Weedsport, NY — August 26, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The big Labor Day holiday kicks off with Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series action at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport on Sunday, August 31 and continues with the traditional end of the regular season event at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in Elbridge on Monday, September 1. Budweiser Twin 54-lap Modified mains presented by Taylor Rental at Cayuga County offer $3,000-to-win each and the Budweiser-backed 110-lapper presented by Honeoye Auto Parts at Rolling Wheels pays the winner $6,000. A guaranteed starting berth in the prestigious Rite Aid 200 Championship race on October 12 of Super DIRT Week XXXVII at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is at stake in every race.
WHERE
Centrally situated, Cayuga County Fair Speedway is located at the fairgrounds on the east end of the village of Weedsport just one mile off exit 40 of the New York State Thruway. Rolling Wheels Raceway Park is located West of the village of Elbridge at NYS Route 5 just five minutes east of the city of Auburn; also 10 minutes from exit 40 of the New York State Thruway.
WHEN
At Cayuga County, warm-ups for all divisions are scheduled to begin at approximately 5:45 p.m. followed by Integra Shocks Modified Time Trials at 6:15 p.m. Qualifying heats start at 7 o’clock with pit gates unlocking at 3 p.m. and the main grandstands opening at 5 o’clock. A special ‘Fan Foto’ autograph session on the frontstretch pre-empts the first leg of the Big-Block twins. Rolling Wheels’ warm-ups are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by Integra Shocks Time trials at 5:15, with support division qualifying heats starting at 6 o’clock. Pit gates will unlock at 1 p.m. and seating in the main grandstands begins at 3 o’clock.
TICKETS
Adult general admission grandstand tickets at Cayuga County are $20 each, Senior Citizens (65 yrs + over) $18, Students (10-14 yrs) $5 and Children (9 yrs. + under) Free. Continuing the special 10-Year Advance Auto Parts Series celebration, ticket prices are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors at Rolling Wheels. Reserved seating is available at both events for an additional $2. The cost of a member pit pass is $25 and $30 for a non-member. Camping on the Cayuga County Fairgrounds is allowed for a minimal fee of $10 which includes electrical hook-up. All General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day. For more information about the holiday events, contact the DIRTcar NorthEast office at 315/834-6606.
WEB SITES
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series is at http://www.superdirtcarseries.com.
Cayuga County Fair Speedway is at http://www.cayugacountyfairspeedway.com.
Rolling Wheels Raceway Park is at http://www.rollingwheelsraceway.com.
Dirtvision.com™ Cybercast is at http://www.dirtvision.com.
All remain accessible 24-hours daily.
ABOUT THE TRACKS
Cayuga County is a high-banked 3/8-mile clay oval. Alan Johnson established the single lap record in an Advance Auto Parts Series event when he circled the track in 15.647 seconds (86.279 mph) on September 3, 2006. Touring star Jimmy Phelps is the defending Cayuga County season points champion and the ‘B’Ville Blizzard’ is once again the current points leader with a pair of checkered flags taken in eight races held at The Port in ‘08.
Rolling Wheels is a spacious 5/8-mile clay oval. Alan Johnson posted the single lap record in an Advance Series show when he circled the track in 20.029 seconds (112.337 mph) on September 4, 2006. Billy Decker and Dale Planck split Twin 50s at the ‘Fast Track’ back in May with the only other scheduled Big-Block Modified main falling to rain in July.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Continuing to stand as Cayuga County’s customary regular season-ending event, 27 of the 40 Advance Auto Parts Series stops in Weedsport have closed out the summer schedule. Bob McCreadie tops the legendary list of 11 drivers that have captured extra-distance victories at The Port, with Billy Decker and Alan Johnson the defending champions. Although 2008 marks the 35th edition since beginning in September 1972, the first ‘Northeast Championship’ counting towards the overall Mr. DIRTcar title was 150 laps and claimed by eventual three-time race winner Jack Johnson in 1980.
Cayuga Co. Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Labor Day/Fall Winners
DATE FIRST – SECOND – THIRD – FOURTH – FIFTH
9/2/07 Billy Decker – Jimmy Phelps – Steve Paine – Tim Fuller – Alan Johnson
9/2/07 Alan Johnson – Brett Hearn – Jimmy Phelps – Danny Johnson – Billy Decker
9/3/06 Alan Johnson – Matt Sheppard – Billy Decker – Steve Paine – Gary Tomkins
9/4/05 Pat Ward – Billy Decker – Steve Paine – Brett Hearn – Bob McCreadie
9/5/04 Tim Fuller – Billy Decker – Matt Sheppard – Gary Tomkins – Jimmy Phelps
8/31/03 Billy Decker – Brett Hearn – Alan Johnson – Gary Tomkins – Vic Coffey
9/1/02 Alan Johnson – Tim McCreadie – Billy Decker – Danny Johnson – Gary Tomkins
9/2/01 Tim McCreadie – Brett Hearn – Doug Hoffman – Billy Decker – Tim Fuller
9/3/00 Billy Decker – Bob McCreadie – Tim McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Bobby Varin
9/5/99 Bob McCreadie – Doug Hoffman – Bobby Varin – Billy Decker – Tim McCreadie
9/6/98 Danny Johnson – Gary Tomkins – Billy Decker – Bob McCreadie – Tim Fuller
8/31/97 Bob McCreadie – Jack Johnson – Pat Ward – Joe Plazek – Bryon Turner
9/1/96 Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn – Alan Johnson – Bob McCreadie – Billy Decker
9/3/95 Bob McCreadie – Danny Johnson – Doug Hoffman – Jimmy Horton – Joe Plazek
9/4/94 Bob McCreadie – Kenny Tremont – Jeff Heotzler – Joe Plazek – Alan Johnson
9/12/93 CANCELLED – Moved to RWR
9/13/92 Danny Johnson – Bob McCreadie – Billy Decker – Kenny Tremont – Doug Hoffman
9/8/91 Steve Paine – Alan Johnson – Dave Lape – Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn
9/9/90 RAIN (rescheduled for 10/13 before rain cancelled event)
9/24/89 Kenny Brightbill – Jack Johnson – Doug Hoffman – Brett Hearn – Rich Eurich
9/11/88 Jack Johnson – Kenny Brightbill – Danny Johnson – Kevin Collins – Joe Plazek
9/13/87 Bob McCreadie – Jimmy Horton – Brett Hearn – Kenny Tremont – Jack Johnson
9/7/86 Danny Johnson – Charlie Rudolph – Joe Plazek – Alan Johnson – Johnny Birosh
9/8/85 Bob McCreadie – Dave Lape – Brett Hearn – Alan Johnson – Steve Paine
9/9/84 Bob McCreadie – Chuck Akulis – Merv Treichler – Jack Johnson – Charlie Rudolph
9/18/83 Jack Johnson – Alan Johnson – Mike Colsten – Charlie Castle – Merv Treichler
9/12/82 Alan Johnson – Gary Iulg – Dave Lape – Will Cagle – Bob McCreadie
9/20/81 Merv Treichler – Chuck Akulis – Charlie Castle – Will Cagle – Darrell Welty
9/21/80 Jack Johnson – Chuck Akulis – Mike McLaughlin – Alan Johnson – Will Cagle
9/16/79 Jack Johnson – Dave Lape – Will Cagle – Mike McLaughlin – Harry Sittler
9/23/78 Will Cagle – Alan Johnson – Davey Moore – Brian Stevens – Lou Lazzaro
9/25/77 Lou Lazzaro – Alan Johnson – Jim Shampine – Will Cagle – Brian Stevens
9/19/76 Will Cagle – Lou Lazzaro – Andy Romano – Mert Hulbert – Chuck Ciprich
9/14/75 Will Cagle – Jack Johnson – Pete Cordes – Andy Romano – Mert Hulbert
9/15/74 Will Cagle – Merv Treichler – Lee Osborne – Gary Iulg – John Podolak
9/16/73 Will Cagle – Lloyd Holt – Jack Johnson – Dave Lape – Dave Kneisel
9/17/72 Will Cagle – George Ely – Frank Mears – Jack Johnson – Harry Peek
The tradition at Rolling Wheels continues with only the ‘Fast Track’ in operation on Monday as the 37th Annual Labor Day Championship once again headlines the holiday agenda. Bob McCreadie leads all open-wheel competitors with six Petrocci Memorial triumphs while Jimmy Phelps and Gary Tomkins are the defending champions when two 50-lappers were held last September.
Rolling Wheels Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Labor Day Winners
DATE FIRST – SECOND – THIRD – FOURTH – FIFTH
9/3/07 Jimmy Phelps – Billy Decker – Tim Fuller – Alan Johnson – Vic Coffey
9/3/07 Gary Tomkins – Tim Fuller -Jimmy Phelps – Matt Sheppard – Pat Ward
9/4/06 Alan Johnson – Tim Fuller – Gary Tomkins – Billy Decker – Justin Haers
9/5/05 Gary Tomkins – Tim Fuller – Billy Decker – Jimmy Phelps – Matt Sheppard
9/6/04 Tim Fuller – Matt Sheppard – Gary Tomkins – Tim McCreadie – Steve Paine
9/1/03 RAIN-CANCELLED
9/2/02 Alan Johnson – Brett Hearn – Bobby Varin – Chuck Bower – Steve Paine
9/3/01 Brett Hearn – Alan Johnson – Tim Fuller – Billy Decker – Chuck Bower
9/4/00 Bob McCreadie – Steve Paine – Billy Decker – Danny Johnson – A.J. Romano
9/6/99 Kenny Tremont – Steve Paine – Alan Johnson – A.J. Romano – Brett Hearn
10/4/98 Billy Decker – Steve Paine – Pat Ward – Alan Johnson – Tim Fuller
9/1/97 Joe Plazek – Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn – Bob McCreadie – Jack Johnson
9/2/96 Jeff Heotzler – Joe Plazek – Alan Johnson – Brett Hearn – Steve Paine
9/4/95 Jack Johnson – A.J. Romano – Jeff Heotzler – Pat Ward – Mike Ricci
9/5/94 Bob McCreadie – Jimmy Horton – Joe Plazek – Jeff Heotzler – Frank Cozze
9/12/93 Bob McCreadie – Kevin Collins – Shawn George – Joe Plazek – Alan Johnson
9/7/92 Brett Hearn – Doug Hoffman – Bob McCreadie – Jack Johnson – Matt Quinn
9/2/91 Brett Hearn – Bob McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Steve Paine – Mike Colsten
9/3/90 Bob McCreadie – Billy Pauch – Brett Hearn – Danny Johnson – Kenny Tremont
9/4/89 Danny Johnson – Alan Johnson – Pat Ward – Brett Hearn – Jack Johnson
9/5/88 Steve Paine – Danny Johnson – Pat Ward – Kenny Tremont – Lin Hough
9/7/87 Bob McCreadie – Chuck McKee – Jack Johnson – Lin Hough – Joe Plazek
9/1/86 Bob McCreadie – Charlie Rudolph – Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn – Chuck Akulis
9/2/85 Brett Hearn – Alan Johnson – Don McGinnis – Danny Johnson – Danny Rizzardo
9/3/84 Jack Johnson – Alan Johnson – Carl Reynolds – Jimmy Horton – Brett Hearn
9/5/83 Brett Hearn – Doug Hoffman – Alan Johnson – Jack Johnson – Dave Lape
9/6/82 Gary Iulg – Jack Johnson – Merv Treichler – Alan Johnson – Charlie Rudolph
9/7/81 Jack Johnson – Will Cagle – Harvey Hainer – Lou Lazzaro – Mike VanDusen
9/1/80 Chuck Akulis – Jack Johnson – Mike McLaughlin – Davey Moore – Dave Kneisel
9/3/79 Jack Johnson – Will Cagle – Dave Lape – Harry Sittler – Darrell Welty
9/4/78 Frank Cozze – Jack Johnson – Dave Lape – Chuck Akulis – Brian Stevens
9/5/77 Will Cagle – Lou Lazzaro – Jimmy Horton – Kenny Brightbill – Tommy Hager
9/6/76 Jack Johnson – Lou Lazzaro – Will Cagle – Danny Mitchell – Gary Iulg
9/1/75 Dave Kneisel – Mert Hulbert – Bill Matteson – Butch Jelley – Wayne Reutimann
9/2/74 Will Cagle – Jack Johnson – Carl Nagel – Tighe Scott – Kenny Brightbill
9/3/73 Will Cagle – Don Beagell – Harry Peek
9/4/72 Kenny Brightbill – Will Cagle – Jim Winks – Mert Hulbert – Bobby Malzahn
9/6/71 Will Cagle – Jack Johnson – Chuck Akulis – Jim Winks – Bobby Malzahn
TRACK HISTORY
For many years known as Weedsport Speedway, the Cayuga County Fair Speedway and surrounding fairgrounds have grown in both size and stature since the early era of stock car racing. Under the guidance of Drivers Independent Race Tracks founder Glenn Donnelly, the modernized facility has gained national recognition as the headquarters of DIRTcar Racing NorthEast and site of the Northeast Modified Hall of Fame and Classic Car Museum. One of three founding-member speedways in 1976 when DIRTcar was formed, the 2008 season marks Cayuga County’s 54th consecutive year of stock car racing with the first event staged in July of 1955. When Stanley Dudzinski first began carving out a third-mile oval in his berry patch using railroad ties to mark the frontstretch wall, he never dreamed that five decades later the same field would become synonymous with the leading short-track sanctioning body of dirt racing in the country and offer nationally televised —and now webcast to surfers around the world— Big-Block Modified events. This season well over 20 race dates were inked to include open-wheel Modified, winged Sprint Car, full-fender Late Model, Street Stock and BattleKarz racing, with events running from April through October.
Another one of three founding-member speedways when DIRTcar Racing was formed in 1976, Rolling Wheels boasts a unique specials-only race format instituted throughout the season that has continued to produce a hotbed of trackside activity for both fans and drivers alike. The “Fast Track” was first mapped out by the late Bob Petrocci, yet just one year following the August 17, 1969 opener, Petrocci lost his life in a freak accident while spectating at a nearby speedway. Sons Robert Jr. and Donald Petrocci inherited promotional duties and eventually signed up the second weekly track to join DIRTcar founder Glenn Donnelly and his fledgling motorsports operation. Rolling Wheels ran regularly every Friday night with Big-Block Modifieds and Late Models until cutting back the summer schedule in 1982. In 2008 a full season of activity includes open-wheel Modified, winged Sprint Car and full-fender Stock Car racing with annual highlights including the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series and World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
2007 RACE REVIEWS
Cayuga County: Track experience paid big dividends for Billy Decker and Alan Johnson on Sunday as the multi-time Weedsport track champions and feature winners each took their first lead two-thirds of the way through in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Twin 53s presented by the Finger Lakes Radio Group and the Stafford Auto Group and coasted on to $3,000 victories at Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Decker started ninth in the lid-lifter and slowly worked his way forward in the LJL Motorsports no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int’l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell mount, overtaking 2007 Cayuga County points champion Jimmy Phelps on lap 36 and maintaining a four car-length victory margin at the stripe. Phelps secured runner-up laurels at the line followed by Steve Paine, Advance Auto Parts Series points leader Tim Fuller and Alan Johnson. Decker re-drew ‘9’ to invert the first five rows of the grid and when the green flag flew to begin round two, front row starter Hearn out-dragged pole-sitter Ryan Phelps to take an early lead in the 53-lap nightcap. By lap 15 the top-three of Hearn, Phelps and Tomkins stayed the same with Alan Johnson and Paine hovering among the fast five. Tomkins suddenly performed a 360-degree spin low between turns one and two to bring out a yellow flag on lap 16 and runner-up Phelps cut a tire to relinquish any chance for his best career finish in an Advance Auto Parts Series A-Main. Johnson jockeying side-by-side with Hearn and grabbed his first lead on lap 36 before DIRTcar NorthEast’s all-time winningest drivers swapped the point back and forth four times over the next six laps, with Johnson forging the final lead change on lap 42. Jimmy Phelps was officially crowned the 2007 Cayuga County Fair Speedway points king following his second top-three tally of the night, with Danny Johnson and Decker rounding out the final top-five.
Rolling Wheels: A memorable night for Jimmy Phelps and Gary Tomkins as they shared space in the winner’s circle at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park after splitting Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Petrocci Twin 50s presented by Ferris Mowers on Monday night. It was Phelps first tour win of the 2007 campaign and Tomkins second, with his first coming at the same Elbridge oval during the Independence Day holiday. Phelps started on the pole to pace the 33-car starting field in round one but his first Advance Auto Parts Series win of the season was never guaranteed, especially after Alan Johnson blew past on the lap 10 restart and tried his best to extend the advantage the rest of the way. Numerous caution periods thwarted the efforts of ‘A.J. Slideways,’ with a half-dozen slowing the action over the ensuing 22 laps. Phelps shadowed the leader the entire way until ducking under in the H&H Motorsports no. 98H Mohawk Northeast-New England Race Fuels/Troyer Spl. to forge the final lead change on lap 39. Billy Decker finished his race-long charge in second while tour points leader Tim Fuller salvaged third-place ahead of Johnson and Vic Coffey. After Phelps drew to invert the top-12 for round two, Tomkins started fifth and watched as pole-sitter Dale Planck and Matt Sheppard held the point for the first half of the race. Tomkins stayed steady aboard the no. 84 Honeoye Auto Parts-Red Parker & Son Excavating/Bicknell entry and reeled in Sheppard for the final lead exchange on lap 23. Fuller improved one position from race one to finish second while Phelps slipped past Sheppard on the final circuit to secure third with Pat Ward filling out the front-five.
DRIVER WEB SITES
Sean Beardsley – http://www.teamjir.com
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
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (thru Aug. 17, 2008)
Rank No. Driver Total Series Diff Wins T-5 T-10 Starts
1 91 Billy Decker 1,538 1,538 0 8 15 18 18
2 77x Dale Planck 1,369 1,369 -169 3 14 16 18
3 98h Jimmy Phelps 1,319 1,319 -219 1 10 16 18
4 20 Brett Hearn 1,296 1,296 -242 2 8 15 18
5 84 Gary Tomkins 1,228 1,228 -310 2 6 15 18
6 9s Matt Sheppard 1,210 1,210 -328 1 6 14 18
7 7x Steve Paine 1,090 1,090 -448 0 8 9 18
8 FX1 Frankie Caprara 1,014 1,014 -524 0 1 9 18
9 27J Danny Johnson 972 972 -566 0 4 6 18
10 99 Ryan Phelps 967 967 -571 0 0 6 18
11 3 Justin Haers 951 951 -587 0 2 10 17
12 49 Billy Dunn 882 882 -656 0 0 2 18
13 14J Alan Johnson 836 836 -702 0 1 7 15
14 99L Larry Wight 736 736 -802 0 0 1 18
15 6 Pat O’Brien 558 558 -980 0 0 2 13
16 29 Jeff Brownell Jr. 391 391 -1,147 0 0 0 10
17 42B Kevin Bates 331 331 -1,207 0 0 0 9
18 357 Stewart Friesen 264 264 -1,274 0 1 2 4
19 14 Rich Laubach 256 256 -1,282 0 2 2 4
20 79 Mike Storms 255 255 -1,283 0 0 1 6
21 99b Chuck Bower 230 230 -1,308 0 0 0 7
22 21 Yan Bussiere 219 219 -1,319 0 0 1 4
23 4 Duane Howard 198 198 -1,340 0 2 2 2
24 22 Mario Clair 197 197 -1,341 0 0 0 4
25 56 Vince Vitale 188 188 -1,350 0 0 0 5
26 5 Jason Potter 185 185 -1,353 0 0 0 5
27 16 Mike Bowman 181 181 -1,357 0 0 0 5
28 88 Steve Hulsizer 173 173 -1,365 0 0 0 4
29 48T Dave Rauscher 162 162 -1,376 0 0 0 5
30 1w Billy Pauch 152 152 -1,386 0 0 2 2
31 32c Vic Coffey 145 145 -1,393 0 1 1 3
32 21 Derrick Podsiadlo 144 144 -1,394 0 0 0 5
33 1 David Hebert 142 142 -1,396 0 0 0 3
34 62s Tom Sears Jr. 142 142 -1,396 0 0 0 4
35 11j Sean Beardsley 139 139 -1,399 0 0 0 4
36 91h Chad Homan 134 134 -1,404 0 0 0 4
37 8 Rob Bellinger 132 132 -1,406 0 0 0 4
38 19 Tim Fuller 130 130 -1,408 0 1 1 2
39 13 Tony Steiner 127 127 -1,411 0 0 0 2
40 6 Pete Taylor 127 127 -1,411 0 0 0 4
41 46 Kayle Robidoux 125 125 -1,413 0 0 2 2
42 HR2 Jimmy Horton 121 121 -1,417 0 0 0 2
43 89b Todd Burley 120 120 -1,418 0 1 1 3
44 96 Kyle Dingwall 119 119 -1,419 0 0 1 2
45 14w Ryan Watt 111 111 -1,427 0 0 0 2
46 19 Kenny Brightbill 111 111 -1,427 0 0 1 2
47 30 Jamie Mills 110 110 -1,428 0 1 1 1
48 71 David VanHorn Jr. 109 109 -1,429 0 0 0 2
49 30 H.J. Bunting III 103 103 -1,435 1 1 1 1
50 15x Billy Pauch Jr. 103 103 -1,435 0 0 0 2
51 85 Wade Hendrickson 103 103 -1,435 0 0 1 2
52 93 Ryan Bartlett 100 100 -1,438 0 0 0 2
53 26 Rick Richner 100 100 -1,438 0 0 0 2
54 44 Shannon Whaley 100 100 -1,438 0 0 0 3
55 26 Ryan Godown 98 98 -1,440 0 0 0 2
56 3 Claude Brouillard 98 98 -1,440 0 0 0 2
57 19 Chuck McKee 96 96 -1,442 0 1 1 1
58 126 Jeff Strunk 96 96 -1,442 0 1 1 1
59 23 Dany Bilodeau 96 96 -1,442 0 0 0 2
60 123 Robbie Krull 96 96 -1,442 0 1 1 1
61 09 Alex Fortier 95 95 -1,443 0 0 0 2
62 42 Pete Bicknell 95 95 -1,443 0 0 0 2
63 19h Chris Higgins 93 93 -1,445 0 0 0 3
64 24 Jim Witko Jr. 92 92 -1,446 0 0 0 2
65 80 Chris Steele 92 92 -1,446 0 0 0 2
66 90 Martin Roy 91 91 -1,447 0 0 0 2
67 43 Jimmy Horton IV 90 90 -1,448 0 0 0 2
68 2 Michel Dusseault 90 90 -1,448 0 0 0 2
69 85 Dan Vauter 89 89 -1,449 0 0 0 2
70 90 Scott Parliament 88 88 -1,450 0 0 0 2
71 115 Stephane LaFrance 86 86 -1,452 0 0 0 2
72 X Chad Phelps 86 86 -1,452 0 0 0 2
73 66x Carey Terrance 85 85 -1,453 0 1 1 1
74 87 Shawn Donath 85 85 -1,453 0 0 0 2
75 47 Jerry Higbie 85 85 -1,453 0 1 1 1
76 41 Boyd MacTavish 84 84 -1,454 0 0 0 2
77 24L Carl Labonte 84 84 -1,454 0 0 0 2
78 39w Steven Downs 83 83 -1,455 0 0 0 2
79 54 Steve Bernard 81 81 -1,457 0 0 0 2
80 6G Martin Gagné 81 81 -1,457 0 0 0 2
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
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
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
NEWS & NOTES
Advance Auto Parts Continues Commemoration: Throughout 2008, Advance Auto Parts has been celebrating its 10th season as title sponsor of the Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds. In further honoring this achievement, the annual Labor Day Big-Block Modified Championship held at Rolling Wheels Raceway on Monday has been lengthened to a 110-lap affair and plans are also in the works for several fan promotions to tie in with the 10-year anniversary. “This night is going to be all about Advance Auto Parts and the outstanding commitment they’ve afforded us throughout this long-standing relationship,” said RWR General Manager Jack Deery. “Not only have we increased the lap count to 110, we plan to introduce 10-lap leader bonuses and roll back our admission prices to what they were for this event 10 years ago. It should be an exciting night.” Pricing for the Labor Day Championship is the same as it was back in 1998 with adult admission set at $17 and seniors charged $15. “The past 10 years have been great and we look forward to continuing this great relationship,” added Advance Auto Parts Motorsports Marketing Manager Mike Paris. “All of us at Advance Auto Parts are working with the folks at Rolling Wheels and on the entire Super DIRTcar Series to not only put together 10-lap driver bonuses, but to also introduce fan bonuses as well. We all recognize that while the drivers put on the show, it’s the fans that keep us coming back. This anniversary is as much dedicated to the fans of the sport as anyone else.”
Rite Aid Super Ticket Giveaways: Advance Auto Parts Series stars Steve Paine and Vic Coffey will be appearing at Rite Aid Pharmacies over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Paine will be at the Rite Aid Store on 113 Downer Street in Baldwinsville, New York on Sunday, August 31 and Coffey will be at the Rite Aid outlet located on 153 Grant Ave in Auburn, New York on Monday, September 1, both appearing from 12noon to 2:00 pm. Posing beside their mighty Big-Block Modified race cars, each will be available to meet with fans, sign autographs and pass out special Autograph cards. The first 90 fans at each store, beginning at noon, will receive a free ticket to the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier scheduled at a track nearby that same night; Cayuga County Fair Speedway (Aug. 31) and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park (Sept. 1).
The popular program is part of the promotion for the Rite Aid 200 race on Sunday of Super DIRT Week XXXVII, Oct. 7-12, in Syracuse, N.Y. Promotions are scheduled throughout the season at pharmacies located across the Northeast. Each pharmacy promotion will feature DIRTcar driver appearances, race cars, the unique Rite Aid “cut-away” Modified, free autograph cards and free tickets to Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series/Rite Aid 200 Qualifier races. Fans can find more information on the Rite Aid promotion by visiting Rite Aid Pharmacy online at www.riteaid.com. For race information, please visit www.superdirtcarseries.com or www.dirtcar.com.
Rite Aid Ticket Give-Away Track Schedule
*All driver appearances scheduled from 12noon-2pm except Lebanon Valley & Syracuse, both 10am-12noon.
DATE TRACK (PHONE) Driver / Store Location (phone)
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co. Fair Speedway (315/834-6606) Steve Paine / 113 Downer St-Baldwinsville,NY (315/635-8821)
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway (315-689-7809) Vic Coffey / 153 Grant Ave-Auburn,NY (315/253-0379)
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway (518/794-9965) Ken Tremont / 463 Alb-Shaker Rd-Loudonville,NY(518/458-1205)
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway (585/394-0961) Steve Paine / 91 Eastern Blvd-Canandaigua,NY (585/394-2987)
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway (315/689-7809) Brett Hearn / 47 East Genessee St-Auburn,NY (315-252-5661)
Mon-Oct 13 Super DIRT Week XXXVII -TBA- / 5380 W. Taft Road-N.Syracuse,NY(315/458-8555)
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 can now earn 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 are officially tallied after Labor Day.
Big-Block Winners List Loaded: Entering the final weekend of racing in August, 23 tracks have now hosted DIRTcar Big-Block Modified races in 2008 with 57 drivers scoring victories in the 130 features run. Remaining atop the list which he has done so all season, Billy Decker continues to dominate the Northeastern circuit, posting a division-high total of 20 victories, including a personal high eight in Advance Auto Parts Super Series competition aboard the potent LJL Racing Bicknell machine. Decker’s single-season best total more than doubles the output of popular Pennsylvanian Brian Swartzlander (8) and Keystone State rival Kevin Bolland (7), while Advance Series stars Brett Hearn, Matt Sheppard, Dale Planck and Gary Tomkins along with Western Pa. hotshoe Jeremiah Shingledecker own six wins apiece. Alan Johnson has scored five victories while Advance Series standouts Jimmy Phelps (4) and Frankie Caprara (3) rank ahead of two-time winners Steve Paine, Central New York runner Steve Hulsizer, Lebanon Valley regulars Kenny Tremont, Andy Bachetti and Ryan Larkin, defending Orange County Eastern States 200 champion Jeff Heotzler and popular Pennsylvania pilot Del Rougeux Jr. Advance Series runners Justin Haers, Pat O’Brien and 15 year-old sensation Larry Wight are among 39 more drivers having reached victory lane once heading down the stretch.
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: 1980-8/17/08 (611 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
47 Alan Johnson Ransomville, 6/27/80 Cayuga County, 9/2/07
47 Billy Decker Lebanon Valley, 9/18/88 Brewerton, 8/15/08
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
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 Andy Bachetti Lebanon Valley, 8/5/04 Lebanon Valley, 9/11/04
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 1983-8/17/08 (235 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
35 Billy Decker NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/01 Georgetown, 7/17/08
21 Tim McCreadie Rolling Wheels, 7/4/00 Cayuga County, 5/29/05
17 Tim Fuller New Egypt, 6/20/02 New Egypt, 10/13/07
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
7 Alan Johnson Cayuga County, 5/26/02 Rolling Wheels, 9/4/06
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-Aug 31 Cayuga Co. Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Pk D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway Fronts Optional, Hard/D400 or Extra on rear
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Pk D200, Soft/D300 or Hard/D400
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 will play 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 Banquet in November. 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, earning a series-best total of 38 Integra Shocks Fast Time awards during the past two decades.
Drivers will continue to draw for their order in the ‘Integra Shocks Time Trials’ at nearly every Advance Series stop, 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’ winner will collect $100 and five (5) bonus points and the top-three heat race finishers will earn additional bonus points as follows: 1st-5 pts, 2nd-3 pts, 3rd-1 pt. With this inversion format in place, a driver can now 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 will continue to be in effect throughout the summer, with season-ending events at the New York State Fairgrounds and Orange County Fair Speedway 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 and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park host the initial “200s” 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, Benjamin Moore Paints National 200 presented by Budweiser at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 6 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, the Rite Aid 200 winner automatically earns seventh-place on the Eastern States 200 starting grid.
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 are once again up for grabs and in 2008 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-Sunoco Race Fuels 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.
Advance Series Twin-Bill On DIRT Radio Network During Holiday: For those fans unable to attend either Cayuga County or Rolling Wheels this weekend to see the ground-pounding 800-horsepower Big-Block Modifieds in their Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series shows August 31-September 1, they can log into www.dirtvision.com each evening to hear all the action “LIVE” on the DIRT Radio Network presented by BUTLERbuilt. Listeners can tune into LIVE audio coverage of the on-line show with all the action starting with Integra Shocks Time Trial coverage (6:15pm-Cayuga County, 5:15pm-Rolling Wheels), moving to heat races and then an action-packed feature event. Cheer for your favorite driver, along with the 20,000 registered members who enjoy LIVE Racing coverage on the DIRT Radio 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!!!
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, DIRT 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 DIRT organization is proud to retain the company as a valued partner in the timing and scoring of all DIRTcar Racing events.
UPCOMING EVENT
Following the big holiday doubleheader in Central New, top tour travelers head east to the Capital District for the first 200-lap Advance Series show of the year at Lebanon Valley Speedway on Saturday, September 6. Budweiser presents the Benjamin Moore Paints National 200, which stands as the initial leg of the Advance Series ‘Grand Slam’ scheduled in 2008.
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 Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
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.
