearn 17.965 sec. 100.195 mph
Brewerton 1/3-mile Brett Hearn 14.883 sec. 80.629 mph
Can-Am 1/2-mile Jimmy Phelps 19.266 sec. 93.429 mph
Cornwall 1/4-mile Dale Planck 13.355 sec. 67.390 mph
Cayuga County 3/8-mile Billy Decker 15.652 sec. 86.251 mph
Rolling Wheels 5/8-mile Tim Fuller 20.665 sec. 108.880 mph
Lebanon Valley 1/2-mile Billy Decker 19.845 sec. 90.703 mph
Canandaigua 1/2-mile Tim Fuller 17.660 sec. 101.925 mph
Rolling Wheels 5/8-mile Alan Johnson 20.357 sec. 110.527 mph
TRACK HEAT WINNERS
Virginia D.Howard, F.Caprara, D.Planck, B.Hearn, B.Pauch Jr.
Rolling Wheels D.Planck, B.Decker, B.Hearn, G.Tomkins
Cayuga County V.Coffey, T.Fuller, D.Planck, L.Wight
Fulton D.Johnson, D.Planck, J.Haers, M.Sheppard
Ransomville B.Decker, D.Planck, S.Friesen, A.Johnson
Brockville D.Planck, B.Decker, M.Sheppard, B.Dunn
Granby B.Decker, B.Dunn, B.Hearn, G.Tomkins
Drummond S.Paine, M.Sheppard, D.Planck, J.Phelps
Grandview B.Decker, B.Hearn, K.Brightbill, M.Sheppard
Georgetown J.Mills, F.Caprara, J.Phelps, B.Hearn
Orange County D.VanHorn, B.Hearn, B.Decker, A.Johnson
Merrittville B.Dunn, B.Hearn, B.Decker, J.Phelps
Canandaigua B.Hearn, B.Decker, G.Tomkins, D.Planck
Brewerton G.Tomkins, P.O’Brien, J.Phelps, A.Johnson
Can-Am J.Phelps, B.Dunn, B.Hearn
Cornwall J.Phelps, M.Jock, A.Fortier, M.Clair
Cayuga County B.Hearn, A.Johnson, D.Planck
Rolling Wheels T.Fuller, B.Hearn, R.Phelps, A.Johnson
Lebanon Valley E.Marshall, K.Sheldon, K.Tremont
Canandaigua T.Fuller, B.Hearn, C.Homan, M.Sheppard
Rolling Wheels T.Fuller, S.Paine, M.Sheppard
NEWS & NOTES
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Fine Tuned In ‘08: The overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion in 2008 will be determined by adding actual points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series along with bonus points collected at a designated hometrack throughout the racing season. Along with gaining valuable Advance Series points during the year, each driver earned a maximum of 300 additional points from their best five hometrack feature race finishes. Using the standard DIRTcar NE weekly points format, a driver winning five features could carry up to 300 extra points (60 per win) into the Mr. DIRTcar Championship when track points were officially tallied after Labor Day.
SDW Media Day: ‘Advance Auto Parts Media Day’ officially kicks off Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on October 9. Activity begins at 12noon on Thursday in the Infield Pit Conference Center located directly across from the main covered grandstand. An afternoon press conference leads off the festivities, followed by an open interview session and luncheon. Representatives from many of DIRTcar’s premier partners, including Rite Aid Pharmacy, Advance Auto Parts, Hoosier Tire, Dig Safely New York, Town Mechanical Inc. and BCN Motorsports will also be participating in the annual event which will serve to showcase DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s 33rd successive season of operation. In attendance Thursday will be several DIRTcar Racing corporate officials, including World Racing Group Chief Executive Officer Brian Carter and WRG President Tom Deery. Also on the floor will be DIRTcar NorthEast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Cory Reed and Super DIRT Week Event Coordinator Jack Deery. During the afternoon affair find out the latest about all the racing coverage offered throughout Super DIRT Week and be the first to learn of any late-breaking news as teams prepare for the first round of time trials.
Back To The ‘Futures’ At Syracuse: Riding the wings of a successful debut last autumn in the Salt City, the 2008 edition of Super DIRT Week will include ‘DIRTcar Futures’ on the schedule for a second straight year at the New York State Fairgrounds. Single day events for first-ever SDW competitors presented in the Big-Block Modified, 358-Modified, Sportsman Modified and Pro Stock divisions are open to all first time racers in any of DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s four traditional touring classes, with all features to be held the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 9. Only drivers that have never qualified for a feature event in that particular class at Syracuse are eligible along with those that have attempted to qualify for an event in that class but were unsuccessful. Drivers that have moved up in class and have never competed at Syracuse in the higher class are also eligible. The ‘Futures’ will run their own warm-ups on Thursday morning with a feature for each class to be held later in the afternoon. The feature race line-up for each class will be determined from the best times recorded in practice with the race distance based on the number of cars registered in each class. All drivers will receive a purse for competing in the event and must possess a valid DIRTcar license or single event permit. In the inaugural DIRTcar Futures features staged last year, Craig Mitchell bested a fine array of 18 first-timers to cop the 18-lap affair for Big-Block Modifieds. Brett Graham held off Mitchell to take top honors in the 10-lap 358-Modified main while in the most highly contested division on the card, Kevin Ridley out-distanced 23 racers to capture the 15-lap Sportsman Modified finale. In the 12-lap Pro Stock nightcap that boasted 13 full-fender entries, Nick Stone led the distance to make his first checkered flag at Syracuse a memorable one.
2008 Win Leaders Meet In Salt City: With just three more weeks remaining in the 2008 DIRTcar Racing NorthEast season, 25 tracks have hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races with 59 drivers taking checkered flags in 144 featured events. Division leader Billy Decker owns a circuit-high 22 triumphs this season, including a record-tying 10 in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine. Decker’s single-season best total nearly triples the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) and recent Rolling Wheels tour winner Alan Johnson. Keystone State rivals Kevin Bolland and Jeremiah Shingledecker plus Advance Series winner Dale Planck rank right behind with seven each. Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard and Gary Tomkins have collected six wins apiece while tour regulars Jimmy Phelps (4), Steve Paine (3) and Frankie Caprara (3) and recent Lebanon Valley 200 Champion Andy Bachetti (3) are listed ahead of two-time winners Steve Hulsizer and Willy Decker from the Central New York circuit, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont and Ryan Larkin, Orange County chauffeurs Jeff Heotzler and Chris Shultz, popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. and Canadian Pat O’Brien. Advance Series runners Justin Haers and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 38 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading into the stretch run slated for October.
Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Champions
YEAR CHAMPION (wins) ROOKIE of the YEAR
2007 Brett Hearn (7) Mike Bowman
2006 Alan Johnson (6) Kenny Stafford
2005 Tim Fuller (6) Stewart Friesen
2004 Gary Tomkins (4) Justin Hears
2003 Alan Johnson (6) Matt Sheppard
2002 Alan Johnson (5) Joe Beyea
2001 Brett Hearn (7) Frankie Caprara
2000 Steve Paine (4) Jeff Brownell
1999 Danny Johnson (2) Josh Skarzenski
1998 Billy Decker (6) Todd Milton
1997 D.Johnson (7)/B.Hearn (5) Tim McCreadie
1996 Brett Hearn (5) Vic Coffey
1995 Bob McCreadie (6) Tim Fuller
1994 Bob McCreadie (9) Jamie Mills
1993 Brett Hearn (5) Scott Schrader
1992 Danny Johnson (6) Ricky Elliott
1991 Doug Hoffman (5) Lenny Boyd
1990 Brett Hearn (7) Scott Prentice
1989 Danny Johnson (7) John Ventura
1988 Jack Johnson (2) Mike Jeffery
1987 Jack Johnson (2) Steve Behrent
1986 Charlie Rudolph (1) Jim Ruston
1985 Jack Johnson (1) Rich Burgess
1984 Jack Johnson (3) Ray Underwood
1983 Alan Johnson (4) Jimmy Begolo
1982 Jack Johnson (2) Randy Glenski
1981 Alan Johnson (2) Craig Keel
1980 Jack Johnson (5) Roger Phelps
1979 Will Cagle Jim Jarvis
1978 Will Cagle Jerry Knox
1977 Dave Lape Rick Martell
1976 Will Cagle —–
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Winners: 1980-9/27/08 (617 events / 45 tracks / 67 drivers)
WINS DRIVER FIRST WIN LAST WIN
100 Brett Hearn Lebanon Valley, 7/15/81 Orange County, 7/31/08
65 Danny Johnson Fonda, 9/25/82 Cayuga County, 8/19/07
51 Bob McCreadie Ransomville, 9/10/82 Rolling Wheels, 9/4/00
50 Alan Johnson Ransomville, 6/27/80 Rolling Wheels, 9/27/08
49 Billy Decker Lebanon Valley, 9/18/88 Rolling Wheels, 9/1/08
28 Jack Johnson Cayuga County, 7/16/80 Orange County, 6/14/01
27 Steve Paine Canandaigua, 9/7/85 Can-Am, 8/18/07
26 Doug Hoffman Orange County, 10/25/87 Lowe’s, 4/6/02
18 Tim McCreadie Rolling Wheels, 9/26/99 Drummond, 8/23/04
17 Tim Fuller Rolling Wheels, 9/21/03 Cayuga County, 8/19/07
17 Gary Tomkins Hagerstown, 3/30/02 Cornwall, 8/17/08
16 Jimmy Horton Lebanon Valley, 7/8/80 Susquehanna, 6/15/06
13 Kenny Tremont Lebanon Valley, 7/9/92 Lebanon Valley, 7/7/05
9 Kenny Brightbill Fonda, 10/18/87 Bridgeport, 6/19/97
7 Billy Pauch Flemington, 7/27/89 New Egypt, 6/22/05
7 Frank Cozze Orange County, 10/22/89 Orange County, 5/31/07
7 Jeff Heotzler Orange County, 7/26/89 Orange County, 10/21/07
6 Dave Lape Rolling Wheels, 7/5/82 Fonda, 7/24/91
6 Joe Plazek Brewerton, 6/28/94 Rolling Wheels, 9/1/97
5 Will Cagle Erie County, 9/20/80 Rolling Wheels, 9/27/81
5 Pete Bicknell Humberstone, 8/23/84 NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/02
5 Matt Sheppard Drummond, 7/12/04 Virginia, 5/1/08
5 Dale Planck Cornwall, 7/9/06 Drummond, 7/12/08
4 Carl Reynolds Five Mile Point, 7/12/80 Five Mile Point, 10/17/81
4 Merv Treichler Cayuga County, 9/20/81 Lebanon Valley, 8/9/84
4 C.D. Coville Fonda, 4/19/80 Devil’s Bowl, 8/29/84
4 Kevin Collins Fonda, 7/25/90 Fonda, 8/16/94
4 Bobby Varin Fonda, 8/16/95 Orange County, 10/26/03
4 Jimmy Phelps Brewerton, 8/30/06 Merrittville, 8/4/08
3 Charlie Rudolph Fonda, 10/16/83 Ransomville, 9/5/86
3 Chuck McKee Orange County, 8/16/98 Orange County, 8/1/02
3 Pat Ward Can-Am, 7/16/98 Cayuga County, 9/4/05
3 Andy Bachetti Lebanon Valley, 8/5/04 Lebanon Valley, 9/7/08
2 Mike McLaughlin Canandaigua, 9/6/80 Rolling Wheels, 9/28/80
2 Don McGinnis Merrittville, 9/11/83 Canandaigua, 9/17/83
2 Tommy Corellis Lebanon Valley, 9/14/80 Lebanon Valley, 9/14/86
2 Davey Moore Ransomville, 8/4/81 Humberstone, 9/10/87
2 Rich Ricci Jr. Lebanon Valley, 7/28/94 Lebanon Valley, 9/7/97
2 J.R. Heffner Lebanon Valley, 8/10/00 Lebanon Valley, 9/9/06
2 Pat O’Brien Can-Am, 7/17/90 Brockville, 7/10/07
2 Vic Coffey NYS Fairgrounds, 10/13/02 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/07
1 Bernie Griffin Five Mile Point, 7/12/80
1 Lou Lazzaro Canandaigua, 7/23/80
1 Chuck Akulis Five Mile Point, 10/18/80
1 Harvey Hainer Ransomville, 9/11/81
1 Dick Larkin NYS Fairgrounds, 9/6/82
1 Gary Iulg Rolling Wheels, 9/6/82
1 Ken Brenn Jr. NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/83
1 Larry Brolsma Orange County, 9/10/83
1 Freddy Brightbill New Venture, 9/29/85
1 Rich Eurich Orange County, 10/23/88
1 Kenny Schrader Sanair, 7/9/89
1 Geoff Bodine Thompson, 8/6/89
1 Mike Romano Fonda, 10/15/89
1 Reggie Ruggiero Thompson, 7/29/90
1 Walt Mitchell Woodhull, 7/31/91
1 Doug Worthing Five Mile Point, 8/14/91
1 Ron Smoker Merrittville, 8/5/92
1 Richie Tobias Jr. NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/92
1 Danny O’Brien Can-Am, 8/30/95
1 Jimmy Hauser NYS Fairgrounds, 7/7/96
1 Eddie Marshall NYS Fairgrounds, 9/6/99
1 Steve Poirier Drummond, 7/8/02
1 Kevin Bolland Lowe’s, 4/5/03
1 Ricky Elliott Lowe’s, 4/3/04
1 Keith Hoffman New Egypt, 10/13/07
1 H.J. Bunting Georgetown, 7/17/08
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Fast Timers 1983-9/27/08 (240 events / 33 tracks / 48 drivers)
EVTS DRIVER FIRST FAST TIME LAST FAST TIME
40 Brett Hearn Orange County, 10/24/86 Brewerton, 8/15/08
37 Billy Decker NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/01 Lebanon Valley, 9/7/08
21 Tim McCreadie Rolling Wheels, 7/4/00 Cayuga County, 5/29/05
19 Tim Fuller New Egypt, 6/20/02 Canandaigua, 9/20/08
17 Steve Paine Canandaigua, 9/1/99 Merrittville, 8/4/08
9 Chuck Bower Cayuga County, 5/28/00 Lernerville, 8/3/05
9 Matt Sheppard Drummond, 7/12/04 Ransomville, 7/6/07
8 Bob McCreadie NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/90 Fonda, 10/20/02
8 Gary Tomkins Drummond, 7/10/00 Rolling Wheels, 5/7/06
8 Alan Johnson Cayuga County, 5/26/02 Rolling Wheels, 9/7/08
5 Frank Cozze Orange County, 6/10/04 New Egypt, 8/15/07
5 Jimmy Phelps Drummond, 7/11/05 Can-Am, 8/16/08
5 Dale Planck Drummond, 7/10/06 Cornwall, 8/17/08
3 Billy Pauch NYS Fairgrounds, 10/12/86 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/9/88
3 Kenny Brightbill NYS Fairgrounds, 10/13/96 New Egypt, 8/2/00
3 Doug Hoffman NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/87 Tri-City, 8/5/01
3 Andy Bachetti Orange County, 10/24/99 Lebanon Valley, 7/7/05
2 Jack Johnson NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/84 Orange County, 10/28/84
2 Dave Blaney NYS Fairgrounds, 10/9/94 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/10/99
2 Jimmy Horton NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/92 Big Diamond, 6/18/03
2 Bobby Varin NYS Fairgrounds, 10/11/98 Fonda, 7/17/03
2 Pat Ward Fonda, 7/19/00 Rolling Wheels, 9/23/06
2 Duane Howard Grandview, 7/18/07 Virginia, 5/1/08
1 Merv Treichler NYS Fairgrounds, 10/9/83
1 Rich Eurich Orange County, 10/30/83
1 Sammy Swindell NYS Fairgrounds, 10/13/85
1 Anthony Ferriauolo IV Orange County, 10/27/85
1 Joe Plazek NYS Fairgrounds, 10/10/93
1 Jeff Heotzler Orange County, 10/27/96
1 Chuck McKee Orange County, 10/25/98
1 Scott Prentice Rolling Wheels, 4/30/00
1 Danny Johnson Lebanon Valley, 8/10/00
1 A.J. Romano Rolling Wheels, 8/20/00
1 Ricky Elliott New Egypt, 6/21/01
1 Eddie Marshall Lebanon Valley, 8/2/01
1 Ron Smoker NYS Fairgrounds, 9/3/01
1 Frankie Caprara Lowe’s, 4/6/02
1 Todd Burley Cornwall, 7/7/02
1 Bucky Kell Hagerstown, 3/27/04
1 Justin Hears Rolling Wheels, 5/2/04
1 J.R. Heffner Lebanon Valley, 9/10/05
1 Rick Grosso Jr. New Egypt, 9/24/05
1 Pierre Berthiaume Brockville, 7/4/06
1 Rick Mill Orange County, 10/22/06
1 Ryan Phelps Cayuga County, 9/2/07
1 Vic Coffey Cayuga County, 5/25/08
1 Pat O’Brien Fulton, 6/7/08
1 David VanHorn Jr. Orange County, 7/31/08
Hoosier Remains DIRTcar Tire Of Choice: In 2008 Hoosier Tire expanded the options for DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Modified divisions with the introduction of the new Hoosier D200. Along with the Hoosier D200, the existing DIRT soft compound will be labeled D300, current DIRT hard compound will be labeled D400 and the DIRT Extra Hard compound will become D500. Below is a list indicating the required Hoosier Tire compound(s) at those tracks hosting the remaining Big-Block Modified events on the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series schedule.
Date Track Compound(s)
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Right side Extra, left side Hard/D400
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co. Fair Speedway Soft/D300, Hard/D400 or Extra
*Tire rules are subject to change.
Shocking Results For Series Fast Qualifiers: For a third straight year, Integra Shocks is playing an active role in point fund sponsorship of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series during the upcoming race season. The fast driver during 2008 Advance Auto Parts Series qualifying will once again earn the ‘Integra Shocks Fast Time Award’ and the driver winning the most Integra Shocks Fast Time awards during the season will collect a bonus set of four Integra Shocks ($1,400 value) at the DIRTcar Racing NorthEast ‘Night of Champions’ Banquet on November 15. The Advance Auto Parts Series has recognized fast time trialers since 1983, with 1999 marking the first year the awards program included every tour event scheduled during the year. All-time Advance Series race winner Brett Hearn is also a leader when it comes to speed, now earning a series-best total of 40 Integra Shocks Fast Time awards during the past two decades.
Drivers have drawn for their order in the ‘Integra Shocks Time Trials’ at every Advance Series stop to date, with the fast timer once again selecting a second pill to determine how many cars (0, 2, 3 or 4) will be inverted to start each preliminary heat race. The ‘Integra Shocks Fast Time Award’ winners have collected $100 and five (5) bonus points and the top-three heat race finishers earned additional bonus points as follows: 1st-5 pts, 2nd-3 pts, 3rd-1 pt. With this inversion format in place, a driver was able to earn a maximum of 10 more points being the fast timer as well as a heat race winner.
Grand Slam Showcases Series: The customary pre-race re-draw among top heat race qualifiers was in effect throughout the summer, however, the season-ending events at the New York State Fairgrounds and Orange County Fair Speedway are the only Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series stops awarding fast timers with pole-position starts (heat points will not be awarded at these shows). Lebanon Valley Speedway hosted the initial “200” and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park followed suit to make up the high-dollar Advance Series ‘Grand Slam’ in 2008.
Continuing to rank among the most prestigious races in the country, the Rite Aid 200 at the N.Y.S. Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Oct. 12, Eastern States 200 at Orange County on Oct. 19, Budweiser National 200 presented by Benjamin Moore Paints at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 7 and World Series Weekend BPG 200 at Rolling Wheels on Sept. 27 are the only 200-lap races on the annual tour. In 2008 these four signature events on the Advance Auto Parts Series formulate the prestigious ‘Grand Slam’ in DIRTcar Racing for Big-Block Modifieds.
In addition, Lebanon Valley 200 winner Andy Bachetti is guaranteed the 7th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 at Syracuse while Rolling Wheels 200 winner Alan Johnson automatically earned the 8th starting spot in the Rite Aid 200 fairgrounds finale. Tommy Meier was the first Orange County regular across the line in the Lebanon Valley 200 to earn the 7th starting spot in the Eastern States 200 line-up and the highest finishing OCFS regular driver (non-guaranteed) in the Rite Aid 200 clinches the 8th starting spot in the Eastern States 200.
This unique ‘Grand Slam’ features the $50,000-to-win Rite Aid 200 in the Salt City, $20,000-to-win Eastern States 200 in Middletown (NY), $10,000-to-win National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval with another $10-grand on the line for the Rolling Wheels BPG National 200 winner. Syracuse and Orange County are the only Advance Auto Parts Series stops where the fast timers start on the pole and the top-six are locked into front three row starting positions while heats will be aligned in heads-up fashion. A special points system was implemented for these prominent races last season with each winner receiving 150 Series points and 50 points awarded to start.
Syracuse SDW Starters Guaranteed Through Series Success: Guaranteed starting berths in the Rite Aid 200 have been up for grabs throughout 2008 and more drivers than ever before will be able to earn preferred starter status throughout the season for the richest DIRTcar Big-Block Modified event in the world. Winners of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series races and those among the top-12 in overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Modified Championship points heading into Super DIRT Week comprise the core group of drivers receiving guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200. Preferred starters are the next eligible drivers finishing behind an Advance Auto Parts Series race winner that is already locked into the Rite Aid 200 starting grid, as well as all three DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Regional point champions and every licensed Big-Block Modified track champion crowned this year.
In order to take advantage of their guaranteed starting positions in the Rite Aid 200, Advance Series race winners and top-12 Mr. DIRTcar point-getters must run time trials. Any guaranteed driver that fails to qualify through time trials or a Triple 20 will be added to the Rite Aid field in order of heat race results. Those drivers holding preferred status are afforded up front starting positions in the Dig Safely New York last-chance qualifier on Sunday, Oct. 12 if unable to qualify while running under the clocks or in heat race competition. The balance of the Rite Aid 200 line-up is filled in from the Dig Safely New York Shootout with the 45th starting spot going to the best overall finisher in Cayuga County Fair Speedway’s ‘Win & You’re In’ Twin 25s on Sat., Oct. 11.
SPEED TV Airs Rite Aid 200: SPEED TV will once again air the Rite Aid 200 from the New York State Fairgrounds during its fall schedule with the 2008 edition broadcast on October 25 beginning at 8pm Eastern time. Fans can catch all the action from the 37th running of the great Fall Classic for Big-Block Modifieds one more time from the comfort of their own home. Long-time DIRTcar announcer and now Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series reporter Shane Andrews will be giving the play-by-play call, while former Big-Block Modified campaigner and ’06 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Champion Tim McCreadie will provide color analysis. Super DIRT Week XXXVII is sure to provide more lasting memories, and fans can re-live all of them with SPEED TV’s re-airing of the 200-mile spectacle.
Super DIRT Week Cybercasts: DIRTVision and the DIRT Radio Network will be offering “Live” coverage Thursday-Sunday of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds. Action will kick off Thursday, October 9 with pole-day qualifying for the 358-Modified Championship as well as pole-day runs for the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds. The four-day “live” coverage will of course culminate with the 37th Rite Aid 200 Championship on Sunday, October 12. Look for coverage to start approximately 15 minutes before each racing event begins. In order to catch all the racing action live be sure to visit www.dirtvision.com and pick up the ‘Super DIRT Week Trackpass’ for just $19.99. This is the only way you can catch all the action and drama from Super DIRT Week XXXVII without having a seat yourself. Cheer for your favorite driver, along with the 20,000 registered members who enjoy LIVE Racing coverage on the DIRT Network presented by BUTLERbuilt professional seat systems, the leader in custom seating. Call 704/784-1027 and let BUTLERbuilt build you an advantage!!!
To tune in visit www.dirtvision.com, click on the LIVE Advance Auto Parts Modified link, and you’re off to the races. If you are unfamiliar with Dirtvision.com, click on the “Help/FAQ” menu for tips and requirements for viewing the Live Events. Make sure that you register well in advance of our next show to help troubleshoot any problems you may encounter. Your basic tools will be a DIRTVision.com account, Internet Explorer 5 or higher, and Windows Media Player 9; both of which are FREE. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com. The Dirt Radio Network is presented by BUTLERbuilt professional seat systems. BUTLERbuilt is the leader in custom seating. Call 704/784-1027 and let BUTLERbuilt build you an advantage!!!
Rite Aid Store Specials: Rite Aid Pharmacies in New York and Pennsylvania have given away hundreds of free tickets for Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier Races held throughout the 2008 season. The popular Rite Aid program is part of the promotion for the Oct. 12 Rite Aid 200 Championship race at Super DIRT Week in Syracuse, N.Y. Each Rite Aid Pharmacy promotion has featured DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier Races. The first 90 fans arriving at each store received a free ticket to the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier race scheduled a nearby track later that same day.
Rite Aid Ticket Give-Away Schedule
*Driver appearance scheduled from 10am-12noon for Syracuse.
DATE TRACK (PHONE) Driver / Store Location (phone)
Mon-Oct 13 Super DIRT Week XXXVII -TBA- / 5380 W. Taft Road-N.Syracuse,NY(315/458-8555)
Beginning today (Oct. 1) Rite Aid Pharmacy is also offering two exclusive ticket values in anticipation of the Rite Aid 200 at Super DIRT Week XXXVII. The special Rite Aid Pharmacy offers include Super Saver Coupons good for $60 off the purchase of two reserved seat tickets, as well as a Rite Aid 200 Pre-Race Pit Pass. The Rite Aid Pharmacy DIRTcar Modified will appear at 10 locations in the Central New York area from Wednesday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 5. During these appearances (listed below) the first 100 fans in attendance will receive a FREE Pre-Race Pit Pass. Fans who receive this special souvenir Pre-Race Pit Pass will be invited to get a close up look at the Rite Aid 200 DIRTcar Modifieds and teams on pit row from 12:45 p.m. until the start of pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, Oct. 12. The Pre-Race Pit Pass is not valid for admission to the NYS Fairgrounds or Super DIRT Week events. The pass must be accompanied by a valid Sunday, Oct. 12 ticket in order to be allowed onto pit row.
Fans will also find Super Saver Coupons available (while supplies last) exclusively at the same Rite Aid Pharmacy locations listed below all during race week, beginning Oct. 1.With this Super Saver Coupon fans will save $60 off the purchase of two reserved seat tickets for Super DIRT Week in rows S-W, lower elevations. Fans will have the opportunity to pick up these special limited supply coupons any time during the week at the front register display of each location listed below. The coupons can be redeemed at the Super DIRT Week Box Office located at Gate 11 at the New York State Fairgrounds. Rite Aid’s Super DIRT Week festivities will culminate when the winner of the Rite Aid 200 makes his first post-race public appearance on Monday, October 13 at a local Rite Aid store. The autograph appearance and fan photo session will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Rite Aid store at 5380 Taft Rd. North Syracuse. The first 50 fans at the appearance will also receive a free Rite Aid Racing Hat personally autographed by the winning driver.
Rite Aid Pharmacy DIRTcar Modified Appearance Schedule
*Wednesday, October 1
Noon-2:00m pm 47 East Genesee St., Auburn, NY 13021
4:00 pm -6:00 pm 153 Grant Ave., Auburn, NY 13021
*Thursday, October 2
Noon-2:00m pm 110 East Broadway, Fulton, NY 13069
4:00 pm -6:00 pm 113 Downer St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027
*Friday, October 3
Noon-2:00m pm 1365 West Genesee St., Chittenango, NY 13037
4:00 pm -6:00 pm 315 Fayette St., Manlius, NY 13104
*Saturday, October 4
Noon-2:00m pm 7398 Oswego Rd., Liverpool, NY 13088
4:00 pm -6:00 pm 4975 Bear Rd., Liverpool, NY 13088
*Sunday, October 5
Noon-2:00m pm 114 North Main St., North Syracuse, NY 13212
4:00 pm -6:00 pm 4751 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13219
Get Out The Word First: RACEceiver is the Official Driver Communicator of DIRTcar Racing. A compact radio receiver that conveniently fits into a driver’s pocket, a RACEceiver allows each driver to hear directions from series officials, which greatly enhances the safety and timeliness of events. A similar version available to fans will allow RACEceiver users to hear what information series officials are relaying to the drivers. For more information about RACEceiver, visit www.raceceiver.com, call 866/301-7223, or look for their sales trailers at various events.
Tracks Know The Score: In the ongoing effort to assist every sanctioned track with presenting the best possible race programs, DIRTcar has teamed with AMB i.t. which continues to be recognized as the Official Timing System of DIRTcar racing. AMB i.t. is the world’s leader in automatic race timing and scoring systems and the DIRTcar organization is proud to retain the company as a valued partner in the timing and scoring of all DIRTcar Racing events.
FINAL EVENT
Just one extra-distance event remains on the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series schedule following Super DIRT Week and the nationally recognized Rite Aid 200 at the Syracuse Mile. It all comes down to a trip downstate for the 47th Eastern States Championship when Orange County Fair Speedway brings the curtain down on DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s 33rd successive season of operation October 19.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker(G)
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck(G)
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway D.Planck/Danny Johnson(P)
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway B.Decker/Brett Hearn(P)
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway B.Decker/Robbie Krull(P)
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway B.Decker/Jimmy Phelps(P)
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Brett Hearn(G)
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond D.Planck/Steve Paine(P)
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway B.Decker/Jeff Strunk(P)
Thr-Jul 17 Georgetown Speedway H.J. Bunting(G)
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway B.Hearn/Chuck McKee(P)
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Jimmy Phelps(G)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Vic Coffey(P)
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway B.Decker/Justin Haers(P)
Fri-Aug 15 Brewerton Speedway B.Decker/Gary Tomkins(P)
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park Gary Tomkins(G)
Sun-Aug 17 Cornwall Motor Speedway G.Tomkins/Carey Terrance(P)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Alan Johnson(G)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway B.Decker/Frankie Caprara(P)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway B.Decker/Roy Bresnahan(P)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Andy Bachetti(G)
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Rain-Cancelled
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway A.Johnson/Tim Fuller(P)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway A.Johnson/Vince Vitale(P)
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of April 19, 2008, the Company operated 3,291 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s web site at http://www.advanceautoparts.com.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS MODIFIED SERIES SPONSORS
The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts and Hoosier Racing Tire. Rite Aid Corporation is a promotional partner and the contingency sponsors are Bars Leaks, Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Dig Safely New York, Holley HP Carburetors, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks, Rislone Oil Stabilizer and Wrisco Industries.
