WHAT
Continuing the celebration of its 10th consecutive year of partnership, the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series kicks off March 22 at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway with the $6,000-to-win 100-lap Big-Block Modified main event headlining the ‘North-South Shootout’ across the Mason-Dixon line. The 2008 edition of the Advance Series features point events in four states and two Canadian provinces with 24 extra-distance races spread across the region running from March through October.
WHERE
Hagerstown Speedway is located 6 miles West of Hagerstown on US Route 40 (Old National Pike). Take I-81 to Huyett’s Exit #6B then Route 40 West; track is located four miles on right.
WHEN
Hagerstown pit gates will swing open at 3 p.m. and grandstand seating is scheduled to begin at 4 o’clock. Big-Block Modified Integra Shocks Time Trials follow 5:30 p.m. practice with qualifying heats coming immediately after.
TICKETS
Adult General Admission grandstand tickets at Hagerstown are $25 for adults ($30 reserved) and pit passes cost $30 each. For more information, contact Hagerstown Speedway at 301/582-0640. All tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day.
WEB SITES
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series is at http://www.superdirtcarseries.com.
Hagerstown Speedway is at http://www.hagerstownspeedway.com.
Dirtvision is at http://www.dirtvision.com.
DIRTcar Racing is at http://www.dirtcar.com.
All remain accessible 24-hours daily.
ABOUT THE TRACK
Featuring Late Model, Late Model Sportsman and Pure Stock classes every Saturday throughout the summer, Hagerstown Speedway is a true 1/2 mile track with straight-aways over 900 ft. long & 70 ft. wide. The track is 90 ft. wide in the turns and the racing surface is made of the finest red clay in the nation. The smooth, wide surface makes Hagerstown one of the fastest and safest dirt tracks in the U.S. on which to race. The Integra Shocks Fast Timer four of the six years running, Billy Decker established the single lap record in an Advance Auto Parts Series event when he circled the track in 19.016 seconds (94.657 mph) on June 23, 2005.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
The competition has been fierce in the initial events staged at Hagerstown as last year the fifth different winner in six trips was crowned and only five drivers have repeated their finish among the front-five. With rain canceling two of the eight events —even delaying the ‘05 race until June— scheduled at Hagerstown beginning in 2000, defending champion Tim Fuller, Brett Hearn (2006), Alan Johnson (2005), Gary Tomkins (2004, 2002) and Steve Paine (2001) have made their way to the winner’s circle; all are slated to return in 2008. Since the ‘01 Series debut in Maryland, 80 drivers have qualified for feature race competition with Hearn (7.7 ave. finish), Johnson (8.0), Billy Decker (8.5), Paine (9.3), Vic Coffey (10.5) and Fuller (10.8) the only drivers to make the starting grid all six years.
ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SUPER DIRTcar SERIES
Hagerstown Speedway (6 Evts)
DATE LAPS FIRST – SECOND – THIRD – FOURTH – FIFTH
3/31/07 105 Tim Fuller – Brett Hearn – Gary Tomkins – Billy Decker – Rick Laubach
3/25/06 100 Brett Hearn – Alan Johnson – Billy Decker – Kenny Tremont – Frank Cozze
6/23/05 100 Alan Johnson – Pat Ward – Matt Sheppard – Vic Coffey – Chad Brachmann
3/27/04 100 Gary Tomkins – Tim Fuller – Brett Hearn – Billy Decker – Jerry Higbie
3/29/03 100 -RAIN-
3/30/02 100 Gary Tomkins – Bob McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Tim Fuller – Billy Decker
3/31/01 100 Steve Paine – Jack Johnson – Danny Johnson – Tim McCreadie – Jimmy Horton
4/8/00 100 -RAIN-
INTEGRA SHOCKS
YEAR FAST QUALIFIER TIME AVE. SPEED
2007 Billy Decker 19.135 sec. 94.068 mph
2006 Billy Decker 19.391 sec. 92.827 mph
2005 Billy Decker *19.016 sec. 94.657 mph
2004 Bucky Kell 19.054 sec. 94.468 mph
2003 -RAIN-
2002 Billy Decker 19.275 sec. 93.385 mph
2001 Chuck Bower 19.466 sec. 92.469 mph
2000 -RAIN-
*Track Record
TRACK HISTORY
Once a relatively unknown race track, Hagerstown Speedway has been transformed by current owner Frank Plessinger into one of the most respected facilities in the country. The prized piece of property was initially named Conococheague —after the creek that borders the backstretch— Speedway when construction began in 1946 under the direction of Stanley Schtrompf. The first race was held the following year and after just a half-dozen seasons the track was sold to local businessman Ed Geotz. Another ownership change took place in the mid-1950s and the trio of Wayne and Allen Stouffer and colleague Adrian Durham remained intact for two decades thereafter. Jack Gunn assumed promotion in 1975 and added Hagerstown to the KARS circuit. Gunn’s passing in 1980 opened the door for Plessinger —at the time owner of P&W Excavating— and the storied half-miler has prospered ever since. In 1983 Hagerstown gained national recognition when it became the first track to offer a $50,000-to-win race. When Plessinger officially purchased the track the following year he introduced Speedweek which for the first time ever presented Sprints, Late Models and Modifieds on the same program that boasted a $200,000 total purse. Today, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified and World of Outlaws Late Model Series events continue to attract out-of-state travelers to Hagerstown with both tour stops regarded among the annual track highlights.
All-time Advance Auto Parts Series winner Brett Hearn is also the winningest Modified driver in Hagerstown history, with the ’08 season-opener in Maryland marking the 100th event run since 1983. Hearn has won nearly a quarter of the main events staged there, with the latest victory on March 2 his 23rd career triumph. Series star Billy Decker’s lone win came in a 100-lap Small-Block event while Matt Sheppard captured a pair of century grinds on the same day to make history during Octoberfest Weekend in 2004. Jimmy Phelps is riding a one-race win streak after copping the 30-lap Big-Block Modified finale this past Saturday at the Plessinger speedplant.
Hagerstown Speedway – All-Time Modified Feature Winners (1983-3/15/08)
*Total includes 76 Big-Block events.
WINS DRIVER FIRST LAST
23 Brett Hearn 8/24/84 3/2/08
12 Doug Hoffman 9/30/90 10/27/02
10 Bob McCreadie 3/11/90 10/2/94
7 Billy Pauch 10/23/88 10/31/99
5 Kenny Brightbill 5/20/84 10/27/02
4 Craig VonDohren 9/29/91 3/25/01
3 Frank Cozze 10/15/89 3/16/97
3 Mike Romano 3/24/96 3/27/99
3 J.R. Heffner 10/29/00 10/30/05
2 Jack Johnson 8/23/85 3/4/90
2 Roger Laureno 4/5/92 3/26/00
2 Gary Tomkins 3/30/02 3/27/04
2 Matt Sheppard 10/31/04 10/31/04
2 Alan Johnson 3/23/03 6/23/05
1 Freddy Brightbill 6/26/83
1 Ray Bateman Jr. 3/12/89
1 Lou Blaney 3/12/89
1 Scott Irwin 10/15/95
1 Bruce Kline 3/16/97
1 Jeff Strunk 3/1/98
1 Deron Rust 3/27/99
1 Mitch Gibbs 10/31/99
1 Steve Paine 3/31/01
1 Todd Burley 10/28/01
1 Jamie Mills 2/24/02
1 Andy Bachetti 10/26/03
1 Brian Weaver 10/26/03
1 Keith Hoffman 3/7/04
1 Billy Decker 10/29/06
1 Danny Johnson 10/29/06
1 Rick Laubach 3/25/07
1 Tim Fuller 3/31/07
1 Kevin Hirthler 10/28/07
1 Wade Hendrickson 10/28/07
1 Jimmy Phelps 3/15/08
NEWS & NOTES
2008 Mr. DIRTcar Championship On The Line: The overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels 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.
2007 Overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Modified/
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (FINAL Top-50)
®-Rookie
Rank No. Driver Points Series Bonus Diff. Wins Top-5 Top-10 Starts
1 20 BRETT HEARN 3,493 2,293 1200 0 7 17 26 32
2 19 Tim Fuller 3,473 2,273 1200 -20 3 20 31 32
3 91 Billy Decker 3,325 2,125 1200 -168 4 16 24 32
4 98H Jimmy Phelps 3,247 2,047 1200 -246 1 16 25 32
5 7x Steve Paine 3,071 1,871 1200 -422 1 7 20 32
6 77x Dale Planck 2,962 1,762 1200 -531 1 4 18 32
7 44s Matt Sheppard 2,881 1,681 1200 -612 1 5 18 31
8 27J Danny Johnson 2,850 1,650 1200 -643 4 9 14 30
9 84 Gary Tomkins 2,730 1,530 1200 -763 3 8 15 31
10 49 Billy Dunn 2,532 1,332 1200 -961 0 1 7 30
11 44c Frank Cozze 2,505 1,305 1200 -988 1 3 8 27
12 3 Justin Haers 2,317 1,217 1200 -1,176 0 1 10 25
13 99 Ryan Phelps 1,984 784 1200 -1,509 0 1 5 19
14 99b Chuck Bower 1,748 548 1200 -1,745 0 0 1 17
15 60 Kenny Stafford 1,741 541 1200 -1,752 0 0 0 15
16 115 Kenny Tremont 1,643 443 1200 -1,850 0 2 3 5
17 32c Vic Coffey 1,642 442 1200 -1,851 1 5 13 23
18 26 Ryan Godown 1,602 402 1200 -1,891 0 1 3 7
19 6 Pat O’Brien 1,588 388 1200 -1,905 1 1 3 8
20 98 Eddie Marshall 1,547 347 1200 -1,946 0 1 3 3
21 45J Wayne Jelley 1,527 327 1200 -1,966 0 0 1 6
22 15 Brett Tonkin 1,522 322 1200 -1,971 0 0 0 10
23 42 Jimmy Horton 1,515 315 1200 -1,978 0 0 1 7
24 16 Mike Bowman® 1,510 310 1200 -1,983 0 0 1 12
25 18 Sean Beardsley 1,494 294 1200 -1,999 0 0 0 10
26 21J Jeff Trombley 1,459 259 1200 -2,034 0 1 2 3
27 24 Chris Shultz 1,447 247 1200 -2,046 0 0 0 5
28 74 J.R. Heffner 1,440 240 1200 -2,053 0 1 1 3
29 43 Keith Flach 1,439 239 1200 -2,054 0 0 1 3
30 56 Vince Vitale 1,432 232 1200 -2,061 0 0 0 7
31 Z Butch Tittle 1,429 229 1200 -2,064 0 0 0 6
32 02 Roy Bresnahan®1,414 214 1200 -2,079 0 0 0 7
33 X Chad Phelps 1,409 209 1200 -2,084 0 0 0 7
34 51m Keith Hoffman® 1,404 204 1200 -2,089 1 2 3 3
35 121 Joe Beyea 1,402 202 1200 -2,091 0 0 0 9
36 21 Derrick Podsiadlo1,398 198 1200 -2,095 0 0 0 7
37 66 Jeff Heotzler 1,394 194 1200 -2,099 1 1 1 2
38 10E Rich Eurich 1,382 182 1200 -2,111 0 1 1 2
39 88 Steve Hulsizer 1,375 175 1200 -2,118 0 0 0 6
40 87 Hector Stratton 1,365 165 1200 -2,128 0 0 1 2
41 60 Brian Berger 1,363 163 1200 -2,130 0 0 1 2
42 8 Rob Bellinger® 1,346 146 1200 -2,147 0 0 0 6
43 42B Kevin Bates 1,344 144 1200 -2,149 0 0 2 20
44 71 David VanHorn 1,342 142 1200 -2,151 0 0 0 4
45 91h Chad Homan 1,340 140 1200 -2,153 0 0 0 5
46 33.3 Tommy Meier 1,338 138 1200 -2,155 0 0 0 3
47 7J Jeff Isabell 1,336 136 1200 -2,157 0 0 0 3
48 5 Chuck McKee 1,321 121 1200 -2,172 0 0 1 2
49 7 Ron Jon Koczon®1,320 120 1200 -2,173 0 0 0 3
50 3 Sam Martz® 1,320 120 1200 -2,173 0 0 1 3
51 20 Matt Quinn 1,320 120 1200 -2,173 0 0 0 2
Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Champions
YEAR CHAMPION (wins) MSS/G-FORCE 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: 1980-2007 (593 events / 44 tracks / 66 drivers)
WINS DRIVER FIRST WIN LAST WIN
98 Brett Hearn Lebanon Valley, 7/15/81 Rolling Wheels, 9/22/07
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
39 Billy Decker Lebanon Valley, 9/18/88 Rolling Wheels, 9/22/07
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
16 Jimmy Horton Lebanon Valley, 7/8/80 Susquehanna, 6/15/06
15 Gary Tomkins Hagerstown, 3/30/02 Rolling Wheels, 9/22/07
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
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 Matt Sheppard Drummond, 7/12/04 New Egypt, 10/13/07
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 Jimmy Phelps Brewerton, 8/30/06 Rolling Wheels, 9/3/07
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 Dale Planck Cornwall, 7/9/06 Brewerton, 8/3/07
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
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Integra Shocks Fast Timers 1983-2007 (219 events / 32 tracks / 45 drivers)
EVTS DRIVER FIRST FAST TIME LAST FAST TIME
38 Brett Hearn Orange County, 10/24/86 Orange County, 10/21/07
32 Billy Decker NYS Fairgrounds, 7/3/01 Lebanon Valley, 8/11/07
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
14 Steve Paine Canandaigua, 9/1/99 Rolling Wheels, 9/22/07
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
4 Jimmy Phelps Drummond, 7/11/05 NYS Fairgrounds, 10/7/07
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 Fairgrnds, 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 Dale Planck Drummond, 7/10/06 Brewerton, 8/3/07
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 Duane Howard Grandview, 7/18/07
1 Ryan Phelps Cayuga County, 9/2/07
2008 Big-Block Season Underway: The Advance Auto Parts Series non-point lid-lifters during the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in February already featured many top touring drivers along with a number of those contracted to compete during the 2008 campaign. Brett Hearn and Dale Planck each scored a win with Hearn clinching a tie with Billy Pauch (1 win) for his seventh Florida Tour title ahead of Alan Johnson (3rd), Dale Planck (5th), Matt Sheppard (6th) and Jimmy Phelps (7th) while ’07 winter champion Danny Johnson settled for 27th-place. Back up north, Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway hosts the first points event on March 22 and Orange County Fair (NY) Speedway is slated to run the season-finale on October 19. Hearn and Phelps have each scored early season Big-Block feature wins at Hagerstown, the 18th of Hearn’s career in Maryland and Phelps first-ever.
Past Races Received Rave Reviews: With six events in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series record book at Hagerstown during the new millennium, the cream of the DIRTcar Big-Block Modified crop has risen to the top every spring. Last March, eventual Mr. DIRTcar runner-up Tim Fuller dominated the action to score his first Series triumph in the Old Line State. Second-place finisher Brett Hearn edged Gary Tomkins on the last circuit in a race that was extended to 105 laps while Decker settled for fourth ahead of Bert Hard Charger Rick Laubach, who started 26th in the 30-car feature field.
It all began when Steve Paine forged the fourth and final lead change with 10 laps to go, then held off Jack and Danny Johnson to score the initial win in 2001. Gary Tomkins charged from 16th to first in 45 laps and overtook runner-up Bob McCreadie to register his first career victory in Advance Auto Parts tour competition in the ’02 edition before Alan Johnson steered a back-up car in the rain-delayed 2005 finale to cop his first-ever big-block triumph at Hagerstown. In ‘06, all-time tour winner Brett Hearn held off veterans Alan Johnson and Billy Decker in a blanket finish. In between, heralded as one of the greatest Super DIRTcar Series shootouts of all time, Tomkins’ win in March of ’04 came following an Advance Series race record 16 lead changes. The final 36 laps were run non-stop under green flag conditions with Tomkins and Fuller trading the point on five occasions. Despite Fuller holding nearly a half straightaway lead with five laps to go, the final exchange came with the white flag flying and Tomkins nosing ahead as the DIRT duo dragged down the front stretch. The lead pair exited the final turn and Tomkins, who continued to use the low line around the speedway, inched ahead of the high-flying Fuller —who had the right-rear tire shredding— in traffic to score the dramatic victory by a single car-length.
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, Coors National 200 at Lebanon Valley on Sept. 6 and World Series Weekend 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 Coors National 200 at the West Lebanon (NY) oval with another $10-grand on the line for the Rolling Wheels 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 From 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.
Andrews To Address DIRTcar Nation: Nationally recognized SPEED commentator and popular track public address announcer Shane Andrews will take to the road in 2008 as the official voice of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for a third consecutive year. In addition to traveling the DIRTcar NorthEast circuit and carrying out his accustomed weekend announcing duties, Andrews will also be a regular host heard on the DIRT Radio Network. Fans will again be able to listen to nearly every Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event LIVE on the DIRT Radio Network in 2008. With microphone back in hand, Andrews helped kick off DIRTcar’s 33rd straight season during the recent Alltel DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park and will send off the Big-Blocks in Hagerstown’s North-South Shootout on Saturday.
Andrews, 36, will provide more than a decade of experience to each broadcast. He has also supplied voice over play-by-play of weekly racing action while sharing P.A. announcing chores at nearly 20 speedways throughout the Northeast. Recent assignments have been as a color analyst for a dozen televised World of Outlaws Late Model Series events staged across the United States and carried by SPEED, as well as the ‘World Finals’ staged last November at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
DIRT Radio Network Heads To Hagerstown: If fans can’t make the trip to Maryland, the DIRT Radio Network presented by BUTLERbuilt travels to Hagerstown Speedway for the opening round of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series. On March 22 listeners will be able to tune in to LIVE audio coverage from Hagerstown as program host and SPEED personality Shane Andrews brings you all the action generated by the ground-pounding 800-horsepower Big-Block Modifieds. From Integra Shocks Time Trials to victory lane on Saturday, LIVE audio starts at approximately 6:00 p.m. ET with qualifying, heat races and a $6,000-to-win 100-lap feature headlining the show. Cheer for your favorite driver, along with the 20,000 registered members who enjoy LIVE Racing coverage on the DIRT Radio Network.
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 our LIVE Cybercasts, click on the “FAQ” menu for tips and requirements for viewing the DIRTVision Cybercast. 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 6 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 NorthEast. 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 DIRTcar Racing’s ongoing effort to assist every member track affiliate with presenting the best possible race programs, World Racing Group has teamed with AMB i.t. which continues to be recognized as the Official Timing System of DIRTcar NorthEast. AMB i.t. is the world’s leader in automatic race timing and scoring systems and WRG is proud to retain the company as a valued partner in the timing and scoring of all sanctioned events.
UPCOMING EVENT
Following the scheduled tour opener at Hagerstown, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series race chasers make their return trip to the Old Dominion State to begin the month of May. The stop at Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway will mark just the second-ever series event staged at the popular Jamaica, Virginia oval since the tour originated in 1980. The 2008 race format at VMS concludes with a 60-lap feature race finale for the Big-Blocks with a lucrative sum $10,000 saved for the winner.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUAL. (Site)
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 Hagerstown,MD
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Jamaica,VA
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway Fulton,NY
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville,NY
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway Brockville,ONT
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Granby,QUE
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville,QUE
Sun-Jul 13 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway Bechtelsville,PA
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Thorold,ONT
Fri-Aug 8 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
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 Fairgrnds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
-TBA- Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is the second-largest retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, based on store count and sales. As of October 6, 2007, the company operated 3,228 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.
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, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional partners include AMB i.t., Rite Aid Corporation and the University of Northwestern Ohio and the contingency sponsors are Bert Transmission, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Crane Cams, Integra Shocks, MSD Ignitions, Motorsports Safety Systems, Penske Shocks and Wrisco Industries.
