Weedsport, NY — May 20, 2008 — By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
WHAT
The 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series returns to action this week with Ferris Mowers presenting the big $6,000-to-win ‘Hall of Fame 76’ that headlines the annual holiday showdown May 25 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y. The festive Memorial Day Weekend race program at ‘The Port’ includes DIRTcar Sportsman Modified and UMP Street Stock racing plus a Midstate Vintage Stock Car Club exhibition.
WHERE
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.
WHEN
Warm-ups are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by Integra Shocks Modified Time Trials at 5:45 p.m, Qualifying heats start at 7:15 following a ‘Meet the Stars’ autograph session on the frontstretch at 6:30. Pit gates will unlock at 3:30 p.m. and the main grandstands open at 5 o’clock.
TICKETS
Adult general admission grandstand tickets are $20 each, Senior Citizens (65 yrs + over) $18, Students (10-14 yrs) $5 and Children (9 yrs. + under) Free. For more information, contact Cayuga County at 315/834-6606. General Admission tickets and pit passes will be available at the gate on race day. Camping on the fairgrounds is allowed for a minimal fee of $10 which includes electrical hook-up.
WEB SITES
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series is at http://www.superdirtcarseries.com.
Cayuga County Fair Speedway is at http://www.cayugacountyfairspeedway.com.
Dirtvision.com™ Cybercast is at http://www.dirtvision.com.
All remain accessible 24-hours daily.
ABOUT THE TRACK
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 Sept. 3, 2006; Johnson also set fast time of 15.687 seconds (86.059 mph) for the Hall of Fame Classic on May 26, 2002. Jimmy Phelps is the defending Cayuga County season points champion while touring star Steve Paine is the current Big-Block points leader. Advance Series star ‘Super Matt’ Sheppard captured the ’08 season-opener in Weedsport with Alan Johnson taking the only other Modified checkered flag at The Port this season.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Since the Northeast Modified Hall of Fame & Classic Car Museum was christened in 1992, 15 Hall of Fame Classics have been run at Cayuga County with Twin 53s held last summer (rescheduled from May due to rain) while the 1995 headliner was completely washed out. 100-lappers have been part of the Advance Auto Parts Series schedule since the start of the new millennium with this year’s main event slated to cover a 76-lap distance. Defending race winners Danny Johnson (4 wins) and Tim Fuller (2) have copped multiple HoF main events along with all-time DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Big-Block winner Alan Johnson, 2004 Mr. DIRT champion Gary Tomkins and Tim McCreadie, all with two apiece. Inaugural victor Steve Paine, Dave Lape, Bob McCreadie and Billy Decker have also added their names to the first-place trophy. Since Cayuga County hosted its first tour event in 1980, 14 drivers have reached the winner’s circle with Danny Johnson (8), Bob McCreadie (7), Alan Johnson (5), Jack Johnson (4), Tim McCreadie (3), Decker (3) and Fuller (3) accounting for all but eight of those victories in the 41 extra-distance events run. Defending Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion Brett Hearn has two Advance Series wins at The Port.
Northeast Modified Hall of Fame Classic Big-Block Modified Winners
DATE LAPS FIRST – SECOND – THIRD – FOURTH – FIFTH
8/19/07 53 Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn – Jimmy Phelps – Steve Paine – Tim Fuller
8/19/07 53 Tim Fuller – Billy Dunn – Billy Decker – Jimmy Phelps – Justin Haers
5/28/06 100 Danny Johnson – Gary Tomkins – Tim Fuller – Vic Coffey – Pat Ward
5/29/05 100 Tim Fuller – Billy Decker – Bob McCreadie – Pat Ward – Gary Tomkins
5/30/04 100 Gary Tomkins – Brett Hearn – Billy Decker – Steve Paine – Jimmy Phelps
5/25/03 100 Alan Johnson – Billy Decker – Pat Ward – Brett Hearn – Tim Fuller
5/26/02 100 Tim McCreadie – Danny Johnson – Alan Johnson – Kenny Tremont – Gary Tomkins
7/5/01 100 Tim McCreadie – Tom Sears,Jr. – Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn – Billy Decker
5/28/00 100 Danny Johnson – Todd Milton – Alan Johnson – Pat Ward – Chuck Bower
5/30/99 75 Billy Decker – Kenny Tremont – Alan Johnson – Gary Tomkins – Danny Johnson
5/24/98 75 Gary Tomkins – Alan Johnson – Jimmy Horton – Billy Decker – Tim McCreadie
5/25/97 75 Danny Johnson – Steve Paine – Bob McCreadie – Joe Plazek – Billy Decker
5/26/96 75 Alan Johnson – Doug Hoffman – Joe Plazek – Danny Johnson – Pat Ward
5/28/95 75 -RAIN-
5/29/94 75 Bob McCreadie – Alan Johnson – Steve Paine – Danny Johnson – Brett Hearn
4/4/93 75 Dave Lape – Jeff Trombley – Kenny Tremont – Charlie Donk – Steve Paine
4/12/92 75 Steve Paine – Danny Johnson – Mike Colsten – Billy Decker – Kenny Tremont
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 have been 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.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Point Standings (Through May 4, 2008)
Rank No. Driver Total Series Diff Wins Top-5 Top-10 Starts
1 20 Brett Hearn 206 206 0 0 3 3 3
2 9s Matt Sheppard 186 186 -20 1 1 2 3
3 91 Billy Decker 184 184 -22 1 2 3 3
4 7x Steve Paine 181 181 -25 0 2 2 3
5 98h Jimmy Phelps 173 173 -33 0 1 3 3
6 84 Gary Tomkins 171 171 -35 0 1 3 3
7 77x Dale Planck 163 163 -43 1 1 2 3
8 27J Danny Johnson 155 155 -51 0 1 2 3
9 FX1 Frankie Caprara 144 144 -62 0 0 2 3
10 3 Justin Haers 137 137 -69 0 0 2 3
11 14J Alan Johnson 128 128 -78 0 0 1 3
12 99 Ryan Phelps 127 127 -79 0 0 1 3
13 99L Larry Wight 116 116 -90 0 0 1 3
14 4 Duane Howard 105 105 -101 0 1 1 1
15 29 Jeff Brownell Jr. 101 101 -105 0 0 0 3
16 49 Billy Dunn 94 94 -112 0 0 0 3
17 79 Mike Storms 92 92 -114 0 0 0 3
18 42B Kevin Bates 91 91 -115 0 0 0 3
19 6 Pat O’Brien 91 91 -115 0 0 0 3
20 56 Vince Vitale 67 67 -139 0 0 0 2
21 1w Billy Pauch 66 66 -140 0 0 1 1
22 15x Billy Pauch Jr. 63 63 -143 0 0 0 1
23 85 Wade Hendrickson 62 62 -144 0 0 1 1
24 71 David VanHorn Jr. 59 59 -147 0 0 0 1
25 14 Rich Laubach 54 54 -152 0 0 0 1
26 99b Chuck Bower 53 53 -153 0 0 0 2
27 11j Sean Beardsley 50 50 -156 0 0 0 2
28 20R Josh Richards 48 48 -158 0 0 0 1
29 8 Rob Bellinger 46 46 -160 0 0 0 2
30 16 Mike Bowman 45 45 -161 0 0 0 2
31 21 Derrick Podsiadlo 44 44 -162 0 0 0 2
32 5 Jason Potter 43 43 -163 0 0 0 2
33 43 Keith Flach 43 43 -163 0 0 0 2
34 39w Steve Downs 42 42 -164 0 0 0 1
35 357 Stewart Friesen 41 41 -165 0 0 0 1
36 62s Tom Sears Jr. 40 40 -166 0 0 0 2
37 44 Shannon Whaley 40 40 -166 0 0 0 2
38 19 Tim Fuller 40 40 -166 0 0 0 1
39 43 Jimmy Horton IV 40 40 -166 0 0 0 1
40 777 Kevin Bolland 40 40 -166 0 0 0 1
41 48T Dave Rauscher 35 35 -171 0 0 0 1
42 88 Steve Hulsizer 25 25 -181 0 0 0 1
43 1 Darwin Greene 20 20 -186 0 0 0 0
44 22 Rick Wegner Jr. 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
45 19h Chris Higgins 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
46 37c Eric Fisher 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
47 09 Kyle Lewis 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
48 14R Ryan Odaz 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
49 13 Tony Steiner 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
50 11J Alan Fink 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
51 7 Paul Guererri 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
52 7J Joe Isabell 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
53 29H Kenny Wallace 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
54 7J Joe Isabell 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
55 HR2 Jimmy Horton 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
56 37X Tom Scheetz Jr. 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
57 M40 Mark Forte Jr. 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
58 40 Mark Forte 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
59 8 Rich Scagliotta 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
60 10 Kyle Strickler 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
61 15 Brett Tonkin 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
62 13 Greg Monica 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
63 7a Chic Cossaboone 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
64 30 Jamie Mills 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
65 R2 Rusty Smith 10 10 -196 0 0 0 0
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-Paine, 19-Planck
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
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
NEWS & NOTES
The Stars Align: The Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series always attracts the best Big-Block Modified teams from around the entire DIRTcar Racing NorthEast circuit. When the heavy haulers roll into Cayuga County Fair Speedway for the Hall of Fame Classic on May 25 another all-star field will be lining pit road. To make the 2008 edition even more memorable, fans in attendance are invited to participate in a special ‘Meet the Stars’ autograph session to be held on the front stretch beginning at 6:30 pm. Fans of all ages will want to take advantage of this rare opportunity to get up close and personal with today’s biggest stars and take home an autograph or snap-shot to commemorate this truly landmark occasion.
Cayuga County Home For Northeast Modified Hall of Fame: Popular Floridian Wayne Reutimann, New Jersey favorite Carl VanHorn and former National Champion Dick Nephew will be inducted into the Northeast Modified Hall of Fame & Classic Car Museum on Memorial Day Weekend ‘08. These three driving greats add their names to a growing list of Modified legends that was started in 1992 when the building was officially opened to the public. Many more potential Hall of Fame candidates will be in competition later that same day, giving those fans in attendance a glimpse of what may lie ahead a decade from now. Leading the way are a number of past Hall of Fame Classic champions that help comprise the list of drivers making a tour committment in ’08, however, not one is eligible for induction until the year 2012! Also receiving special recognition on Hall of Fame Sunday will be Leonard J. Sammons Jr. Outstanding Contributions to Auto Racing Award winners Joe Marotta and the late Jack Burgess, Gene DeWitt Outstanding Car Owner Award recipient Carl Myers and Mechanic of the Year Charlie Langenstein. Co-recipients of the seventh annual Gater Racing News Outstanding Woman in Racing Award are Zelda Reakes and Marilyn Toal.
2007 Hall Of Classic Review: Twin 53s —commemorating the 53rd straight season of stock car racing at the storied Weedsport oval— highlighted the holiday event yet rain forced DIRTcar officials to postpone the Sunday show until August. The three-month delay did little to affect former Cayuga County point champions Danny Johnson and Tim Fuller as the seasoned veterans bested stellar fields en route to their respective $3,000 victories. Johnson took advantage of the first yellow flag on lap 37 to erase a 2.5-second advantage by leader Jimmy Phelps, then swept around the team Troyer driver three laps later and held off a late bid by Advance Auto Parts Series points leader Brett Hearn to score the popular victory steering the Thompson Motorsports no. 27J Chiefs Tobacco & Gas machine. Phelps maintained third despite a lap 52 caution period bunching the field, with Steve Paine and Fuller filling out the front-five. In the 53-lap nightcap, front row starter Billy Dunn out-gunned pole-sitter Justin Haers to set the early pace with the front four rows inverted to start round two after Johnson drew #8. Fourth-place starter Fuller needed 23 laps to track down Dunn before scoring his second Advance Auto Parts Series win in two nights steering the JL Motorsports no. 19 Chiefs Tobacco & Gas-G&R Auto Parts/TEO entry. Billy Decker settled for third-place in front of Phelps and Haers.
Early Season Winners: With unseasonably cool and rainy weather conditions continuing to hamper the DIRTcar Racing NorthEast circuit in ‘08, a dozen tracks have hosted Big-Block Modified races with 16 drivers scoring victories in the 31 features run. 1998 Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block titleholder Billy Decker has claimed eight checkered flags to double the count of defending Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion Brett Hearn (4) while Pennsylvanian Kevin Bolland (3) and Advance Auto Parts Series mainstays Dale Planck, Matt Sheppard and Alan Johnson are the only other repeat winners. Advance Series travelers Gary Tomkins and Justin Haers, Alltel DIRTcar Nationals Florida Tour winners Billy Pauch and Jimmy Horton, Lebanon Valley standouts Andy Bachetti, Kenny Tremont and Paul Gilardi, Orange County regular Chuck McKee and Western Pa. drivers Jeremiah Shingledecker and Brian Swartzlander have each reached victory lane once heading into Memorial Day Weekend.
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: 1980-5/4/08 (596 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
40 Billy Decker Lebanon Valley, 9/18/88 Rolling Wheels, 5/4/08
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
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
5 Matt Sheppard Drummond, 7/12/04 Virginia, 5/1/08
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
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
3 Dale Planck Cornwall, 7/9/06 Rolling Wheels, 5/4/08
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 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
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified Fast Timers 1983-5/4/08 (221 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
3 Dale Planck Drummond, 7/10/06 Rolling Wheels, 5/4/08
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
Previous CCFS Series Winners: 2007 – Billy Decker & Alan Johnson on Sept. 2, Danny Johnson & Tim Fuller on Aug. 19; 2006 – Alan Johnson on Sept. 3, Danny Johnson on May 28; 2005 – Pat Ward on Sept. 4, Tim Fuller on May 29; 2004 – Tim Fuller on Sept. 5, Gary Tomkins on May 30; 2003 – Billy Decker on Aug. 31, Alan Johnson on May 25; 2002 – Alan Johnson on Sept. 1, Tim McCreadie on May 26; 2001 – Tim McCreadie on Sept. 2, Tim McCreadie on July 5; 2000 – Billy Decker on Sept. 3, Danny Johnson on May 28; 1999 – Bob McCreadie on Sept. 5; 1998 – Danny Johnson on Sept. 6; 1997 – Bob McCreadie on Aug. 31; 1996 – Danny Johnson on Sept. 1; 1995 – Bob McCreadie on Sept. 3; 1994 – Bob McCreadie on Sept. 4; 1993 – Brett Hearn on Aug. 18; 1992 – Danny Johnson on Sept. 13; 1991 – Steve Paine on Sept. 8; 1990 – Brett Hearn on July 31; 1989 – Kenny Brightbill on Sept. 24, Danny Johnson on Aug. 20; 1988 – Jack Johnson on Sept. 11; 1987 – Bob McCreadie on Sept. 13; 1986 – Danny Johnson on Sept. 7; 1985 – Bob McCreadie on Sept. 8; 1984 – Bob McCreadie on Sept. 9; 1983 – Jack Johnson on Sept. 18; 1982 – Alan Johnson on Sept. 12; 1981 – Merv Treichler on Sept. 20, Will Cagle on Aug. 12; 1980 – Jack Johnson on Sept. 21, Jack Johnson on July 16.
Previous CCFS Series Fast Timers: 2007 – Ryan Phelps (15.706 sec.) on Sept. 2, Brett Hearn (15.823 sec.) on Aug. 19; 2006 – Alan Johnson (15.647 sec.) on Sept. 3, Steve Paine (15.868) on May 28; 2005 – Matt Sheppard (15.929) on Sept. 4, Tim McCreadie (15.924) on May 29; 2004 – Billy Decker (16.178) on Sept. 5, Tim McCreadie (16.050) on May 30; 2003 – Steve Paine (15.771) on Aug. 31, Steve Paine (15.701) on May 25; 2002 – Billy Decker (15.668) on Sept. 1, Alan Johnson (15.687) on May 26; 2001 – Gary Tomkins (18.266) on Sept. 2, Steve Paine (16.068) on July 5; 2000 – Chuck Bower (16.008) on Sept. 3, Chuck Bower (16.218) on May 28; 1999 – Bob McCreadie (16.458) on Sept. 5.
Revamped Mr. DIRTcar Championship Format Underway: 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.
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 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.
Cayuga County Action Seen & Heard World-Wide: If fans can’t make the trip to Weedsport on Sunday, DIRTVision.com is set to bring home a ‘Live’ dose of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series from Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Make sure to tune in on May 25th at 7:30pm for live video coverage of the Hall of Fame 76. For only $8.99 you can watch all the action of the Advance Series for Big-Blocks and the companion DIRTcar Sportsman Modified division.
To sign up just log on to DIRTVision.com, click on subscription tab, fill out the information and you’re off to the races. Each event will be available on a pay-per-view basis. To watch the Hall of Fame 76 from Cayuga County Fair Speedway, make sure you sign up for the Hall of Fame VIP Pass. To purchase all 2008 live video events users can sign up for the DIRT Track Ticket for only $59.99, a savings of over $100 Dollars.
The DIRTVision cybercast is the exclusive live video streaming broadcast of the World Racing Group. All users must have high speed internet (DSL, Cable, T1) with a 400kb download to view live streaming video. Make sure to sign up early to avoid any technical problems. The DIRTVision Cybercast is presented by BUTLERbuilt professional seating systems. 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 EVENTS
Following the first holiday weekend of Big-Block Modified racing at Cayuga County,
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series race chasers open a new month with the lone event slated for June 7 at Fulton Speedway. Advance Series action heats up the next month beginning with the Independence Day special on July 3 at Ransomville Speedway and following up with the ‘Great Canadian Tour’ north of the border. Cayuga County hosts a second Advance Auto Parts Series stop on August 31 of Labor Day Weekend ’08 with Twin 54s for the Big-Blocks Modifieds taking center stage.
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 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
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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 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.
